This is one of the few lamps I’ve created out of red willow, which is sacred to many native people. I’ve only run across this stunning plant in one location in northern New Mexico. It was harvested in late spring, around Mother’s Day. The plant really spoke to me, telling me to only harvest a small amount. I was also guided to leave plenty in the way of offerings in exchange for permission to cut the branches. These were the most beautiful red branches you’ve ever seen. After curing for a year, the color darkened to a deep maroon color. This lamp is special to me, as it was created alongside my own mother. I demonstrated my method for lamp-making and we made two sister lamps. It is a reminder of the power of women sharing love and knowledge. The paper is a natural Thai mulberry with lemongrass leaves. There is a greenish hue to to the leaves that work well with the red branches. This lamp is perfect as the centerpiece of a dining table, since there is no cord. The lamp structure sits atop a battery powered LED puck light.
Crone
Branches: Sacred Red Willow - Deep, blackish maroon
Paper: Thai with Lemongrass inclusions - creamy natural with lemongrass green
