Wednesday 7 July 2010

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 57

I took these pictures yesterday, about 6.30 ish. If you read yesterday's post you'll know that I had a lot to tidy before I could be creative....and the creativity didn't come too easily either - as I haven't done anything since last Thursday, I think I'm getting rusty! It looks quite calm and organised really - until I alter the camera angle - gah, I cannot work tidy, it just will not happen!
I'm playing with the new Do Crafts 'Born to Shop' range for a workshop next week. Fab ideas, fab images and great texts...........but there's a but. The papers are A4 and some have the enlarged stamp image on them, so absolutely no good for card making (or scrapping either, unless you work in A4, I think). Biggest gripe of course is the stamps. They stamp perfectly, the quality is great. But each image is small - they get lost on a C6 card to be honest. I'll show you at some stage. Methinks that DO have gone for perception of value and squashed 5 images with text into each set rather than think about how much more valuable really good sized images will be. I notice for the second time that the DT samples in the magazine (and so far online) don't show any stamped images - the range of stickers and die cuts have been used extensively - and some of them fit a 'normal' sized card very nicely. But I can't do a workshop for up to 16 people when there's only one of each image in the sticker pack...and anyway, what's to learn in a workshop that uses stickers when you could be brushing up on a stamping technique? Oh sorry...I've dunnit again - here endeth Wednesday's whinge! I must go find a pill.....

Oh and spot the enormous double standard - after yesterday's post - there are 2 mugs on my desk!!

We're waiting to see your work space please - photo it, upload it to your blog and use Mr Linky here to show us where - easy. Doesn't have to be paper crafts and it doesn't have to be a desk - just show us what you're working on, it's fascinating! Don't be shy- you don't have to be a member and there's no commitment - some of us regulars do it because it's a great way to stay in touch, is all.

99 comments:

Helen said...

Love your desk always - I can't work tidy either! Tut tut, Julia - 2 coffee cups - still, you could always pretend one was left by someone else, lol. Hope you get your workshop sorted!

Sue said...

Hi Julia
quite a few stamps i dont use cause they are to small, i notice both cups are half full!!! hope you didnt get a fresh cup for the next one!! very busy desk, have great day, sue,x

cheryl said...

always love your desk,hun as its always so full of creativity and love hearing you have a moan too you always make me smile love hugs cheryl xxxxx

Lothian Crafts said...

Very creative desk. 2 cups of coffee you are brave and must not have the clumsy gene that I have as I would spill them.
Have a great WOYWW Elaine

Minxy said...

I'm loving how the angle of the camera totally changes the look of your desk, i'll remember this tip for future pics lol... Hope you manage to sort your samples for your workshops.. Happy woyww Julia x

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

The first picture does look very calm, love how the next camera angle makes everything look totally different. I agree with you about the small images, so difficult to make cards with, hope inspiration strikes for your workshop. Have a great Wednesday, Julia. Tracy Evans x x

The Crafty Goat Girl said...

Morning Julia, love how you have shown your desk today. I am loving the Born to Shop stamps too, I have a few sets, hope you share what you will be making.

Saw you mentioned in Craft Stamper this month, word travels doesn't it, lol! Sure you will have many more peeps on board now, lol!

Enjoy your week, big hugs Heidi xx

jude said...

Love your desk always looks busy.I didnt go for those stamps did look at them ,as you say too small .The paperi agree no good to anyone.Hope your rest of the holiday is less busy than paper work maybe crafting!!!!
whatever have fab wednesday
hugs judex

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

Hi Julia can you link me please because I can't do it from my phone I'll be back later to leave a proper comment. Thanks Andrea - where can I buy time
xx

Spyder said...

I've seen a couple of 'Do' cards on my blog hopping haunts and so far, people have made up pictures with them, or added the words and the picture together but you're right, they are very small, and the paper's are lovely but just not 'right' to fit anywhere. But on saying that I do like the freebie...and thank you for reminding me I had one! (I'm sooo forgetful) Glad I found your early today, at least this will be one Wednesday when I won't be late for work!
(Lyn)

Yvonne said...

I have to agree with the stamps .. and also thought .. no stamped images in the samples .. urm , has to say something doesnt it?
Why don't they get "real crafters designing" real images!
Oh well One day they will learn! One day.. desk look amazing as always .. urm y=to come and ruffel a little to see what I could find to play with , lol

Kim Dellow said...

Haha! Oh brilliant! Love the two mugs! Glad you are in the full throws of the creative process! You are right about the pencils - we do store them in the same way - great minds and everything :) Kim

Nicks said...

yeah a nice messy creative desk! I agree with you about DoCrafts, its all about value but not about decent stamps, but then they are mostly a bit too cute for me, still they do appeal to alot of people

Kirsty.A said...

NO desk for me today. I was busy last night but I tidied it away before taking a pic - Tut, Tut, will I never learn! - and I have a busy day ahead of me. But I've linked anyway as I'm interested in people's replies to my question

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Those stamps are so small, I don't even see them! It takes all kinds of artists and if you work best with many items around you, then that is how to make art. We neat freaks do it our way and you marginally messy crafters do it your way. And neither way is WRONG, just WOYWW.

Had a big old belly laugh at the double standard. But your excuse is that you need two cups to get you going on Wednesday.

TinaB said...

Hey Julia!! Looking great hun xx The view you have is beautiful! xx

Annie said...

You are on holiday this week so 2 mugs just isn't enough! I'm guessing one of those could be Mr D's mug anyway :-)
A x

Chrissie said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Julia!
Have a wonderful day!
The glimpse of your garden looks great and I SO agree about stamps. Often they look great, but then when you actually come to use them they are totally impractical!
Chrissie

Anonymous said...

Yay, 26 is my lucky number! No problem whining about mugs when you have two of your own...I'm sure YOU cleaned them up! ;)

Mummylade said...

those wooden letters look fantastic! But your picture isn't clickable... gasp ;)

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

great and messy desk..only way to work ! lol
I often have 3 or 4 mugs but not on workdesk, as I am extremely clumsy!!
Hugs x

Michelle said...

Good morning Julia! yeah i can't seem to work tidy, even though i keep trying to...:-) Hope your creativity returns real soon!
hugs
Michelle
xx

carlytheprincess said...

I usually have two teacups on my desk, think they are a staple! Shame about the stamps but I'm sure you will come up with something.
Have a great day xxx

carlytheprincess said...

PS I can't work tidy either x

Kay said...

Tidy? never heard of it!! I love the look of that... is it metal or metallic card?... embossing, and the colour is fab. Can't wait to see what it ends up as :)

Diane said...

Happy Birthday Julia. Do you know I never really noticed that about the design team not using the stamps, I will have to go read the mag again now!

Cardarian said...

Hi Julia!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love your winge! Great post and photos....ha, ha I put away 2 mugs this morning - better 2 than none!
Hugs
Cardarian

MarkerGeek said...

Love the pics of your desk!! I finally found a mo to join in again this week, it has been a while! :)

Joey said...

Hiya Julia,

why make A4! lol, I am looking forward to seeing what you created, I have a couple of stamps that look lost on a card and they often get lost in the back of a drawer never to be seen again!

Lots going on on our desk today,my plans changed with my daughter being up throughout the night so no shopping for me grrrr I desperately needed some sweet things! lol

Have a great week

Joey.xxx

Anneliese said...

lol at the mugs ... there's normally 2 or 3 at least on my desk :D
& there's nothing like a good whinge ;o) whinge away ...

Joanne said...

I can't work in a mess but this week I appreciate your desk so much. After 3 weeks away and another to go, I can't wait to get home and get 'MESSY'.
Luv Joanne xx

Kate said...

Just ordered the latest DoC mag, didn't go for any stamps this time just little bits and pieces. I noticed there weren't too many samples working with the stamps too. Have you seen the new penguin one's yet, are they anything to write home about?

** Kate **

Unknown said...

You see ... you ARE a girl that understands me!!! I want to do a class with the word Dream in big chipboard letters ... now I would have to buy 26 alphabets for that ... just not feasible! As for the pills ... I always find a Valium and alcohol cocktail for breakfast helps ... that was a joke by the way ... I never touch valium ... before ... erm ... lunchtime :0)

donnalouiserodgers said...

Hi Julia, if you didn't care you wouldn't whinge, and you don't really want to take an 'I don't care' pill ...alternatively - try folding and cropping the A4 into an interesting card size using the off cuts on it or sonething else - a segment can really tease the eye....b&$%£r the fools who do not understand your needs - take what they gave you and make it beautiful...(as you always do...)

SDCrafts said...

Just nosing while having a few mins only online. I know some stamps can be tiddly, can't they. I am more and more loving the value of digistamps that you can resize until your heart's content. Bet your workshops are good!

Unknown said...

hi Julia

Thanks for the feedback on those stamps - i haven't seen them IRL so wouldn't have know that - so thanks for that...

I've realised - i didn't leave a comment last week on your post = soz for that... will not be doing many desks today or tomorrow - will have to catch up when I can...

hope you aren't working to hard - it can have a detrimental affect on your health and creativity!!!

big hugs

Paulax x x

Charlie said...

Since you and I work in the same manner I zoomed and only show the final result - sorry for being a sissy - but I had secret stuff on my desk due to a wedding in the family this weekend. Enjoy your days off from work.

Foil Play said...

Oooh you have a lovely view from your window, Julia. I'm not in a position to throw any stones about how busy your desk is, as mine is almost always in a state - and generally not much to show for it, either...

Hope the workshop goes well!

Sarah said...

Quite pleased that I have actually done something on my desk since last week. Seems like just lately I find any excuse to craft anywhere but here

Sam said...

That isnt too messy Julia - I could work quite happily with that as it is. Oh and i totally agree with you about the stamps, I got some of Clare Curds ones coz I loved the first set with the girls and the fellas, when i got them home and looked properly at them - I realised I could barely read the text. oh well maybe you could make a load of ATC sized cards instead lol x
Sam x

Scrapcat 1 said...

Firstly Happy Birthday Julia.
lol how dare you have two cups on the go after what you said yesterday but was that because someone else made your second drink not knowing you had a cup on the go already!
fab desk as usual could you not make smaller cards for the workshop little 3.5 inch ones, just a thought.

Kathy said...

Hi Julia

Your desk looks great - just the right amount of "stuff" and still a card-sized space to work in - who needs more?

What a shame about the stamps - it doesn't sound like they'd really be much use if they're that small - but what do I know.... Maybe you'll just have to do cards with little images done as borders - or lots of them stamped and cut out to use on inchies and displayed on the card mosaic style.

Candace said...

Amazing what a change in camera angle can hide or reveal!

Lovely sunny desk, here to more of this Sun!

Candace

Alix said...

hi gang, and especially you julia!
i had to share my desk today...as its not something you see round our place very often...its tidy!! lol
btw...yes the hydrangea is in a pot...its all in pots :0) and its very happy in my shaded courtyard/carport!!

mckinkle said...

Great desk Julia, I like the busy look too, Im with you, I cant craft if its all put away as it doesnt allow for me to change my mind several times!

Hope you have a great week.

Did I spy a few happy birthdays lurking???

Keryn x

craftimamma said...

I wish my whinges sounded as funny as your's do Julia! Love the outlook from your desk and the desk itself looks good as usual.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

HeARTworks said...

Hello! I'm a certified member now cause I have Mr. Dunnit's easel on my desk! I was thrilled to get it!
What are those bottles that look like manicure on your desk? Patsy from
HeARTworks

shaz earl said...

Morning Julia.. a nice busy desk and loving the mugs too have a nice day x

Anonymous said...

Great desk Julia! Is that some embossed metal I see there? I had a tidy up last week, but it didn't last long, as I went to another show! Lol! xx

Leo said...

Well I've asked for help on my blog today so I'll have a think with your stamp problem...hmmm..

How about making background paper from the stamps if they're small? You could then use a sticker/chipboard with the stamped paper you've made? Or highlight one of the images on the background paper putting a frame around it?
xx Leo

yoursartfully said...

I need to remember that trick and photograph things from different angles. I wouldn't worry about the two cups on your desk, you only need to worry when those two cups have been there for a week and have started to grow something green!!!

peggy aplSEEDS said...

i'm always amazed at how you can change the look of the workdesk just by changing the camera angle! i love how your work desk looks out a window!

Angie said...

I think your winge is valid comment ...and many will be glad you voiced your concerns ...maybe the company might take on board your feed back for the future ...I dare you ... lol.

I find it frustrating when I try to create on a tidy desk as NOTHING is where I want it ... i.e within reach..... but maybe thats a storage problem!!

Sarah Anderson said...

I love it when I see people's desks like mine. I can't work tidy either! I'm so pleased with myself that I've managed to join in here; love what you do :)

chrissy xx said...

What a great view you have. Yes! your desk looks a mess, but,I bet you still know were everything is! As for your cups,you have to have refreshments to get your Mojo working!
Chrissyxx

A Hovel to Home said...

As usual loads going on .... looks fandabbiedozie .... I am a girl that would rather have a sensible size image rather than cram many on and not have anything usable too.

I have done another vBlog of my "tidy" desk this week ..... it's nice hear on the moral highground, but I will come crashing back down to my usual stash pushing self next week.

Tracey said...

Have a lovely day all, probably won't be posting today, although I did take a pic last night, as am going out for a curry to celebrate a 21st tonight.
xx

Unknown said...

I love messy desks so much more to see when yr visiting a blog. Happy B'day to you hun

Love Dawn xx

Sunshine Girl said...

I know what you mean on both counts here - I cant work unless I am surrounded by lots of clutter either and also I run craft workshops too and know what you mean about teaching to groups and using accessory packs - I tend to stick more to the plain stuff and ink and embellish from there! Happy WOYWW and enjoy the rest of your time off.

Sam Poole said...

How wonderful to have the window wide open whilst crafting....however its raining my side of the u.k so my window is firmly shut today :( Happy Crafting!
Sam x

Hazel (Didos) said...

Love the window being wide open, Its great to craft in the fresh air. Mind you mine would be blown away today, boy is it windy!!!!
Thanks for hosting again, Bril fun as ever Hazelxoxo

Cath said...

Great desk this week!!! sorry dont know the stamps you are talking about will have to go and have a look.

Cathx

Theresa Plas said...

Just added your button to my blog! For now going to peruse some desks, but will play next week! Thanks for hosting:)

Jennifer Grace said...

Hi, I'm new to WOYWW, have been thinking of joining in for a while and finally got round to it!

Your desk looks so fun and colouful! And I wish I had a window over my desk, though I'd probably sit and stare out of it a lot if I did! xx

Darcy Marshall said...

haha I love how the image totally chages with the camera angle. i am not sure how I feel about teeny stamps, I do have a few...but then I strugle to use large ones too sometimes....pfft nothing is ever the right size lol

JoZart Designs said...

Lovely aspect to craft facing the window. Amazing how the camera angle tidies up your desk for you... might try that next week! Lovely working melange. ( That sounds so much nicer than a mess!) Thanks again for the easel... it's on my desk and in my pics! xx

sparklygirl-Tina said...

Hi everyone

I'm sure some will think my desk tidy again this week - must try harder next week! Right off to have a nose at some of yours.

Tina
X

Rachael said...

Ah I just love a messy craft desk :) Face facts, if its not messy then you're not using your creative mojo! xx

Anne said...

Busy workspace with a great view of the garden sorry i'm on a tidy up busy looking for something probably be a mess when i find it or there better be must get card done today

Nikki said...

I think your desk is full of fun and that rainbow tape very kewl and all the other goodies you have hidden about :)
hugs Nikki

Lavinia said...

Ooo those, them, (poke poke) little shiney bottles, Smootch, Scootch or summat??? I like them, need to try em! Are like Pearly Doodl-ies? Why 2 mugs??...who else have you got in there???Lucky you to have a great gardern to look at. Thanks julia!
Lavinia
x

Siobhan Brignull said...

ur so right looked quite tidy from one view, have debuted in the chart at 96 and have got my altered WOYWW easel on display

Rosie said...

Your desk always looks wonderfully interesting ... and why can't you have SIX mugs if you want to??

minnie_mac said...

Love the way your desk looks out on the garden and looks so sunny.

Marilyn

angeleef said...

Oh I really love those different angles from your craftroom!
** Evi **

Sarpreet said...

Its fun seeing everyone elses work desk. I have managed to use the stickers and everything, now i have to use the stamps. I think most of them will fit the a6 card and square card. I have a few ideas. I have joined in this week, with whats on your workdesk

Penni said...

Great desk again this week Julia. It all looks very interesting.

Hugs
Penni
X

kayc said...

Happy Birthday Julia. Mine too! Love the view from your window! Kathleen x

Claire said...

I'm late but I'm here, your desk looks filled with interesting lovelies there Julia :)
C
xx

Twiglet said...

So good for you - a WOYWW Whinge!!! You could be starting a new trend.

Joanne said...

Hope you don't mind, but I put another post on (#57a) as I went out and bought another load of stash!!!!!
Luv Joanne xx

Sew This N That said...

lol Julia, if my desk was bigger I would have numerous mugs on....my trouble is I make a drink then forget I've got one, only to go in the kitchen and make another :0) When hubby moans there's no cups left in the cupboard, I just say I've had visitors lol.
Sorry my post is late today :0)
Love your desk pics, the red cardstock you are working on looks interesting :0)
*hugs* Heather x

Angela Toucan said...

wishing you all the best with your workshop.
Could you cut the small stamped images in facy punch/Diecut shapes and then 3D them onto a card to draw attention to them?

Isabelle Norris said...

What a lovely desk with the window opening on the garden.... I'd like that..
Have fun for your workshop!!
isa x

Cath Wilson said...

I'm afraid your desk IS tidy compared to mine - oh dear!! I really must tidy it before I do anything else but first I have a couple of things I really have to stamp and then I'm sure there will be a few more... sigh! But I enjoy it, lol!! Thanks for the fun.

lisa said...

I thought it was about time I joined you all. I love having a nosey at everyone else's space!!
What a lovely sunny spot you've got. I'd spend too much time looking at the garden!!
Hugs Lisax

Julie M said...

Lovely to see the sun shining in on your desk, Julia - and the garden too, great distractions!!

Julie :o)

Anonymous said...

Yeeks! I would definitely spill any coffee all over whatever I had on my desk. For a clutter-ific crafty girl, you are pretty graceful with your beverages :)
Amy

Scrapcollectr said...

So glad to be a part of this! Thanks. I'm very inspired now! :-)

Sarpreet said...

lol, those pictures of WOYWW was taken in the morning before I went to work, 7am ish. With the stamps, if you look at sketch layouts that use a smaller image - you will find lots to do with those stamps. If you email me, I can show some pictures of cards I have made.

angeleef said...

Thanks for changing the link! Don't know how that happened there...
And yes, I learn the children how to read and write, count and calculate. It's really rewarding, and I love it! :)
** Evi **

Anonymous said...

Lol, it's all about the camera angle isn't it? Glad to see you're staying true to form though. I have to admit that I put the PB's away last night, although I cleared out another drawer and put my "good" stamps, or little collections in there... PB, Hero Arts, Stampendous and Tim Holtz. And yes, intermittent air is definitely better than none at all, at least it hasn't gone off any more this week and we have thunderstorms forecast this afternoon which will hopefully cool us down a bit.

Later dudette
Brenda

Scrapcollectr said...

Thanks for the welcome on my blog! I have the best intentions always but your challenge is so easy to participate in and one that inspires me to move forward with my creativity every day. Have a great day!

mckinkle said...

Hi Julia,

I cant access your email addy on here, here's my email: kerynmcnicol@sky.com could you please email me and I will give you Clare's address!

Thanks
Keryn x

Linda said...

I am so glad to be joining this meme. You have a lovely view from your desk. You are very brave with 2 mugs on your desk. :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I do use my Slice a lot and I really enjoy it. I don't collect the paper weights, I only have the 2 and I like use them when I am gluing chipboard together

Georgia said...

Hi Julia!
Thanks so much for comming onto my blog and leaving me such a lovely comment! I am so glad you like my WOYWW idea! I had so much fan making it! You can take my picture on my blog and use it!

Love and Hugs
Georgia :)

olive said...

first visit to your site Julia and first time I've entered the WOYWW.. amazing to see what everyone is doing in blog land..........

Eliza said...

My desk is a mess magnet, it doesn't matter what I do it gets messy. I clean it up and 5 seconds later and no joke the messy fairy has done it to me again. I can't win so I give up.

Just joined WOYWW but still have to post some photos, yes that is the next step LOL.....

Debs said...

This is the Heinz week 57 varieties! lol
ohh please come and sort my desk out! lol