Cass has been weaving and teaching Bark Basketry since 1981. The unique aspect of Cass’ basketry is that she gathered and prepared all of the materials she weaves and teaches with. Being formerly from the state of Michigan, her materials are Birch Bark, Eastern White Cedar, Basswood, Elm, and numerous pine barks. Her gratification is creating legacies to these trees by using the bark which would have been discarded when the trees were harvested for their wood.
Cass co-authored the book Natural Baskets in 1992. She has been published in the Crafts Report and Fiber Arts magazines. Her work is featured in Baskets Now 2002,
500 Baskets, and Plaited Basketry in Birch Bark along with New & Different Materials for
Weaving and Coiling. In 2005 she was chosen for a solo exhibit at the Boston Arts & Crafts Society, where some of her work went on to Switzerland. Her work has been in the esteemed SOFA Show in Chicago for four years, and three of her pieces are in the permanent collection at the Michigan State University Museum.
After 30 years of teaching bark basketry, Cass has turned to fine woven jewelry. All those weaving skills are now being created in silver and copper. She cuts all her own rings for her chainmaile jewelry. Her work can be seen at PuraVida Gallery in Jerome, AZ, and Art on the Town Gallery in Pentwater, MI. Her goal is that you are comfortable wearing her jewelry and at the same time, you are making a statement.