Handmade Silver Jewelry by Jo

A new Wellness Center and Spiritual Oasis has opened in Phoenix called Storm Wisdom.  It’s on the SE corner of the 51 Freeway and Shea. 

Great place to relax, look for beautiful handmade gifts by local artists! My  work can be seen in the jewelry display.  Barry also has some awesome wood turned bowls and pens on display!

While there, check into taking some classes including some given by Katherine Metcalf (well known and highly esteemed Astrologer and Tarot Reader, Teacher at Paradise Valley Community College etc), or make an appt to get a tarot reading.  Look at or buy some art work, (talented artist and healer Maggie Terry Viale has some amazing pieces there) and visit some amazing crystals normally seen in museum settings.  Great people, great place.  Ask for Charles or Ruthie and tell them Jo sent ya!

Come see my jewelry on April 18th, 10-4pm, at Angels Serenity Art Walk!!  Small show, great art, music, and fun! Greenway and Tatum, South-East Corner by Safeway!

Come to the Art Fair at Katherine Metcalfs from 11-4 on Feb 8th.  This will be held at 1221 E. Winged Foot Rd., Phoenix 85022.  There will be other artists, including jewlery, paintings, crystals for sale, etc and you can also get a tarot reading!  Jewelry by Jo and Woodturned Bowls and pens by Barry will be available!  Come, relax, and have a great time!

Come on down to the Flagg Gem and Mineral show at Mesa Community College-Southern and Dobson.

We’re set up on the Southwest corner of the show…look for the Big Gray Prevost Bus

and our OdorZout trailer.

Happy New Year!  Hope you all have a prosperous and healthy new year! Upcoming shows for my work include:

Jan. 2nd Open from 6-10 pm First Friday at Tilt Gallery in Downtown Phoenix.  For directions: Visit www.tiltgallery.com.  Come and visit while looking at great photography and art from LOCAL ARTISTS.  Friendly people, relax and stay a while!

Jan. 9-11, 9-5 pm Flagg Gem and Mineral Show:  Mesa Community College. Look for the big gray Prevost Bus!  For you gem and mineral collectors and rockhounds, a nice small show with great vendors.  Google Mesa Community College for directions to the campus.  Oldest running show in the valley for Gems and Minerals.

Feb 8th 11-4 Art Fair for Valentines Day at Kathy Metcalfs.   Mapquest 1221 E. Winged Foot Rd, Phoenix, 85022. for directions.  Lots of great artists will be there, plus Tarot Readings, Angel Readings, and discount prices on Astrological Compatiblity charts.  See www.katherinemetcalf.com to make appts for readings. Relaxed atmosphere and lots of fun.

Feb 14th 10-4   Angels Serenity Art Walk located on the southeast corner of Tatum and Greenway, between Safeway and Walgreens.  Come and shop with local artists, visit the store.  They usually have great musicians playing while you shop.  Come and hang out in a casual atmosphere for a great time.

Went to the MacFest in downtown Mesa yesterday and set up our booth of jewelry.  Along came two people from the show and awarded me the first MacFest Blue Ribbon ever given to a jeweler in a show for excellence in my work and my booth!  They also wanted me to know that one of the “secret jurors’ was a jeweler himself and very picky about picking a fellow jeweler!  With over 50 artists there, from woodturners, painters, other jewelers, glass artists, etc, it was quite an honor to be chosen.

Dichroic Glass was originated by NASA for the space program.  Dichroic glass has a fine film of metal fused to the surface of the glass which gives it amazing sparkle and pizazz.  There are many, many patterns and colors.  Dichroic glass is absolutely one of the most intriging mediums from which to make jewelry.

Although it may look like something easy to make, it takes a lot of practice and knowledge to put the pieces together.  Most of the Dichroic jewelry you see has anywhere from 2-4 layers of glass, but may have even more. 

You must pick the layers carefully; color, textures, surface of the glass, types of glass must be compatible, and chosen to co-exist to form a beautiful finished product.  Carefully cut by hand and then layered together, they await to be fused (melted) together in a kiln.

The glass is carefully fused together in a kiln brought up to over 1600 degrees for hours, and then left overnight to cool.  If done correctly, pendants made of fused glass may be made into stunning pendants, earrings, rings, etc.  It can also be made into larger plates, trays or dishes by designing pieces of Dichroic glass into other types of glass.  Once again, adding sparkle to a eye-catching piece of art.

Well, it’s official…it’s finally written in Lapidary Journal’s (the bible of jewelry makers) newsletter, a ”Goldsmith” makes jewelry-size pieces; a “Silversmith” forms big pieces used for function, such as teapots, gravy boats, etc.  So, I’m officially a Goldsmith!

Come show your support for a diverse group of talented local artists and their quality handcrafted items, on Sunday Dec. 14th from 9am until 2pm.  Great gifts for yourself, friends or family!!! Stop by for unique handmade gifts. . Phoenix, AZ 85022 7th ST to Coral Gables (between Greenway and Thunderbird-Circle K at the light)West on Coral Gables 4 blocks to Hana Maui and turn North Proceed to the end of the second block.

15626 N. Hana Maui Dr

 Lots to choose from-BUY LOCAL!  BUY DIRECT!

I’m coming out with a line of fine silver earrings that are adorable and very reasonably priced.  Check this site after the weekend and you’ll be able to see some great holiday gift ideas.

Tilt Gallery will be open this Friday night for Third Friday   Make sure to stop by and see my jewelry and Barry’s pens & bowls.  See www.tiltgallery.com for directions.  Great spot to hang out and enjoy nice people.

If Saturday is open, come on down to 1221 E. Winged Foot Rd (n of 7th Street and Thunderbird (east on Hearn) for a Metaphysical and Art Fair this Sat  Nov 22nd, from 11-4.  Should be a good time with lots of fun things going on.  This is the home of Tarot Reader Extraordinaire Katherine Metcalf.  Check out www.katherinemetcalf.com to read about Kathy.