Permission is the cornerstone of J9Joy. It’s about the freedom to explore your creativity fully. It’s about turning off the critic in your head and dismissing the idea that you have to be perfect in order to create something perfectly wonderful. That’s why my art is so diverse and varied.
Recycling, upcycling and nature are often part of my process. Bottles, jars, cans, lamps, lampshades, old sheet music, magazines, newspapers, clothes, linens, books, frames, etc. are given a new, beautiful, and lasting life. It’s important to reduce what we send to landfills. In addition to upcycling the things we use at home, I thrift, go to garage sales, use and share on local boards. Natural elements have already fallen or are harvested sustainably. It’s tremendously gratifying to see the joy these renewed and reimagined pieces bring to others.
Embracing creativity, making beautiful things, giving old things new life, and inspiring others are the essence of this adventure. Join me!
"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." — Leonard Cohen, Anthem
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"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." — Leonard Cohen, Anthem 〰️
These lovely ladies needed a title befitting their elegance. Using my mom’s old sheet music for the background, they had to be Divas. Each Diva’s name is also musical in some way. The silhouette is the starting point, and from there it’s all about bringing out her beauty and style.
Music is made in so many ways, and one of my favorites is the sounds of birds and nature. These birds give wings to my mom's old sheet music.
Music adorns the world. In a tribute to the beauty music brings to us, with these pieces music adorns the music makers.
In creating the Lumieres and the Book Vase, there is often a slice left over from the book that was cut to mimic the shape of a lamp or a vase. Using a quilling tool, these thin strips become something delicate. Curves and curls are the stars of these pieces.
All of these bouquets are made from a Beethoven score in C Minor. Some of the pages have small notes in pencil made by my mom.
The shape of the vase drives the creative decisions here. Then it's the background and the flowers in equal measure.
Lumiere is French for light, which is an important part of these pieces. The inspiration for these always begins with the background. It determines the color palette and the theme of the piece. Then the fun begins, as I get to choose the trims and the embellishments, and get to work putting it all together.
Thrifted frames and chicken wire are a perfect structure for these beauties. They bring sparkle and shine to any window, and come in a variety of color pallets.
"A jack of all trades is master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one." — Robert Greene
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"A jack of all trades is master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one." — Robert Greene 〰️
These were developed from a deep need and commitment to finding a way to repurpose the beautiful cobalt blue bottles from my favorite wine. Eventually, I expanded to green, brown and clear bottles, some of which come from our favorite local watering hole and restaurant (big shout out to Blue Palm!). Holes are drilled into the bottles to facilitate air flow – and that was a game changer. The embellishments make each bottle unique, while finding your favorite scent expands the beauty to the entire room.
Thank you is beautiful in any language. In Hebrew, it's Toda Raba! Each of these is a lovely way to thank someone in the Jewish community —Rabbi, Cantor, Teacher, family, and friends.