Beth Shaffer - "Flowers + One Bird House" at the Joyful Jewel 1-22-14

Flowers + One Bird House by Beth Shaffer

Beautiful flowers recycled and rearranged to match the bright sunshine of this day.  Perhaps they and the cute birdhouse -- and Beth Shaffer who made them -- are certain that Spring will come.  However just a mere opening of the door reminds me that it is still Winter.  I want to experience making something so colorful and cheery with both realities in mind like Beth does.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Beth-Shaffer.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

Marty Broda "Gaia Spirit Stick Variety" at the Joyful Jewel 1-16-14

A variety of Gaia Spirit Sticks by Marty Broda

Marty Broda lives close to the land in a life full of integrity and grace.  You can tell this by the components and details of her art work, as well as by talking with Marty.  Gaia Spirit Sticks are made with care and with intent.  Each component, and there are between 10 and 30 of these in most pieces, is listed with the meaning Marty associates with it.  In this photo are Gaia Spirit Stick wall hangings, Dream Catchers, and the top of one Walking Stick.  I always take a deep breath when entering the room of the Spirit Sticks and say a prayer of gratitude for Marty and her work, and for the pieces of nature that Marty has recycled into these works of art.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Marty-Broda.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 "Infinity Cowl" at the Joyful Jewel 9-29-13

"Infinity Cowl"
Donna Cassidy
One Size Fits All Crochet Scarf
Bamboo, Rayon, Silk, Nylon, Acrylic Yarns
$40

Donna Cassidy must have thought about these cool Fall mornings and evenings when she created this snuggley Infinity Cowl.  It can be arranged on the body: to warm the shoulders, close around the neck, pulled up to cover the bottom of the ears, or draped saucily down the front.  The fibers include luxurious silk, versatile acrylic, sheen of rayon, durability of nylon, and the contemporary chic of bamboo.  The colors, various shades of blue with a slight tinge of green and also of purple, ensure that this piece complements a variety of clothing.  Adding both warmth and style to the softness of the myriad of yarns, this is sure to be a favorite. 

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

Rosanna Johnson "Fire Lotus" at the Joyful Jewel 8-22-13

"Fire Lotus"

Rosanna Johnson

6" x 6" Acrylic on Canvas, Original

$35

      Ohhhh Rosanna Johnson, you have painted my favorite flower in a vibrant and firery orange, appearing even more pulsing with life than the fragrant white ones I love so. This lotus evokes the passion behind the quiet meditation.  Both passion & quietude are potent symbols, and beyond the mask of color or non-color, they have the same "thousand-petalled" layers and the same connecting-with-all soul inside.

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

Pam Epperson "Owl Bowl" at the Joyful Jewel 8-8-13

Owl Bowl

Pam Epperson

Pottery, 7" diameter x ~ 4"

$24

     In this flecked oatmeal colored bowl, Pam Epperson has created the perfect bowl for your morning oatmeal.  The flecks on the outside mimic the look of seeds and raisins within.  This wise and wide-awake owl will do as much as the coffee to bring bright-eyed cheer to the morning!

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Pam-Epperson.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 Bowl" at the Joyful Jewel 8-1-13

"Plum Bowl"

Orlan Johnson

Plum Wood, Preserving Oil, ~ 6" diameter x 2"

$38

          In this truly striking bowl Orlan Johnson created from aged plum wood, he has brought out uncountable variations of colors, brown, rust, yellow, copper and many more.  The stress of a well-lived life shows in the veins, indicating character and strength.  Reminds me of how the wrinkles of a weathered old man or woman show these things so poignantly. Grateful celebration of this kind of life fill the bowl to overflowing!

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

HP Pelzel & Sandra Boyd Pelzel "2-Piece Collander" at the Joyful Jewel 7-28-13

"Two-Piece Collander"
HP Pelzel & Sandra Boyd Pelzel
Pottery, ` 8 1/2" diameter x 4 1/4" + Tray
$35

          The Pelzels have created a bowl perfect for blueberries or other fruit.  You can wash the fruit right in the bowl and let the water run out the sieve, then put the bowl on it's tray to catch any extra drainage.  And, how beautiful the blueberries or red cherries will look against the creamy green of the bowl!  There are even handles to so you can pass the bowl around the table, or easily bring it out to the patio for a romantic evening with your sweetie. Such joy from a utilitarian piece of art!

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

Sharon Blessum "Pittsboro Hat" at the Joyful Jewel 7-26-13

Pittsboro, NC Hat

Sharon Blessum

Adjustable Adult Sizes, 100% Cotton

$15

Who loves Pittsboro?  I love Pittsboro.  Do you?

Wear this hat with Sharon Blessum's beautiful photograph of the Chatham County Court House in all it's new glory.  Send one to your college-bound son or daughter to remind them of where they came from.  Take one home to your husband after your trip to North Carolina so you'll remember where to bring him back to.  Hang one on your hat rack to admire.  Oh, and, use this hat to shield you from a blindingly sunny day or, on a cloudy day, and to protect your glasses from the rain. 

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

Roberta Kraitsik "Infant Hat & Booties" at the Joyful Jewel 7-23-13

Infant Hat and Booties

Roberta Kraitsik

100% Cotton, Knitted by Hand

Hat $18, Booties $15

      Can't you just imagine the comforting cuddle of this hat around a sweet tender newborn's head!  Almost makes me want to be born again just to feel this :)  Roberta Kraitsik must love babies as well as her knitting to design these comfortable, durable, softly stretchable, washable wares.  I wish every baby could have some of these.

http://www.joyfuljewel.com/Roberta-Kraitsik.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