Larry Favorite "Turquoise & Ironwood Vase" at the Joyful Jewel 7-30-15

Turquoise and Ironwood Vase
Larry Favorite

Just one of the exquisite wooden vases by our newest artist, Larry Favorite.  This one is intricately inlaid with turquoise and has an undulating curvy shape. There is a sense of inner peace emanating from this vase.

so it's not surprising that Larry says about his work "I derive my greatest satisfaction as an artist from the sheer joy of doing -- of being at one with the wood and releasing the beauty that is within. I love the challenge of looking at and listening to a piece of wood and letting it reveal to me what it should become.  I have a tremendous sense of inner peace about my life and my work, and hope each person who touches a piece of art I have created can feel this in the work itself."

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Larry-Favorite.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

AlexSandra Lett "Timeless Recipes & Remedies" book at the Joyful Jewel 7-29-15

"Timeless Recipes & Remedies: Country Cooking, Customs, and Curses"
by AlexSandra Lett
Book 

AlexSandra Lett’s third book, Timeless Recipes & Remedies, Country Cooking, Customs, and Cures, captures the enticing aromas and delicious flavors of favorites ranging from hard-to-find recipes from a country kitchen in the 1920s to modern culinary creations. The book also explores common sense cures from Grandma’s cupboard and healing aids from Grandpa’s country store. Readers will feel the love in these stories about family, friends, food, and folklore…after all, love is the most important ingredient in all recipes and remedies. The book’s humorous anecdotes and amusing reflections encourage readers to honor their family’s heritage and community customs and recall memories of home, sweet home.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/AlexSandra-Lett.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

ZamBamBoogee cd of original music at the Joyful Jewel 7-28-15

ZamBamBoogee
Music cd

Should have put this cd by Zambamboogee up for National Dance Day last Saturday because it is THE best dance music.  Also, music for your intellect and fun-loving spirits.  Susanne Saunders mellow yet gritty voice is heard throughout along with Joey Howell who solos as well as harmonizes and plays amazing guitar.  Bruce Saunders with his bass, Scotty Young's harmonica, and Travis Cohn's drumming hold it all together with their expert beats and riffs.  My favorite is a song by Joey Howell, "Ellipitical" which talks about Pluto coming to town and has amazing space like sound and lyrics -- space like the paintings I have Joey create!  And when you are ready for quiet reflection again, just gaze on the captivating artwork on the cd cover.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/zambamboogee.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

Florence Johnson "Windows" at the Joyful Jewel 7-25-15

"Windows"
Florence Johnson
Watercolor

A new style using the same materials, "Windows," comes from Florence Johnson's prolific and vast creative reserve.  Most likely this is a scene from one of her international travels.  Can you guess where?  The media is watercolor with India ink.

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

Jewelsong "Everything Real" cd at the Joyful Jewel 7-22-15

"Everything Real"
Jewelsong
cd

We so love Jewelsong here at the Joyful Jewel!  There is nothing so refreshing and deeply inspiring as their music.  Most of their music is originals and certainly is the case with this cd, "Everything is Real."

Jewelsong is Farrunnissa Lila Rosa, Sofianna Sue-Anne Solem, Marilyn Grubbs and Betsy Bickel. The first three started singing and arranging songs together at a beach retreat in 2002. They were joined a year later by Betsy. They have gradually added instruments and their own songs to the mix. Their music expresses their spiritual inspiration, joy in the beauty of nature, concern for the state of the world and hope for the evolution of humanity with a little free advice thrown in for good measure. They are located in the triangle area of NC.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jewelsong.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

Anna Kurtz necklaces and earrings at the Joyful Jewel 7-19-15

Inlaid Necklaces & Jewelry
Anna Kurtz
Ironwood, Sterling Silver, Turquoise

Here is a lovely new selection of truly exquisite jewelry from Anna Kurtz.  She has carved and hand cut intricate shapes of flowers, dragonflies, ginkgo leaves,  and more out of Sterling Silver or Turquoise and polished them to a mirror finish. And then meticulously inlaid these pieces, some tiny tiny, into groves she has carved or sliced into ancient wood.  Anna says that some of this ironwood is over 2,000 years old!  The wood was gathered from fallen trees in the Saharan Desert.  These pieces are from a master artist.

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

Kathleen Hannan & Friends "Seen & Unseen" cd at the Joyful Jewel 7-17-15

"Seen & Unseen: Songs from the Light of Midlife"
by Kathleen Hannan & Friends
cd

A favorite cd of many Joyful Jewel patrons -- and includes some of them singing with Kathleen Hannan as in "& Friends"!  Kathleen's voice and the power of these timeless lyrics illuminate more than the title "Songs from the Light of Midlife" might describe.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Kathleen-Hannan.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 "Bamboo & English Lavender at the Joyful Jewel 7-14-15

 Bamboo in two paintings
by Vangi Cathcart
Sumi-e Watercolor

A common subject in Vangi Cathcart's specialty of Sumi-e painting, Bamboo stands for Summer and symbolizes strength and flexibility.  Bamboo is so strong and flexible that it can blow over in the wind and spring back up when the storm has passed.  These qualities are ones that Vangi herself epitomizes!

For these paintings, Vangi painted with strong strokes in Sumi-e inks without hesitation. In accordance with historical teachings, she painted the stalk first, then the leaves, and finally the branches.  Light and feathery-yet-bold texture are features of these striking bamboo paintings on the whitest of rice paper.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Vangi-Cathcard.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

Jody Jameson "Orbit" necklace at the Joyful Jewel 7-10-15

"Orbit"
Jody Jameson
Woven necklace of glass beads, metal and 2 plastic beads
$65

Jody Jameson likes to give her jewelry great names -- this one is "Orbit" -- perfect!  About her work, Jody says:  I am inspired by colors in nature, the grey skies of winter, the sunsets in the fall and vivid flowers during spring and summer.  I sketch many ideas on paper although many finished pieces are not what I originally drew.  Some jewelry designs come to me in flashes, things I am driven to make, to “get out of my head”!  Other pieces have taken me literally years to execute, sitting and waiting for the next idea or next step in the process to finally finish the design.  It amazes me how jewelry has been one historic constant in the world.  People of all ages and cultures have adorned themselves and find importance in wearing jewelry.  I am honored and thankful to be able to express my creativity through something that can be seen adorning another person!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jody-Jameson.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 Art" at the Joyful Jewel 7-9-15

"Alpaca Neck Art"
Gloria Howell
Alpaca with bead adornment

I know it's hot but so is this fabulous alpaca neck piece by Gloria Howell!  Gloria's art is made from the shearing of her friends -- and that must feel soooo good to them during this hot weather.  Here is what she says about her work: All items are handmade and use alpaca fleece in some form. Some items are knitted or crocheted while others are 'needle punched'. All of the fleece has been sheared, washed, and carded by me. Some of the fiber has been sent to a mill for spinning. The 'chunky' single play yarn has been spun on a drop spindle by me. We consider our items wearable art. Many thanks from Lyric, Kay, Marissa, Silkie, Lluvia, and Sizzle.

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

Jennifer Hendrix & Laura Schmitt "Oscar" book at the Joyful Jewel 7-8-15

"Oscar"
by Jennifer Hendrix and Laura Schmitt

We each write a piece as it flows out from inspiration, and pass it back and forth. However, Oscar reads as one voice. We don't know how each story will unfold and what Oscar will be getting into until we write it. Bill Colt, the illustrator for Oscar, is an amazing artist who uses mixed media to create these beautiful illustrations with texture and depth. You have to see for yourself!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jennifer-Hendrix.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

Allison East "Wise Guy" at the Joyful Jewel 7-4-15

"Wise Guy"
Allison East
Yarn & Such

Here is a guest for today's Independence Day picnic. I named him "Wise Guy" because every picnic, every family, every gathering needs one.   He will keep an eye out for any unwanted guests and bring you an extra smiling "Whoop" during the fireworks.  Thank you to Allison East for this wise bearded protector!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Allison-East.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

Tim Smith "Laid Back" at the Joyful Jewel 7-3-15

"Laid Back"
Tim Smith
clay

I think this guy is taking a day off! - like many of you on this Friday before Independence Day.  I recommend, and Tim Smith does too, to spend a few minutes of it being "Laid Back!."

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

Ralph Earle "The Way the Rain Works" at the Joyful Jewel 7-2-15

"The Way the Rain Works"
by Ralph Earle
book

I have been reading Ralph Earle's beautiful-to-look-at newly published poetry book.  He described the first half of the book as a meditation, a way of coping with his divorce.  Although my own divorce was long ago and I have been happily married now for over 20 years to DG, I found myself reliving the heart break through Ralph's words.  In a few well crafted stanzas Ralph tells a story: "No matter how often we start the story differently, it ends the same: water flows" . . . . .  "hinting at something I do not grasp: the gap between what is described and what is lived" . . . . . "How can this be the place we watched minnows play the sandy inlet" . .  . . .  "If I could, I would stitch my hand to her wrist, stitch it with pine needles" . . . . .  "There is no word for the way that water clings to leaves when the sun reinvents itself out of the broken storm" . . . .

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Ralph-Earle.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

Carolyn Hutchison "Yellow Hair" at the Joyful Jewel 7-1-15

"Yellow Hair"
Carolyn Hutchison
wood, metal & plastic sculpture

Carolyn Hutchison began making these wood faces after she retired from being Chief of Police in Carrboro.  This one is a favorite of mine, using the yellow strands from a plastic bag.  What fun!

Carolyn: I enjoy 'making faces' using materials that would otherwise be landfill-bound: broken tools, rusty pieces and parts, unidentified objects found in the street, old wood, etc. If I see eyes, noses, mouths, and other facial features in these items. I think of my work as 'facelifts'--faces lifted from the world/environment. each piece is one-of-a-kind.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Carolyn-Hutchison.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