Donna Cassidy "Infinity Cowl" at the Joyful Jewel 9-29-13

"Infinity Cowl"
Donna Cassidy
One Size Fits All Crochet Scarf
Bamboo, Rayon, Silk, Nylon, Acrylic Yarns
$40

Donna Cassidy must have thought about these cool Fall mornings and evenings when she created this snuggley Infinity Cowl.  It can be arranged on the body: to warm the shoulders, close around the neck, pulled up to cover the bottom of the ears, or draped saucily down the front.  The fibers include luxurious silk, versatile acrylic, sheen of rayon, durability of nylon, and the contemporary chic of bamboo.  The colors, various shades of blue with a slight tinge of green and also of purple, ensure that this piece complements a variety of clothing.  Adding both warmth and style to the softness of the myriad of yarns, this is sure to be a favorite. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Donna-Cassidy.html

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Susan G Luster Art Opening Oct 4

Sheila Fleming "Hope" Altar at the Joyful Jewel 9-28-13

"Hope" Altar

Shelia Fleming

Mixed Media in an Altoid Box

$48

Here is one of the new altars that Sheila Fleming has made.  I especially like this one with the Mary Oliver quote.  Inside the little "purse" are more inspiring writings on the topic "Hope."  On the back is a magnet so you can have lots of reminders of the quest for Hope and Amazement.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sheila-Fleming.html

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Marilyn Penrod "Flower Boy" at the Joyful Jewel 9-26-13

"Flower Boy"

Marilyn Penrod

Acrylic on Canvas, 16" x 20"

$295, Framed Original

Marilyn Penrod's "Flower Boy" is certainly precious.  I love how the colors of the flowers and of the cat and his reflection match, bringing out the vibrancy of each.  What do you imagine this boy is thinking about?  Perhaps he is waiting by the window to hear your car approaching, wistfully wishing it was now.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Marilyn-Penrod.html

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Barbara Thompson "White Infant Dress" at the Joyful Jewel 9-25-13

White Infant Dress
Barbara Thompson
Acrylic, infant size
$55

Doesn't this ever-so-sweet infant dress that Barbara Thompson made make you want a daughter!  What fun it would be dress her up and then cuddle her in this soft, beautifully made dress.  Would be great for Christening or other blessing -- or just to practice looking cute!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Barbara-Thompson.html

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Beth Bale "Iris" at the Joyful Jewel 9-24-13

"Iris"

Beth Bale

8" x 8" watercolor on aqua board

$58

     Move over Georgia, Beth Bale is painting expressive closeups of flowers!  This Iris invites you to enter right into it's "mouth" and winks at you with long-lashed eyes.  Painted on a small board that can be held in your hand from a desktop display, Iris is available for an even closer tactile interaction.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Beth-Bale.html

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Barbara Damiano "Reflection" at the Joyful Jewel 9-22-13

"Reflection"

Barbara Damiano

12" x 9" Mixed Media Painting

$60

  I need one of those "gone fishing" or even better "gone gazing" signs for the door.  Barbara Damiano has reminded me how much I love being outside, near water, with a large reaching tree and some birds, taking in this kind of glorious scene.  Time to get the canoe out and greet the Fall in North Carolina.  Come and join me.  Barbara makes her art from pieces of torn paper, from painting and perhaps even from a photograph or other sweet memento collaged in ways that enhance each part as well as the whole.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Barbara-Damiano.html

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Bruce Saunders "Flower Mandala Pendant" at the Joyful Jewel 9-21-13

Flower Mandala Pendant

Bruce Saunders

~ 1 1/4" diameter, paper, glass, brass setting & bail

$16

Bruce Saunders has one of the most developed senses of beauty that I know.  It shows in his many-layered mandalas.  This one has the shades of blue and purple that I love and is punctuated with green and pink.  Keep your gaze in the center where you can easily "get lost" and the outer layers will filter in softening and illuminating - in the manner of mandala meditation.  Wear this pendant and get lost in it whenever you choose.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Bruce-Saunders.html

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Erin Dail "Peace Bracelet" at the Joyful Jewel 9-20-13

"Peace" Bracelet

Erin Dail

Amethyst gemstones, glass beads, sterling silver wire & clasp, coated copper wire

$26

This jaunty bracelet by Erin Dail has a word stamped on a metal attachment.  The word is "Peace," one of my favorite words.  I like that there are several colors of gemstones and several colors of wire in this crocheted piece -- like a harmonious view of the world where people of a variety of  ethnicities live together on the same planet.  Oh, yes, they do, and I dream, I "Imagine" what can be.  Wear this bracelet and Imagine with me.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Erin-Dail.html

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Emma Skurnick "Persimmons With Junco" at the Joyful Jewel 9-19-13

Persimmons with Junco

Emma Skurnick

Set of 5 cards, 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" each

$12 set

I took the liberty of naming this painting by Emma Skurnick -- quite a risk considering that she is a real naturalist and I only dream of being one.  I think these are persimmons and that the bird is a junco.  If so, this bird is one of my favorites, and I love persimmon pudding.  Juncos are coming back to our area, next month -- or just as the hummingbirds leave.  Surely qualifies me to name and love this piece!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Emma-Skurnick.html

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Debbie Englund "Small Face Jug" at the Joyful Jewel 9-18-13

Small Face Jug

Debbie Englund

Ceramic, ~ 3/3/4" x 4"

$15

Ohh Debbie Englund, you could get me in trouble here.  This looks just like someone I know named Les, the same intense eyes and eyebrows, a mischevious crinkly smile like his.  I often see folks I know in Debbie's face mugs and jugs.  This one seems undeniable.  Anyone else recognize Les? 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Debbie-Englund.html

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Kathryn Bertok "Shaggy Drops" necklace & earrings at the Joyful Jewel 9-17-13

"Shaggy Drops" Necklace & Earrings

Kathryn Bertok

Sterling Silver Chain Maille & Faceted Glass Beads

Necklace $38, Triple Drop Earrings $26

Kathryn Bertok reminds us that it's a shaggy kind of day -- just the day to wear these jingly earrings and their equally jangly necklace.  Built in motion along with Swarovski sparkle, just what I expect from jewelry, able to give a lift and a bounce, a reason to dance and skip.


http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kathryn-Bertok.html

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On a Monday

Whew! What to say??? What a weekend!!! I know we'll have lots of pictures but for now, we just have a lot of very smiling artists and patrons. What a cool event Mariah put together. She worked very hard on many details, and there were many stellar volunteers who stepped up and offered a variety of services.

How about that Brenda Linton and the outrageously successful Songwriter's Contest! Congratulations, Sheila! Bravas to Steve Clarke and the Sophia Project! Did you see the interesting demonstrations of some of the artists on Sunday? How tasty were the treats of Carrie's O's Catering Service all weekend. Many people contributed food,others were greeters, the usual suspects spent many hours working the cash register, artists created great sales,patrons were at their best, and oh ya, there was Sharon Blessum's reading on Saturday :)

It's not my job to name names so I know to quit; Mariah is the only one who knows the whole world behind the scenes. But I am just gonna say, THANK YOU, Mariah Wheeler, for offering this Jewel of a Place!

On a Monday,
Sharon

Jerry Fowler "Blue Bud Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 9-16-13

"Blue Bud Vase"

Jerry Fowler

Ceramic, ~ 4 1/4" x 7"

$25

Jerry Fowler has created an interesting vase with many shades of blue and a texture that isn't strong to your touch, but encourages you to look deeply into the sheen.  It's kind of like laying on your back in the summer grass, finding pictures in the stars.  For this you'd want daylight rather than darkness.  You could put this vase on a table a little ways away, at eye level, and let yourself get lost in the images you find as you gaze at it.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jerry-Fowler.html

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Kate Ladd "Barrell of Sunflowers" at the Joyful Jewel 14-13

"Barrell of Sunflowers" Tray or Wall Hanging

Kate Ladd

19 1/2" x 19 1/2" Octagon Wood with Acrylic Painting

$56

Kate Ladd has painted these bright cheerful sunflowers right on a tray, a tray with handles.  Wouldn't this be a perfect delivery vehicle for a plate of scrambled eggs, sour dough toast and a slice of bacon -- oh, yes and even place a small vase with a single yellow flower on the tray?  I see breakfast in bed coming!  DG, can we buy this tray?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kate-Ladd.html

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Forrest Greenslade "In the Dunes" at the Joyful Jewel 9-11-13

"In the Dunes"

Forrest Greensalde

Mixed Media Painting, 16" x 13", Framed Original

$250

This fence on the dunes is laid out in an interesting accordion pattern which would be good for erosion control.  It seems that this scene must be on a peninsula so that wind and water are predominately coming from the side rather than the top of the painting.  You can tell this by the way the tree leans from the strong beach winds.  The sweet little house or barn, then, is safe as the weather is not likely to enter from that end.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Forrest-Greenslade.html

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Jody Jameson "Speak Easy" Necklace at the Joyful Jewel 9-10-13

"Speak Easy" Necklace

Jody Jameson

Swarovski Crystals, Glass Seed Beads, Brass Clasp

$50

    So many people have tried on this lovely necklace by Jody Jameson that I think I had better get it up on the blog to show you all before it's gone to a new home!  This necklace with it's curves and transparent faceted gemstones seems to float around your neck hugging each dip and sinuous rise.  It would be perfect with a low-necklace to enhance a lovely décolletage.  Don't we all want that!  (Wonder how she came to give it the name "Speak Easy").

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jody-Jameson.html

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Libba Adams "Petite Raku Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 9-9-13

Petite Raku Vase

Libba Addams

Ceramic, ~ 4" x 2 2/3"

$20

What a cutie!  Libba Adams loves to make these sweet little posey pots.  They can hold a variety of smaller fall flowers, such as the little purple asters that are just coming out now.  I can visualize the fuzzy light green leaves and airy light purple multiple-spiked flowers, a nice contrast against the whites, blacks and greys of the pot. Take one to your mother in law, to your secretary, or to your child's coach or dance teacher.  The receiver can continue to use the pot over and over, trying out different colors and combinations, and each time remember how much they are appreciated by you.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Libba-Adams.html

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Michael Thorpe "Firey Raku Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 9-8-13

"Firey Raku Vase"
Michael Thorpe
Ceramic, 6" x 8"
$45

There's fire in the hole!  Virtually bursting with the fire of Raku this vase by Michael Thorpe shows the patterns of plant and animal pieces that gave their spirits for art.  ssssssss!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Michael-Thorpe.html

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Sharon Blessum "Frosted Glass Necklace & Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 9-7-13

Frosted Glass Necklace & Sea Glass Earrings

Sharon Blessum

Glass, Sterling Silver findings

3-Strand Necklace $79, Earrings $21

     Sharon Blessum chose fabulous native colors, coral and turquoise in this frosted glass necklace and earrings.  Do you know the feeling of womanliness, strong and boldly adorned that can come from a necklace like this one?  I do, and I love the slight weightiness of this necklace.  I would hold still against my chest -- unless I was dancing up a storm.  Then it would swing and the beads jostle against each other, faintly tinkling in time to the music.  Thank you Sharon, for taking me away to joy like this!


http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sharon-Blessum.html

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Lisa Wright-Taylor "Flectric Feel" at the Joyful Jewel 9-6-13

"Felectric Feel"

Lisa Wright-Taylor

Mixed Media Painting, 14" x 11" Original

$50

"Felectric Feel" -- I wonder if I read that right, maybe it's "Electric Feel", surely this is picture of pulsing and coursing.  Could be blood, could be current -- either electricity or water, most certainly a picture of wild and promising passion.  If this mixed media painting by Lisa Wright-Taylor that bubbles up off of the canvas and out and around the sides doesn't inspire you to action I don't know what would!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Lisa-Wright-Taylor.html

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Larrie & Linda Collura "Lizard Bird Bath" at the Joyful Jewel 9-5-13

"Lizard Bird Bath"

Larrie & Linda Collura

Cedar & Ceramic, ~ 14 1/2" x 24"

Hello lizard.  Are you a predator just waiting, camoflauged against this bird bath?  Linda Collura has given you a bit of a smile and Larrie Collura has given you the perfect tree trunk to climb to your sunning spot.  Here little birdie . . .  You come and I'll chase the lizard back down the cedar trunk.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Larrie-Collura.html

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Linda-Collura.html


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HP & Sandra Pelzel "Flower Plate" at the Joyful Jewel 9-3-13

Flower Plate

HP Pelzel & Sandra Boyd Pelzel

Ceramic, 10" diameter

$35

   What a fun and well balanced design HP and Sandra Pelzel have composed on this plate.  We are invited to fill it with brownies or peanut butter cookies, maybe with angel food cake or cracker canapes.  I say we don't just hang it on the wall but use it as often as possible, as it calls us to touch and enjoy.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/HP-Pelzel-Sandra-Boyd-Pelzel.html

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Rachel Bass "Pearl & Gold Spiral Necklace" at the Joyful Jewel 9-1-13

Pearl & Gold Spiral Necklace

Rachel Bass

Freshwater Pearls, 14K Gold Filled Wire, Chain & Clasp

$88

This spiraling necklace by Rachel Bass, is perfectly balanced to hang straight and glow it's soft pearl glow. Contributing to the glow, the gleaming gold filled wire spiral and delicate gold chain, complete the look of classic sophistication.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rachel-Bass.html

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