From simple bands to intricate, delicate pendant necklaces, J Bliss Studios jewelry has a distinctive feel; shapes and etching and settings are precise and yet somehow feel organic. You’d never mistake it for anything mass-produced. You can feel the touch of trained and reverent human hands; the pieces look as though they come with enchantments hammered and smoothed in, bringing health and joy to those who wear them. Joanna Bliss crafts heirlooms.
When crafting a custom piece, Joanna works with love and intention, whether bringing new life to a treasured family piece or creating something from scratch.
Her talent is a legacy. Her mom taught art, and Joanna developed her own creative sensibilites early in her life. From the age of fifteen—first at Kingston High School and then at SUNY New Paltz—Joanna knew she wanted to work with stone and metal, and has never looked back.
“Every piece, whether one-of-a-kind jewelry or artwork, has a story, and working so intimately with customers, we get to connect with them and be a part of it.”
Jared, the other “J” of J Bliss, grew up in Dad’s design studio and filled notebook after notebook with sketches—some realistic, some fantastical—full of almost-real creatures and whimsical worlds. The two have known each other since seventh grade, but didn’t become close until they reconnected in early adulthood.
“We met at a diner to catch up and we haven’t wanted to be apart since,” says Jared. “We just had to be at the right point in our lives, I guess.”
Joanna had been doing craft fairs since her high school days; minoring in businness at SUNY had equipped her to think realistically about opening herown store one day. Once she reunited with Jared, she realized right away that their works, as well as their personalities, were a good fit.
“The first event we did together was Celebration of The Arts in New Paltz in 2010,” says Joanna. “For the next six years we continued doing this work on the side, growing and learning our business. In 2016, we both committed full-time to our business, becoming J Bliss Studios in May, and opening our own shop that August on Tinker Street in Woodstock.”
The location was a logical choice. “Woodstock has a history of supporting art and artists, which draws many people who appreciate them,” says Jared. “There’s an enthusiasm for artist-owned-and-operated shops. Joanna has worked in Woodstock since she was 16, so she’s familiar with the community and the customers. Also, we are the only jeweler in town with a shop that offers repairs or custom work made on-site.”
“ Since everything is handmade, no two pieces are alike, so there is always something new and exciting to discover with each visit. ”
–Jared Bliss, co-owner
“ Sustainable practices are important to us, so we work with recycled gold and silver, harmony diamonds, and heirloom stones.” ”
Both Joanna and Jared grew up in Ulster County and find it a nurturing place for their art. “We especially love the natural beauty,” says Joanna. “And living in a community that has an appreciation and understanding of the arts is important to us. The region has been inspiring and supporting artists for centuries, and we love being a part of that story!” And the region loves them right back. “People who have an appreciation for art and locally handmade items enjoy coming into the studio,” says Jared. “Most are locals or part-time residents, but we also serve tourists, and we have some customers that travel specifically for us. It’s important to us to be accessible to locals and have pieces at a variety of price points.” As Joanna and Jared were preparing to open their shop, the couple worked on a business plan with Ulster County’s Small Business Development Center, a program that provides free coaching for young entrepreneurs. They knew that they had something special to offer. “With one of us always in the shop, customers work directly with the artists creating their work, and can see the studio where it is made,” says Jared. “Sustainable practices are important to us, so we work with recycled gold and silver, harmony diamonds, and heirloom stones. We’re always creating new designs, expanding our range of work. Since everything is handmade, no two pieces are alike, so there is always something new and exciting to discover with each visit.”
When crafting a custom piece, Joanna works with love and intention, whether bringing new life to a treasured family piece or creating something from scratch. “We offer our own designs and often create customized versions of them for our customers; we’ll also work with clients to create entirely new designs to suit their needs,” she says. “I often work with a customer’s old jewelry and heirloom stones to redesign them. We join in the excitement of new couples starting their journey, or the reflection of those who have lost a love. Bringing new life to heirloom pieces can be very emotional. We’ve helped those looking to commemorate a moment in the past or present, and families who are reconnecting at a tender moment. Every piece, whether one-of-a-kind jewelry or artwork, has a story, and working so intimately with customers, we get to connect with them and be a part of it. Nothing is more rewarding than sharing these beautiful and emotional moments with our customers!”
“We also love being able to work together, whether it’s side by side on independent projects or collaboratively,” says Jared. “As partners in life and business, as well as best friends, being able to work in the studio together is truly special.” His pen-and-ink works and art objects seem to spring from a nearby planet in the same enchanted universe, at once whimsical and deep.
With a one-year-old son and a two-year-old studio on Tinker Street, the couple still finds time to enjoy Hudson Valley living to the fullest. “We love being in nature, as well as watching nature documentaries about the wonders of the world—especially David Attenborough’s,” says Jared. “Joanna has always been passionate about community and connecting with others around her, especially those involved in the arts. I studied literature and philosophy in school, and being an avid reader informs my art. I’m especially influenced by science fiction, notably Ursula K. Le Guin, and my book collection could be described as expansive.”
“Having a baby a year after opening a business, we’ve needed to play to our strengths and carefully balance our time,” says Joanna. “It’s been a challenge, but the business and the baby are both growing steadily! We like being able to do a little bit of everything; having different types of work to do keeps things fresh and can help prevent creative blocks. We also both enjoy being able to work directly with our customers.”
“Having a baby a year after opening a business, we’ve needed to play to our strengths and carefully balance our time,” says Joanna. “It’s been a challenge, but the business and the baby are both growing steadily! We like being able to do a little bit of everything; having different types of work to do keeps things fresh and can help prevent creative blocks. We also both enjoy being able to work directly with our customers.”
As the future unfolds, expect an ever-expanding array of unique and lovely pieces. “We hope to expand our fine jewelry line,” says Joanna. “We often make gold pieces to order, but want to expand the number of designs we have in gold in the shop. And Jared has been creating more art objects, like matryoshka dolls and exquisite blocks, and plans to have more in the near future, such as ornaments.”
Each summer, the couple plans to hold a Studio Celebration with new works and refreshments; for 2019, they want to add live music. But don’t wait for summer. Make J Bliss Studios part of your next Woodstock weekend; the studio is open Thursday through Monday, just down the alley at “Lotus Lane” off Tinker Street. For a sneak peak, feast your eyes on JBlissStudios.com, and follow @JBlissStudios on Instagram to see the very latest.
J Bliss Studios
39a Tinker Street, Woodstock
jblissstudios.com
@JBlissStudios | 845-514-9820
