Sea Turtle Ashore

This basket was made for the upcoming Florida Speaks show at the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda in September, 2014.  I started with twined palm inflorescence, very young at first then older and heavier on the sides.  I only made a half of a basket because then I coiled a wall of Florida Long Leaf pine needles on the inside, followed by a second wall of Muhly Grass on he outside.  Then the fun, decorating.  Peacock feathers from my neighbors, palm seeds and pine cones, and many other pieces I have gathered.  I wish I could say I carved the turtle, but I can't!  Finished!  A fun Florida basket.

Approximate Size:  9 X 9 X 4.5 inches

Honeycomb. Honeycomb

While looking for stone slabs in North Carolina this past spring I came across a stone I had not considered in other years.  This is called Honeycomb Calcite which is a very soft stone.  I saw candles made from these stone where a ball or pillar is hollowed and a candle or lamp fixture is placed inside.  Since the stone is translucent, the light makes a warm glow. Some of the honeycomb pieces have white lines, hence the name.  I used  Carnelian ball pendants and Citrine chips with a checkered board design on the sides.  This basket has already taken its first prize in a show this summer at the Visual Center, losing only to 3 paintings. 

Approximate Size:  10 X 8.5 X 4

Carribean Ice

This base stone I have had for several years.  I went way overboard in purchasing this piece because it is called  Larimar.  Larimar is a stone only mined in the Dominican Republic and used exclusively in jewelry.  Many people wonder why a larger size basket may be less expensive than a smaller size.  It's all in the price of the materials.  The pendants included in the Muhly Grass coils are Amazonite with Laimar chips for accents.  I did price a a string of Laimar beads:  over $300, so I passed on them!  This is a very distinctive color and a wonderful detailed design in the stone.  No, I won't be making another one.  The price of Larimar has tripled since I bought this piece.

Approximate Size:  9 X 7.5 X 3.5 inches

Jewels of a Morning Mist

This is an unusual Agate slice in the base of this basket.  Shades of white show crystallization in two different modes making a stunning focal point.  The  brown and Quartz Agate pendants, faceted Agate beads, and Quartz chips are the jewels of the mist.  The sides add more interest with exposed pine needle shafts exposed in the coiled Florida Lon Leaf pine needles and Muhly Grass.  These rich brown tones would make a wonderful centerpiece.

Approximate Size: 12 X 11.5 X 4.5 inches

Tois Poissons

Not all baskets need to be large.  This would look nice hanging on a wall or sitting a dresser.  The coiled Florida Long Leaf pine needles and Muhly Grass surround a fossil sandstone piece.  The sandstone is fragile but pretty to view.  Picture Jasper pendants in a swirl are added to the sides.  This basket can be seen at Fisherman's Village, Creations Galley.

Approximate Size: 8 X 6 X 1.5 inches

Lena's Pearls

 

This basket was  labor of love.  I removed the agate from another basket to remake it into something new and fresh.  I wanted to do a different design.  I coiled the base large and flat that coiled quickly inward to make a low sleek basket.  The picture doesn't do the seed beads justice.  Look closely and see black beads on one half and Lena's pearls on the other.  These pearls were from my grandmother, Lena Brodt Hendricks, vintage 1920s, which I just acquired.  I thought I would include some in my baskets.  I hope she would approve.  

This basket can be seen at Fisherman's Village, Creations Galley.

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