classes— eventually making more than 300 baskets— and discovered not only a craft she loved, but a calling she hadn’ t expected.
“ I relax when I do it,” she said.“ Some people, it drives totally crazy. But I can take all these pieces and put them together and I’ m fine.”
What began as a personal pursuit grew into a community resource. Weiland began teaching basket weaving classes, first through extension programs and later through local arts partnerships. The extension office charges only for supplies— often $ 25 to $ 30— and donates her time entirely.
“ My living’ s already made,” she said simply.“ I don’ t need to charge.”
Her classes are intentionally accessible. She prepares patterns ahead of time so beginners aren’ t overwhelmed and offers follow-up help for anyone who needs more time. If someone can’ t afford the cost, accommodations are made.
“ Education ought to be affordable,” she said.“ Especially around here.”
The impact goes far beyond baskets. Weiland sees confidence grow as students complete something they once thought impossible.“ They feel good,” she said.“ If you made one of those, wouldn’ t you?”
Her classes also provide something increasingly rare – connection. People of all ages sit together, work with their hands, talk, laugh, and help one another. With classes often lasting up to eight hours of instruction, Weiland said many students were surprised to feel as though only an hour had passed.
“ It’ s not about differences,”
Pictured above is one of Weiland ' s baskets that she has made on her own time. Photo by Macee Swafford
TOP LEFT: Weiland pictured with her numerous ribbons at the Williamsburg Old Fashioned Days.
Photo contributed by Jim Moss
TOP RIGHT: An all-smiles Weiland surrounded by her own woven baskets. Photo contributed by Jim Moss
Page 6 Unsung Heroes 2026