Les Bijoux UNIK Jewels

There is no limit to the imagination of a true artist and Donald Long exactly personifies all the qualities of an artist. Unique, beautiful and dramatic – those are only a few of the words which describe the work of Donald Long in a series of pendants, neck pieces, earrings, charms, and key chains made from everyday items and pedestrian mediums transferred by Donald to become jewels that are one-of-a-kind treasures. Using only is imagination as a guide, Donald has produced tantalizing effects in aluminum, resin, exotic wood and various other metals such as copper and brass to produce jewellery accented by lovely bead work, cut-outs in metal, clear and coloured resin, glitter, and other found objects with the result that his pieces not only serve as wearable accessories but also works of art.

Donald Long is an interesting man. Multi-faceted, talented and personable, he has had a varied background, and career. A former psychologist in the District 1 NB school system, he is presently employed as a statistician at Université de Moncton. Donald’s craft is a great stress releaser as well as a vehicle for his own creativity, and is a hobby that has become a lucrative business as well. Donald has surprised both himself and his customer with the depth of beauty and appeal his pieces have engendered at the Marché Moncton Market.

Looking for a special accessing that’s destined to become a conversation piece? Or a gift for a family member or a friend? Contact Donald at 382-8260, cell at 851-1180, email at longd@umoncton.ca or visit the market on Saturdays and enjoy the unique vision of a true artist!

Greetings from Doreen Johnson

Doreen Johnson is a multi-faceted artist who deals in various mediums. A member of the Moncton Miniature and Doll Club for over 21 years, her talents are multiple and varied indeed. Her latest foray into the world of arts and crafts finds her creating the most beautiful greeting cards employing a range of methods and styles to arrive at some of the most specialized cards to be found in the Greater Moncton Area! Using some paper tole techniques, Doreen also makes cards from paper napkins; ornare or paper piercing; spirelli, which are die-cuts that are wrapped in various designs with coloured threads and decorated with small pictures; pergamano cards, which are made from vellum traced with nib pens; embossed and fancy cut using various tools; and stamped and sticker cards. Doreen also uses computer graphics, photography and scrapbooking techniques for her cards which are geared to any and all occasions and are gifts in themselves. "I’m always looking for new ideas," says Doreen, "and my many years at the Miniature and Doll Club have taught me to look beyond the ordinary to envision pieces made from everyday found objects and transform them from their humble origins to works of art." Doreen also makes a line of beaded jewellery that is unique, beautiful, and a joy to wear!

Doreen displays her art at local craft shows or by appointment at her home. An organizer of the annual Transport Canada Craft Show held in the lobby of Heritage Court, Doreen says, "This show began in 1985 by a Transport Canada employee to showcase the talents of their employees, retirees, and their families. "The fair is open to the public and is free of charge. This year it will be held on Wednesday, November 29, from 8 am to 4 pm. Drop by and experience the talents of the folks at Transport Canada. It’s a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping! "Transport Canada always supports needy families at Christmas time and proceeds from their table of baked goods go to help those in need," says Doreen.

For more information, call Doreen at 389-1047, email her at dljohn@rogers.com, or look for her at the Transport Canada Craft Fair. Send you best wishes to family and friends with a special handmade card by Doreen Johnson – it’ll not only delight them but it will, no doubt, become a treasured family heirloom in the years to come! Happy Holidays!

Voni Mann’s “Wild Things”

Voni Mann is an artist of limitless talent and a depth of imagination that is a delight to all who behold her extraordinary artwork. Under the moniker of “Wild Things,” Voni sells her lovely pieces at the Marché Moncton Market on Saturdays. Seek out her beautiful inventory of objects d’art made from nature – wreaths, shadow boxes, cards, angels, figurines, wall and window hangings, ornaments, brooches, and magnets made from maple keys or carrageenan pods, and bark enhanced with the flora of the fields to produce one-of-a-kind creations from the natural world. Voni’s birchbark angel is a joy, and can do double duty as a Christmas treetop or wine bottle cosy for your festive table. Her dried floral arrangements in a basket are simply lovely, and can suit any decor from a casual country theme to a more sophisticated setting. Ethereal, wispy, and magical, Voni’s maple key artwork is truly unique.

Voni is also an accomplished watercolourist. Her use of colour, texture, and light are expertly rendered to produce a line of framed prints and all-occasion cards that are truly special. Voni uses scenes from nature as in her “Broccoli and Buttons” card, or well-known area architectural details such as her “Assomption Cathedral, Moncton” card both featured here as examples of other fine natural and area scenes. Her views of the downtown area are colourful and lovely and will make a terrific greeting to send to family and friends on any occasion.

For more information on Voni’s work, call her at 386-3371, email her at vonimann@hotmail.com, or visit her at the market. Her items will be a welcome gift that’s sure to please. Happy shopping!