Art & Wearables
By Nevada Tribble & Clarissa Gideos
The Woven Willow
We create embellished clothing with quilt blocks, cyanotypes, and block printing.
About Us
Who are you?
We are Nevada & Clarissa, a couple living in the mountains of West Virginia. We are both artists and we love to create together in our home studio. Our clothing is inspired by nature, bright colors, and queer joy. Nevada does the sewing for our pieces, Clarissa does the block printing, and we create the cyanotypes together on our adventures outside in the mountains.
Why thrifted?
We choose to use thrifted clothing to help reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of our process. There are so many wonderful pieces of clothing out there just waiting to find the right person to love them. We like the idea of adding some new life and energy to a garment with history, and giving it a second chance to be a favorite in someone’s wardrobe.
What is a cyanotype?
Cyanotype is an early (camera-less) photography technique from the 1800’s. We coat fabric with a light-sensitive chemical, then set it in the sun with plants, flowers, or found objects on top. The sunlight exposes the image, resulting in a bright, radiant blue fabric with ghostly images of nature stenciled in white. We like to create our cyanotypes outside in nature with the wonderful plants and other things we find there.
Nevada’s Inspirations & Quilt Blocks
Nevada grew up surround by heritage crafts from Appalachian culture, and she has a great love for the role of craft in her community. Quilting is one of those art forms that has been passed along from person to person, and Nevada learned quilting as a child by experimenting, trying things out, and taking sewing classes at the local fabric store. Most of the quilt blocks in our clothing are created through a technique called improv quilting. Nevada chooses colors and patterns that harmonize, and cuts out random shapes, adding pieces on based on intuition, rather than a pre-planned pattern. This way of making is very joyful and free, and Nevada believes this cheerful energy comes through in the finished clothing.
Clarissa’s Inspirations & Block Printing
Clarissa is a multidisciplinary artist who dabbles in many art forms, but most consistently is drawn to linoleum block prints. Clarissa’s prints are inspired by the natural wonders surrounding her Appalachian home, human connection through art, and whatever other whimsical notions spring into her head. In a world dominated by technology and automated art systems, hand crafts have become especially close to her heart. She loves the idea of carving away a form that can then be replicated over and over, each print slightly different from the last, giving every piece a handmade feel.
Custom Order Form
Interested in modifying a clothing item you already have? We love working with clothing that already has a home! Let us know what colors & ideas you’re interested, and we’ll get back to you with a quote and timeline for creating your one-of-a-kind piece. Our custom work usually ranges $70-90. If you have specific budget constraints, please mention that in the form as well. We can’t wait to create some wearable art magic for you!
Ready-Made Clothing
Currently, our ready-made clothing is only available in person. You can find it at Clementine’s Closet in Elkins, WV, or at regional events in our area. We are hoping to get a collection of pieces available online this fall/winter, so follow @nevada.wv for updates about that!