On a Monday

Shuga and Sengi are delighted to share their Mom's info with you and also to let you know that there is now a 4x6 copy of this for you at the Joyful Jewel for only $2!!! A bargain to have such a photo of us in your home. We do want you to know that we are not always this bored but sometimes when Mom spends hours writing we do wonder when the fun comes!!!

Sharon, Shuga, and Sengi

Cynthia Aldrich "Sponge Cup" at the Joyful Jewel 6-28-14

"Sponge Cup"
Cynthia Aldrich
Ceramic, ~ 3 1/2 diameter, x 3" tall
$15

What a novel idea Cynthia Aldrich had.  Make a holder for the kitchen sponge!  The sponge can drain and dry while it looks pretty next to the sink.  Cynthia's signature glazing and little blue flower matches the other pieces such as bowls, brie pans, spoon holders, cake dishes, vases, etc.  Each of Cynthia's flowers and leaves have a unique personality just as real flowers do. What a great collection.

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

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Forrest Greenslade "Silver Tree in Winter" at the Joyful Jewel 6-27-14

"Silver Tree in Winter"
Forrest Greenslade
Mixed Media including Metal, Plasticine, Metal Flake, Acrylic, 20" x 20" Original on Board
$400

Don't you want a bit of shivver just now?  This dimensional "painting" by Forrest Greenslade rises to meet you with icy tentacles.  Not that I am nostalgic for winter -- no way -- just want to remember the sharpness of frost, the glint of thaw, the dreaminess of the monotone landscape. Then it will be back to appreciating the brightness of color in Summer.  Thank you Forrest.

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

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HP & Sandra Pelzel "Tooth Fairy Box" at the Joyful Jewel 6-25-14

"Tooth Fairy Box"
HP Pelzel & Sandra Boyd Pelzel
Ceramic Box with Lid and Pillow, 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"
$20

What stories this little box by the Pelzels could tell!  A "Tooth Fairy Box" dressed in festive red and green with a just-right fitting lid, awaits first a fallen tooth lain with care on the tiny pillow inside, with lid replaced just so.  Next, after trying his best to stay awake, just as the child drifts off to sleep, a gossamer-winged fairy comes to collect her due.  The quick darting fairy replaces the tooth with a crisp dollar bill and a thank you note.  What joy the next morning when while still groggy, the child opens the box.  Mom moves the Tooth Fairy box to a shelf to await another tooth's fall.  Mom doesn't know that her boy, finding it hard to wait for the tooth, climbs a chair to check the box each morning just in case the fairy decided to bring an extra delivery . . .

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

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Brenda Linton "The Secret" cd at the Joyful Jewel 6-24-14

"The Secret"
Brenda Linton

cd

$15

Brenda Linton has two cds for sale at the Joyful Jewel.  This one, "The Secret" features one of the crowd favorites, that certainly elicited loud clapping and whooping last Saturday night when she sang it along with Hanna Sullivan, accompanied by Tony Sullivan on guitar.  "Quiet Love" is one of Brenda's original songs sung with her spot-on heart-breaking tone.  It's about the deceiving things we tell ourselves to deny love and about the unlearning that can happen when love burns strong and deep enough to overcome our doubts. Brenda says, "For I have living proof right here before me in the form of quiet love."  Quiet love, the sweetest kind.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Brenda-Linton.html

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On a Monday

On Mondays I look forward to updating our Joyful Jewel website. No small job, with individual pages for each of our 160 artists, continuing special events, etc. I'm currently going back to square one in terms of visiting each and every page to add more current images, and generally improve each post. For a long time all I could do was get each new person included with no editing time available.

So, here's the mystery. How is it so hard to get to it on Mondays? Although it's midsummer, the store nearly always has customers, many for the first time. Lots of wonderful talk about the art, as well as sweet moments with artists and friends of the Jewel who stop in. Some days I'm more of a concierge than a graphic designer.

But the real reason behind all the activity on Mondays is becoming apparent. The clerks at New Horizons bring Shuga treats regularly! Shuga, aka Ms Pittsboro, has a stream of lovers who come in to see her. And those who never met her before, well, they fall in love quickly. Shuga is a true personal assistant to many.

What solved this mystery?  Today someone came in with a whole slice of bacon she'd just crumbled into bits to bring our little diva. I mean, no one brings me my favorite chocolate and vanilla swirl cone. But Ms Shuga, well, but BACON!!!

No end to the pleasures of the Joyful Jewel.
Sharon and Shuga

Kim Hawks "Tree Roots" Photograph at the Joyful Jewel 6-22-14

"Tree Roots"
Kim Hawks
Photography on Metal, 8" x 10"
$80

My digital does not really do justice to this incredibly clear and glistening photograph by Kim Hawks.  The photo is printed on smooth metal and glistens like the wet moss that clings to the tree roots.  Even in  my copy of it here you can see the sheer power of the roots, the magnitude of their sinewy strength.  What a scene! No surprise that this exceptional piece went home with a couple yesterday who saw it for the first time and were awestruck.

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

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Debbie Englund "This Butts for You" at the Joyful Jewel 6-20-14

"Butt Mug"
Debbie Englund
Pottery, ~ 4 diameter" x 4 1/2" tall
$25

Here is something new from Debbie Englund to display alongside a Face Mug.  She had several one liners to go with these, but I don't remember them all. "This Butts for You." "Bottoms Up."  These are roomy, fleshy mugs that will hold a hefty size of coffee or maybe a whole beer!  So take them off the shelf and use them this weekend.  TGIF.

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

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Orlan Johnson "Wooden Seam Ripper" at the Joyful Jewel 6-20-14

Wooden Seam Ripper
Orlan Johnson
$18

Since someone just now asked, "What is a seam ripper?" I thought to feature this handy tool made by woodworker Orlan Johnson today.  When he first brought a few of these into the Joyful Jewel I mentioned that no one would know what they were.  I was wrong.  A lot of folks, apparently, still sew.  And they are certainly happy to have this tool with its easy to hold handle ready to rip out errant seams.  It works on those that make your pants too short, when you need to let the waist out a little, or when you need to remove just a few stitches to change direction.  Beautiful to look at and of great utility -- what more could we want from a tool. Good job Orlan!

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

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HP & Sandra Pelzel "Sushi Bowl" at the Joyful Jewel 6-18-14

"Sushi Bowl"
HP Pelzel & Sandra Boyd Pelzel
Ceramic 6 1/2" diameter, with wooden Chopsticks
$23

What fun it would be to serve rice and sushi in this beautiful bowl by the Pelzels. I love the red inside and the hint of bamboo on the outside.  Even the chopsticks, which were not made by the Pelzels, are beautiful..  The Pelzels, Sandra Boyd Pelzel and her husband HP Pelzel, have thought of a great way to keep the choptsticks from rolling off as you present the nourishing goodness to your guest! There are currently two of these matching bowls at the Joyful Jewel - one for you and one for your dinner companion.

To see more of their work visit the Pelzel's page on the Joyful Jewel website:
http://www.joyfuljewel.com/H-P-Pelzel-Sandra-Boyd-Pelzel.html

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Diane Ness -Handmade Clothing at the Joyful Jewel 6-17-14

            

Handmade Wrap, Poppy Blouse and Jacket
Diane Ness
Wrap - $175, Blouse - $145, Jacket - $175

New artist Diane Ness, brings handmade clothing of the most exquisite materials.  They flowing designs in natures colors, and they fit most women.  The wrap is of finest taffeta.  The blouse and the jacket are of  washed linen and feature hand made pottery buttons.  Here is what Diane says about her process: "My designs are an extension of my style: artsy, colorful, comfortable, stylish and fun . . . as soon as I finish one jacket, I'm excited about starting the next. I'll search until I find the perfect silk lining for a jacket or just the right button to finish off the design."

Check out Diane's Artist Page on the Joyful Jewel website. http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Diane-Ness.html

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Kim Hawks "Too Much Fun - Paul Rosenberg" photograph at the Joyful Jewel

"Too Much Fun" band with Paul Rosenberg
Kim Hawks
Photograph, 5" x 7" framed to 13"x 16"
$75

Kim Hawks says this photo was taken at the Kraken Holiday Party.  You can catch this group, Too Much Fun,  this evening at Southern Village and perhaps Kim too, camera in hand!  Kim has taken a slew of great action shots at various local band performances.  I think a special showing of more of them are still at Vespertine in Carrboro.  We know Paul Rosenberg too as he has also played at the Joyful Jewel along with Joe Woodson.  We have two of Paul's solo cds for sale, as well as the ones of Joe that he plays on.  One of his cds, Waterlilies : Full Bloom," is of children's songs recorded to entertain and delight his own little ones.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kim-Hawks.html
http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Paul-Rosenberg.html
http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Joe-Woodson.html

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Some Father's Day Choices at the Joyful Jewel 6-14-14

Father's Day Delights

A Planter Box just the right height, a fancy belt buckle with Jasper, a footed vase, a playful otter, a set of wine bottle stoppers, a family portrait session, a blue elephant, a rocketeer, a small bass -- the one that got away, a UNC bird house, a cosmic chicken business card holder  - just a few suggestions.

Jan Bourterse, Planter Box

Carolyn Levy, Footed Vase

Sharon Blessum, Belt Buckle

    

Orlan Johnson, Wine Bottle Stoppers

Emma Skurnick, Playful Otter

Gerald Dukes, Family Portraits

    

Douglas Maccardini, "Rocketeer"

Mary Darley, "The One That Got Away"

    

Ashley Morra, UNC Bird House

  

Jerry Fowler, Cosmic Chicken Card Holder

Shannon Bueker, Blue Elephant Sculpture

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

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Sheila Fleming "Crystal & Sterling Silver Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 6-13-14

"Blue, Green & Pink Crystal Earrings with Sterling Silver"
Sheila Fleming
~ 2 1/2" from top of dangle, Sterling Silver French Hooks
$40

I had these extra sparkly crystal and silver earrings by Sheila Fleming ready to go on the blog today.  They must have known it and were ready to show off  because they found their new home this very day!  Just as I did, the patron loved the three colors and the shaped and hammered sterling silver spirals.  The spirals and dangle make these earrings the perfect length to tickle your neck and to spin just enough to catch the light brilliantly.

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

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Pam Epperson "Ceramic Sunflower Bowl" at the Joyful Jewel 6-12-14

Sunflower Bowl
Pam Epperson
Ceramic bowl, ~ 6" diameter
$18

Looking for a new bowl for Papa's breakfast cereal or lunch stew, here is a beauty by Pam Epperson with a cheerful sunflower.  It is just deep enough to hold a healthy size meal and beautiful enough that you want to get all the way to the bottom to see the flower!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Pam-Epperson.html

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Tamera Cooke "Stone Enhanced Wall Hanging" at the Joyful Jewel 6-10-14

Stone Enhanced Wall Hanging
Tamera Cooke
Copper, Steel, Jasper Stone,  Centerpiece ~ 3" x 5" + Curled Hanger ~ 14"
$35

From the picture, you might expect that this piece by Tamera Cooke is a necklace, and she does have some necklaces that are similar to the centerpiece of copper and steel coils and curls.  This masterpiece hangs from more and longer coils and curls -- in fact it is actually ~ 20" in total length from top to bottom.  It is a wall hanging that would enhance any decor, especially one that features elements from nature and earth tones.  The Jasper stone in the middle is quite a nice specimen and becomes magical in Tamera's creative and capable  hands.

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

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On a Monday

Magic, I tell you, Magic.
Unfolds all the time here
A woman walks in, new arrival from Michigan, fingering pottery and appreciating front window display. Three more women enter, from Chicago. Soon, the four are comparing notes, realizing they grew up within ten miles of each other. A little later, one customer (who just happens to be buying lots of my gemstone jewelry!) hears me say I spent college summers working at Camp Algonquin outside Chicago. She knows the place, googles it while I'm running credit cards, and has all the latest info on the recent closing of this one hundred year old social work camp.
Shuga's bff, Denise, comes in to buy a card and eight Rita Baldwin cards later, gives kisses and leaves.                                                                  
The phone is ringing.                                                    Spring at Chicken Bridge by Rita Baldwin
Magic
On a Monday
Sharon

Laura Davis "Bulldog" at the Joyful Jewel 6-8-14

"Bulldog"
Laura Davis
Acrylic on canvas, 30" x 24"
$650, Original

Another possibility for Father's Day.  This large colorful painting by Laura Davis would be nice for a rough and tumble kind of guy, who also has a heart of gold.  I have wondered how people choose the dogs they do.  Who would choose a bulldog over say, a golden retriever or yorkie?  Perhaps because he looked at you like this one, communicating a sweetness, beaming joy and friendliness from inside. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Laura-Davis.html

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Douglas Maccardini "Steam Bot" at the Joyful Jewel 6-7-14

"Steam Bot"
Douglas Maccardini
~ 7" x 6" Mixed Media Sculpture
$100

Thinking of what to get for Father's Day?  I think any Dad would love this "Steam Bot" by Douglas Maccardini.  Douglas built this piece on a sort of wagon with wheels that turn.  It has fins like a muscle car, a tall smokestack, brass wings, and fuel tanks.  The guy driving this Bot seems fully focused, intent on the ride.  It looks like he has a scarf blowing in the wind giving the impression that this baby is really flying down the road.  It will take many inspections and conversations to really discover what all the component parts are -- what fun to do as a family on Father's Day!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Douglas-Maccardini.html

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Connie Lineberry "Daddy Meets Aunt Bee in Siler City" at the Joyful Jewel 6-6-14

"Daddy Meets Aunt Bee in Siler City"
Connie Lineberry
51 page Book, $10

Here is a fun little book written by local author Connie Lineberry about one of our North Carolina treasures.  Written with humor and a bit of local lore from personal experience.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Connie-Lineberry.html

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Gerald Dukes "Great Horned Owl" Photograph at the Joyful Jewel 6-5-14

"Great Horned Owl"
Gerald O. Dukes
Photograph, 11" x 14" matted to 16" x 20"
$85

Oh, Gerald Dukes.  This photographic capture is riviting!!!  How could you possibly focus your camera with these intense eyes looking straight through you.  Not your usual portrait, Gerald -- no wedding party or squirming family, no graduation gown or business logo.  Grandness and power of another kind shows here, certainly heart-stopping engagement.

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

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Anna Kurtz - Inlaid Turquoise and Silver Necklace at the Joyful Jewel 6-4-14

Inlaid Turquoise and Silver in Ironwood
Anna Kurtz
$260

The saying "Love is in the details" must have been written about Anna Kurtz's work.  Meticulous inlays of finely shaped turquoise nuggets and sterling silver pieces have been made in ancient fossilized ironwood.  Anna says that, amazing as it sounds, the ironwood could be 1500 years old, having been gathered in the Saharan Desert where the climate preserved it.  I think Anna herself must be ancient because surely it took almost that long to do this exquisite work!  The small piece is an addition to the leather cord which allows quite a range of lengths for the pendant to hang -- just one of the extra details that Anna thinks to add.  I invite you to take a look at some of her other creations on her page on the Joyful Jewel website.  Click below.

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

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Jennifer Strickland "Fused Glass Bracelet" at the Joyful Jewel 6-3-14

"Fused Glass Bracelet"
Jennifer Strickland
Fused Glass including Dichroic Glass, Silver Plated Bracelet Cuff
$48

Blindingly bright in the sunshine, this bracelet by Jennifer Strickland is made from highly polished silver plate with a ripple effect to match the ripple of the glass that Jennifer created for the centerpiece.  This piece is dramatic in colorful Summer cool water tones and would look great with a sundress. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jennifer-Strickland.html

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