Finding My Home
Quilts & Baskets Inspired by Nature and Heritage
I’m Diane, a lifelong maker with a deep love for crafting and creating. My journey has taken me many places, but I now call Kansas, Oklahoma home. I specialize in quilt-making and handwoven baskets, drawing inspiration from the natural world and my Inuit and Cherokee heritage. You’ll often see wildlife featured in my modern quilts, and my baskets are lovingly crafted using commercial reed—both natural and dyed—with the occasional touch of wooden beads.
Each quilt or basket I create is guided by intuition—I trust the process and will often start over until everything feels just right. My workspace is filled with music or a cheerful movie in the background, creating a peaceful atmosphere that brings out the best in my creativity. Though I’ve only taken one formal quilting class, much of what I know is self-taught. I’ve also had the honor of learning traditional basket-making techniques from a Cherokee National Treasure, and I continue to learn and grow as an artist.
Creating is more than a hobby for me—it’s how I express joy, challenge myself, and share a piece of my story. When you receive one of my pieces, I want you to feel the care and quality woven into every stitch and every strand. This isn’t just craft—it’s heart work.
About the Indigenous Artisans Collective
Etsy and Nest are proud to support the Indigenous Artisans Collective, the latest cohort within the Etsy Uplift Makers Program, featuring shops from Indigenous makers affiliated with 27 tribes across the United States and the First Nations of Canada.
Many of the makers practice craft skills that have been inspired by or passed down from family and community mentors. Product collections include meticulously handcrafted home goods, jewelry, and other accessories, in honor of the maker’s culture and heritage. Amongst many Indigenous communities, traditional handcraft continues to hold significant cultural value, as well as economic opportunity.
Through the Uplift Makers: Indigenous Artisans Collective, Etsy and Nest are helping to create digital market access and economic opportunities for Indigenous makers while also providing artisans with resources and tools to help run a successful online business. From expert-led digital marketing training, onboarding support, and a custom resource library, the program delivers a comprehensive suite of programming to participants. Additionally, the program addresses key barriers new business owners face such as providing professional photography to capture the creative content needed to showcase their talent and reach new customers in today’s digital era.
