MAPLE by Mindy Platt

This time of year, the Maple tree leaves throughout the Yosemite Valley have turned from green to fantastic shades of red, orange and yellow and have started falling, carpeting the Valley in their brilliantly warm colors. Outside of Yosemite National Park, maple trees are commonly harvested and used in veneer production for furniture, but is also known to be used for piano frames, guitar bodies and even salad bowls. The trees are also tapped for maple syrup that is bottled for household consumption. As saplings, maple trees are leafed through by deer, horses and other herbivores. Currently the largest maple tree is located in Oregon and measures a whopping 11’ 11” in diameter and 101’ tall with a top spread of over 90’! Maples are beautiful trees, changing with the seasons and providing much needed shade during the hot summer months. They are used widely as part of landscaping because of their great adaptability to different soils, as well as their natural beauty.

Similar to the maple tree, our Maple family of lights has a very natural look. Looking at what I consider the focal point of the family, the 2520DB chandelier, you can see how the frame whimsically curves down into an almost tear-drop shape. Arms protrude from all sides as branches extend from their trunk, curling back downwards to reveal nine gorgeous light shades made of a frosted alabaster glass. For versatility, the family is also available with a satin nickel frame.


Elegant and strong, both the tree, and the lighting family are full of beauty that you have to see to realize completely.