Close to My Heart

 This was a fun basket to make.  Some projects just go together with no problems.  Check out this wonderful Laguna or Crazy Lace Agate base.  It's even shaped like a heart!  Many shades of deep rosy reds with darker grays.  This is what I call a small size basket but it also contains wonderful Sponge Coral balls and small Fire Agate beads coiled in Muhly Grass.

Approximate Size: 8.5 X 7.5 X 3 inches

Phoenix

The Agate pendants called Fire and Ice gave this basket its name, Phoenix.  The base stone is petrified coral in wonderful cream and red tones.  The intricate detail makes the coral come alive. I added a few rows of Florida Long Leaf pine needles to the Muhly Grass that I grow to add some dimension to the bottom.  Chips of Aventurine, which come in many hues, fill the breaks in the coil.  This basket marks a milestone, number 500!  This basket will be seen at the Visual Art Center in Punta Gorda during the Florida Speaks show in September.

Approximate Size:  10 X 9 X 4 inches

Crabtree

When I was buying stones in North Carolina this spring I happened on this one.  The seller didn't know any other name than Crabtime.  I do know that it is from the Crabtree, NC area so I am assuming this may be a variation of the emerald bedding rock of the area.  If I am wrong,  please let me know.  I buy rocks for their looks!  I pared this stone with Muhly Grass, waxed linen thread, and green Aventurine pendants and chips. 

Approximate Size:  10 X 9 X 3 inches

Between the Waves

  I just purchased this stone in the spring on my buying tip to North Carolina.  I was attracted to the deep greens and peach colors of this Ocean Jasper stone which are very different than what I have seen in the past.  There is also a section of exposed crystals which gives the base a shimmer and sparkle.  The Aventurine pendants and beads are a perfect color match to the peach in the base.  I also used some green thread touches on the sides to bring out the various greens of the stone.  The cost of the base was pricey but well worth it for the finished basket.  I am told that the availability of Ocean Jasper is small for the price has increased dramatically. Luckily I bought five pieces with this being the largest.

Approximate Size: 11 X 9 X 4.5 inches

GOLD NUGGET

This stone was given to me by a fellow artist who wanted a basket.  It was fun to make and challenging.  I don't know what the stone base is called but it has some quartz, iron oxide and it's not smooth on top.  I put the smooth side on the bottom so it would sit well.  It was a interesting having to set the stone so that the basket would coil evenly.  Beads on the side are two kinds of Jasper.  Did she like it?  I hope so.

Approximate Size:  6 x 6 x 3 inches

FLASH OF GREEN

This basket was inspired by the base as are so many of my creations.  This piece of stone is called Bloodstone and comes in a variety of dark green, ochre red, and bright gold colors.  This piece just happens to have mostly the hotter colors with just a flash of green at one end.  The smaller beads are Rose Lodolite, a very delicate color, while the large pendant balls are Kiwi Jasper, looking like peeled red grapes.  I took this piece to a demonstration at the Wild Child Gallery in Matlacha and sold it!  Luckily I still have the picture to enjoy.  I also have other pieces of Bloodstone, but then no two stones are alike so there will never be a duplicate.

Approximate Size:  11 X 8 X 5 inches

FOX STAR

The base stone is called Septarian or Star Agate.  It is formed from lava mud flowing over quartz crystals.  As the mud ball dried, cracks and crystals were formed. This result in a gray mud with brown Aragonite and a 7 pointed crystal.  Yes, always 7 points.  The mud balls are then cut to show what you see here.  The slice is generous so there is some weight to this piece.
The base is surrounded with Aragonite beads and Picture Jasper pendants.  I was very pleased with this basket as it was formed.  The colors all just make a wonderful blend of earth tones.  So I entered it the Made By Hand exhibit at the Punta Gorda Visual Arts Center.

Second Place!

Approximate Size:  11 X 10 X 5 inches