Chelsea O'Connell "Cicada" at the Joyful Jewel 5-29-14

"Cicada"
Chelsea O'Connell
Framed Piece with Mounted Cicada and Info Page
$28

Chelsea O'Connell, lover of insects and Entomology college student, has mounted this one on what looks like a textbook page and framed it in a glassed shadow box.  I can read part of the page and have learned that we can expect to hear the most common types of cicadas -- those with 2 - 4 year cycles -- in July or August.  Certain other types though we may be hearing now in May and June.  Have you heard them?

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Chelsea-O'Connell.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

Julie Purcell "Moulkaite Jasper Prayer Beads" at the Joyful Jewel 3-27-14

"Moulkaite Jasper Prayer Beads"
Julie Purcell
Mixed Jaspers with fiber tassel,
101 Beads, ~ 40" plus Tassel

Julie Purcell has made this Tasbih in a traditional manner: 9 sections of 11 beads = 99.  When praying with them, if you count the spacers at 33 you have 101.  If using as a Buddhist mala, you count all 8 spacers and the bead next to the tassel for 108. This prayer bead necklace is substantial with relatively large ( probably 10 mm) smoothly round beads in several types of Jasper.  The spacer beads are also Jasper but they are smaller and oval.  There are two 1 1 /2 inch Jasper pieces in the necklace too.  The large center bead of Moulkaite Jasper is exceptionally beautiful and faceted in an octagonal shape.  Beads of this size are easiest to handle and you can really feel the weight of each bead in your hands.  When wearing these malas as a necklace, the weight and length makes the tassel swing joyfully.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Julie-Purcell.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 "Barn in Birches" at the Joyful Jewel 3-19-14

"Barn in Birches"
Florence Johnson
Watercolor with India Ink, 23" x 17", in frame with mat 28 1/2" x 23 1/2"
$130, Original Framed

Let this snowy peaceful scene be the last reminder of Winter just before Spring Equinox arrives this week! The white on the birches sparkles and pops even more in the sunny Spring as the trees grow, bursting their seams.  I'm ready for this kind of purposeful growth and leafing.  Aren't you?

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

Sheila Fleming "Bliss" at the Joyful Jewel 3-15-14

"Bliss"
Sheila Fleming
when open 4 3/4" x 4"
$38

This sweet altar to Love by Sheila Fleming includes just enough words to convey the message of "Live Laugh Love", surely the path to "Bliss" which is the title she gave the piece.  To further illustrate, Sheila says on the card in a quote from Sri Chinmoy:

To make oneself 

Every day

An object of total

dedication

&

surrender

is the highest form

of bliss 

The altar is a magnet and made from a recycled Altoid box.  Inside the little envelope are tiny poems with titles  "A Prayer of Oneness," Healing Chant," and "Cherished Prayer" to pull out and read whenever you need more inspiration in achieving "Bliss."

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

Bonnie Franklin "Baby Face" Luxury Soap at the Joyful Jewel 3-9-14

"Baby Face" Luxury Soap
Bonnie Franklin

This beautiful soap by Bonnie Franlin deserves to be called Luxury Soap.  "Baby Face" is a loving balm for the face and body.  Ingredients are knowledgeably selected by Bonnie to be good for the body as well as the mind and spirit.  Baby Face contains Saponified virgin Olive Oil, coconut oil, Shea Butter, calendula, almond oil, Roman Chamomile and light floral oils.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Bonnie-Franklin.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 Strickland "Fused Glass Specialties" at the Joyful Jewel 3-8-14

"Fused Glass Specialties"
Jennifer Strickland
Necklace, Glass Nail File, Bookmark, Pill Tin and Embellished Bobby Pins
$8 to $38

Our newest artist, Jennifer Strickland, creates a fine variety of fun, beautiful and useful items out of her fused glass. There is sparkly jewelry - earrings, necklaces and bracelets.  The photo above includes a necklace with silver plated setting and elegant omega chain.  A pill tin opens easily yet latches securely closed.  It is easy to carry in your purse along with the nearly indestructible glass nail file which comes with it's own fabric carry case.  Jennifer has even made a bookmark and embellished bobby pins!     

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Jennifer-Strickland.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 "Necklace & Earring Set" at the Joyful Jewel 3-3-14

Necklace and Earrings Crystal with Glint
Rachel Bass
Czech Glass Crystal and 14K Gold Filled Wire and Findings
Earrings $38, Necklace $78

Rachel Bass made the earrings and necklace to match in a soft milky blue crystal with bronze glint.  The curvy 14K Gold Filled wire brings out both colors of blue and bronze perfectly, and gives a playful movement to the pieces.  Rachel is one of those artists whose work is so perfectly and precisely made that even a simple design is a real work of art.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 "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

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

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

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

Beth Bale - "Elephant III" at the Joyful Jewel 12-7-13

"Elephant III"
Beth Bale
6" x 6" Watercolor on Aquaboard, Original
$36

Beth Bale's elephants were the first thing I knew about her fabulous skill in painting with watercolors and acrylics.  It impressed me so much that I looked until I found her and invited her to have her work at the Joyful Jewel.  This new, sweet, small piece on aquaboard of a young elephant would have done the same -- totally wins my melting heart!

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

Lisa Garber "Poinsetta Earrings" at the Joyful Jewel 12-4-13

"Poinsettia Earrings"
Lisa Garber
Sterling Silver Wire & Findings, Origami Paper, ~ 1" x 1"
$28

Perfect for this time of year, Lisa Garber of Senba Designs has designed poinsettia earrings with extended petals of sterling silver.  They also resemble tiny pinwheels formed with intricate origami folds. 

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Lisa-Garber.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 - "Buttercup Breakfast" at the Joyful Jewel 11-25-13

"Buttercup Breakfast"
Forrest Greenslade
Acrylic on Board, 11" x 14", Original
$250

Looking for a little warmth on this cold cold day?  Forrest Greenslade remembers the fields of buttercups and how welcoming they are, a promise for next Spring of this other-kind of brightness.  Today our brightness comes from clear cold and even bluer skies.  This scene of a Belted Galloway feasting also reminds us of Thanksgiving and all we have to be thankful for - feast on!

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

Yvette Poole "Garnet Spiral & Crystal" Necklace at the Joyful Jewel 10-20-13

Garnet Spiral & Crystal Necklace
Yvette Poole
Sterling Silver Chain Maille, Garnet Gemstones, Crystal Drops, on Leather Cord
$72

Sooo pretty Yvette Poole!  Dangling and jangling just under the chin, this delightful necklace sparkles.  Yvette's spirals are perfectly formed and integrated together, so that her pieces actually drape even though they are made from hard substances -- Sterling Silver and Garnet gemstones with iridescent Glass Crystal teardrops!  Amazing I think.

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

Erin Dail "Crochet Wire & Millefiori Bead Necklace" at the Joyful Jewel 10-4-13

Crocheted Sterling Silver Wire & Millefiori Bead Necklace
Erin Dail
Sterling Silver Wire & Findings, Glass Beads, 18"
$69

A cool combination of icy and lacy, this stunning necklace by Erin Dail, features her amazing crocheted sterling silver wire and a choice selection of handmade millefiori glass beads.  This necklace is a bit on the longer side and hangs just below the collar bone.  The style and colors will look good on anyone and really enhance any outfit.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Erin-Dail.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