Willow Waves Art
Serendipitous Designs
Wearable art inspired by music, nature and love — hand-painted one-of-a-kind pieces by Jill K. Karkella.
Wearable original art
Music, nature, and love — in every piece
I'm a self-taught artist and creative spirit whose designs are inspired by music, the natural world, and love. I create wearable art in the form of jewelry and watercolor designs for apparel, and I hand-paint one-of-a-kind bags and clothing.
Right now, my studio is filled with a growing collection of Grateful Dead–inspired designs — offered as original artwork for framing, on hand-painted bags, and printed on t-shirts and other apparel.
Meet the Artist
Jill K. Karkella —
the heart behind the art.
My artwork is meant to create happiness and bring color and light into people's worlds.
Hi and welcome to my creative space filled with artwork celebrating music, nature, inspiration and good vibes. I'm a multi-media artist based in Philadelphia, PA — specializing in watercolors depicting the natural world and the music of the Grateful Dead and others.
I started out designing jewelry, and in 2011 began exploring visual art through illustration. Music has always been an integral part of my life, and my work is a fusion of the energy, vibration, rhythm, and stories of music and the peace and serenity of nature.
Jill K. Karkella
Artist & Founder
From the studio
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Hand-Painted Bags
One-of-a-kind messenger bags painted by hand — Grateful Dead–inspired designs, watercolor florals, and psychedelic scenes. Every bag is signed original artwork you can wear.
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Custom Commissions
Have a song, lyric, or moment in mind? Commission a one-of-a-kind piece — a hand-painted bag, jacket, or a watercolor original. We work together from sketch to finished piece.
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Watercolor Originals & Prints
A growing collection of watercolor originals and prints inspired by the Grateful Dead and the natural world — available as framable artwork and printed on t-shirts and apparel.
04
Inquire →
Handcrafted Jewelry
The jewelry practice that started it all — beaded, wire-wrapped, and one-of-a-kind pieces created with the same intention as the paintings. New pieces added throughout the year.
05
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Meaningful Gifting
Every piece ships wrapped and ready to give. Because you are supporting an independent artist, your gift carries the story of the hands that made it.
01
Inquire →
Hand-Painted Bags
One-of-a-kind messenger bags painted by hand — Grateful Dead–inspired designs, watercolor florals, and psychedelic scenes. Every bag is signed original artwork you can wear.
02
Inquire →
Custom Commissions
Have a song, lyric, or moment in mind? Commission a one-of-a-kind piece — a hand-painted bag, jacket, or a watercolor original. We work together from sketch to finished piece.
03
Inquire →
Watercolor Originals & Prints
A growing collection of watercolor originals and prints inspired by the Grateful Dead and the natural world — available as framable artwork and printed on t-shirts and apparel.
04
Inquire →
Handcrafted Jewelry
The jewelry practice that started it all — beaded, wire-wrapped, and one-of-a-kind pieces created with the same intention as the paintings. New pieces added throughout the year.
05
Inquire →
Meaningful Gifting
Every piece ships wrapped and ready to give. Because you are supporting an independent artist, your gift carries the story of the hands that made it.
New designs, new canvases, painted just for you.
A growing lineup of watercolor apparel, framed prints, hand-painted jackets, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Follow along on Instagram to see new pieces first.
Your song, your story, painted by hand.
Have a lyric that saved you, a memory you want to wear, or a gift you want to be truly one-of-a-kind? Commission a custom hand-painted bag, jacket, or watercolor original. We'll sketch together, choose the canvas, and I'll paint your story.
Most custom pieces take 3 – 6 weeks. Reach out any time.
A peek into my world
The full collection
No pieces found.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — every single bag is hand-painted by me, so no two are exactly alike. The bag you see is the bag you get, painted with love in my Philadelphia studio.
Bring wearable art into your world
Whether you have a custom idea, a question about a piece, or just want to talk about music and art — I'd love to hear from you.