New Creations!

Been awful busy making new creations for the coming holiday season--using up fabrics from my stash!  I love using my fabrics!  Here are a couple of crayon aprons that I enjoyed making:

and then I have been making more holiday coaster sets:

I've had a lot of fun.  

What have you been up to creatively?

Textile Art - New items

I recently created some new items for my Abigail Jayne Art shop.  I love working with textiles, trims and buttons, so this wrist cuff was a natural thing for me to do:

Great addition to that black outfit in your closet!  Listing

I also love hand embroidery and flowers!  I embroider while relaxing in front of the TV in the evenings, so this is the latest result of my creativity.  It is available in my shop.

Cosmos are some of my favorite bedding flowers!  Listing

And this new item is also newly listed in the Abigail Jayne Art Shop.

Like my model?  Listing

I carry kits for these necklaces in my Supply Shop, and I am sure that someone you know could probably do an awesome job of creating with one of my basic kits.  Add feathers, beads, trims, stitches, who knows what . . .????!!!!

What are you creating today?

Just for fun!

Sometimes I get bored and stuck, so for a little change of pace, I sit down with some creative "stuff" and try my hand at something different.  I did this some time back.  I never shared with you, I just kept all the "enjoying" to myself!  So I thought I would share a little of my creativity with you today!

Among all my supplies, I had a box of shipping labels, straight from the office supply store.  I knew they were in the drawer, but rarely used them.  I 'hauled' them out (not a heavy job, hee hee) and went to work with whatever else I found in the supply drawers.


glue . . .

dried flowers . . . .

magazine pictures . . . .

And came up with these . . . .

I was so addicted that day, that a made a few more . . . .

Although these are not "writing", they are creative and sometimes we all need a little break to change our perspective for our writing! 

What have you done lately,

Just for Fun? 

P.S. Both of these sets of tags are available in my PruittCreations Etsy Shop.

The Hair Cut

Out the door she went, sporting a new haircut, skipping and wagging her head, obviously proud of her new do!  I felt as if I had been on a battleground. The hairdresser had tried to to her best, but those gouges were hard to cover with a good cut! But now it was done!  Would it stay done?! She had taken a scissors to her own hair--this was the third time!  Why did this little girl insist on taking my scissors and clipping snippets of hair from her head?  As she walked in front of me to the car, I could still see the little short patches on the back of her head. Was this five year old destined to become a hairdresser herself or was it indicative of a passion for patchwork?  "Who knows," I said softly to myself, "I just hope this haircut lasts a week!"

This story is real.  I visited by son and his family this week.  My daughter-in-law told me about my five year old granddaughter LaRaya, who had done just what I wrote about, cut her own hair three times.  I just embellished it a bit! 

Jumping Off Places- Friday Linky Party #4

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) OK! A linky party! We're off on week 4! Join us! Write something cute, sad, inspiring, scary, or awesome! Just WRITE! that's what this is all about! Practicing our skills! First lines for writing something today are found in this post! Also, next week, I will be adding a post about common grammatical errors, should be informative and FUN! Watch for it either Monday or Wednesday! A review of our party works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) OUR PARTY IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT! Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Fridays we'll read each other's work and Enjoy a creative moment! If you have written something for this week, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. Then everyone who visits will be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week FOUR-- 1)Shoreline waves were getting larger by the minute. 2)Careening down the hill . . . 3)A bead of perspiration rolled from my temple down across my cheek. 4)The view outside the window had been gray for days. 5)The room's tropical decor revealed her past and her love of color. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

Jumping Off Places -reprint of week 3

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing, that is!) Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone! I am feeling better and will re-post last weeks first lines. I appreciate you all! A review of it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy! If you have written something please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. We'll then be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week THREE: 1) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing . . . . 2) All I could hear was the flapping of the sails. 3) A diploma! I thought I would never see one in his hands. 4) The floor creaked, a light flashed, and my fellow actor was lowered down on a rope. 5) She stopped me in mid-sentence. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

Jumping Off Places - Delays and Disappointments

Friends- I am sorry to say that there will be no post for "Jumping OFF Places" today. My hubby and I have had a huge disappointment, and I really don't feel like posting anything. We are taking a few days away. I felt an obligation to let you know why it is not here today. Can you let me off the hook today and we'll pick up where we left off next Friday? Thanks! Linda (Abby)

Vegetable Order and Decisions!

(Part 14 of Abby's Story--You can start at the beginning here.) Breathing heavily, Abby opened the gate of the vegetable garden and sat down on the bench just inside the fence for a rest. Pulling weeds from the flower border had been a little more bend-over exercise than she needed. "You done?" asked Suz, as she placed an arm load of lettuce and squash on the garden table. "No, I just need a breather. I need to pace myself." "Well, don't over exert. The flower bed can wait." Suzanne kept busy loosening and aerating the soil around the tomato plants. "But we do have this vegetable order to deliver to Clark's Corner." "Yes, I know. I just wanted to give a bit of time for the flowers, too. Anyway, I can use this rest time to talk to you about something. Since little Patricia stayed with me, I've been thinking. I really need an outlet for my love for children, but I don't know how. I've made list of pros and cons of reasons to adopt, but I am still undecided." "Adopt? Oh, mom, I know that you have a big heart for kids, but at your age? Can't you do something else that will pacify your passion?" "Patricia's family is giving her up and she needs a home!" Abby retorted with vigor! "I understand that, mom, but I worry about your health. You just said that you need to pace yourself. You already volunteer at Thomas House. They love you there. And you can still have the kids stay in the summer for a week at a time." Abby put her gloves away on the garden shelf and replied, "You are probably right, but my heart just bleeds for that little girl. I wish she could have a good home." Putting her gloves away too, Suzanne walked toward the gate and said, "I understand mom. I would like to see your pro and con list and talk to you about it later; right now I've got a gal coming to interview for the shop sales position. Why don't you go make some lemonade and I'll be over later to talk." "O.K., I'll spend a few minutes washing the veggies and packaging the order, then I'll go in and make the lemonade. See you later."

Pros and Cons

(Part 13 of Abby's Story)

. . . ? . . . ? . . . ? . . ? . . ? . . . . . ? . . . ? . . . . ? . . .

Hair Clip by bourdiers on Etsy

Abigail's day mostly done, she found herself again in the wing chair enjoying the warmth from the fireplace. Tonight, as she lifted her feet to the footstool and pulled the Afghan over her legs, she was well into thought . . . . "Am I too old? I still love kids. Being a foster mom or adopting just appeals to me. But . . . where could I do the most good? After all, I have a large enough home and am fortunate enough to be able to afford all the expenses. I could care for a child, easily. I could love a child. I really enjoyed having Patty here with me for a week. But then . . . I was tired. It does take a lot of energy to follow after a little one and make sure they are always safe and entertained." As she pondered adding another log to the fire, she thought better of it because it was almost time to turn in. As the warmth from the fire began to die, the afghan felt so good. She sure enjoyed her quiet time; would that be sacrificed with a child in the house? Thoughts were flying in her head. Tomorrow . . . tomorrow she should make a list of pros and cons, and talk with Suz about possibilities. necklace by noyasilverjewelry on Etsy

Jumping Off Places - Week Three

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing). Our first week was very interesting, the second week had a couple of glitches--Hope everything works just right today! A review of it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog next week using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in with the URL of your post! (Not just your blog address, please.) 4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy! If you have written something for week two (list of first lines in last weeks post) please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL. We'll then be able to come read your creativeness! First Lines for Next Week --Week THREE: 1) On the top of the piano sat a beautiful gilded frame with a yellowing . . . . 2) All I could hear was the flapping of the sails. 3) A diaploma! I thought I would never see one in his hands. 4) The floor creaked, a light flashed, and my fellow actor was lowered down on a rope. 5) She stopped me in mid-sentence. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in on Friday!

JOP - Fabricaholic

(This is for Jumping Off Places.) The texture of the fabric was intoxicating, I knew it was expensive. Black, soft, soothing velvet! I wanted to buy it; I though about it. But I turned away, looking for something that would save my pocketbook bottom line. There was moleskin, at half the price, that looked much the same, except not really as plush. I walked down the isles, looking at brocades, crushed panne, and even embroidered satins. I had a project in mind and tried to picture it with these alternative fabrics. Finally, I knew what I would do--I'd try the project with the a lesser fabric first. Sort of a practice project, instead of possibly wasting the expensive supplies on my first try. I pulled the bolt, walked to the counter with the moleskin. "A quarter yard please."

Jumping Off Places - Week Two

Just 'jump right in!' (when it comes to our writing). Our first week was very interesting, to see what each writer/blogger chose as their jumping off place! Today I'll provide a new list of first lines for you to write about next week. If you have written something for week two, please drop down to the link part of this post and add your name and your URL so we will all be able to read your creativeness! A review of it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post on your blog using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in! 4) On Friday's we'll read each other's work and Enjoy! First Lines for Week THREE: 1) As he sauntered down the hall, he dropped each page one at a time. 2) A man in a pin striped suit with a bright blue paisley tie, walked thru the lobby and pushed the elevator button to the penthouse. 3) The texture of the fabric was intoxicating, I knew it was expensive. 4) It was bright this morning, the first sun shinny day of this week. 5) Two glittering little eyes shined out of the hole in the baseboard at me and . . . Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in! Note: I'm having a bit of trouble with the html and it looks like last weeks posts are listed from 1-4 I will try to get that fixed, but go ahead and link in anyway. Thanks!

JOP - Inconceivable

This entry is for 'Jumping Off Places' for Friday February 18th. Please visit my Friday post to see the other submissions by the other participants. (And an explanation of the exercise.) Thanks! She was sitting, all crouched down, in the corner of the room, staring at the side wall. Shock was threatening to set in as she held her phone out in front of her. Everything had seemed like it was moving ahead in an acceptable manner up until the phone rang. Granted, she was waiting for the call, had been all morning. Surgery was scheduled early and it was impossible for her to schedule her flight to Minneapolis in time, so she had kept busy preparing the house for her absence and packing all morning, even managing to stay hopeful on the phone when friends called offering encouragement. But this . . . . this was just too much! Mom came thru the surgery OK, as expected, and had a long recovery road ahead of her, but this . . . to find out that some one set the fire--on purpose! It was inconceivable.

Life Spark?

(Part 9 of Abby' Story)

"Life does seem like it's full of meals and crafting and . . . I . . . I need some more purpose in life, Sasha, now that hubby is gone. I know, I have the kids and grandkids, but I need a spark somewhere. Oh well, I won't dwell on it. Maybe I will return this call from the folks at Thomas House and and see what they want."

(Phone available from zanylainee on Etsy) She walked over and sat down at the antique school desk that now doubled as a phone desk and picked up the handset. Dialing the number and waiting for an answer, she glanced around the room at her treasures. Treasure of framed photographs, mostly, but interspersed with trinkets of meaning. Most of them given her by the family on different occasions. There were the Willow Tree angel figurines, one holding a puppy on her shoulder, one kneeling in prayer, and the other posing holding a bouquet of flowers behind her back. All gifts from friends and colleagues of the past. On the bookcase were the forties style little boy and girl figurine that had belonged to hubby's mom. So sentimental, they were, when she gazed at them remembering . . . . . "Oh! Yes . . . hello there! I was returning your call . . . Well, yes, I would be willing to meet with her . . . ."

Small Stones Puddles, puddles everywhere! Reflections of trees and sky, then a drop ripple, then another, disturbing the image and the status quo. Oh, for a sunny reflection today!

Jumping Off Places - Week ONE!

We all need a place, a reason to just 'jump right in!' when it comes to our writing. This blog provides a list, on Friday's, for you to Jump Start our writing skills. I provide first lines, you "jump right in" and try your hand at creative writing! Any exercise of your writing will help you improve your creative thought processes, inspire you and others who read your piece, and it might be a significant discipline in creativity! Here's how it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in! 4) We'll read each other's work and Enjoy! 5) If you like, you can add First Lines for Week TWO: 1) She was sitting, all crouched down, in the corner of the room, staring at the side wall. 2) A flock of squawking birds flew overhead, but I I heard nothing. 3) Gumballs hit the floor with a crash, scattering everywhere, under the bureau, atop the rug, and rolling into the spare room. 4) Like steam rising from a dryer vent, it seemed to be rising from both his ears. 5) I quickly jotted down the address and ran for the door with my purse and keys in hand. Happy CREATIVE writing! Don't forget to come back and link in!

Hazelnut Swirl

Remembering vanilla being her favorite ice cream flavor as a second grader, Amy wondered why her taste had been so unadventurous. This grand opening first day in her Gelato shop was a long way from her unadventurous life as a child. As she worked on a new batch of Pistachio Cream, out front, Robert served the hoards of new customers on this warm day. She could barely take in all that was happening. A Gelato shop! Not plain old vanilla, but a healthy, Italian traditional treat! Gelato! Different from ice-cream not only in the process of production, but also in flavour, structure, nutritional values and appearance. Different also than the flavors of her youth! Amaretto Black Cherry Cream, Cinnamon Dulce le Leche, Raspberry Lavender Swirl, and Lemon Custard Fig! Yes, she had stepped whole heartedly into her grand new adventure--Hazelnut Swirl Gelato Shop! (This is my first submission for "Jumping Off Places"-- join us, won't you?)

Jumping Off Places

New Series for Fridays! Jumping Off Places (for your writing, that is!) Sometimes, we all need a place, a reason to just 'jump right in!' I want to provide a list, on Friday's, for us to Jump Start our writing skills. I will provide first lines, you "jump right in" and try your hand at creative writing! Any exercise of your writing will help you improve your creative thought processes, inspire you and others who read your piece, and it might be a significant discipline in creativity! Here's how it works: 1) First Lines provided here. 2) Write a post in your blog using the first line of your choice. It doesn't have to be long, just a few thoughts or a paragraph. Anything. Who knows, it could become a story! 3) Take your time--One Week--then come back next Friday and link in--listing the URL of your post! 4) We'll read each other's work and Enjoy!

Today's FIRST LINES: 1. A pencil, a tape measure, and a stack of old newspapers sat on the conference table as we entered. 2. A calender is a funny thing, with it's blank spaces and numbered days. 3. Remembering vanilla being her favorite ice cream flavor as a second grader, Amy wondered why her taste had been so unadventurous. 4. My eye was caught by a book on the shelf, pushed back from the others with a tattered orange dust jacket and white letters. 5. I watched the wind in the tree tops and thought . . . Now . . . . . . . Go For IT! Be sure to come back on February 11th and leave the link to your post!

Craft Room - (part 6, Abby's Story)

(Abby's Story - part 6) After all the fun at Thomas House and the errands, Abby settled into the craft room to work on her latest creation. "I almost forgot to pick up our new stock order at the nursery, today Sasha!Terry and Suz will take care of the new shrubs, until all of us can get out there to plant. I'm so glad to have family work days together. Dreams are not very good, unless you can share the progress with someone!" The craft room was at the back of the house and had huge windows that looked out at the blueberry acreage. The sun was getting low on the horizon and shined directly into the room, providing plenty of late afternoon light to work on her project. The sewing machine was there, the cutting table, a recliner and side table, beautiful quilts on the walls for decor and plenty of storage for her fabrics. Returning to a pile of cut fabric, she began sorting the colors into patterns. "These are lovely prints, they remind me of my great-grandmother's dress prints. She always wore sort of non-descript loose fitting dresses with a small print fabric, but, I guess they were comfortable" as she looked up at the framed pictures placed carefully everywhere among the neat stacks of fabric on the shelves. There was one particular large gilded frame set predominately on the side table. While still reminiscing about the old pictures of grandma and great-grandmother's family standing in front of the old home place, Abby continued to sort the fabric pieces, rearranging as needed for the design. She had already made a patchwork tablecloth for her patio table, but Suz wanted one for her home. Sasha brushed up against her feet under the table, letting her presence be known. "Oh, Sasha, it's getting late and I forgot your dinner, didn't I?"

Ageless Woods

January 31, 2001 (I cheated on the rules, a bit today, as this is something I wrote in the Fall of 1989, but I have always like it, so I wanted to publish it here.) Out in the ageless woods, where there is no marking of time, at least not in years, seasons appear and disappear but not much else changes. lp