Well at least that would be the name my wife gave it. Actually it is a clear acrylic drop spindle. More or less a personal challenge to see if I could turn an acrylic block on a wood lathe, make one of our more difficult spindle designs the Butterfly with it, and get it back to a crystal clear finish. The end results where quite pleasing.

Have you ever heard of the New Jersey Devil? He's the 7th Child of Abigail Rose Shourds, one dark and stormy night in the middle of the New Jersey Pine Barrens - Leed's Point, rumored to be born on July 7th, 1777. This was an unlucky day to have your 7th child for Abigail Rose Shourds. When she found out she was pregnant with number 7, already in an unhappy marriage with 6 unruly children, she cursed this child, and swore that the Devil damned her, as well as this unwanted child. When Abigail Rose Shourds went into labor, it was a grueling long event. She continued to curse the child, to her Doctor's and Midwife's dismay. The birth was long and complicated. Finally, ad mist a storm of lightening and thunder, this child was born. The child wasn't like the past 6 children, it was heinous looking, shrieking and shrilling. Within moments it was evident that his was not a human child. The face of a horse, large, bat like wings, cloven hooves like a goat mated with a horse - an absolutely tedious sight. It continued to shriek and shrill, the midwives and Doctor ran in terror. The child began to sprout horns, and it's baby pink flesh was replaced with coarse animal hair, all over it's body. The child soon took flight, let out one last shriek, and busted out the window - disappearing into the dark stormy night, never to return home again. It's home now is the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Some people say the Jersey Devil is a nuisance, killing livestock, and animals. He's even rumored to have killed a group of scientists in Batsto Village, and then subsequently also killed the search group that went out looking for them. Some of the bodies were never found. I like to think of the Jersey Devil a bit differently. Sure, he's probably knocked out some livestock here and there, the guy's gotta eat! But his home is the Pine Barrens. He is, as I dub him, the "Protector of the Pines" He scares litter bugs out of the pines, and preserves the area. It makes sense, if you think about it - think of NJ. Ocean, Mountains, Industrial Parks, Oil Refineries - and one of the highest population per square mile - and we're not all that big of a state - how else did we manage to preserve miles upon miles of untouched forest? I think with the clawed arm of the Jersey Devil! So - this is my version of the Jersey Devil that I created and drew. He's a bit more friendly than other versions you may have seen. He's a beloved piece of NJ Folklore, our own personal Loch Ness Monster. Some people say they don't believe, but, I'll bet they think twice before littering in the pine barrens! Strange little sidenote - I became fascinated with the Jersey Devil a few years ago, drew up my version of him, even opened a coffee shop called the "Jersey Devil Cafe"! I began to research further, who the alledged parents of the Jersey Devil were - and - it is in historical records that Abigail Rose Shourds (nee, Leeds) gave birth to a 7th child, whom was never spoken of again or had any other records. But anyway - I found out AFTER my fascination, that I share a name with the Jersey Devil's mother - my name is Abigail Rose! Strange coincidence, huh?! Other Jersey Devil Paraphernalia coming soon! This is my Jersey Devil, on a 2.25" button. High quality Tecre parts, not that cheap alternative stuff! Wholesale is available, contact me for details. abbiegalie [at!] gmail.com

This drop spindle for hand spinning wool has a 3 1/4 inch carved whorl and turned shaft of Canary. Turning and carving by me and braid artwork by Wendy Meyer.

This is a rendering in beads of a great sci-fi magazine cover from the 1950s. Just beads and thread, no glue. Beads stitched into beads, one millimeter at a time! I will be making a frame for this piece. This is about 7" in height by about 5" wide.

Some of the yarn I make, handspun and hand painted.