2013 Year in Photo Review

I usually do a review, just to get myself thinking about the new year, and what I will be deciding will be my new goals.  Reviewing helps me get in the right frame.  Hope you also enjoy the review!  (Of course you can go back to any of my posts for more information on any of these subjects!)

January

Hubby and I seem to always gravitate to the beach in January.  It's quiet and restful after the holidays.  Planning to go again in  January 2014.

February

In February, I closed my Etsy jewelry shop and prepared to reopen in April or May with a new product.  Anyone remember this little sneak peek?

March

In March, I worked on new products--mini art quilts, and yo yo hair bows for my new shop and the Spring Craft shows, respectively. New works in progress, but the best event in March was the purchase on my daughter's first home.  It was so exciting!  And we had Christmas there this year!  Yay!

April 

April brought a a string of quilt shows with a friend, collegiate softball for my Granddaughter and my new shop opening! The quilt shows further inspired me on to art quilting. Did I say that I have since been asked to teach a class on art quilts!  Yay! (The one shown here is not mine but inspires me!)

May

May has mother's day, and hubby bought me a new camera!  I used it for a tutorial and got the largest traffic to one of my posts for a napkin tutorial that I did.

June

June came and went with lots of work for me making aprons!  And using my new camera!

July

July was the vacation month!  I went to my hometown to see my mom, sister and brother, and then went with hubby to Sisters Oregon for the big outdoor quilt show!  Such a fun month, I'm adding two pictures!

Hometown soda fountain/ice cream shop

August

The biggest thing that changed our lives in August was that my granddaughter, Kayleigh left the USA for Taiwan as an exchange student!  She will be gone for one year!  We miss her!

September

I was quite busy in September with more apron orders, and preparing for my hubby's sisters and my mother's visit.  We went to Seattle:

October

October was filled with more aprons -- one for my DIL shown here; a class on curved piecing for a journal cover; and lots of preparations for Christmas products--my new line of Christmas stockings (which I will show you in the November review!)

November

November brought two of the best experiences of the year!  My acceptance into a big juried show that I just loved!  I presented my new line of crazy quilted Christmas stockings, including my boot stockings and they were a hit!  My best seller for the holiday season!

And the Operation Christmas Child campaign.  Gift boxes for children around the world thur Franklin Graham's organization, Samaritans Purse.

December

All the year mostly gone, I decided to make mason jar gifts for all my (huge) family!  Lots of fun ideas and I think they were a hit!

Now, on to the New Year!  Hope you have a great holiday and are anticipating

a wonderful 2014 year!

Winter Fog

When I was young, I lived in an area that almost never got snow.  We had rain, although not very much of it; only about 2 inches per year . . . but we had fog! And, no . . . I didn't live on the coast!  (more about that in a moment.) It was a mostly foggy dreary winter for us. It wasn't like Carl Sandburg's famous poem:

Fog

BY CARL SANDBURG

The fog comes

on little cat feet.

It sits looking

over harbor and city

on silent haunches

and then moves on.

In our town, the fog never moved on! It was there all winter, and WOW! was it cold, since the sun never shown for days and weeks on end.  It was not the normal fog that most people are familiar with and are used to creeping in early in the morning and then leaving ("moving on" as Sandburg puts it) like it does on the coast ("harbor and city").  This wintry fog is a phenomenon in the San Joaquin Valley in my home state of California.  It's due to a temperature inversion, and  is called "Tule fog"-- pronounced tu-lee.  It forms after the first good rain fall in Autumn and it stays, because of the high pressure patterns of our weather, all the way through to March, sometimes! Here is a bird's eye view of the huge San Joaquin socked in for the nearly 400 miles of it! If you are familiar with the California coastline, you can probably distinguish the San Francisco Bay area, although I lived in the southern tip of the valley.

Picture from Wikipedia Tule fog article

Sew, earlier this year when I made my art piece, called Emerging Foggy Spring, shown here, I knew exactly what I was wanting to portray. (Here is the original post of the making of this piece.) (Also did another post a couple of years ago, of a foggy acrylic painting that I did.)

link 

Now, I am wanting, pondering in my creative thoughts actually, to design an embroidery piece that embodies fog!  Such a challenge, but I'm up for a challenge! Of course I will share it when I am finished! What do ya think?  You up for a new challenge in your new year? Hope this post sparks some of your own creative juices!

Note: This is actually a blog post for my favorite Etsy team, the Blogging Business Artisans! Why not go on over and see what the other members have come up with--it might just inspire you!

Also linking with Create-with-Joy  today!

Man's Mason Jar Gift Recipe

Although these jars were for all the grown guys--SIL's and sons--in our family, these would also make a great recipe to take to a New Years eve gathering!  My hubby likes to make his own trail mix recipe for TV snacks.  He has definite proportions that he likes.  So he printed the recipe, made it and filled the jars for the guys of our "Mason Jar Christmas"! (See previous posts.) Recipe shared below.

 

Andy's Custom Trail Mix

• 1/2 c. Santa Fe Mix 
• 1/3 c. peanuts
• 1/3 c.. pretzel pieces
• 1/4 c. roasted almonds
• 1/4 c. Corn Nuts
• 1/4 c. M&M's
• 1/8 c. craisns
• 1/8 c, Pecan pieces

Note:  The Santa Fe Mix is a pre-made mix of peanuts, corn nuts and several small chili flavored crackers, including chili lemon sticks and sesame sticks.  It is slightly hot with the chili powder flavorings. If you cannot find Santa Fe mix at your local store, you could use small cracker pieces and use chili powder, onion powder, garlic, and paprika to season.  I don't think it would be quite the same, but you might find a combination that you like!  Be creative~!

Mix all ingredients together evenly.  Makes 2 cups

A Gift and a Disappointment

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas holiday!  I've been sharing my various mason jar gifts (see previous posts) for my Mason Jar Christmas! I know it is the day after, but I still wanted to share some more of my mason jar gifts--maybe you can use one of the ideas for a future gift!

These were for my older grand girls, Colleen, Courtney, Taylor, Kayleigh, Madison, Cassandra, Alessandra,  and Hope:

These are filled with sewing notions for the beginning sewer.  Tape measure, pins, needles, needle threader, safety pins, thread and seam ripper.  All are pink because I want my grands to remember to take care of themselves (as I am a breast cancer survivor.)

But . . . and there is a "but".  I have said in my blog profile that I share disappointments. So here goes: I followed several Internet blog instructions for this pincushion lid.  But, most instructions did not say what to stuff the pincushion with.  Being in a hurry (Christmas and all), I stuffed it with what I had which wasn't the best.  Also, most instructions did not explicitly explain a good way to attach the pincushion in a way that the lid would fit onto the jar again. There was not enough clearance left for a tight fit.  They look nice, but are not functional enough. Suffice it to say, that I will be replacing the lids of all my grand children's gift jars as soon as I have redone them. And I will share, hopefully, the solution.

Sharing a few more mason jar ideas in the next post. Happier ones!

More Mason Jar Gifts!

As I said yesterday (be sure to see that post), this is a Mason Jar Christmas, so here are the ones I have for the little grand boys!  Bug Jars!

They are filled with gummy worms, and lady bug playing cards!  They come with a magnifying glass and personalization.  And of course a screened top:

These will go to Indy, Roman, Paddy and Owen.  Ok, now, that covers nine of my youngest grands . . . Tomorrow, on to the older grand girls!  This is fun!


Linking today with Inspire Me Monday! Join the party!

Mason Jar Christmas!

I've enjoyed looking at all the mason jar ideas on Pinterest these past few months.  So, I decided to make this a Mason Jar Christmas! We have a very large family and to keep the costs down and still cover everyone, this seemed like a good idea!  I've been talking about it among my online friends and they wanted to see what I have come up with.  I hope my family doesn't decide to take a look at my blog before Christmas!! :)  I will take the next few days to show the various jar contents.  Today, the jar for all my littlest grand girls:

I made bath mitts from terrycloth and scraps of fabric in different colors  and a bit of elastic.  Super easy!

I bought some cute little soaps from another Etsy seller:

And packed them in the jar with  rubber duckies taped to the top. Added bows and tags and there you have it!

These will go to LaRaya, Bella, Vivi, Ada and Jubilee!  Aren't they cute?

Hope you're holiday season is going well!

Christmas Dinner Party at the Manor

Been busy, busy, with Christmastime here.  No time for blogging . . . but I went to a dinner party and thought you might enjoy the experience with me.  So I will share the pictures as they tell the story!

The setting:

The dinner:

The people:

Us (hubby and I):

Hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season too! 

Customer Appreciation Cards

I had so much fun the other night, making 'Thank You Christmas' cards for all my previous customers of 2013!

  I made a mess, but it was fun! 

If you got one of these cards in the mail you may be here to sign up for my newsletter. The sign -up is in the middle column--- On the right side of this blog.  I appreciate my customers!!!

Small Business Saturday Friends

Several of my small business proprietor friends also have incentives for Small Business Saturday!  I would appreciate my readers taking a look!

Memories for Life
Use Code 20Off2013 for 20% off your entire purchase
Good Saturday, November 30th in honor of Small Business Saturday


 Stalking the Wild Snark
Use code 20Saturday2013 for 20% off on 11/30 for Small Business Saturday


 MisterPenQuin - Handmade books, journals and clipboards
Black Friday to Cyber Monday 10% Off All Items
No coupon code necessary - discount applied during checkout


JNOriginals - Crocheted and felted wearable accessories 
Black Friday to Cyber Monday 10% Off Everything
No coupon code necessary - discount applied during checkout
PLUS
CLEARANCE (scarves, felted bowls & more) – prices reflects 50% discount


 Storybeader - Handmade journals and paper goods for the art lover
Black Friday (11/29) through the middle of December (12/15)
20% off all items
Contact Deb and I'll make your purchase a special order.


abigailJayneART - Free shipping on any purchase on Small Business Saturday. Use coupon code ShippingZero.And of course my shop: 

PruittCreations - Free Coffee Cozy ($6 value) with any purchase over $5 on Small Business Saturday Nov. 30th. List color preference in the notes to the seller. I will try to accommodate.

Holiday Party?

Planning a holiday party--a dinner party for just a few or a huge ugly sweater party? Candle light, pine boughs, and dazzling decorations? Need ideas?

Start by decorating the tree:

Pinetree Yo Yo ornies by pruittcreations

How about hiring several teen servers for the evening? Matching aprons?

Yo Yo Tree Apron by pruittcreations

Small group in for drinks?  Keep those tables free of rings and add to the decor with Christmas coasters:

Reversible Christmas Coasters by pruittcreations

 Don't forget the table!  It needs something special:

You'll find lots of fun Christmas items in my shop, and 

if you buy on Saturday November 30th in honor of Small Business Saturday, 

I will send you a free coffee cozy with your order! 

  Happy shopping!

Shopping Deals Abound!

Some of my teamees on my FAVORITE Etsy team are participating in 

various sales for the holiday season, and/or Black Friday, Cyber Monday, 

Small Business Saturday etc.  

Please have a look at what they are have available for awesome gifts and 

take advantage of the savings offered! Happy Shopping!!!  

Memories for Life 

Custom Scrapbooks and Personalized engraved items

Use Code 20Off2013 for 20% off your entire purchase
Good Saturday, November 30th in honor of Small Business Saturday

 Stalking the Wild Snark

Outdoor inspired jewelry, accessories, and home decor
Use code 20Saturday2013 for 20% off on 11/30 for Small Business Saturday


LindaB142 - LinorStore Jewelry
Use Code THANKS25 for 25% off off $15 purchase
From 11/17 to 12/3

 MisterPenQuin - Handmade books, journals and clipboards
Black Friday to Cyber Monday 10% Off All Items
No coupon code necessary - discount applied during checkout

JNOriginals - Crocheted and felted wearable accessories 
Black Friday to Cyber Monday 10% Off Everything
No coupon code necessary - discount applied during checkout
PLUS
CLEARANCE (scarves, felted bowls & more) – prices reflects 50% discount

 Storybeader - Handmade journals and paper goods for the art lover
Black Friday (11/29) through the middle of December (12/15)
20% off all items
Contact Deb and I'll make your purchase a special order.

abigailJayneART - 

Unique fiber and Textile Art//wearable art

Free shipping on any purchase on Small Business Saturday. 

Use coupon code ShippingZero.

Eyelah

Handmade jewelry//knitting and sewing
Use code HOLIDAY30 for 30% off
Open between 11/22-12/22

Happy Shopping!

Thanks, American Express!

Thanks to American Express, 

we have a movement to 

celebrate small businesses!   

Small Business Saturday is November 30th this year!  

Kick off the shopping season by planning to support local small businesses in your area.  They employ your neighbors and need your support!  Make a commitment, now, to visit at least one local small business on that Saturday!

As a small business owner, I appreciate everyone of my customers!  Some of my products (mainly aprons) are sold in a small retail venue, and occasionally I get to meet my customers; it is always delightful! Customers are usually happy to meet me, and ask about my sewing history or tell me how delighted they are to wear and give my aprons!  It makes my day and makes me smile. :)  It causes me to envision the future customer who will buy my aprons, when I am making them!  That makes it so much fun to sew!!!

Selection of coffee cozies from pruittcreations

I want to celebrate my Pruitt Creations customers by providing a FREE coffee cozy (a $6 value) with every purchase over $5 on Small Business Saturday!

Also, if you are a previous customer and join my newsletter list (see the right column for sign up), I will send you a free cozy just because . . . . I appreciate my customers!!!

Boho Style?

Unfamiliar?
Most people are not familiar with what boho style is. That's not unusual, since the style is not usually considered popular, nor fashionable. The boho style was originally worn as a way to defy traditional fashion norms.  It stems from the Czech Bohemians, a nomadic group of people who rejected traditional values in their art,  music, thinking and dress. 

Tiered boho skirt pattern by LuckyCarolDesigns

Unconventional?
Although the style is not traditional nor the first choice of fashionistas, it is becoming more accepted in normal life.  People are dropping restraints and norms to wear what they personally deem is appropriate--applying personal taste to be expression-ally beautiful!

short Shimmer skirt by AllThingsPretty

 More acceptable now, than when I was growing up, I remember hem lengths being very rigid if you were to be considered "cool".  I've seen that change until these days any length skirt (except maybe micro mini) is usually accepted by the general public. More casual, comfortable and creative styles have emerged as "boho" or the "boho-chic" style.

Tattered Gypsy swirl skirt by linusmanus

   

Boho Wrap bracelet by EmmaRuthJewelry 

Why?
Why am I talking about a fashion style; I don't usually discuss style in this blog. Well, I feel a little bit "boho" when I work with my fabrics in creating wrist cuffs and other art pieces for my Abigail Jayne shop .

Close-up of a new cuff by abigailJayneArt

When working with the fabrics, beads, and embellishments, I strive to be creative not worrying about breaking all the conventional rules in coming up with a final art piece.  I make comfortable choices and use what I have.

Wispy buttoned Cuff by abigailJayneArt

 In my wearable pieces, the goal is:  beautiful and individual.

Teal Trinity Pendant by abigailJayneArt

I want my pieces to comfortably fit, whether on the body or in the environs of your space (my wall art not pictured here).  So, I think that I am currently defining my style as boho, and entering a new phase of creativity!

Anyone else have changing tastes emerging in your art?