Eclectic Joy Design

Thank you to the MANY friends and family who sought out my Quilt-On-A-Stick art (featuring my daughter, Emma) at the Minnesota State Fair! You will all be getting a special little something in your snail mail box soon. 😘

Not a “Loser’s Lunch” but instead a “Those Who Try” lunch! See caption on IG 😄

My friend Kris Livingston and I got together for a celebratory “Those Who Try” lunch, to salute our Quilt-On-A-Stick art that didn’t win at the @mnstatefair. And then we went to see more art at the @cafesjianarttrustmuseum ! Do art-celebrate art!

MN FAIR-GOERS! If you see my quilt-on-a-stick in the Creative Activities building, snap a selfie with it and tag me at and I’ll send you a snail mail thank you for your mailbox!

My sweet friend, Kris, told me about the MN State Fair “Quilt-On-A-Stick” competition—and I was inspired! The theme is Fair Foods. So I made this of my daughter, Emma, holding a birthday-cake-on-a-stick (with beaded sprinkles!) 🎂

I created this memorial quilt for my friend who lost her husband (who was also my friend). She wanted to have a lap quilt made from his favorite bathrobe.

It was a unique challenge to use fleece! I didn’t have enough fabric in the robe to match the stripes 😏 but was happy to be able to include a pocket. My friend loves grey/black/white tones and didn’t want a punch of color, so instead I created a focal point in the center of the flower with French knots. (The pattern design is “Winter Blossom” by ).

Creating this piece and other memorial quilts are truly holy moments for me.

The Library of Congress has just acquired the Stephen Sondheim collection—but they don’t have THIS!

“Patrick GOLD Mahomes”

Portrait quilt of Kansas City Chiefs MVP quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. He has a daughter named Sterling and a son named Bronze, but this proud papa is GOLD on the football field AND off. His foundation, 15 and the Mahomies, was established to improve the lives of children. What a positive force in football and philanthropic life!
Machine quilted with hand-embroidered details.
13.5” x 9”
Quilt artist: Joy Donley

The work of my friend Nate Stromberg was my inspiration for diving into portrait quilt art. Read about his amazing journey here! 👇🏼

The Making of a New Lucasfilm Art Installation with Artist Nathan Stromberg The Minnesota-based artist was commissioned to create a unique piece for Lucasfilm’s San Francisco headquarters.

I applied to the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Competition with my portrait of MN Vikings receiver, Justin Jefferson. Just got word that it didn't get accepted from the 2,800 entries. Sorry, - it would've been great to see you among the art at the !

“Justin…for the Win”

Portrait quilt of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. Machine-quilted and hand-embroidered details.
10”x12.25”
Quilt artist: Joy Donley

“Sunday in the Park with Sondheim”

Portrait quilt of musical theatre composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim. Inspired by the song “Sunday” from the musical “Sunday in the Park with George,” I chose colors mentioned in the lyrics (blue, purple, yellow) and a speckled fabric that echoes the pointillism of artist Georges Seurat, the character on which the show is based. The quilted lines are in the form of a musical staff as if the composer is peeking through.
16.5”x9.5”
Quilt artist: Joy Donley