woyww- bees wax mess

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have cleared the table and are creating again.

My final woyww for 2011 and what a mess that turned out.  Quite fitting to end the year with bits of wax all over the place in various degrees celsius of melting.  The above pic is slightly modified as I had to clean up before I could take a pic.  Why?  ....because wax was everywhere, camera, desk, scissors, mat and all over the ATC with certain bits unfurling rather than sticking to the wax.

Lessons learnt: (Positive reframe in brackets)

1.  Be prepared and have a skewer ready on the desk.  (Skewer the curling bits when you hit the wax with a heat gun and you feel less frustrated.)
2.  Read all the instructions before you start.  (this should be lesson 1.  now you can see why I got in a pickle)
3.  Heat gun may not be the best implement to heat wax.  (Does tend to blow wax and other bits all over the place hence the mess)
4.  Bristle brushes will burn when close to the heat gun.  (Little bits of burnt bristle give an interesting effect.)
5.  Going back to heat/smooth out a lump of wax can melt everything and you start all over again.  Yep, that was in the instructions!! (Leave well enough alone.)

But .... I have to admit I am pleased with the finished ATC's.  Just not 100% convinced I will do this again very soon.

Wishing all the wonderful WOYWW (I have got to know in a cyber way) a very happy and crafty New Year.

woyww - technique book and crazy kitty

No Christmas stuff on my desk this week.  The cards are in the mail and the presents all wrapped so I have started making ATC's for a swap.  The reason I am inspired is because Kelsey's ATC technique book arrived and I love it.  I have always admired her ATC's from afar via her blog.  There was no way I could convince DH that it was worth flying to Perth to take one of her workshops.  But, now I have her book and I can pretend I am in her class.  My plan is to slowly work my way through each technique make 2 so I have one in my folder and one to enter into any swaps. 

 The reason I have had so much time on my hands?  The teenager had her tonsils removed and I have been home for a week.  Playing at my desk all week, BLISS.   Apart from the teenager requesting (via her mobile phone - she is an i generation child) iceblocks, pain meds and some sympathy etc. etc.  I have been pretty much undisturbed. 

The cat seems to be enjoying the christmas spirit as well.... currently chewing her way through the decorations!

Off to visit Julia.

woyww - journal page

Working on the front page of my art calendar journal for 2011.  The letters on the left are drying after I have put on a pile of Distress crackle paint over the top.  I had not used the crackle paint for ages and found it quite dry so I added some off white paint and just piled it on.  Interesting to see how it will dry. Still not sure what colour I will tint the letters once the crackle paint is dry.

Last weeks cards all finished and posted.  Whew.... that was a labour of love!  Seriously I do start to question why I leave it all to the last minute.  Then I remember .... I flit from one activity to another and have 10 projects happening at once.

Off to visit Julia .... I always find it comforting to see many other woyww's juggling numerous projects at once.

Blooms

A quick post on the canvas I had entered for the hospital exhibition. 

 India ink and acrylic.

woyww - mess and cards

What a mess!  Started making cards and all was under control.  Then I was diverted to finish another project for the teenager.  Yep another butterfly picture/canvas was requested.  So I stopped .... got out the stamps, inks etc etc. and here it is completed and ready to be hung.  Teenager happy and all is right with the world.

Finally able to get back to the Xmas cards.  Two styles (so far) and I have about 40 more to complete then I can rest.

Before I get started I think  I will check out what other woyww's are up to....

Art Journal pages complete

My modified version of the Christmas month.  A little red, green and pink background, with the wonderful leaf edges from the dylusion stamps.  Thank you Dyan Reavely for creating such fab stamps.

The november page is completed and all I had to do was add the Daniel Torrente stamps.  They soooooo remind me of my family!!   I really am pleased that I have stuck with Kate's challenge  and it has been really inspiring to see what everyone else has created over the year.

woyww- paints and inks

Not one christmas card has even been thought of since last wednesday.   I had good intentions but got diverted playing around with india ink and paints.  At this rate I will have gifts but no cards!  DD asked for a new drawing for her room and of course I drop everything when one of your own take an interest in anything crafty.

Off to see the wonderful world Julia has created through woyww.

woyww - leaf stamps

Really liking the new stamps from Dylusions.  I have stamped them on old book pages and was colouring the leaves when I remembered to stop and take a photo.  I am thinking of using them for the last page of my art calendar journal. I have been following Kate Crane's site since the beginning of the year and decided to join in and now I can't believe I have nearly finished.  The bonus being I have a calendar journal with all the little details of what we have been doing this year.

Clever Morti correctly guessed that the "brown thingy" on my desk from last week was a wood carved fabric stamp.  A little gift is flying her way.

Hopefully by next woyww I will have started a few xmas cards.   I am sure I will get some inspiration from visiting all the other woywwers today.

Clever Morti

Clever Morti .... not only can she re-piece shredded documents she can also identify UFO's on the other side of the world.  She correctly guessed that my "thingy" was a wood carved stamp used for fabric printing.   I love the pattern and the fact that it has been hand carved and comes from Bangladesh.  But, even better the person who made this wooden stamp is paid fairly and able to continue to produce their artisan products in this age of hi tech.

Morti please send me your addie via email and a little gift is flying your way.

woyww - new goodies

The light is terrible in this photo and I am starting to wonder if I even know how to reset my camera to the default settings.  Somewhere along the way all my tinkering has left me with shades of yellow or grey.  I should find the manual or ask the teenagers who know how to operate all digital equipment and probably caused the problem in the first place.

But what is on my desk?  Some new goodies that arrived today, new big brush pens, stencils, paint, stamps and brushes.  Getting ready for my new online class with Christy Tomlinson.  In the background you can see a small canvas that I have gessoed stencilled and then sprayed with glimmermist  ( a la RosA).  If you look to the right of my desk light I have a small india ink drawing that I was playing with.  Just an idea that i tried out and will rework on the larger canvas from last week for the hospital competition.  Can't show you the finished piece until I enter.  Now if you are wondering what the brown leaf shaped thing is  next to the magazine .....please have a guess.   I will send the first correct guess/comment a little gift.  

Off to see what everyone else has been doing on woyww

woyww - a new canvas

Not a lot of detail showing in this photo but this is my desk very early Wednesday morning.  I have just finished one project and ready to start another.  Yes, it is dark and very late.... seems to be the only time I create.

The canvas will be for the "Hospitals Got Talent" exhibition to be held at the end of the year.  A lovely exhibition that showcases all the amazing staff who spend their spare time creatively.  I entered a photograph (red bridge in Hanoi) a few years ago and this year I will do a mixed media piece.

The only other thing on my desk is a set of ATC's for the paperarts swap.    All finished and ready to be posted next week.  Quite chuffed with myself.... keeping up with the calendar journal, finished the ATC swap and working on the canvas.  I almost think I have time to spare ... until I remember I should sleep.

Then up bright and early to see the amazing "sculptures by the sea".  A few pics of my favourites.

 Now back to woyww site to see even more amazing creations.

November page

Completed the November calendar journal page following Kate's style.   It has been a great challenge to try lots of different styles and jot down a brief point of what I achieved in the day.  At times it all looks a little repetitive i.e, work, dinner, family, reading, art etc, etc.  I suppose that is my life at the moment and it is good to look back and see stability and not too much drama and angst!  If you are wondering what I am rambling about check out Kate's blog.

woyww - making cards

Relaxing and making cards.  Desk a little messy with cardstock, ribbons and a few of the watercolour stamping flowers .  This is a technique I always use when I want to make some pretty cards.  Great for birthdays, sympathy or thank you cards.  Every time I make a batch they get used quickly.

A close up of the almost finished card.  Still room to put on a sentiment and then I move on to the next.  Probably time to think of Xmas cards and not leave it to the last minute!!!  I do like to kid myself.
Off to see the wonderful world of Julia's woyww.

woyww - view of a room

Not a lot on my desk today.  Just a book that I was repairing and turned to alcohol inks to match the colour on the binding.  I don't use alcohol inks a great deal unless it is a home  DIY project.  The pic is really just a broad shot of my craft room as the sun was setting so a little dark.  Hope you noticed the glass of wine.  I didn't realise until I had posted the pic. He he!!

Off to join the crazy world of Julia's WOYWW.

Sunday layout

 It has been awhile since I worked on a layout and Sunday seemed the perfect time to start.  I followed one of Nic Howard's layout ideas and you really can't go wrong.

Just a few beautiful photos from our holiday in Bali earlier this year.

woyww- playing with flowers

Playing around with watercolours no project in mind just having some creative play time.  Once all the flowers and background dry then I will over draw with a fine black pen and add some black and white highlights.

Also started a few gardening projects just repotting a few plants.  But, it started to rain and now that is on hold.   Just like the top project.

The final pic is of the orchid (it has a another name but can't think of it) it has been growing in a pot for 16 years.  It was in flower when I got it as a gift and it has taken 15 years to flower again!!! There are still 3 or 4 branches on the plant.  They should open over the next couple of weeks.  I loved the foliage so it never bothered me that it didn't flower!  Now I can see it was always worth keeping.  A little like the teenagers ... you just keep feeding, watering and talking to them and eventually they will bloom.

Off to travel the cyber globe and see what other woyww's have been creating.

woyww and the final canvas

A messy little desk today, pulling out bits and pieces trying to see if I can pull a card together quickly.  Trying to use the glimmer glass transparent overlays before I donate them to the next siblings group.  You might just be able to catch a peek of the October calendar page under the pile of papers.  Quite pleased that I have managed to keep up with Kate's calendar challenge.  Only two months to go!!!

A pic of the final canvas completed for the little ones birthday present.  Now that I have made two (slight variations on the same theme) for the little ones I am now packing up the butterfly stamps and moving on to something different.

I might have a snoop and see if anyone is running a swap or a challenge.  Actually all the swaps are a challenge but that is another story.  Off to snoop, "ooh and ahh" over what everyone else is creating at woyww.

October Calendar pages

With spring well and truly here I have used pastel colours and a few paris stamps for the background.  I keep going back to the grid layout ....  it just feels right for a calendar.     Nothing terribly flash, just pleased I am keeping up and with the challenge.  Pop over to Kate's blog blog to see all the other wonderful pages.

woyww bits and pieces

The usual things on my desk; another canvas,  primed and already starting to add layers of glimmermist.  My trusty kindle recharging on the right.  Computer no longer on the desk but finally moved onto its own desk.  The desk courtesy of the sweet teenager who would prefer a makeup table with mirrors rather than a computer desk!  She assures me she will spend more time with me if the computer desk is in my room.

Off to see julia's wonderful world of woyww.

woyww butterfly canvas and a journal

The finished butterfly canvas was well received by the little owner.  All the butterflies are attached to a piece of soft white tule and edged with glimmerglaze.  I am considering making another canvas for the little owners friend.

Now for something really inspiring have a look at this .....

The most divine journal from Donna.  One thank you is really not enough to let Donna know how thrilled I am to have this beautiful journal.

Off to see all the other desks at Julia's

Thank you Donna

Thank you, Donna for the most gorgeous, beautiful art journal.  

It  arrived in my hot little hands yesterday.  Gasp .... it is even more beautiful then when I first saw Donna creating mosh 1 almost 2 months ago.  It is full of vellum/ butterfly paper, old book text, watercolour paper, journaling notes, tags and pockets...... Beautiful from front to back.  Click on Doone and the video instructions are on her mojo tutes.   Not only can you see how she created this divine journal but, she has 10 different mosh tutes showing how to create a whole range of stunning books.  

"It's a donna thing" ...... how lucky am I? 

woyww - progress of sorts

Still working at night and continuing to play around with the butterfly canvas.  All the butterflies were stamped with black ink and embossed on glimmermist papers.  Cutting them out was a pain.

A closer shot to show the gesso/stencil background.  As per usual the glimmermist doesn't really show in the photo.  Slow progress .... but, happy with the results so far.  Although I think too many butterflies in this shot and will continue to play around with odd numbers next.  What do others think?  I am off to visit Julia  and get a dose inspiration.

woyww late at night

A little dark and dingy but that's what happens when you try to do some stamping, embossing and painting late at night.  I am working on a butterfly canvas for a friend and have only just started.  Still a long way to go and hopefully I will remember to post some progress pics.

Final post is a card I made while I had the stamps and distress inks on the desk.  I made a batch of cards using the watercolour stamping technique and the darkroom door stamps.  I always love the effect.

Off to peek at what all the other woyww have been doing lately.

WOYWW- spring

Quickly working on my September page for my calendar journal.  Adding some flowers and ribbons on a tissue paper background. Happy that I have been able to keep up with the journal.  Stunned to think it is almost September.  But, really enjoying the sunshine, flowers and birds outside my window .... so ready for spring.

Not a lot of crafty goodness happening on my desk.  A lot of time driving around for netball, physi comps, work and all the other things that add to a busy schedule.  Time to join Julia and see what others are doing for inspiration.

woyww -Steampunk conclusion, finis, the end.

I know she is slightly out of focus (sorry!) and that would be because there are so many bits and bobs  she was actually quite hard to scan.   The ATC are all postal and I am pleased to see them go.  I don't think I have ever taken this amount of time to do an ATC.  You live and learn.

The only other thing on my desk is the Kate Crane art Journaling DVD which I am planning to watch tonight from beginning to end without interruption.  Well, I can dream.  Oh there might be a couple of breaks while I check out all the other woyww on Julia's blog.  Curious ? ...... go and have a peak.

woyww - stay at home wednesday

Now, a funny thing happened while I was reading trashy novels (note to self do not read book 1 if there are 6 books in the series), not blogging and stalling on the steampunk atc.

A colleague (wonderful creative lady) showed me what she does to jumpstart her creative mood.   She has been painting with watercolours over old book pages.  She finds a word on the page and uses that word or sentence to create around it and over it.  Her pages were beautiful, inspiring pieces of art/ journal and poetry all in one.

So, that is what I have been doing.  I found an old book and started painting a lovely way to put the trashy novels to rest. Now I am back at my desk and playing with words, paint, paper and text all over again.   For added inspiration I have also been peeking around at everyone's desk.  It doesn't get any better than that on a Wednesday.

woyww -steampunk of sorts

Now this is my first attempt at steampunk and I have almost finished one little ATC.   I have always admired the look but never quite understood the genre/concept.  However, I have committed to this swap so I am trying to pull it all together without embarrassing myself.  While I wait for cogs to arrive I am playing around with the backgrounds.  Don't be alarmed by the hammer, I am using it for artistic purposes i.e hammering in some tiny eyelets.  DH thinks I have lost my mind and I probably have but I couldn't find anything else.

A big thank you to Jingle for my lovely PIF it is perfect.  Thank you.... thank you Jingle.  Sorry that it has taken me ages to post a pic.  I could lie and say I have spent all my spare time working on this swap and hammering the life out of little eyelets.  But, I am  still reading trashy holiday books and I mean really trashy.  So trashy I had to start a whole new collection on my kindle.  Link up to Julia's to see the wonderful creative desks that  DO NOT waste their time on trashy holiday books.

woyww - soo good to be back

Holidays are such a lovely treat.  But, I have to say coming home is pretty wonderful as well.  It has been such a long time since I have been able to play around with all the paper goodies.  First project is a steampunk ATC swap.  Of course a limited supply of cogs and wheels but that means surfing the net and looking for supplies!!  Can't wait to see what everyone else has been doing on woyww have missed Julia's wednesday frolic.

woyww - not a desk

Courtesy of  "freefoto.com" I am able to show you what is on my workdesk (of sorts) this week. Visiting New York and then off to Pennsylvania. 

woyww - too tidy

I love a tidy desk but not when all the good stuff is packed away.  Off on a holiday break so nothing much to show; a couple of passports, itinerary and diary. I hope to get around a number of WOYWW to see what other crafty folk are doing before we leave.  Happy holidays.

woyww -holiday pics

Working on some holiday layouts from our trip to Bali earlier this year.

We had a lovely time wandering around the monkey forest in Ubud.  I have over 100 photos printed and I have started by organising 7 on my first layout.   At this rate I should be busy for the rest of the year.  So many beautiful photos that distract me as I have a look and start chatting to the family about what we did on that day.

This is a typical flower arrangement that would greet you as you entered the shops. I think it represented the circle of life and they were stunningly arranged.

Must get the photos organised before we head off for another break.  But, before I do I have to see what all the woyww are up to for inspiration.

woyww and workshops

Basically what you see is a lot of random things that I am currently in the process of playing with or putting away in my journal.  I am in the final week of the 3 Hearts journal workshop with Christy Tomlinson and have tried journaling with doodles and a faux batik.  Have to put this lot away before I can start playing with wax and UTEE.

Underneath the doodle page a kids watercolour box (never opened!!) and a page os swatches for an online class with Alisa Burke.  Loved her instructions "don't buy anything" as you may have it in your stash.  How right she was!!   Never realised the classes would overlap but it should work out in the end as I will reduce the amount of housework  I do.....

Off to see what all the other woyww's have been doing since posting their PIF.  Yes, Bella it is flying your way, hope you enjoy.