Matt Tommey
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Grapevine Basket Decor for the Mantel


Fireplace Mantel Sculptures
I use grapevine when weaving a lot of my baskets. Using the random weave technique, I have made a lot of baskets that have no discernible pattern and utilize a mixture of natural fibers, vines such as kudzu and grapevine, and metals to produce beautiful sculptures. 

The fireplace mantel in a home is a wonderful opportunity to showcase artwork and bring new focal points into a space in your home. For this piece here, I used a variety of barks and vines including kudzu and grapevine, as well as a structural foundation made of Mountain Laurel branches. For this outdoor fireplace, we've worked together to showcase beautiful grapevine baskets, found object such as river rocks and nests, as well as a flash of light highlight the piece itself. 
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Adding to the Space
In this outdoor room, you can see that the fireplace mantel sculpture adds a subtle, yet interesting touch to this space. The natural stones of the hearth and the bluestone floors complement the organic and somewhat random shapes of the baskets and the Mountain Laurel branches that crown this piece. 

The process to create these pieces includes extensive drying during the preparation of the materials which prevents any shape changing as the pieces age with your home. I also seal the baskets and branches in encaustic wax, either clear or colored based on the design, which weatherproofs the pieces and makes them wonderfully permanent.
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Why Grapevine? 
For my fireplace mantel sculptures, I love to use a random weave technique with mixed materials. The lack of weaving pattern is what makes these baskets even more unique and one of a kind. For the fireplace, this adds more room through which light can pass which is especially interesting when light features are added like in the sculpture above. The grapevine is instrumental to these random weave pieces and the tendrils off these vines adds another touch that you can appreciate more as you get closer to the piece and see the details. 
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Want a piece for your mantel? 
Reach out to me if you are interested in working with me to create something special for your home. I love to work with clients and hope that we will have the chance to chat! 
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Copyright 2020 Matt Tommey | Tommey Capital LLC . All rights reserved.
Mailing Address: 360 Donna Lane Fairview, NC 28730
Studio Address:Private By Appointment Only
(404) 538-5173
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  • Home
  • Woven Sculpture
    • Artist >
      • In the Studio
    • Current Inventory
    • Your Personal Design
    • Woven Copper Fire Pit
    • Wall Hangings
    • Fireplace Mantel Sculptures
    • Tabletop & Pedestal
    • Encaustic Art
    • FAQs
    • Ikebana Baskets
  • Basket Weaving Classes
    • Basket Weaving Techniques
    • How to Make Baskets
  • Contact
    • Privacy, Terms & Conditions
  • Blog
    • Press
    • My Instagram
  • Archives