Sallie Bell’s Monkey Puzzle is back – this time at the ferry landing

For four years Orcas Islanders and visitors bought one-of-a-kind, custom-made jewelry and clothing designed by local artist Sallie Bell at her Monkey Puzzle shop in Eastsound. When the shop closed, Bell continued to create for shows on Orcas and in San Francisco, New York and Mill Valley, and create wearable art for her loyal base of national and local clients.

Two weeks ago, she opened the new Monkey Puzzle store at the ferry landing in the space that used to be the Orcas Village liquor store.

“It’s fun being at the ferry landing,” Bell said. “I am meeting fascinating people from all over the world.”

Monkey Puzzle sells Bell’s distinctive vests, jackets and jewelry, but she has added unusual gift items, art and antiques to the shop’s wares. In the small space she has artfully arranged Kandis Susol’s paintings, candles, soaps, martini sticks, pima cotton t-shirts, lamps, pashmina shawls, Beppa jackets, hats with the Monkey Puzzle label created by Nature's Art, chocolate monkeys from KT chocolates and the work of several other designers to tempt shoppers.

Bell’s creations use gems, stones and all manner of metal accent bits from throughout Asia to create her distinctive-looking pieces. The clothing lines, made from natural fibers and dyes, have a contemporary Asian design theme. She says that recently she has branched out to designs that are a “little bit less Asian.”

“I am looking for a casual elegance that provides warmth,” Bell said. “A little bit dressy but a little bit casual. I have been working with fresh water pearls and different length strands for the jewelry. With the clothing I have been doing reversible jackets using embroidery and fleece.”

The award-winning designer has started a less expensive jewelry line using cords and pendants.

“Everything I carry can be done in a different color, size and fabric and with different stones, jewels and designs,” Bell said. “I work with people to create their own custom pieces.”

In an interview with Ornament magazine Bell recently talked about the Buddhist influence on her work.

“Jewelry has an incredibly strong spiritual aspect,” Bell said. “And when people have the courage to wear it, it makes them feel good because of that spiritual aspect, whether they are aware of it or not.”

Monkey Puzzle will be offering 10 percent off select items on July 9 when it holds a joint opening with Russell’s Landing from 4 to 7 p.m. Bell’s work will be on sale at Crow Valley’s downtown location in August for two weeks.

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