HP Pelzel & Sandra Boyd Pelzel "Sun Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 2-28-14

"Sun Vase"
HP Pelzel and Sandra Boyd Pelzel
~4" x 6"
$35

Ok, I admit it, I gave this saucy sunny vase the name, "Sun Vase" but HP and Sandra Pelzel gave it shape and design.  It's a spunky young thing, stockily stable and full of heat and movement in the art work glazing.  I especially like the repeating sun rays on the bottom.  Perhaps it will have daffodils, matching the sun's yellow, in it soon!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/H-P-Pelzel-Sandra-Boyd-Pezel.html

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Vangi Cathcart "Safe Quiet Place" at the Joyful Jewel 2-27-14

"Safe Quiet Place"
Vangi Cathcart
14" x 11", Original
$35

This beautiful uncomplicated painting by Vangi Cathcart epitomizes her title of "Safe Quiet Place."  It is a cabin for pilgrimage among the foggy mountings with cherry blossom encouragement.  Take a moment to rest in this spacious watercolor scene, letting it gently flow over and through you.

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

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Sharon Blessum "Jade Multi-Strand Necklace" at the Joyful Jewel 2-26-14

Multi-Strand Jade Necklace
Sharon Blessum
$85

This necklace by Sharon Blessum is so full of jade gemstones and strands that is substantial to feel, a weighty powerfulness that transfers to anyone who is wearing it.  Be strong, be confident, be beautifully adorned -- this necklace brings such gifts.

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

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Kim Hawks "Memories of Good Times" at the Joyful Jewel 2-24-14

"Memories of Good Times"
Kim Hawks
Photograph

This photograph by Kim Hawks seems like the perfect inspiration for a poem and I'm wondering who will choose this for Vision & Voice.  There has to be a touching story here, a tall tale, a childhood adventure of secretly taking the boat out at night, or grand parents walking out on the dock to greet the summer visitors.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kim-Hawks.html

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Rita Baldwin "Barn in Winter" at the Joyful Jewel 2-23-14

'Barn in Winter"
Rita Baldwin
Oil painting, framed,original

I couldn't resist putting this on out today on this Spring day (about one week since it looked like this here in NC) of near 70 degrees.  This is a wonderful reminder of how charming and beautiful the snow on an old barn can be.  Of course it's more beautiful when you can just stay home and admire it, watching the changing light of the day like Rita Baldwin showed so richly in this painting.  I'd like to hold on to that soft peaceful, pristinely quiet feeling, carrying it forward into the boisterousness of Spring. Entering into this scene from the warmth of my sunlit deck does the trick.  Thank you Rita.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rita-Baldwin.html

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Orlan Johnson "Seam Rippers" at the Joyful Jewel 2-21-14

Seam Rippers
Orlan Johnson
Woodworking with metal and plastic
$18

So, you are probably staying in today with the blustery storm outside.  Do you recognize these bits of woodworking by Orlan Johnson?  Wouldn't one of these in your hand ease the pain of an errant stitch!  The substantial curvy round handles and the extra smoothness of the wood feel so good in your hand, that you might even look for other uses to make of these beauties.  Who can think of one?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Orlan-Johnson.html

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Shannon Bueker "Shepard in Asters" at the Joyful Jewel 2-20-14

"Shepherd in Asters"
Shannon Bueker
15" x 30", Acrylic on Canvas, Original

$385

Of all the new paintings that Shannon Bueker brought in recently this is my favorite.  I love the colors of the flowers next to the matte blackness of the dog.  Shannon's paintings always have lots of movement in them but in this one the movement is in the flowers rather than the dog - who looks fully at rest.  Wouldn't you just love to join him in this flower bed, snoozing away a lazy afternoon while the asters grow beneath you!

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

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Tamera Cooke "Curvy Steel Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 2-19-14

Curvy Steel Earrings
Tamera Cooke
~2" long + earwire, Steel
$25

Metal sculptor, Tamera Cooke, is making something new these days.  Earrings and necklaces beautifully curved from steel and copper now join her unity mandalas and hands at the Joyful Jewel.  The shapes are fun, and this particular pair is extra long so they really make a statement -- "Stop anything else, and just have fun!" 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Tamera-Cooke.html

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Terri Lange "Noodle Sage" at the Joyful Jewel 2-18-14

"Noodle Guy"
Terri Lange
Ink and Acrylic on Watercolor Paper, 16" x 12" Matted, Painting 8" x 10"

$14 for the Original

Terri Lange, I hope you won't mind that I renamed this whimsical painting of yours.  Let me know all of you, whether you like Terri's title "Noodle Guy" or mine "Noodle Sage".  Just reminds me of a monk or the Dali Lama, someone with that spiritual mirth they all seem to have!  I noticed that Terri has also painted a "Noodle Girl."  I need these both for my kitchen, so thank goodness there is a print of each as well as the originals on Terri's wall.  Very soon we will have many more of Terri's paintings as she is the upcoming Featured Artist at the Joyful Jewel for March.  Come see her newest pieces at the 1st Friday reception, March 7, 6 - 8pm.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Terri-Lange.html

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Shuga and I have been wanting to show you the new Book Corner at the Joyful Jewel. We have many local authors who not only sell books here but do readings. The Spoken Word happens the First Sunday of every month. 

Shuga's personal friend, Myrna Merron, is reading from her fabulous new book of poetry on March 2. It's a perfect follow up to Sarah Froeber's reading the first Sunday of February as they are both about the walks of life! 

Which could also interest you in Anora McGora's new collection When Women Waken. 

                               Shuga likes the children's book shelf. 

    

A new CD player sits on a little table where there's also a chair for your listening pleasure as you choose which album you might want to take home. C'mon in and sit a spell!

On a Monday,
Sharon and Shuga

Anna Kurtz "Sterling Silver, Ironwood, Coral" necklace at the Joyful Jewel 2-16-14

Sterling Silver, Ironwood, Coral Necklace
Anna Kurtz
Centerpiece including dangle ~ 3" x 3", Coral Chain 16"
$320

Anyone who appreciated masterful meticulous jewelry making combined with individual style and creativity will love Anna Kurtz work.  It's some of the finest I have seen with inlays of sterling silver, and sometimes turquoise.  This necklace draws attention and keeps it!    Jewelry for the star in you or your loved one.

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

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Carol Sclove "Hugs & Kisses Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 2-15-14

"XOXOXO Hugs & Kisses" Earrings
Carol Sclove
Glass Beads, Sterling Silver
$30

Carol Sclove has aptly titled these intricate beaded earrings as "Hugs & Kisses".  They are a beautiful design with a delicate look yet a substantial feel, dangling freely from their sterling silver earwires.  What a sweet message sent along with handcrafted excellence!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Carol-Sclove.html

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Jan Dunn "Lots of Kisses" Basket at the Joyful Jewel 2-14-14

"Lots of Kisses" Basket
Jan Dunn
Basket wood, glass, with Chocolate Kisses inside!
~6" x 5", $22

There were so many great pieces of art of Valentine's Day but this basket by Jan Dunn wins the day at least partly because of the great title, "Lots of Kisses!"  Jan dyed the basket wood rosy pink, shaped and wove it  like a heart, and left plenty of room inside -- which she filled with Hershey's Chocolate Kisses!  What would you fill this basket with after Valentine's Day is done?  An how about following up the giving of the basket with lots of full on kisses!

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

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Gerald O Dukes "Rings" at the Joyful Jewel 2-13-14

"Rings"
Gerald O Dukes Photography

Isn't this the most beautiful depiction of love!  Gerald O Dukes created this scene of wedding rings and photographed it, possibly for someone's wedding, and also a great reminder of the joys of commitment and ongoing love that the rings symbolize.  It is an exceptional photograph of sweet, crisp, sensuous lines with an added hint of color.  Grand love is all of these things.  Celebrate today, tomorrow on Valentine's Day, and for a lifetime.

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

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Yvette Poole "Love Bracelet" at the Joyful Jewel 2-12-14

Love Bracelet
Yvette Poole
Hand felted Wool, Sterling Silver Chain Maille, Leather
~ 8 1/2", $75

Here is something completely new from chain maille artist Yvette Poole.  There is so much creativity in the mix and construction of these fibers, natural material, and Yvette's fabulous coiled sterling silver.  And, of course, the message is timeless!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Yvette-Poole.html

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Isabelle Blackburn "Heart Tile" necklace at the Joyful Jewel

"Heart Tile" Necklace
Isabelle Blackburn
$5 with leather cord, $8 with chain

Isabelle Blackburn is someone you would love to meet.  She is friendly, self assured, creative and business-like for a 10 year old.  Not only that, but she has a big heart and a fine sense of altruism.  She makes these tile necklaces from Scrabble tiles, each with a different design on the front.  Isabelle gives her profits to Samaritan's Purse.  So purchasing one of these benefits the Joyful Jewel (at our minimal nonprofit commission), Samaritan's Purse, and Isabelle Blackburn in her creativity. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Isabelle-Blackburn.html

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On a Monday 2-10-14

I'm back where I belong! I didn't know my brother had come in my place last Monday until I read the blog. I just don't approve. He and I are always scheming to be sure we come first with Mom. I'm sure you understand.


Today we made a video for you. It's still loading, so hope we can share it next week! It begins right at the front window where a veil of crystal and color welcome everyone to the Jewel. Anyone can just feel they are walking into a place of magic!





For now, it's rainy and dreary, so I'm going to curl up with one poetry book. Everybody knows and loves Ruth Moose so I'll start with her.


Hope Mom buys more so we have them for tomorrow's snow day.

On a Monday,
Shuga and Sharon

Donna Cassidy "Stained Glass Heart" at the Joyful Jewel 2-9-14

Stained Glass Heart
Donna Cassidy
~8" x 8", $34

I think of this heart as a reminder of love year round.  Donna Cassidy has created several stained glass hearts, different sizes and colors.  You can look through this one to see someone who loves you on the othe side!

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

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Kate Kadd "Daylilies at Night" at the Joyful Jewel

"Daylilies at Night"
Kate Ladd
Acrylic on Canvas, 20" x 20" 

$175

Kate painted these beautiful day lilies to keep her company because the deer keep eating the ones she plants, and she really wants some!  The red lily is called "Route 66" and it seems to be especially captivated by the moon.  Red is also the color of  a Valentine -- and Love which also relates to the moon, as in "moon eyes"!

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

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DG Chandler "Druzy with Opal" at the Joyful Jewel 2-7-14

"Druzy with Opal" Necklace
DG Chandler
Iridized Druzy Quartz, Opal, Sterling Silver
$90

DG Chandler was excited to find the stunning centerpiece to this necklace, an extra sparkly druzy in an interesting shape.  His creative mind immediately began designing the sterling silver setting for this unusual triangular shape.  The "fan" is hand carved and DG made the stamping tool used for the rest of the background.  Then he added the perfect complement to the druzy, a firey opal to bring out more of the blue.  He finished the piece with a sterling silver wheat chain.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Tamera-Cooke.html

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Ashley Morra "Jazz" Bird House at the Joyful Jewel 2-6-14

"Jazz" Birdhouse
Ashley Lemoine Morra and Sherwood Lemoine

Wood and Paint!
$40

Why not!  I know it isn't the tropics as we may be reminded of by this birdhouse by Ashely Morra and her father Sherwood Lemoine, but the birds in my own hard seem to think it's warmer than I do.  They are already pairing up and will look for their houses soon.  Ashley named this colorful action-oriented piece "Jazz" and it does have an air of rebellion and improvisation.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Ashley-Morra.html

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Cynthia Aldrich - 5 Piece Cream & Sugar with Vase at the Joyful Jewel 2-5-14

3-Piece Cream & Sugar Set With Tray + Vase
Cynthia Aldrich
Pottery, Tray ~8" x 4", Pitcher ~2/1/2" x 3 1/2"
3 Piece Set $22, Flower Vase $18.50

What would be more loving than serving your sweetheart's morning coffee or tea in this set by Cynthia Aldrich.  And, if you could find a flower that coordinates with the flower that Cynthia uses in her pottery to put in the vase it would make a perfect scene!  One of the simple delights of life, using a set like this every day.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Cynthia-Aldrich.html

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Mariah Wheeler "Shapely Vertigris" at the Joyful Jewel 2-4-14

"A Shapely Verdigris" necklace
Mariah Wheeler
Copper with Sterling Silver Bail

It has been such fun for me to work with the copper to make interesting shapes and to add curves for dimension.  Except for the one shape I made to look like a tooth for my dentist (Laura Barringer), I am just playing with shape and form, giving no thought to a name for the form.  When I finish doing this sometimes the piece will show itself to a patron and she will tell me what it is.  This one I have decided, on my own, looks like a sexy evening dress.  The green patina covers part of the dress (the strategic parts), but the rest reveals the naked copper beneath.  Pretty sexy don't you think?  Must be time to think about Valentine's Day!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Mariah-Wheeler.html

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On a Monday

  Don't tell Shuga but I came with Mom today because I wanted to see why Mom keeps talking about the amazing new look at the Gallery. She says the makeover since Christmas is beautiful and never has the Joyful Jewel looked so fine. Well, Shuga says it always looks fine! Many people have conspired and perspired to design, declutter, decorate areas in new ways.

We went for a tour, taking pictures, and next week we will share them so you can tour with us. For today, just see that I am doing my job guarding the beautiful new addition to the pottery area where so many people pause to enjoy the talent of our artists.

I guess I'll ask Mom to include a picture of me since my photogenic sister, Shuga, is always smiling up at you. I'm reaching adolescence so am scheming new ways to be an imp every day.

Back to our art. Yesterday I came to Sarah Froeber's reading of her new book. Lots of people came. I was the only dog. Today, while Mom does her work, I'm reading Sarah's poetry about her walk on the Camino Way. We are really lucky to have her work here. Come see it sometime. We will be showing you more books in the weeks to come.

Bye for now,
Sengi and Sharon

Andrea Snyder "Dance" at the Joyful Jewel 2-2-14

"Dance"
Andrea Saccone Snyder
Encaustic Painting with Collage
4 1/2" x 4" double matted, with frame 11" x 9 1/2"
$70, Original

Here's a fine invitation to "Dance" by Andrea Saccone Snyder.  It is chock full of vibrancy, movement and passion.  Andrea has layered her encaustic (wax) paints and perhaps used some hair dye from her beauty shop for some of the colors.  I am lucky enough to have seen Andrea dance and she exhibits every one of the qualities in this painting, and she looks just like this!