Bob Searles "Black & White Globe" ornament at the Joyful Jewel 10-30-14

"Black & White Globe" Ornament
Bob Searles
~ 3" diameter x 5" tall hand blown glass
$25

Bob Searles has hand blown this glass ornament which looks good enough to eat!  It seems to be filled with cottony threads and has a fetching black diagonal design of wrapped glass.  Bob has aptly named his business "Glass Explosions" and explains that his work is designed to be treasured for years to come.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Bob-Searles.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

Kimberly Godon "Golfer" at the Joyful Jewel 10-29-14

"Golfer"
Kimberly Godon
Iron and Old Rail Road Spikes
~ 12" x 12" x 12" Iron
$90

Is is mean to post a golfing picture on a weekday?  I hope not as this guy is sooooo ready to play, and surely you want to join him for a game before the time changes!

Kimberly Godon, the artist says: Spike art is made from railroad spikes, bolts, clamps and plates from the 'old gulf, NC spur' used in WWII for transporting iron and ore from local mines. The material is collected along the tracks on long walks. Years of force and pressure shape these pieces. I just put a form to them. Each piece is individually welded from the unique shapes.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kimberly-Godon.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

Susan Luster "Terra Cotta Fern" at the Joyful Jewel 10-26-14

"Terra Cotta Fern" Tray
Susan G. Luster
Clay with Copper Glazed Fern, 12" x 11"
$75

It is interesting to see how differently Susan Luster's fern work shows up on her new terra cotta pottery.  She usually works in white porcelain. The fern is done in copper glazing, the same kind as on the white but the imprint here is kind of a charcoal color rather than the green that shows up on the white.  The look is more organic than the more elegant appearance on white.  I think it matches the subject, quite handsome on its hand-formed slab.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Susan-G-Luster.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

Mariah Wheeler "Opal Beaded Bracelet" at the Joyful Jewel 10-25-14

"Opal Beaded Bracelet"
Mariah Wheeler
$45

Here is a piece of my own newest work.  This bracelet features a firy opal set with white seed beads and a 3-strand beaded chain of faceted auroa borealis crystals and glass beads.  The fancy clasp is sterling silver.          ~ Mariah Wheeler

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

Debbie Englund "Jack-o-Lantern" at the Joyful Jewel 10-24-14

Jack-o-Lantern
Debbie Englund
Ceramic, 6" dia. x ~7" tall
$22

Looking for something to keep your Halloween candy in?  Debbie Englund has made several of these cute ceramic Jack-o-Lanterns.  I especially like the crooked smile and asymmetrical eyes of this one, but as usual each piece of Debbie's work is unique so the others, just like in Debbie's Face Mugs, are difference sizes and with their own personality.

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

Orlan Johnson "Plum Burl Bowl" at the Joyful Jewel 10-23-14

"Plum Burl Bowl"
Orlan Johnson
~ 7" diameter, plum wood
$89

This organic-shaped bowl by Orlan Johnson was carved from a plum tree burl. Orlan says: "A burl is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner.  A burl results from a tree undergoing some form of stress. . . Burls yield a very peculiar and highly figured wood, prized for its beauty and rarity. . . ."  It reminds all me of the saying "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" - and I believe, in most cases it also makes you more beautiful! -- just as the injury has done for this piece of wood.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Orlan-Johnson.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 "Mona" at the Joyful Jewel 10-21-14

"Mona"
Marilyn Penrod
Acrylic on Canvas, 20" x 24", Original
$425

Beautiful, beautiful Mona!  I wonder if this is one of artist Marilyn Penrod's cats or one who is waiting for a home at the Goathouse Cat Refuge.  She looks at you with pensive, curious blue-green eyes as if to ask for a loving pet.  Or perhaps she is asking you to end your procrastination and paint some more red flowers!

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

Jan Dunn "Two-Faced Kitten" Basket at the Joyful Jewel 10-19-14

"Two-Faced Kitten" Basket
Jan Dunn
~ 6" diameter by 4 1/2 " high

$155

Perhaps the title of this basket, "Two-Faced Kitten" refers to the design or to a traditional basket-weaving technique.  I prefer to see it as just the basket for a kitten or two to climb inside and peer out.  The color of the basket is actually softer rich tans and browns than this photo.   Jan wove it with hand-harvested birch bark, basswood, wire, copper and waxed linen. Jan notes that the birch bark was harvested from both dead and live birch trees, was softened by soaking in water, and then dried and cut into strips.  This basket sits on four points at the bottom and is woven with loving perfection.

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

Rita Baldwin "Testing the Waters" at the Joyful Jewel 10-18-14

"Testing the Waters"
Rita Baldwin
Original Oil Painting on Canvas, 19 3/4" x 19 3/4"
$350

Let hair fly and dresses billow! I hope to have as much fun in the next few days at the beach "testing the waters" as these three in Rita Baldwin's sumptuous and fetching oil painting.  Rita has captured the breezy movement in the air and sky as well as the swishing movement in the water.  

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

Gloria Howell "Alpaca Neck Piece" at the Joyful Jewel 10-17-14

Alpaca Neck Piece
Gloria Howell
Alpaca Fleece & Felt with double snaps
$50

Gloria Howell is our newest fiber artist -- and what an artist she is!  This is my favorite, a neck piece that has been felted and needle punched with a playful spiraling design.  The fringe of alpaca fur shows the range of colors in the alpaca family that Gloria keeps - from gray to rich brown, and a range of creamy whites.  

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Gloria-Howell.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

Ron Thomas "Huey, Dewy & Lewy" at the Joyful Jewel 10-16-14

"Huey, Dewy & Lewy"
Ron Thomas
Watercolor painting, ~11 1/2" x 8" matted & framed to 16 1/2" x 12 1/2"
Original, $85

Ron Thomas is our very newest painter at the Joyful Jewel.  His watercolors and a few oils are of quaint farm scenes and of colorful town events and flowers.  Here is what he says about his art:

     I worked as an artist/illustrator for many years with Aero Space, Commercial Industrial Companies, and Research firms in the Baltimore-Washington area.  I paint for my own pleasure and it’s been 50 years plus of fun.

    My approach to watercolor painting is simple ”Just Have Fun”.  Once you learn how the water, paint, and paper react to one another… the fun begins.  Using quality paints, good paper, and clean water makes for marvelous happenings.  Watercolor painting is more pleasurable and forgiving then it’s reputation.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Rob-Thomas.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

Carol Sclove - Resin jewelry at the Joyful Jewel 10-15-14

Resin Jewelry
Carol Sclove

Carol Sclove has thought of something completely new to make in addition to her intricate beaded crystal ball earrings.  This jewelry is of resin and with many colorful inserts that sparkle as if lit from within.  What will she think of next!!

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

Kate Ladd "Sunflowers and Asters" at the Joyful Jewel 10-14-14

"Sunflowers and Asters"
Kate Ladd
Acrylic on Canvas, 8" x 16", Original
$110

I think of sunflowers as Fall flowers and asters definitely are.  We could use this color on a rainy day like today.  Thank you Kate Ladd for bringing us the sunshine!

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

Rachel Bass "Two Stars" necklace at the Joyful Jewel 10-11-14

"Two Stars" Necklace
Rachel Bass
Sterling Silver

I don't know what Rachel Bass had this in mind when she created this cozy Two Star necklace, but today I am posting it in celebration of the right of same sex couples to marry in NC!

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

Diane Ness "Art to Wear Long Vest" at the Joyful Jewel 10-10-14

  

"Art to Wear Long Vest "

Diane Ness

Batik and Layered Cotton

$700

This "Art to Wear" piece designed, cut and sewn by Diane Ness is a unique and interesting style with an Oriental feel.  There are three layers of fabric, that Diane has arranged and sewn then meticulously cut strips on the top pearlescent green layer to show the black liner underneath.  The closeup shows the batik piece and handmade ceramic button in the middle.  A great mix of elegance and fun, truly a style statement, this piece would be great with a pair of black leggings and simple black sweater.  It  could be worn most anywhere and will fit most sizes. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Diane-Ness.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

Sarah McTeer Ogburn "Miz Meg's Very Bee-Zee Garden" at the Joyful Jewel 10-9-14

"Miz Meg's Very Bee-Zee Garden"
Sarah McTeer Ogburn
8" x 11" Signed and Numbered Giclee print
$98

Here is a woman who loves her plants, rejoices in juicy ripe tomatoes, brings the birds she has rescued/nurtured outside to let them go, and who wears the colors of perfectly ripe citrus fruits.  She is someone to get to know and to emulate - just like the artist who created her, Sarah McTeer Ogburn!   

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Sarah-McTeer-Ogburn.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

Emma Skurnick "Buffalo with Fan" at the Joyful Jewel 10-8-14

Buffalo with Fan
Emma Skurnick
Watercolor and Mixed Media, Print , 14" x 11"
$25

Interesting content, Emma Skurnick.  This painting with all the fierceness and power of a wise and gentle-giant buffalo -- and he is standing next to a household fan!  I know there is a story here.  Is it that this guy is blow drying his beard, getting ready for Halloween's costume party?  Do tell Emma . . .

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Emma-Skurnick.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 Double Spiral Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 10-7-14

Double Spiral Earrings
Laura Seymore
Fiberboard, metal, glass beads, copper earwires
2" from top of earwire to bottom of dangle
$25

Laura Seymore, aka Elle, always seems to go beyond what is expected, adding value and charm to what she has already made so beautiful and making it even more surprisingly stunning.  In this case, Laura has placed a double spiral of sterling silver hammered wire on the front of these earrings giving even more dimension to the layers already evident in the sparkly-painted fiber core and the intricately wrapped wire and copper horizontal centerpiece.  These are hung from copper wire along with two kinds of freshwater pearls.  Nice job Laura!

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

Forrest Greenslade - "Fearrington Barn" at the Joyful Jewel 10-4-14

"Fearrington Barn"
Forrest Greenslade
Framed Original Mixed Media Painting on Board, 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" framed to 8 1/2" x 10"
$75

Here is another well-known local scene by Forrest Greenslade.  It is Fearrington Barn, a place many of us have visited for poetry & book readings by favorite authors, for ChathamArts big yearly party with Tommy Edwards' Bluegrass Experience, and many other events.  Forrest has captured the charm of this place before it was updated from it's earlier rural barn existence and gives us the sweet reflections of shared histories in short term and long term memory.

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

Emma Skurnick "Bynum Front Porch" at the Joyful Jewel 10-3-14

"Bynum Front Porch"
Emma Skurnick
Print of Water Color painting, 14" x 11"
$25

It's Friday and would be time to get over to Bynum -- except Bynum Front Porch Music Series is over for the season.  DG & I sure enjoyed it.  This saucy painting by Emma Skurnick can remind us of the many good times had by all.  And help us to remember there are other things going on in this place, such as Bingo and bluegrass pickin' -- and hopefully there will be another Friday night music series next summer.

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

Orlan Johnson "Purple Heart Platter" at the Joyful Jewel 10-2-14

"Purple Heart Platter"
Orlan Johnson
13 1/2" diameter, Heartwood
$175

Heartwood - Wow!  Orlan Johnson brought even more life to this purple bowl truly honoring the tree it was.  I do appreciate art that can be used but in this case, I think it best to mount this piece on the wall so you can appreciate every whorl highlighted by the expert sanding and finishing and the round perfection of the circle and curve.

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