Stocking Stuffer Ideas

From L to R: Heart Nesting Bowls by Red Hot Pottery $15 - 25
Ceramic Pins by JoAnn Aquinto $12 | Zumbar Soap $6.50
Fish Bottle Openers by Sarut $ 15 | Penguin Ornament by Mary Dixon $22

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Christmas Tile - Gretchen Kramp


Fused Glass Ornaments - Jo Ellen Kladzyk


Snowman Tile - Jo Ellen Kladzyk


Angel Tile - Sligo Creek Tile Co.


Christmas Tree Tile - Terrapin Tile

Mary Iverson

The Dancing Eye Gallery now features the colorful and quirky artwork of Detroit artist Mary Iverson. Paintings range from $38 - $75

"Dottie" pictured above

The Diva Pen

The Metro Diva is a fashionable pen made just for women. This smooth writing pen is a beautiful hand crafted piece and makes a great gift for the divas in your life.

The band of the cap features genuine Swarovski Pink Rose crystals and an attractive Swarovski Pink Rose crystal charm suspended off the cap end.

Girls Night Out | 11.13.2009

This Friday, November 13th, grab your favorite gal pals and head to Downtown Northville for a night of shopping and fun!

Girls Night Out will be taking place from 6-9pm. Ladies can meet up at The Sports Den starting at 5:30 to check out the merchants list and see what fun events are planned for the evening. Discounts, giveaways, cooking demonstrations, messages and more are to be taking place. Each purchase made during Girls Night Out will also snag you a chance to win one of three gift baskets filled with merchandise and gift certificates from downtown Northville business'.

After your evening of shopping head down to Pooles Tavern for the Afterglow Party.

NEW! - Wool Accessories

These brightly colored wool accessories by Starks are a perfect way to accessorize this chilly Michigan winter. Unique cuffs ($22) and adorable pins ($14) help to brighten up your winter ensemble.

NEW! - Purse Hangers

Tired of having to set your uber trendy bag on the ground when you and your friend are out to lunch? These handmade purse hangers from MaJenta Designs allow you to easily keep your bag off the floor by hanging it on the side of the table.
Many stylish designs and bright colors to choose from.

Available Display Pieces

The gallery is selling off some of it's unique display pieces to make room for more sweet handmade merchandise. If you are interested in any of the pieces below please contact the gallery for availability and prices at 248-449-7086

Halloween decor an easy transition into fall - The Detroit News

Halloween decor an easy transition into fall
By Jeanine Matlow
From The Detroit News

As the leaves begin to change to brighter hues, it's your cue to follow suit inside your home. Combine your favorite Halloween finds with some fall-themed accents to stretch your decor through the end of November.

Theresa Schierloh, owner of Dancing Eye Gallery in Northville, says Halloween has become one of the most popular holidays of the year for decorating.

"People go all out in this historic neighborhood," she says. "It's like Mardi Gras. It's crazy."

Though she says most of her customers buy Halloween-themed items for themselves, the store's signature tiles, made by local artists, make the perfect hostess gift for anyone having a Halloween party.

"Halloween segues into Thanksgiving and fall decorating in general," Schierloh says. So, while an orange tile with a pumpkin motif may be in sync with October, the same theme in off-white or brown will last through the end of autumn.

Some customers collect witch-themed tiles, while others prefer the classic black cat.

"People who like cats tend to like the cat theme for Halloween," Schierloh says.

Beaded tile stands or easels make it easy to transition from one holiday to the next, while twig stands add texture along with a nod to nature.

For the quintessential centerpiece, a ceramic vase by a local artist looks like a carved pumpkin. Featuring a lovely leaf motif made from Michigan leaves, the quirky container can be filled with flowers or Halloween candy.

Schierloh also carries Pashminas and ponchos in ochre, orange and black that do double-duty as table coverings or throws. Sometimes all it takes is a splash of color to convey a seasonal theme. Leaf trays, typically used as ring dishes, become candle holders for the occasion.

Terra-cotta pottery, which is often associated with summer, has been a popular choice lately, Schierloh says.

"Now people are thinking of it more in terms of fall colors," she says.

This is the season to engage the senses.

"People really notice scents during this time of year," Schierloh says. A fall-inspired candle is a rich addition to your seasonal decor.

Other original offerings include a decoupaged box shaped like a coffin and a decorative purse covered in vintage Halloween cards. The purse can be used for display purposes or as a grown-up goody bag for trick or treating. Bracelets and pins by the same local artist can be incorporated into your decor. The $5 pins make great napkin holders and party favors for your guests, while the $10 bracelets can hang from branches alongside orange star ornaments. For those throwing a Halloween bash, bone chillers are little ice cube trays that allow you to make ice shaped like skulls and crossbones.

So, what is it about Halloween and fall decor that's so appealing?

"The weather forces us to be indoors," Schierloh says. "Since we're spending more time inside, we want to change it up, make it fresh."

Lastly, she says, "We're burning candles, making our rooms look nice and smell nice, and we kind of want to bring the outside in."

Yes MichiCAN Trunk Show - Nov. 6th

From Yes MichiCAN:
Looking for something to send a loved one living out of the state for the holidays? A shirt with a message about our state might be the answer and will be a gift that will keep on giving back here in Michigan. Two local Northville women created a few slogans to help lift the spirits of Michiganders this summer and are using the messages to help unemployed workers. Don’t Mess with the Mitten and MichiCAN slogans are being sold on t-shirts in stores throughout the Metro Detroit area. “People walk by the t-shirts and stop and smirk and turn back around to take another look,” said Terri O’Brien. Lisa Burnia says people definitely react when they see the shirts. “People walk by and they know exactly what it means and get a smirk on their face and a look of pride comes over them. Everybody is proud to have grown up here and want to stay and raise their families here in Michigan.”

Burnia says the idea was not to just sell shirts, but to create a sense of pride. They are donating part of the money they make off the sales of the shirts to Schoolcraft Foundation, Gleaners Food Banks and Bridgepointe, three organizations that are helping unemployed workers.

New fall colors will be available at the trunk show on Friday, November 6th. We hope you'll join us during downtown Northville's First Friday.

First Friday Trunk Show

Join us on October 2nd, during downtown Northville's First Friday, for a trunk show featuring Detroit Jewelry artist Shionne Designs. She will be selling a unique array of jewelry, including her popular Icon line, from 6 to 8pm.

Get Spooky!

Halloween is just around the corner and the Dancing Eye Gallery is all set to help you get spooky. We have everything from seasonal tiles and jewelry made by local artists to ice cube trays that create skull & crossbone shaped ice. Have a happy Halloween!

Clockwise: Pumpkin trivet from Fired Up, necklaces from Lisa Ackley,
decoupaged trinket box by J. Bullion, pumpkin tile by Marilyn Appleman,
skeleton witch tile from Elaine Caine

Northville Victorian Festival

It's time once again to dust off your pantaloons and top hats for the 2009 Victorian Festival!

Journey back through time to a simpler era with a visit to downtown Northville's 20th annual Victorian Festival on September 18-20. Experience the art, history, and romance of the 1800's amid Northville's historic downtown district and tree-lined streets.

The Festival begins with the traditional parade on Friday at 6:30pm and continues throughout the weekend. The streets will be closed to automobile traffic as townspeople, artists, and business owners turn back the clock and transform themselves into a Victorian Village complete with period costumes, storytellers, magicians, musical entertainment and demonstrations. Ryde Park features rides for kids and the Victorian Saloon offers entertainment for adults.

Visitors can also enjoy a unique shopping experience in the many establishments in Northville, old-fashioned games, and food booths. Victorian Teas and Fashion Shows take place on Saturday and Northville's own historical village, Mill Race Village, will host activities on Sunday. The Festival is hosted by the Northville Chamber of Commerce and celebrates the town's special heritage.

Fox 2 - Made in Michigan and the Dancing Eye Gallery

Icon Jewelry from Shionne Designs

The Dancing Eye Gallery is now carrying the Icon line of jewelry from Detroit's own Shionne Designs. Her line features glittery pins and earrings featuring pop culture icons like Audrey Hepburn, Wonder Woman, Kermit the Frog, Michael Jackson, Betty Page and many more!

New Michigan T-Shirts

These T-shirts were created by Lisa Burnia and Northville resident Terri O' Brien to help boost the morale of Michiganders, especially those effected by the auto industry meltdown. A percentage of the sales from the shirts will be donated to local charities that help unemployed auto workers with food, shelter and college fees.

"Maybe MichiCAN will mean I support Michigan businesses, or I can volunteer at the soup kitchen, or I can go back to school," Burnia says. "We wanted to be the first to say 'I CAN help' and we decided that our idea could help some of the laid off workers get a fresh start and stay right here in Michigan."

The shirts are available in both mens and womens sizes.

Sandy Fisher Trunk Show | August 7th 6-8pm

Friday, August 7th jewelry artist Sandy Fisher will be having a trunk show at the Dancing Eye Gallery from 6-8pm. Sandy creates stunning one of a kind necklaces, bracelets and pins using bits and pieces from a variety of antiques and photographs. The trunk show will be taking place during Northville's First Friday.

Hot Picks

1. Hummingbird Feeder by Barb Yerace - $48 2. Wooden tile stands by Tripar - $4 3. Bird Tile by White Horses Clayworks - $32

New Tile from Sligo Creek Tile Company

The Dancing Eye Gallery has just received a slew of new tile from Sligo Creek Tile Company.

Dogwood - 5" x 5" - $25

Sligo Creek Tile Company is owned by Lynn and John Hume. They design and produce handmade, high-fired, porcelain and stoneware tiles in a wide variety of glazes. Their tiles are suitable for interior or exterior installations, or they can be displayed on the wall, as most are notched on the back for hanging

Two Cats - 4" x 8.25" - $32

Archangel Raphael Tile - 3.5" x 6.5" - $24

Snazzy Gifts for Grads

In search of unique gifts for the recent graduate? We've got you covered!


Guarenteed to make their work areas a little less boring. Chicken tape dispenser by Sarut $17

Trout stapler by Sarut $18


Bring some organization to their dorm with funky message boards by Cherie Haney. Message boards come loaded with a notepad, magnets and pen. Various styles and sizes available! $30 - $130


For those on the fast track to success snag them their first business card case. Each case is made of aluminum and features colorful accents that are both fun and professional. $28


A perfect gift for the dorm or apartment dwellers. There is a hidden set of screwdrivers in the handle of the hammer, and the screwdriver features interchangeable heads. $12 - $15

Something Sweet is in the Air

The gallery has just received a fresh batch of delicious Votivo candles. Since its inception in 1994, Votivo has built a worldwide reputation for high quality home fragrances and distinctive packaging. Each Votivo product is a culmination of care and commitment to detail. Each candle is hand-crafted. Each tissue is hand-wrapped. Each pewter seal is hand-pressed. Each candle is specially made. At the heart of every Votivo candle is a unique fragrance meticulously formulated and layered to reflect depth, richness, and complexity. Our candles are famous for their ability to quickly fill a room with wonderful fragrances. As one of the original domestically made luxury candle lines, Votivo passionately pursues excellence in the art of candle making.

We carry over 15 different fragrances that are guaranteed to make your nose happy. New scents include Clean Crisp White, Tuscan Olive and Honeysuckle. We're also stocked up on favorites like Red Currant, Pondicherry Sandalwood and White Ocean Sands.

Summer Friday Night Concert Series

It's time once again for the Friday Night Concert series to come to downtown Northville. Each Friday (May 29th - Aug. 28th) from 7-9pm the Town Square will host a different free concert from a local musical act.

May 29th - NHS Jazz Band Local jazz students

June 12th - Lady Sunshine & the X Band Motown/Soul
June 19th - Shawn Riley Band Top 40 Hits from Yesterday & Today
June 26th - Gia Warner Motown/Rock & Roll

July 3rd - Randy Brock Group Detroit Blues
July 10th - Mass Transit Top 40 Hits from Yesterday & Today
July 17th - The Kris K Band Rock & Roll/Americana
July 24th - Soul Academy Detroit Soul Review
July 31st - Fifty Amp Fuse Metro Detroit's Premiere Party Band

August 7th - The Millionaires Big Band, Swing & Pop
August 14th - Redhill Detroit Country
August 21st - Oak Pointe Contemporary Musical Review
August 28th - Steve King and the Dittilies Top 40 Hits

For more information please visit the Northville Parks & Recreation website.

Hot Picks! - June

Sushi Trays by Marlene Galperine
Perfect for serving any type of hours d'oeuvres at your next housewarming, shower or graduation party.
Assorted sizes and colors $36 - $42
Picked by Janine


Sandy Fisher Vintage Collage Jewelry
Sandy combines different elements, such as keys, buckles, photos and spoons, dating back to the late 1800's to create unique, one of a kind, pieces.
Necklace features paste diamonds (1890's), rhinestones (1940's) and glass pearls from Japan (1930's) $150
Picked by Susan


"Just Right" Magnet Board by Cherie Haney
The perfect gift for the grad in your life who needs to make their dorm a little snazzier. Boards come with memo pads, magnets and a magnetic pen.
Loaded "Just Right" Magnet Board $74 (other sizes & styles available)
Picked by Theresa

Getting to know Karryn from Part of the Heart Jewelry

My name is Karryn Mahle. I live in Novi and have loved living in Michigan my 40 plus years (oh no! I am old! wink) While Michigan has been "home base" ... I have traveled the world. The wanderlust attacked me at the young age of 15, when I went to Australia with Musical Youth International. I love to sing. My voice was the conduit to a "whole new world." Australia being the genesis of what then launched me to embark on wonderful adventures. That experience was the key that unlocked my passion for travel, piqued my curiosity regarding other cultures, inspired me to work harder - so I could take time and TRAVEL. To see the various countries was incredible .. to actually meet the locals and truly learn about "their" life was amazing to me. I went to MSU and have a degree in Speech Pathology ... yet, never worked a day in my life in the field. Isn't that how life so often happens? You start down one path and you find yourself on another.

swarovski & sterling earrings - $32
I actually "fell" into jewelry. I have always been creative and yet it wasn't until working with cancer patients that I combined one passion (travel) with a soon to be other (jewelry).

In my late 20's I was working in Radiation Oncology, at Providence Hospital. I was seeking to find what I wanted to do with my life. College was done - yet, I knew Speech Path wasn't for me. It was while working with the cancer patients that I discovered and began my quest of jewelry design. The patient's courage while fighting for their lives - ignited within me a will to live my life fully. I truly was blessed to be working with cancer patients. Those people ,I met, made an impact on my life/my heart in such a way that I will never be able to describe - nor will I ever be able to thank them for their gift to me. I was dabbling with jewelry when we decided to do a support group for the patients ... let them experience the 'fun' ... take their mind off their cancer for a few hours .. expose them to something new .... Well, that was the intention - however, in the end - the patient's hated the beading (it was too tedious to say the least) - I was completely bitten by the creative bug.

swarovski earrings - $34
I began creating jewelry in 1995 ..I would burn the candles at both ends .. working with cancer patients during the day and creating at night. I got very little sleep. Yet, when you are ensconced in your passion -- you don't realize the time that is passing. I began to sell to those I worked with, did home parties, internet sales, art fairs, and then started selling in boutiques/galleries across the U.S. and Internationally. I could no longer burn the candle as I was ... it was taking a toll on my life. It was in June of 2001 that I left 17 years of "security" to follow my passion. There I was .. I took the leap .. no fear ... just excitement ... I was going to create and sell my jewelry ... what could be more exciting?

Life is funny ... 2 months later I was diagnosed with cancer. What a strange turn of events ... I was now being tested on a level that I never thought I would face. Thankfully, the cancer was caught early and I am cancer free to this day. While my health has been very rough over the years, making it difficult to work for months at a time, I still have the desire to keep touching lives. Ironic how my jewelry became therapeutic for me and it allows me to still touch loves.. What I once offered to others to help them through a difficult time was now helping me.

swarovski & sterling bracelet - $65
My art is expression of my soul .. my passion ... hope .. overcoming any challenge ... empowering. Nurturing the inner spirit ... expressing one's self/soul. My pieces aren't about buying into what mass media tells you what you should be, but about finding a piece that speaks to the individual and echoes their personality. I believe that jewelry can influence the way you feel; it can say and mean something different to every wearer.....

My creations are from my heart. The energy, the love, my passion are all wrapped up in every treasure I create. Whether it be a semi-precious or precious stone (ahhhh), a piece of hand blown glass, incredible Thai or Bali silver,or the amazing Swarovski crystal ... it's not that I have a design planned when buying the beads. Quite the opposite .. it's as if the stones speak to me .. I am drawn to beads and when I touch them .. feel their energy ..I see a design in my mind. I know to some ... this may sound like "freakish" .. but, those of you who know what it's like to be in your element and to feel the excitement bubble up within you .. can appreciate what I am trying to say.

glass & swarovski necklace - $45
My work station is a complete and utter mess .. yet, it's a colorful, yummalicious mess! .. Amazing beads! My studio is my haven.

Unfortunately, I have been very ill for the past few years. I literally died in March 2006. My health has taken me on a journey of sheer depths .. but, may I say .. there have been many moments of unbridled and earth-shattering joy. Blessed am I to be able to turn to my jewelry for comfort. Not only is it my livelihood - it's what makes my heart beat. It has gotten me through my darkest of moments.

To be able to touch a life with my jewelry means everything to me. On my earring cards .. I have words that express my love for life, for art, for the moment. I have a story card that is enclosed with every purchase ... sharing the story of how Part of the Heart came to be and what Part of the Heart truly means. I am continually asked ... Do you still love creating? My answer: Absotootinglootly ... I am amazed that after 14 years I am still lucky to be following my heart. My designs are forever changing ... it's part of my journey ... the creativity is telling it's own story. I just appreciate 8 years ago - the leap of faith I took - to follow my heart.

swarovski, stone & sterling necklace - $100
As I create for the first time in almost a year .. you will see the changes in my creations... influenced by the journey I have been on ... I hope to take some classes in the future .. to further enhance my lines ... I would love to learn to work with metals more and I am sure once the door of soldering and molding silver opens up to me ... look out .. the possibilities are endless for what I will birth.

Believe in yourself and it's amazing what you can achieve!

Devour life! Don't waste a moment!

Share a smile , take a moment to breathe in life, cherish those around you and be grateful for the opportunity to touch a life.

xo Karryn .... (FINALLY, back in the studio ...creating ... WAHOO!!!)

glass earrings - $30

Unique Display Cases for Sale

The Dancing Eye Gallery has some of our unique display pieces from our Walled Lake location for sale. Click on the thumbnails below to see full size images and information on each piece. If you are interested please call our Northville location to inquire about prices and pick-up availability - (248)449-7086.