Wednesday 10 March 2010

IIWA? What's On Your Workdesk?

Early for me - pictures therefore a little dark - which will or will not add to shock factor - depends how strong you're feeling! There's not a lot of evidence of anything going on, but I had just finished my zillionth attempt at making an invitation for our Silver Anniversary party. It's in the bin. I need to think again. Funny how you can trot out a load of stuff that's quite nice, but as soon as you start wanting it to be fabulous dahlink, it doesn't work! You can see the Prima flower jar (just) -pushed back. I'm using it to prop stuff against, which means it's time to put it back in the cupboard and forget about using flowers! There's a tiny easel card next to the button jar - a work in progress for a Spring themed workshop. All the usual tools, including a mini bin which apparently I didn't use yesterday! The big pink flower shape is a journalling spot - I'll show you in detail when I've erm, journalled on it. Next to that is a couple of sets of clear stamps that I've borrowed from the Shopkeeper Gal. Because I don't have enough of my own.
And then there's the whole ribbon jar thing. All I needed was a short length of white organza and the whole thing chucked up on me. I have lost the will to live. This jar may look pretty but it renders everything but the top ten percent beyond reach, so it's a gonner. Sooner I think, rather than being put off forever! A job to do in front of the telly.


So that's me this morning - show us you work surface and perhaps a teeny bit more of your stash or space - go on. It's painless and we just want to see what you've got and what you're using. It's not nosey. It's humancraftnature. And, Mr Linky helped so much, we're doing it that way again. Please comment too though if you can be bothered, it's still fun!


64 comments:

PinksyDoodles said...

Hi Julia,
I know just what you mean about when you want something to be extra special! The more I think about a project the harder it is to create.
Good luck sorting your beautiful ribbons.
Clare x

Helen said...

Thank you for being early - I had scheduled my post but was going to have to sneak on to link it! Photos of the swing round have made an appearance.
I love your ribbon jar, I rummage around in a box and..... those clear stamps look interesting, (shopping list, where are you?) Hope to see you all soon.

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

Love the ribbon jar! my you are early this morning.. next you will be posting at midnight! and I thought I had till at least 10am!! lol will be back :)

patcrafts said...

I'm early too this week. I have a problem with storing lengths of ribbon, mine looks like yours in the jar but mine is in a box.
Pat

silvercustard said...

those ribbons need some serious organizing!!!!!loving the desk as always and cant waite till i get chance to do a bit of blog hopping to look at everyones...but have to do some work now :O(

loving the mr linky thing too, much more simples for a tech no hoper like me LOL

Nicks said...

My you are an early bird, didn't expect you to be here yet, but I had to post as I am now off out for the day, will be nosing around later at other peoples desks.
Love yours today... that's a PROPER desk..
Ribbon Jar..???? isn't that how everybody's is???

Know what you mean about doing something 'special' always difficult, that's when my mojo disappears when I have to think too hard

Milliesmarvels said...

You were early today, I had scheduled but I brought it forward! Your ribbon jar looks like a fun task to undertake. I love sorting ribbons, papers, buttons, etc...
Such a great feeling of satisfaction when it is all done.
Hope you manage to find an invitation design your are happy with.
Jane
x

Anonymous said...

I'm apparently incredibly chatty this morning! I've posted my pic via mr linky, have a great day =)

Diane.W. said...

Hi Julia!!!
I have a drawer of ribbon that looks exactly like that (organised chaos!!!) :o)x

Unknown said...

LOve the mess of ribbons in your jar, how nice and colourful, and do you have enough ribbons, NO NO NO, we always need to buy more,ROFL
thanks for ding this love to see other workdesks

Unknown said...

Hi Julia
another wednesday dont they just fly in, love the creativity at the desk, that jar of ribbons should be in the tate gallery its like a work of art, havent posted mine yet just going round the early birds, who would have thought so many would join in just showing there desks, brilliant,thanks Julia.
Christine x

Kate said...

The thought of your ribbon jar chuckin up on you made me laugh and cheered me up this morning, thanks ** Kate **

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Don't these people sleep? I thought I'd be one of the first today. I've got those flower stamps I can see behind the tidy tub; good value set :) What will happen to the stuff the flower jar is propping up when you put it away? As for the ribbon jar I had one of those but not as big and just turfed the lot out when I needed something from the bottom of the jar ;) Now what was in the jar has joined the rest of my ribbons in a jumbe in a plastic basket apart, from the organza ribbons I got from QVC ages ago which are still in their original box with holes punched in the sides to feed the ribbon through.
Anne xx

Angela Toucan said...

sorry about the ribbons, mine a are amess in my draw, maybe I'll take a pick for next week (assuming I can open it)
Hope you manage to make something fabulous for your invitation. Congrats on 25 years

ikki said...

Hi Julia, I was sure my day would have to improve so I was real pleased to see that I had missed the "13th" comment spot! You are so right about designing that special card - you will probably go back to your first idea in the end -is it still in the bin? Your ribbon jar looks beautiful, but also a nightmare when it comes to finding that tiny bit of ribbon you can't do without. Have you thought of putting a few daffs in it instead of the ribbon, it would like nice in the window and you could prop your things against it instead of the flower jar that looks as if it's on the way out! ikki

Hels Sheridan said...

Julia you made me LOL when you said your jar "chucked up on you"....I have one that does the same thing...maybe they are sisters LOL
I have revealed a shady secret I have been keeping from you all...it is begging for forgiveness

*am doing the linky thing, even though you have Mr Linky, cos...Linda showed me how to do it and I am now showing off that I can do it myself, after years of being a dimwit, I can finally say...yah!! I can do it!!! ROFL

BTW, good luck with the rest of the invitations..and congrats on your silver anniversary......hugs xx

Anonymous said...

ha thanks! It'll feel good to get some sleep! I am going to Westwood college, which is a career- focused school about 2,000 miles from me here in the 'states. Thankfully I'm doing it all online, so I can do my work in the comfort of my living room in my undies ;P Oh, and I'm going for a BA in business management

Kay said...

I used the Mr Linky thing and think I posted twice, sorry! Anyway, must dash coz I'm meant to be working and my boss is about to look over my shoulder. Will visit everyone later when I get home... or when boss is busy with other stuff!

Kaz said...

Well I am not impressed about the flowers not getting used -warning - you may be distressed at the amount of flowers on show on my photos. I am sooo with you on the ribbon front as I've been sorting in front of the tv and still haven't finished as I get to a big knot and give up.
Mini bins are meant to be ignored when using double sided tape.
Loved your desk today xxx

Hazel said...

Hope you get the invitations done - I always find I can churn out other stuff, but as soon as I have to do something specifically commissioned or for a family member I find I can't make anything. Love the ribbon jar - lol!!! Have fun in front of the tv sorting that out.

Unknown said...

What is it with that really special thing ... brings me out in a rash every time too and I usually end up going out and buying! The truth is Mrs Dunnit ... everything you make is special ... because you took the time and trouble to make it ... Many many congratulations on your Silver wedding anniversary ... I am guessing that my congrats are well early if you are only just making the invites ... but then again ... if you are anything like me ... it could be tomorrow *LOL*

Yvonne said...

Julia, you poor thing. I am having the same problem as you. I have my Grandsons first Birthday on friday, and can I come up with card?
So anoying, maybe we just need to think it's for someone eles, we may just get somewhere!
Love the quote "chucked up", lol did make me LOL. Ribbons hey, we do get into a mess don't we.. now, if you are good, I have an idea that may help you out... but only if you are good I will show you NEXT week, lol

Unknown said...

I don't have a work desk! However, I do have an extremely messy corner down the side of the sofa. Does that count?
You have an award on my blog.

Kerry said...

Good Morning Miss Julia, this week my desk actually has something on it :) Felt bad cause last week it was so clean haha.
I love your ribbon jar :) It might be a mess but it looks beautiful to me :)
Hope you have a super wednesday :)

airing cupboard crafts said...

Desk looks fab Julia and am loving how 'arty' the ribbons look... don't worry about trying to make it look fab you always make things look fab.

Have finally blogged woywd be warned it's not a pretty sight. Have now tided it up and am going to post another pic tomorrow of all it's beauty...

One quick question I thought you were completing the crop class Saturday night??????

Laura x

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

That does look like a clear stamp but I had to go and have a look at my desk myself - it's just a piccy on the mag underneath the card hehe.
Anne xx

SusanLotus said...

Your desk is very tidy! Look at mine... Need a spring-clean! :)

Susie Sugar said...

Hi Darling I totally love your quip about the ribbon jar and how it "chucked up on you" !!lol fantastic . Wow you were early today I nearly didn't join in as my desk is ... well it just isn't there I don't think !!!? but I have and now I'm in trouble with mr Sugar for playing so I gotta go pretend I'm doing some work and give him a hand before his Big Shot machine blows up !!! lol
Catch you later
Hugs Susie xx

Gez Butterworth said...

Great jar Julia. Think I have it's sister!! You've reminded me I can't find a length of purple ribbon I'm sure I put in my jar for safe keeping!! Oh well! I'll buy some more & then it'll turn up. hehe.. enjoy the rest of your day.xx

Anonymous said...

The ribbon jar could be a work of art. Just claim it took you a couple of hours to create! As for borrowing the stamps, well one can never have enough of those!

Hello, I'm Vicki said...

WOW gorgeous ribbons, this is my first time playing along - yes I am a WOYWW virgin!!!! i'm off to put up my post right now and I'll use mr linky when i have. I went back to last week's post and became a follower of all the blogs - thanks ladies for the kind comments on my blog :D. Julia - thanks so much for setting this up, i'm having fun already xxx

Spyder said...

I have a plastic box ribbon jar, and that's just as bad, because you can stuff bits in there and jam the lid on quickly before it fights back! But every thing has become knotted up. I think ribbons have parties when we're not looking!! Mini bins?? Hmmm, what you can't see in my craft room is the recycling bag...as I say at the top of my blog... 'in a darken corner in a tiny room...a pile of paper grows...
(Lyn)

voodoo vixen said...

Woah... the ribbon jar looked so pretty sitting over on the side in previous shots and now it does an upchuck and I can see that perhaps you have too many crammed in there? LOL I tried the jar thing, it failed, I tried the on the bobbins thing, it failed, I tried hanging them from a rail, it failed... I now have them in colour coded bagies hanging off a HUGE ring... it isn't working but I can't think of an alternative!

SueH said...

You’re posting earlier and I’m getting later and later Lol!

That ribbon jar looks pretty but you’re going to love seeing my ‘nice neat and tidy’ ribbons when you visit my blog…….she says smugly.
Don’t think I have any White Organza though!

Sue
x x x

Anonymous said...

Lol, love the ribbons all over the place, I think they must be breeding in there. What are the clear stamps then? Can't see them properly but I know I'm looking at my favourite Inkadinks just by the packaging! I agree, it's hard when you want to make something special, stifles the creative thought processes!

Brenda

Angie said...

I had to laugh over your ribbon jar ....we have tried so many ways to store ribbon from neatly wound on card held in position by tiny pins that I kept dropping ...to dumping it all in bags ...sort of colour coded ....there must be a perfect answer some where between.
Have posted week 40 on my blog ....love this linky thingy.

Handmade with Love said...

My goodness you are organised today! I hate it when you have a project that you must do and can't quite get it as you want it,it makes me all panicky! Make yourself a cuppa and take a deep breath I say and it will come i'm sure! I want to get into your ribbon jar and give it a good sorting, I have posted my ribbon storage on my WOYWW. Have a lovely week. Tracey x

Angie said...

Me again ....has any one had any thoughts on how to celebrate week 52 ????

Paige said...

NO desk as yet for me. I'm only just in from work and have to walk the dogs first. I will pop back later and visit everyones blogs once the other jobs are done. I need to be let loose on that pile of ribbons pleeeeease please please!!!!! it would really help calm "the monica" in me :)

Create With Joy said...

Morning Julia! As always, our posts are so funny and always get my day off to a good start! My eyes went immediately to your ribbon jar - at first I thought you had created some kind of cool new contraption - then I laughed when I read your description of the whole thing upchucking on you! I agree - I love the look of ribbon jars until you have to actually retrieve your beautiful ribbons! Don't know if you saw my Ribbon Organization post the other day, but I already converted mine and found a much more functional solution for a good portion of my ribbons - not as pretty to display as the jars - but man, oh man, so much more functional! It's just a few posts down from WOYWW if you missed it!

Hugs
Ramona :-)
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

P.S. Mr Linky - YEAH! :-)
Oh and by the way - do you see how EARLY I am today?

Create With Joy said...

Oh too early for me - that last post was supposed to read YOUR posts are so funny - not ours - :-)

Annie said...

Hi Julia. I'm running a bit late today but promise I will do my best to catch up with all my fellow WOYWWers. I've been away for a couple of days so it will take me a day or so to read blogs and catch up.
A x

Twiglet said...

Love that fall of ribbons! Mine are all colour co-ordinated in sweetie jars but hidden away in a drawer - nowhere near as beautiful!!

Caroline said...

I've actually managed to take a pic - even though its very messy and I am thoroughly ashamed, lol.
Love your ribbon jar - it looks a gorgeous, creative mess. Which is how I refer to my room...

Pam said...

I love the look of the mini easel card but couldn't get close enought not even with my nose pressed against the window so to speak! The jar is putting it politely "overflowing".
Hugs Pam x

Victoria said...

ooooooooooh I think I'd like to spend some time in front of the telly sorting out your ribbon jar!

Mine's a dining table again this week, can't get in my craft room as piled high with boxes to sort!

Victoria
x

Anonymous said...

i LOVE the ribbon jar! ribbon jar for president!

Unknown said...

well Julia - have finally posted my link... so will be back a bit later to pay visits to one and all... managed a very quick look at your desk - and that ribbon jar... I really feel that you need to sort it out into colour schemes - you deserve to - then you not only will be able to see better what you have got - but best of all - what colours you need to buy!!!

Your desk looks nice and busy today - more than I can say for mine - its all or nothing.

Put the primas away and you'll need them 5 minutes later - so is it really worth the effort??!!??

Catch you later post soak.

Paula x x x

Unknown said...

The containers on my floor Mrs Dunnit contained industrial strength wet wipes in their day ... the old man brings home the empties from work :0) see ... he can be useful ... sometimes *LOL*

Angie said...

Thanks for sorting me out ....I'm a bit thick when it comes to tecky things like ... links !lol

Anonymous said...

What busy desk Julia! I've just had to tame my ribbon collection with some cropper hopper storage! So much easier to find the colour I want!

Penni said...

Love your ribbon storage LOL !!!

Hugs
Penni
X

Chocolate Fudge Cake said...

First time posting my link to your blog which I always love looking at.

Love the vase full of overflowing ribbon - looks gorgeous!

Kirsty.A said...

I'm late today, but hey!
And I've just been out to collect R from Beavers and realised I've lost my cameo earring since I took the pic this morning. It must be around the house somewhere, bu it does make me doubt my abilty to make durable jewellery!

Charlie said...

Happy to hear I could make you smile.. =0) You do that to me nearly on a daily basis. Great fun participating (not that I can promise to do so every week) but lots of lovely ladies have been to visit since I posted. Not messy - well lets say there is a reason you don't see my floor - I have a wooden floor in that room - or at least so my DH tells me - sometimes it disappears!!!

Tracey said...

I got here in the end, better late than never. Julia, I have a matching drawer to your jar he, he, he. Yaaayyyy, I managed to spell my addy correct so Mr Linky has worked.

Carmen said...

I haven't linkied Julia cos I haven't shown my desk. It still has Alice goodies on it that should have been posted this week but just for a change I'm running behind! So can't post them till swappee lady has seen them. Love your ribbon box - doesn't make me feel so bad about mine now! LOL!

Nikki said...

Oh my where did Wed go.. good luck on your sort for that jar .. looks like your gonna be watching a movie :)

Rachel Brown said...

Love your ribbon storage idea. I joined in last night for the first time.hopefully will have my area sorted soon.

Tini A. said...

Hi to All;
I love it to look at other workspaces. Maybe I will share my workdesk at the next time. Thanks for all the nice entrys. Hugs from Germany.

Sarah said...

I'm a day late in posting but I did try to join in yesterday.
Have to admit that if I hadn't started sorted my ribbons quite soon into my addiction they would look like yours, instead they are mainly on bobbins in thread boxes

Rosie said...

I don't BELEEEEVE it! Why didn't you TELL me it was Wednesday yesterday? Duh. Never mind, still time to enjoy a good nosey around other people's spaces .... and yours is always so interesting!

Anne said...

That ribbon jar looks familiar. Are you sure it isn't mine?!

I love how WOYWW has taken off - a real success!

Eiglas said...

I could have sworn I linky'd up yesterday....
Must be an age thing.........

I know I visited everyone's worktops .....
time for my medication, clearly........!
Hmmm.....
Hugs,
Eiglas
x