Your Personal design:
custom art baskets for fireplace, wall and table.

"Matt's work is magnificent. He designed two arrangements for each of my fireplace mantles. He used native vines and twigs from my property that made the arrangements very special. As visitors enter the house they are drawn to his work!!" B. Melenyzer, Travelers Rest, SC/Philadelphia, PA
5 Baskets That Go On Top Of Cool Fireplace Mantels
Over my 20+ years of being a basketry artist, one of the things I continue to enjoy most is the collaborative process of working with clients to design unique sculptural pieces for their home including fireplace mantels, wall hangings and sculptural settings for featured tabletops, pedestal or shelves.  It's an honor to have my work in some of the most beautiful mountain homes in the country and to work with clients who take their home's interior design as seriously as I take my work.  

I'm so glad you're interested in working with me to design a special creation for your home. Here's how the process typically works:
  1. You may have seen my work either on this website, a show, magazine or even in a friends home.  Regardless, you're interested and you want to know more.  
  2. You're thinking of that perfect place in your home for a new piece to go, whether it might be the fireplace mantel, an outdoor porch, a special interior niche or another featured area.
  3. It's important for my clients to either measure the area they want to place a piece or have me come and do a home visit where I can take pictures of the space, measure and get a feel for the overall design aesthetic.  During this part of the process, I'm also happy to work with your interior designer or builder to make sure the piece(s) fit into your overall design plan.
  4. Once I understand what your desires are, in addition to space availability and budget I am them able to do an artist rendering of the design.  In addition, I might also have something in my current inventory that would suit your needs, or that I could customize to your specific requirements.
  5. This design is always a first draft and is the basis for beginning the project.  Once the design and timeframe for the project is approved, a 50% deposit is submitted by the client and I begin work.
  6. Throughout the project, I photograph my project and let you know how it's going.  Once I'm done, I photograph the completed piece just to make sure you're happy.  
  7. Finally, for most of my larger pieces, I am happy to come to your home and install the piece at no additional charge.  I can even install lighting in the piece to allow it to glow from the inside. If you live out of state, we will arrange shipping to your home.

Are you interested in having me design wall hanging, fireplace mantel or collection of pieces for your home?  Just complete the form on my contact page and I'll be happy to get back in touch with you at my earliest convenience.  Or, if you'd like, simply email me directly or give me a call (404) 538-5173.  There's no obligation and I'm always happy to have a personal conversation about your project.
For Interior Designs, Builders 
& Architects
Download "A Walk in the Woods: Sculptural Baskets for Interior Design"
 "It's perfect! This basket is magnificent.  You have done an outstanding job!!!"

from a recent client, The Cliffs Mountain Park - SC
8 Baskets On A Large Branch To Put Up On Cool Fireplace Mantels
Wall hanging featuring mountain laurel, baskets covered in encaustic wax and copper botanicals handcrafted from recycled copper.
​Wall hanging featuring mountain laurel, baskets covered in encaustic wax and copper botanicals handcrafted from recycled copper.
"The wonder of woodlands has found an indoor niche!  Discover as you listen to stories and observe Matt Tommey, basket sculptor, demonstrate his masterful art.  Matt's depth of knowledge, basket making and sculptural talent are stunning.  A rich tradition of stories will captivate and entertain audiences as they awake to his twist and use of materials.  As a former distinguished educator for the Kentucky Department of Education and an advocate for school improvement, I reserve affirmations until I have data or proof.  Matt Tommey is the real deal.  Earlier this year, I invested in one of Matt's sculptural works.  After completing one of Matt's workshops, I have a profound appreciation for his talent and my basket sculpture with mountain laurel.  When we go deep, we understand and know more.  Living.  Life."

Clark Ward, Louisville, KY / Black Mountain, NC

Commissions available for any style

I take commissions from clients in any of the styles I make including sculptural art baskets with or without branches, fireplace mantel sculptures and/or wall hangings.  Ask me about your idea!
6 Woven Baskets On A Long Branch That Will Go On Cool Fireplace Mantels













​Sculptural Art Baskets 
for Tabletop, Pedestal or Shelf
 4 Baskets That Go On Cool Fireplace Mantels













​Fireplace Mantel Sculptures
 5 Baskets On A Large Leafy Branch To Go On Cool Fireplace Mantels













Wall Hangings
"We wanted some art to adorn the mantle of our stone fireplace.  Matt created a personalized sculpture that is sophisticated, warm and perfectly finishes our room.  I find his work to be extremely well priced.  What could be better?!"  C. Layton, Cashiers, NC / Sarasota, FL.

Let's Get Started...

If you'd like to have a conversation with Matt about creating a special piece for your home, then please take a moment to complete the form to the right. Matt will personally respond to you within 24 hours.  If you'd prefer a phone call, just include your number and the best time to call.  Thanks!
"The basket is wonderfully exquisite, with earth tones and that touch of copper that really adds some intrigue and depth. It's is a wonderful addition to my home." 

from a recent client 
- San Diego, California

The Design Process

Fireplace mantel sculptures like the one below (wall hangings and sculptures also) are handwoven after doing a site visit to the home of my clients or working from photos and measurements provided. Once I understand my client's vision and have offered my thoughts, I create a sketch similar to the one below based on branches that I feel will best work with the vision for the project.  This ensures my clients a very accurate idea of what their finished fireplace mantel sculpture, wall hanging or sculptural art basket will look like.  Upon their approval of the sketch, I begin work and provide images along the way, if requested, in order to get feedback from my clients.  When I am done, a final image of the piece is emailed to the client for their approval.  

Fireplace Mantel Art

Here's an example of a beautiful piece of fireplace mantel art that I created for a home in Brevard, North Carolina.  The client wanted a piece of woven art that included branches, baskets and my signature copper leaves.  This piece in particular features 3 large randomly woven baskets along with 5 smaller twined baskets and a flurry of hand hammered copper leaves.  The ;piece really set the stage for the whole room in this beautiful mountain home.