Thursday 8 April 2010

This card makes me appear to be totally together; but I'm not, really. It came to me last night whilst I was supposed to be asleep, so this morning it hasn't taken long to put together and is actually to enter Susie & Vikki's Christmas Club challenge; and I will be using it as one of four very unseasonal cards for a workshop at the end of the month!

Something that struck me yesterday whilst I toured the world looking at WOYWW posts was the number of us that post a picture of our desks and comment that it may well be an aide to some sort of tidying up discipline. I thought so too, and in 44 weeks of WOYWW, it hasn't turned out like that for me. There are moments when it just drives me nuts and I have to clear up. Indeed, I think that's why I'm here writing about it, the desk, the stamps, the bin - everything needs to be re-ordered and I'm working my way up to it - envisioning if you like! But of course, having tidied up, I usually then start again immediately, inspired by the space and 'clean sheet' appearance of my work surface. I don't photograph it, I probably should, just for a WOYWW comparison. Isn't that generally the great thing about a hobby of nearly any sort. It's terribly forgiving. You can tidy up and start again. You can get it wrong and it'll turn into something else and give you a renewed start. You can burn it knot it tangle it bin it and start again. It won't shout and scream and demand attention when you haven't got time for it - indeed very often it will inspire you to return as soon as you can - and it always always feels good when you get back to start again. Therapy, friendship and any number of second chances. Ah, how many of us get those 'clean sheet' opportunities outside the space of our hobby?

Housekeeping: In other news, two fellow bloggers have had a visit from my family and been convinced of the need to share awards with me; thank you to Chrissie at Simply One of A Kind for the sunshine award - do visit her blog. This gal makes classy quality cards and creates wedding stationery that takes your breath away - and shares them online daily. Inspiration in a pot.
And Paula at her Paper Playground took very little roughing up on account of her fragile state. She shared the exotic 'Encanto' award with me. If ever you wanted proof that to become part of a community all you have to do is immerse yourself in it and enjoy the company, Paula is the gal. Full of chat and thrilled about her stash, she's a tonic - read her.
Thanks to both. Am totally unsure where Blog Awards originate and indeed why, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled and flattered. After all, aren't we all blogging for some small show-offy reason? And frankly, flattery is the key with me; it's got me into things I didn't wanna do, for sure!

25 comments:

Unknown said...

Julia ... I totally love your card and your post and you look glorious this morning ... in fact have you had surgery ... you look much younger than you did yesterday ... please will you make my Christmas cards too :0)
What???? You SAID flattery would work!!!!

Unknown said...

Oh yeah and please stop distracting me with new posts and lovely cards ... I am only on number 60 and it is already afternoon :0)

Angie said...

I agree with Linda ...only at 52 !!!! . LOve the card ...bUT UT IS TOO EARLY. WOYWW doesn't make me tidy up but it does put roller skates on the days and pushes me to do crafting if my mojo is thinking of having a break. I'm off to hit No 53 xx

Angie said...

Sorry ...brain down between eye and finger lol

Annie said...

You are very right about crafting of all sorts Julia. I started card making as a sort of therapy when needing half hour off from looking after the family and an aging parent. It's very easy to lose yourself in a craft so that you can forget the stresses of life...and I got in the habit and still do it all the time :-)
A x
ps I didn't get a visit from you yesterday so feel very stressed today. :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh, but my projects DO shout and scream and demand attention!! Perhaps I shouldn't keep my stuff so clean...lol

Sandra said...

Love the card, at first I wasn't sure I was seeing things right, a christmas card when the sun is out LOL. oopps, hope today isn't summer, and I'm going to miss out!

I've decided after visiting all the lovely blogs on WOYWW, that ever time I finish a project, rather than clear my desk, I'm going to put the bits of for my next project, which hopefully will mean anytime I have a bit of spare time, even just five minutes I can carry on something creative. Well that's the plan LOL

Michelle said...

Beautiful card! love the colours and the reindeer is really stunning!

Jane said...

This is a beautiful card and I am glad it is not just me who is kept awake at night with cardmaking ideas!lol

I have just finished my trip around everyones desks and I just want to apologise for not leaving any comments....stupid computer is playing up and everytime I have been trying to leave comments it crashes!

airing cupboard crafts said...

The card is fab I love the stamp thinks I might neeeeeeeeeeeed that one if it's for a workshop am I right in guessing the stamps are for sale in the shop?

Hope the backs getting better and your enjoying this weather xx

Kaz said...

Love the way you describe our hobby and that is why I prefer my hobby to having a hubby LMAO!!
Fab card at the top of the post by the way - those little 'early hours pixies' are buggers aren't they?! xxx

Nikki said...

Julia your card is really Pretty I love the silver and embossing on it :)
hugs Nikki

Lyn said...

J, Jules, mi amiga, you know that I love you. I love the card, I really do.

But will you PLEASE stop with the C*******s cards. I can't cope. I've only just got used to the fact that we have not only reached, but passed, EASTER.

Have mercy on this poor old brain!

Hello, I'm Vicki said...

lovely card - i left you some awards on my blog xxx

Wendy - Anntaurus said...

Love this - what a great design.

Wendy -x-

Scrapcat 1 said...

Lovely card so stylish and elegant, you made me laugh at the way you describe our hobby, or is that obsession, whenever I'm not doing what I supposed to be I'm crafting, talking about crafting, or shopping for crafting, at least OH know where to find me :-)
Thankyou for joining Susie & Vikki's Christmas Card Challenge
Tracy

Pam said...

Hi Julia I spotted cakewrecks last week its brilliant!
I really want to make some cakes today but MIL brought jake the biggest chocolate cake ever and he's only just opened it today so will have to wait till sunday I think!

Pam

Anonymous said...

Look at you girl, CC's in April! I'm impressed! I'm also very impressed with your card, it's beautiful, you really do think out of the box don't you? Have a great crafting weekend.

Brenda

Kathy said...

noooooooooo this is the 2nd C-Word card I've seen today and I've only just started blog-hopping!

'Tis a fab one though

Cath said...

Thanks for your comment. I love the card, it will be awhile before I even think of my C..... cards.

Fabiola said...

super jolie j'aime beaucoup

vikkithescrapjunkie said...

Fabulous Julia, I love the colours, and great textured feel too. The torn edges and embossed corner look fab and of course the reindeer is super. Thankyou for joining in Susie & Vikki's Christmas club Challenge.
Love n hugs
Vikki & Susie xx

Mandy Hanks said...

I love this card. Beautifully made xx

Unknown said...

oooh - love the reindeer stamp - also Brenda Butler has one i like too... I'm in awe of your organisation at doing CC's now - and as I keep saying, i should join in Susie and Vicki's club... will make my aim before i go back to work (whenever that will be)....

Thanks for the mention - very flattered you said those things about me - the cheque worked then LOL!!!!

I didn't bloghop yesterday as I was visiting the lovely Wipso - we had a lovely lovely day - she is such a special lady - and I met her through WOYWW... there are loads more people I am really dying to meet too and wondered if you would consider setting up a WOYWW convention - that would be FAB!!!!

Much love and hugs

Paula x x x

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

I love the card Julia, and another fab reindeer stamp ;)
I'm sure I don't know what you mean about doing a blog to show off even in the smallest way - Just 'cos I'm still waiting to be discovered (outside of blogland) doesn't mean than I'm not really just a shrinking violet.
hehe
Anne xx