Gerald O. Dukes - "Freezing Lake" at the Joyful Jewel 1-30-14

"Freezing Lake"
Gerald O Dukes, Photograph, framed

This says it all so well for today!  Gerald Dukes captures the frozen icicled scene in all it's stark beauty.  Lanelle Davis, are you going canoeing today?  I'd be afraid an icicle would fall on me-- the only reason, of course, why I'm not going too,. :)  

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Gerald-Dukes.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Goathouse Refuge "Kitten Calendar" at the Joyful Jewel 1-29-14

"Kittens of the Goathouse"
The Goathouse Cat Refuge
$15

Maybe because I'm home with 3 kitties, including one kitten, today, it was easy to pick this calendar, "Kittens of the Goathouse," as the Daily Jewel blog feature today.  I can imagine playful kittens scampering around lifting feet as high in the air as possible to keep away from the snow today.  Then they are jumping over moguls before racing back inside your warm house.  A cat sleeping soundly beside the fireplace just makes one's breath slow and heartbeat mellow.  We did love our Van Gogh, mellowest and laziest of all cats, that came from the loving care of the Goathouse and we miss him even though we have three new cats.  It's such good work Siglinda Scarpa and the employees and volunteers (such as Marilyn Penrod) do.  Here's a shout out to them, to the kitties looking for their new homes, and to those cat-adopting humans that respond!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Goathouse.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

On a Monday 1-17-14

The Joyful Jewel has gone through a transition into a more beautiful gallery. Many people are taking notice! 

Shuga is snuggled on a rug reading in our new Book Corner. One area is all for children and we will show you that next week. For now, take a look at our alphabetized display of many amazing authors from right here, North Carolina writers.

Just to prove our point, a new author, Ms Myrna Merron, has brought in copies of her new poetry chapbook, entitled "My Walks". She will be reading here in March

So much more to tell you, thanks to DG Chandler, who has upgraded a lot of displays in the last weeks. Watch for more photos on the Mondays to come. 

It's hard for a little dog to keep up with it all!

Anna Kurtz Ironwood and Sterling Silver Inlaid necklace at the Joyful Jewel

Sterling Silver Inlaid into Ironwood necklace
by Anna Kurtz
~ 2" x 3" on a leather cord with sterling silver clasp
and necklace extenders to allow 16" - about 19" lengths
$180

Handcrafted excellence along with an interesting creative edge and flow is what Anna Kurtz brings to her masterful jewelry making.  In this piece she has inlaid sterling silver into two pieces of ancient ironwood.  Anna doesn't name her pieces so we have only our own responses in appraising her pieces.  I imagine this one to be two whales noodling each other in an icy waved sea.  To me it is a powerful view of connection and play.  

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Anna-Kurtz.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Amanda Egdorf-Sand Earrings at the Joyful Jewel 1-25-14

Ceramic Earrings by Amanda Egdorf-Sand

Amanda Egdorf-Sand says her goal is to "wear the earth."  Most of her earrings are earthtones with a earthy look like the ones on the left in this photo.  They look like they might have just emerged from the earth.  The white and blue ones have a more refined look but still have the organic shape and feel.  Two different moods represented by one multi-faceted artist.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Amanda-Edgorf-Sand.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Brooksie Edwards Fused Glass Plate at the Joyful Jewel 1-24-14

Fused Glass Plate

Brooksie Edwards

8" x 8" with Clear, Patterned, and Iridized Glass

$32

This plate by Brooksie Edwards is beautiful just sitting but wouldn't it be fun to actually use it!  I think of scrambled eggs in the morning, a cucumber salad for lunch, a chocolate chip cookie warm from the oven, and then baked tilapia for dinner.  Served on this small plate I won't overeat, and I'll enjoy every bite as it uncovers the beauty beneath!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Brooksie-Edwards.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Elle - "Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 1-23-14

Elle - Laura Seymore's Earrings

What fun shapes and components the imaginative Laura Seymore has found and designed to create these earrings.  Laura collects things and re-imagines materials such as cork, wooden spools and even yogurt containers.  I imagine that her friends all bring her old earrings which she deconstructs and then re-assembles into a completely new design!   Laura makes her own components too such as with polymer clay, metal or fiber.  She is wildly creative as you can see in the variety shown in just in this small sampling.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Elle.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Beth Shaffer - "Flowers + One Bird House" at the Joyful Jewel 1-22-14

Flowers + One Bird House by Beth Shaffer

Beautiful flowers recycled and rearranged to match the bright sunshine of this day.  Perhaps they and the cute birdhouse -- and Beth Shaffer who made them -- are certain that Spring will come.  However just a mere opening of the door reminds me that it is still Winter.  I want to experience making something so colorful and cheery with both realities in mind like Beth does.

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

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Amy Durso "Wooden Rune Set" at the Joyful Jewel 1-21-14

"Wooden Rune Set" by Amy Hall Durso
$90, Runes and Box

Amy Durso makes many individual Bindrunes, each one beautiful and easily carrying an ancient meaning. Pictured here is her whole set with it's own handcrafted lidded box created with reverence and skilled care. In Amy's words, "Runes are ancient and magic symbols used as a divination method since the Bronze age.  Developed by Germanic and Norse tribes, there are 24 runes in the original Elder Futhark alphabet.  Each rune represents objects, Gods, animals and occurrences.  Over the centuries, women and men have consulted the sacred and mystical power of the runes to tap into their own wisdom for clarity, advice and inspiration."


http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Amy-Durso.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

On a Monday

Shuga and I are back on the beat. We've been talking to each other about our days at the Joyful Jewel. In some ways, our experiences are different. Well, not really. We decided the essence of our time here is all about connection. I'll let her tell you about it...

I wag my tail, arch my face up into the delicious aroma of the person walking in the door, wiggle and squirm till they notice me. I gaze up with my big brown eyes so they can see I am here for real connection. I wanna give them affection, an intimate moment. Sometimes the person talks to me, scratches me, tells me stories about their own doggie. And then, I walk along to help them find just the right item here at the gallery. If I really like them, I bark when they leave cuz we're still on our play date! I really didn't want Beth Bale to leave today...

Mom doesn't wag her tail but she really listens and people find real affection there, too.  People think they are coming in to find art, and they do. Also, for a moment, they find their heart.That's the secret of the Joyful Jewel! 

Like Mariah, we love it all.

On a Monday,
Shuga and Sharon

Andrea Snyder "Ceramic Leaves" at the Joyful Jewel 1-19-14

Something new from Andrea Saccone Snyder
Ceramic Leaves

These shapely ceramic leaves by Andrea Saccone Snyder are purely for fun!  You can place one anywhere to catch the special things that come your way, such as a candy kiss, the key to your locker, a note from a friend, the extra button that came with your new sweater, the earring you are still hoping to locate a mate for, the last piece of coconut pie.  What would you put in one of these leaves?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Andrea-Synder.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Janine Maves - Silk Painted Pouches at the Joyful Jewel 1-18-14

Silk Painter, Janine Maves's, Silk Pouches
$20 - $30

Janine Maves does fine art painting onto silk using a vivid imagination to adorn wearable art.  The beige colored pouch has a name, "Hot Air Balloons Over Santa Fe."  The scene is lively with a person looking out from the balloon on one side and a dog looking out the other side.  You can imagine their journey through flower beds and a leafy field, waving to a dog below.  Quite a contrast to the firey dragon depicted on the black silk pouch.   

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Janine-Maves.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Donna Cassidy - "Scarves & Hats" at the Joyful Jewel 1-17-14

Luscious Hats & Scarves by Donna Cassidy

It is finally Winter in NC and a warm snuggly-soft hat covering our ears and the side of our faces feels soooo good!  For even more comfort, wrap one of Donna Cassidy's matching scarves around your neck.  The crochet weave is piled and spaced just right for trapping in the warmth and the fibers give a luxurious feel. These hats and scarves are of mixed fibers including mohair and have beautiful applique leaf accents.  

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

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Marty Broda "Gaia Spirit Stick Variety" at the Joyful Jewel 1-16-14

A variety of Gaia Spirit Sticks by Marty Broda

Marty Broda lives close to the land in a life full of integrity and grace.  You can tell this by the components and details of her art work, as well as by talking with Marty.  Gaia Spirit Sticks are made with care and with intent.  Each component, and there are between 10 and 30 of these in most pieces, is listed with the meaning Marty associates with it.  In this photo are Gaia Spirit Stick wall hangings, Dream Catchers, and the top of one Walking Stick.  I always take a deep breath when entering the room of the Spirit Sticks and say a prayer of gratitude for Marty and her work, and for the pieces of nature that Marty has recycled into these works of art.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Marty-Broda.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Kathryn Bertok "Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 1-15-14

Kathryn Bertok Earrings

Kathryn Bertok makes earrings almost anyone will wear.  Dangles so full of rings that they flex like silk and tinkle softly in your ear, and spiral wire work with just enough gemstone embellishment.  There really isn't anything like chain mail to merge hard and soft, providing a slip-through-your-fingers sensual experience! 

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

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Shannon Bueker "Paintings & Cards" at the Joyful Jewel 1-14-14

Shannon Bueker - Waterycolor & Acrylic
Variety of Paintings & Cards

Each piece of Shannon Bueker's work has a story and many extra details.  Almost always there are animals that I don't see at first, who ask me to keep looking, to look closer, to discover a mystery, to find the impish sprite.  Looking, I am invited to see through the eyes of the animals, to see what they are seeing and experiencing. What fun to heed the invitation to spend a bit more time, really focus and attend mindfully to what I am looking at.  

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Shannon-Bueker.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Vangi Cathcart "Various forms of Paintings" at the Joyful Jewel 1-13-14

A variety of small pieces of original art
Sumi-e watercolor paintings by Vangi Cathcart

Who says fine art originals are expensive!  Look at the every-so skillfully and beautifully painted book marks, smaller unframed piece, and even a matted painting $2 - $15 that Vangi Cathcart offers.  Vangi is one of those artists who just wants to paint! - and to have her work appreciated and shared by as many people as possible.  A gift from the heart, "local art fresh from the heart."  Yes, she also has more elaborate masterpieces which require a bigger price.  Each is perfect in its own time and place.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Vangi-Cathcart.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Beth Bale - "Giraffes" at the Joyful Jewel 1-12-14

"Giraffes"
Beth Bale

I love the way the sunlight plays on the lines and curves of these watercolor giraffes from Beth Bale.  She has also highlighted a a playful comaraderie and the curious nature of a baby.  Babies of all kinds exhibit this bright-eyed quality when they are happy.  Come to think of it, adults do too!

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

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

April Canada - 2 Photographs at the Joyful Jewel 1-11-14

2 of April Ann Canada's framed photographs

April Ann Canada has a way of capturing the sublime in an ordinary scene.  Her intent is peace and happiness.  Placing myself in these nature places brings those to me.  On this cold stormy day I can imagine myself in a sunnier place blowing the rest of the dandelion seeds, each strand carrying a wish.  Or . . . skipping barefoot down the grassy path that leads me to a closer look at buttercups and ants and a rabbit - who is also skipping.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/April-Canada.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

David Snyder "Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 1-10-14

David Snyder Earrings

Wiggle, scroll, spiral, tinkle, and laugh -- thank you David Snyder for creating such variety and bringing fun in your work!  Here is an amazing array of earrings with fancy wirework and gemstones.  Nearly all of the wire and most components are sterling silver and no two pair of earrings have the same gemstones or the same shape.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/David-Snyder.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Jan Dunn "Little Black Dress Basket" at the Joyful Jewel 1-9-14

"Little Black Dress"
Jan Dunn, Basketmaker

If you have doubted that a crafter is truly an artist, just take a look at basket maker Jan Dunn's work!  You'll see her lively imagination and her wit, as well as her attention to the smallest of details.  While you can't wear this "Little Black Dress" you can certainly imagine a night out with this curvy dress, the pearls and a pair of sexy black hose (with garter) every time you put flowers or something else into this saucy creation. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jann-Dunn.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Nancy L Smith "Great Mother's Nature" at the Joyful Jewel 1-8-14

"Great Mother's Nature"
by Nancy L. Smith

I love the interesting sequence of the words Nancy L. Smith chose for her acrylic and mixed media painting, "Great Mother's Nature."  There must be so much more to the story than I see at first or even second look.  There is a real bird's nest with a tiny egg, several wise women attendants, and then I see that there is another larger nurturing presence.  Do you see it too?  That is one lucky egg -- and a lucky planet too where this tiny egg has been magnified.  I, too, am lucky -- having discovered a painting with so much tenderness and evocations to enrich my day.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Nancy-Smith.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Sharon Blessum "Amazing Stone" necklace at the Joyful Jewel 1-7-14

Amazing Stone Necklace
Sharon Blessum

I can hardly breathe when I look at this stone, found and carved by Sharon Blessum's father, Kermit Blessum, perhaps long long ago (as he is 103 years old now).  To have recognized the pulsing life captured in rock and set it free -- an amazement!  Where is this place -- of space, of sea, of earth, or some other galaxy?  Sharon has put her hand to this stone, joining her Father -- and our Father too -- to make a necklace.  Who will claim this treasure as their own?

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

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Mary Brookins "Pressed Flower Art" at the Joyful Jewel 1-4-14

Pressed Flower Art by Mary Brookins

Here are examples of pressed flower framed pieces.  When she can, Mary Brookins identifies the flowers and "weeds" she picks to preserve.  They come from her own yard and garden!  These sweet pieces are less than $10 each and would be sure to improve anyone's day ;)  Mary also has cards and card sets, each original with real plants.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Mary-Brookins.html

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel

Marilyn Penrod - Paintings at the Joyful Jewel 1-2-14

Marilyn Penrod, Featured Artist for January 2014

Happy New Year to all!  Join us for Marilyn Penrod's Art Reception this Friday (tomorrow) 6 - 8pm.  Her theme, "Hill Houses" brings us a variety of views of romantic and nostalgic house views.  Marilyn's acrylic paintings are expertly done in vibrant as well as muted colors.  What a Gorgeous way to start the new year!

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

Website:  http://www.joyfuljewel.com

 Newsletter subscription:  mariah.joyfuljewel@gmail.com 
 FaceBook:   https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyfulJewel

 Linked In:   www.linkedin.com/pub/mariah-wheeler/12/861/a9b
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheJoyfulJewel