About Karen McCarthy

I am a natural fiber artist from Bluffton, SC, who has found my true passion designing and creating pine needle baskets. I use traditional Native American coiling and weaving techniques to create one-of-a-kind baskets that are embellished with beads and unique findings. Pine needle basketry resonates with my love of the outdoors and I enjoy spending time gathering and preparing pine needles that are indigenous to South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. I have studied pine needle basketry from some of the most highly acclaimed and talented creators of this art form, including Nadine Spier (San Diego,CA) and Clay Burnette (Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts) and I have been creating baskets for the past 10 years. My interactions with these artists have challenged me to push the boundaries of this art form. My work is currently displayed in two local galleries – Beaufort Art Association and Hilton Head Art League. One of my passions is teaching pine needle basketry. I retired from a 30-year career teaching high school and college mathematics, which included being a founding member and teacher at the prestigious Cortines Visual and Performing Arts School in Los Angeles. My unique teaching style allows me to motivate and inspire students of all levels. I find it very exciting and rewarding to share this art form with my students and to see their enthusiasm as they progress and create beautiful pieces of their own.

I create handcrafted pine needle baskets using locally gathered South Carolina longleaf pine needles.  My studio is the great outdoors – I can weave anywhere!  Whether at home or on the road in my RV, I find inspiration in nature, bringing traditional craftsmanship to life wherever I go.

Artwork examples