Turtle Tracks

This gourd was a fun diversion from my usual basket making.  Cleaning a gourd is no fun, so I usually do several at a time.  This one was then finished in Alcohol inks and a path of pine needles.  The knotless netting is waxed linen thread with a few beads and shell pieces helping the carved bone turtle with its nest.

A gourd can be used as a centerpiece with flowers by adding a small vase to the inside.  Then you have a piece of art or a useable vessel. 


Approximate size:  6 x 6 inches
Price:  $200

The Source

The Source is a pine needle basket that was created around a stone that I purchased from a supplier that sells to jewelers.  He told me that is was called Hickolite but I cannot confirm that that is the real name.  The beads around the sides are called Elephant Skin Jasper with some small cubes of Yellow Jade. The jasper is an interesting stone I picked out over a year ago, which I bought because its texture. The base reminded me of satellite pictures of the the Nile River in Egypt, hence the name.  It's amazing how objects that were chosen independently suddenly all come together. 

Approximate Size:
       9 x 11 x 4.5 in

Price:  $300

Toasted Marshmallows

This basket was created around this unusual stone base.  The petrified wood and other stones in this conglomerate are just so natural.  When I saw it, I knew it would make a stunning piece.  The muhly grass and long leaf pine needles are tied together with magnesite pendants, which to me, look like toasted marshmallows!  The smaller agate beads give just the right final touch.

Approximate size:  14 x 14 x 6 inches

Price:  $600

Red Coral Reef

This basket came from an idea I had after working with my fellow basket makers and watching some work on Nantucket baskets.   I acquired 4 maple bases and decided to try my creation based on that style.  This is the result.  It has the high gloss maple wooden base, vegetable ivory whale, and coiled muhly grass.  The exquisite fossilized coral pendants and red jade beads adorn the sides.

Approximate size:  14 x 11 x 6 inches

Price:  $375

Tiger Iron

This basket was started on a very interesting stone called Tiger Iron, hence the name.  The coiled pine needles are accented with maroon waxed linen thread and accented with some luscious stones called Snake Skin Jasper. A small sized basket making a big statement.

Approximate size:   7 x 6 x 5 in

Price:  $250

Galleries

I have been showing my baskets in galleries for several years.  I thought maybe I'd post their addresses also.
       The Wild Child Gallery, 4625 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL is a wonderful gallery of over a hundred artists.  Sitting on the water, the courtyard is a great place for a workshop.  Visit their website:   http://www.wildchildartgallery.com/index.htm
        Creations Gallery, 120 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, FL is in a new location in downtown.  Nina, the owner, with her bubbling personality, will be happy to show you around. 
       Gallery 122 West, 122 West Oak Street, Arcadia, FL is an extension of Cherry Hill Antiques next door.  the building used to be a telegraph office and has a wonderful high skylight that illuminates the art work.  Pieces of art are changed every two months.  See the website for more information:  http://cherryhillantiques.com/
     

Celestial

This has been a fun basket.  I needed to create a basket for a show and this one just came together with only a few adjustments!  The agate in the bottom is one that I have had for years and never quite found the moment to use it.  It happened to be sitting next to some Aventurine faceted pendants I had purchased at another time.  Voila!  It was fate.  I had even been clever enough to buy the small Aventurine filler cubes too.  I made much of this basket sitting on the porch of the "White Cottage" At Spanish Point in Nokomis, FL.  It's a beautiful tourist attraction overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.   The beauty of that place is reflected in the colors of this basket.  I demonstrate there on Tuesday afternoons with other members of our guild.  Come by and say hello.

Approximate size:  9 x 8 x4

               $ 250