Sequoia

The inspiration for my "Sequoia" basket was twofold. First of all, the red jasper base reminds me of giant sequoia trees. These trees are so amazing and beautiful. It is hard to believe that a tree can grow over 250 feet tall and live thousands of years. They have always fascinated me, even though I have only seen them in photos and on tv. I wonder if the bears in the park have ever climbed to the top of one before? (Remember, my mind wanders while I work on my baskets!)

Secondly, the red jasper base is the same color as the BMW touring motorcycle that my husband purchased after finishing grad school, because he didn't know what he wanted to do when he grew up! He named his new mode of transportation "Sequoia", because it was "big, strong and red".  He set off in the spring with a buddy of his on what they called the "Thunder Road Tour". They toured all over the United States that spring and summer and appropriately ended the tour at a Bruce Springsteen concert in New Jersey!  One of the places that they visited was Sequoia National Park and I have wanted to see the park and giant sequoia trees in person ever since hearing about them from these two adventurous souls!

My husband reluctantly sold Sequoia in a snow storm when our daughter was about year old... growing up is hard to do! He has always missed his motorcycle, so I gave him this basket as a reminder of his trusty and faithful friend Sequoia. The basket now sits on his desk at work and holds paperclips...a far cry from the open road and carefree lifestyle of his youth!

I used natural brown Long Leaf pine needles, earth tone red artificial sinew, bear and round poppy jasper beads and a red jasper center base to make this basket. Enjoy!