Joan Claire's Philosophy
Joan Claire, the artist
Joan Claire has been sewing since the age of six when she began making clothes for her Ginny doll. She used scraps of material found around the house. In high school, she started making her own clothes from patterns she made on newspaper. She briefly studied fashion design but found her calling in the field of health and human services. In college she made custom wedding gowns and mother of the bride ensembles, while working part time in a hospital. She found working with future brides was often more stressful than enjoyable which just reinforced the service field choice she had made.
Now in retirement, Joan Claire is having fun making beautiful things for us and our home. The thing she liked best about custom gowns was the creativity and hand sewing. Now she uses that creativity and imagination to please herself. It was through her family and friends' encouragement that she began to sell her pieces. She produces things as simple and colorful as wall switch plates, to elaborate detail orientated, 3D Wall Hangings. Hair barrettes and pins are smaller versions of how she uses color and materials to create fun pieces. Due to popular demand, she recently added wreaths to her collection. She uses fabrics, textiles and notions of all kinds, in these creations. Just as she used scraps of fabric as a child, one small piece of fabric can be the inspiration for a large wall hanging. The results are colorful, whimsical, 3D eye candy to accent your wardrobe or dress up your walls and doors..
Joan Claire's Artwork makes you Smile
Envision balloons floating in the air in bright cheery colors that will make your granddaughter smile. How about feathers and black lace to set the mood in your bedroom? A pink paisley plant always starts a conversation. Yes, paisleys grow on a plant, in Joan Claire's world! Even flipping on your light switch in the morning will bring a smile to both young and old.
100% Handmade Artwork made by Joan Claire
Joan Claire uses fabrics, notions, and whatever embellishments she can find that will give her work the signature look that catches the eye. Most of the work is hand sewn. Borders and backings are usually machine stitched. Detail, from start to finish, is paramount when Joan Claire is creating decorative items for your home. She wants you to have a lasting piece of art and hopes you will experience something new each time you see your wall hanging.
Come meet Joan Claire
Joan Claire hopes to have a small gallery set up this summer where you can stop by to have an up-close look at her creations. Whether visiting Cape Cod, Newport, RI or Boston or Providence, Joan Claire's workshop is a short drive away.
50% of Profits Go To
50% of Joan Claire's wall hanging profits will go to MASS General Hospital Research for Movement Disorders.
