Treats for the Sweet



Pretty in Pink



Our amazing local textile and beading artist, Janet Essa Elia, came by on this chilly winter day with a new selection of her very popular floral brooches which can double as hairpins, ornaments for a purse or belt, or even a sassy addition to the toe or heel of a perfect black shoe.  Like little harbingers of spring, they warmed us with their good cheer.  We are inspired to spread around the joy: 

Janet is a native of Iraq where for 15 years she owned and operated a well-known atelier in Baghdad, specializing in custom-made, beaded clothing and accessories. She left there in 2009 and has lived in the U.S. - here on Bainbridge Island - since then. All her designs are original, and employ traditional Middle Eastern methods. The decorative work is applied by hand, using needle and thread.



Red and Purple Gauze



During the rule of Saddam Hussein, when Janet established her business, it was highly unusual for women to own independent businesses in Iraq. In fact, it still is. Besides dressmaking generally, her atelier was considered to be the finest source of custom wedding dresses and bridal accessories in Baghdad, and attracted a prominent clientele. In Iraq, weddings are extremely important social occasions and tend to be very large. Wedding trousseaux, whether traditional or modern, are typically highly decorated.

Turquoise Layers

The jewelry and accessories Janet produces are entirely hand-made by her, and are inspired by the traditions of decorated clothing with which she grew up and by contemporary international design. Her work is sold in a number of Pacific Northwest galleries and she collaborates with custom couturier designers on wedding apparel, bridal accessories, and custom gowns. Additionally, she has been featured in numerous exhibitions in the Seattle area including the Seattle Bridal Show, the Red Dress Competition, the Seattle Metropolitan Fashion Week competition, and an American Cancer Society benefit at the Museum of Flight.  Janet also offers her line of purses and framed art pieces. 

Mindful that Valentine's Day is right around the corner, our Gallery Picks for February will feature gift suggestions (including several of Janet's new brooches) for that certain someone, or even a little something for yourself...

Pure Valentine Red!

For further information or to purchase one of Janet's pieces, click on the links beneath the photos or visit the Gallery's web shop at:
www.theislandgallery.net/shop/

To receive early warnings of sales, exhibitions and musical events, send us an e-mail:
sr@theislandgallery.net