Wednesday 20 March 2013

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 198

Go HERE to read about joining in...it's not a membership thing, dip in and out as you please.
My desk. Hmm. I took this photo yesterday late afternoon.. it did not improve any.  I kept going until the daylight faded and it's now strewn with the beginnings of preparations for a workshop tomorrow; baskets, piles of card, kitchen roll, home made paint palettes..it's no prettier.
Actually, you can see the palettes in the back corner...just to the left of the ATG runner..bits of cereal packet covered in white kitchen roll and then sealed with cling film.  Enough to go around and they can be disposed of or kept as the workshopeers wish.   Even typing the word palette makes me smile..it's so indicative of real art and things I don't really do!  The rest of the stuff you can see most easily is intended to be sample cards for a 'cute' workshop.  It is so far out of my comfort zone that I'm not coping; that's really why the mess is so bad..I'm getting everything out to try and 'cuten' things up...but discarding most in horror. See, having to be cute plays havoc with my vocabulary too.  Cuten.  Shucks.
Join us do, so we can compare what we've got with what you've got and better yet, be inspired to actually do something, it's lovely.  Put WOYWW in you post title, link up here and visit.  Enjoy!


118 comments:

Create With Joy said...

Happy WOYWW Julia! Are those purple glasses? I've been wanting a pair for awhile! Love your desk - but my cats would be eating all of your lovely loose papers!

Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com

Nan G said...

I like the looks of the butterfly in the middle foreground. and it looks like a frog on the blue card? I'm struggling with doing a 'cute' something myself. putting it off until the weekend. :) happy woyww! nan 3

Nikki said...

Wow I can't believe I made #1 spot
You look like your getting down cute just fine :) hugs Nikki C
P.S I have candy still going on
for anyone to join in

okienurse said...

Busy looking desk. I can relate to the brain issues! Cute plays havoc with my brain also...I don't do cute and I was told by the book keeper at the shop where I do classes I need to do some cuter things and get away from the messy looking things I do...No she's still alive but if her boss can't educate her I will. Have a great week getting the 'cute' things done. Vickie #5

Maria said...

Julia I really love what's on your work desk today are you making a card with that Kraft card stock, so love the little cut outs are they dies?

Have a great week....


Maria in Oz

Claire said...

i don't do cute either, so i'd struggle too! mind you, i do love butterflies (not too cutesie), and if that's a frog on a surfboard i espy - that's funny rather than cute, to me...
interpret the word as suits you, dear julia, and you'll be cutesier than cute :)

jill said...

Good morning julia, Happy woyww.
plenty on your desk to keep you busy .

MvM-design said...

Hhahahha goodmorning Julia,
I know the feeling "out of my comfort zone"! I'm making a mini-scrapbook again. That was a long time ago!
But you will work it out girl!!

Have a creative Wednesday ;)
Hugs Marleen #13

Queenie Jeannie said...

You're so funny!! I think your card is quite lovely! I'm seeing lots of bright, pretty colors on kraft paper right now. It must be very "in"!!!

I love seeing your desk because it always looks like so much is HAPPENING on it! You rock!

sara j said...

Aw Shucks Julia, it's maybe not a terrible thing to have to cuten things up....I went into my local shop today to show Linda a couple things I made for an upcoming class and she "don't forget people like bling" well, me too, ....sometimes.....happily bling is easier to apply than cuteness so i wish you the best of luck!! lol

Andrea said...

Im sure it will be a success as your ace!. no doubt the cute you've disregarded so far would have been wonderful but I guess until your comfortable with it,it wont be good enough. once its finished I'm sure you will think that wasn't so bad after all(sounds good anyway!)rich though coming from someone who cant do CAS or non cute !!!!LOL ... good to be back and happy woyww Andrea x #20 I think !

Eliza said...

Hi Julia,

Love those spectacles, purple..... it looks like your desk is in a state of mayhem, I do hope you get a chance to play more.

Happy WOYWW
Eliza 24

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hullo there Julia - as usual your post made me smile..

.. and even broader when came to the "cuten" bit - so understand it - I love cute on other blogs but for some reason dont do it often myself..

I love the colour combo you are playing with, and am sure it will lead somewhere, agree with the scattering hither and yon.. a crafter after my own heart - so like my method.. pull it all out, and reject it!
Happy WOYWW, Shaz in oz.x #25

peggy aplSEEDS said...

i think i should use my palette to help me feel like a real artist, LOL!
cute glasses!

Sue McDonald said...

the little frog looks interesting on your desk......my desk is looking somewhat like yours this week really loved

Happy WOYWW
Sue#27
aka Frankiesue

scrappymo! said...

I love the look of the colours you are working with...maybe if you keep reminding yourself how great those colours really are, the cute will fade to the background!

Well, it's a try at a solution...not a very good one tho!!!

Jackie said...

The frig card on the easel at the back looks cute !!!!
If there is something you like like frogs or cats or dogs that could help with the cute issue!
Jackie 17

Unknown said...

Morning Julia. Hope you got everything ready in time for your workshop. Have a good one. I always think it is good for us to step out of our comfort zone now and again. We can bring a bit of our own style to whatever it may be and I am sure your workshopeers will have fun doing cute and arty Julia style. Happy WOYWW to you from Helen 36

Helen Pigott said...

Good Morning :D
I'm so glad somebody else suffers from 'cute' syndrome, I am hopeless when it come to cute and clean!
Thanks for hosting again.
Have a lovely crafty week.
Rum x

Darnell said...

Hey, Julia! Your desk isn't looking too bad with all your prep for the workshop and tossing hither and yon. And, of course, I love "cuten!" You are sounding like me!! Have a great week and thanks for hosting! Darnell #42

Redanne said...

Hi Julia, I am loving that frog card, that passes as cute in my eyes. Speaking of eyes, love those purple specs too. I am sure you will do cute very well, just grit your teeth, grin and bear it and all will be well .... I think.... Happy WOYWW, Anne x #34

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Cute!! Lol! Thatnis so far out of your comfort zone that it has gone through the dark side and is returning from the opposite direction......good luck with the workshop. Hope your teeth don't itch!
LLJ 45 xxxx

Chrysalis said...

Morning, Julia! It doesn't matter what time I wake, there are still 44 early birds before me! Happy WOYWW everyone xx

fairy thoughts said...

is that a shamrock on the side of your glasses... especially for St Patricks day. Good luck with the cutsie card, my tip... keep it simple and add some bling!
have a good week
janet

Maisie Moonshine said...

Your anti cute sentiment made me smile - cute is not my go to craft staple either. Hope you can contain your horror! Hugs MMx #50

Almo said...

Morning Julia, I think your froggy is waving to everyone saying Hello! now he is cute. I am liking the look of what looks like washi tape or ribbon on the left of your desk especially the blue edged one. Have a great day and good luck with the workshop tomorrow, i'm off to do mine later. Hugs Mo x

Janet said...



I'm not cute either, no desk at the moment - I'm in the midst of bathroom renovation. I think I need new glasses too - trying to decide if it is a jar of sweeties or crafty bits I saw on your desk. Janet

Lynn Holland said...

Getting ready for a play day here today with Anne Rx and some friends. It's starting snowing hope that's not going to stop play.
I like the colours on your card and the wool you were using the other day.
Enjoy your workshop.
Lynn :-)

Gill Edwards said...

happy woyww Julia, and thsnks so much for the chance to join in such fun each week.
i think your desk looks exciting this weekand i love the shamrocks on your glasses, very timely

Gill X

Robin said...

Love those cuten purple glasses! So dang cute! I always smile when I read your posts! Looks like you have been busy as a beaver!

Claudia N. said...

Guess we could start a contest with our workdesks today, Julia ;)

Mine looks rather similar. "Cutening" things up always leads to horror with me too. *lol

Have a happy WW!

Hugs,
Claudia x

Cardarian said...

I am not playing this week but I am looking! Love what you are doing there and your desk has a lot of interesting things! Once I am closer I will attend these "cutie" workshops!
Lots of hugs,
Cardarian

Twiglet said...

My WOYWW post has sneaky peek at something cute too!! Happy Wednesday! x Jo

My name is Cindy said...

Home made paint palettes? That sounds industrious. I tend to opt for suitable plastic containers if I remember to bags 'em before OH puts them in the recycling. Tesco's fancy hummous tubs are one of my faves. Not that I paint either. The butterflies are a lovely colour and that little froggy is just begging to be made into a cute card!! Good Luck, Cindyx

Rebecca Hoy said...

Hi Julia, happy WOYWW. As usual a very creative desk, love that little froggy who is just popping up into sight.

Have a nice day,

Rebecca x

Annie said...

I'm impressed with all your preparation Julia....home made pallettes??????
Hugs,
A x

misteejay said...

Lovely busy desk Julia and I'm really loving those specs.

Toni xx

toni said...

Hi Julia, like your busy desk, looks like a very familiar scenario! have a lovely day x

MrsC.x said...

good luck with your cute mission i think the card looks pretty good from here :)

love the purple specs

happy woyww #43
Mrs.C.x

Hettie said...

Hi Julia. Like the idea of a palette as a newbie to the painting world! But I do like my craft mat as I can just wipe it clean!
Those green bits look kinda nice.
Hugs
xx

lisa said...

Disposable palettes, I like your style. Will have to remember that one, they are so easy too.
Love your flowery glasses. I am getting ready for a new pair but there is so much choice these days.
Don't envy you going cute, that's something I find hard too. Good Luck.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #71

froebelsternchen said...

Hello Julia!
I want to say Thank you once more for this great weekly event here on your corner!

Don´t join often ..but it is always such an inspiring event for me!
Thank you Julia

FROEBELSTERNCHEN
ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY
MOO-MANIA-CHALLENGE

Gibby Frogett said...

Morning Julia, hope your workshop goes well. Love your frog, he looks adorable. happy WOYWW Gill x

Unknown said...

Oh my, I forgot it was Wednesday, just sat down getting laptop out then realised and had to dash upstairs to take photo etc. Then did blog and didn't link up, think i need to go back to bed and start again!
Carol.x

Anonymous said...

Hi Julia :-) this is fantastic to play along with! I'll be back next week too!

The House of Bears said...

Maybe you need a bear on the desk, that would cuten things up ;)

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

It's so difficult trying to make to a style that isn't your own. I know I worry that my class ladies will get bored of mine soon!

Saxo Stamper said...

Wow, Julia this sure is a busy, busy desk... I hope you find your mushy cuteypatootie side soon!

K x

Rossella said...

Good Morning Julia
I will be very interested to see how you get on in the cuteness zone.
Happy Wednesday
Rosie x

Unknown said...

Hi Julia, another great desk with lots going on! Thanks for sharing and Happy Woyww. Liz 80

Keren Howell said...

I sympathise - I don't do cute either and the thought of being compelled to it makes me come over all peculiar! Like your DIY palettes - I keep the lids of ice-cream containers for the same purpose. Happy WOYWW! xxx Keren

RosA said...

Disposable palettes are a great idea. Those small polysomething trays that the supermarket puts meat on are also great.
Hope you found some cutifying inspiration soon :)
RosA # 85

RosA said...

Oops, # 84

Debs Willis said...

Happy WOYWW - liking the butterfly card!

Debs x

CraftygasheadZo said...

Always lots to see and to look out for, including what looks like a little frog to me! Enjoy desk hopping lovely. Take care Zo xx 87

SMYLING said...

looks as bad as mine, only wish i had impending workshops as an excuse, happy woyww

The Scrapbook Lady UK said...

I dont know why but there are two scrappyjens and I dont know how to take one of them off... sorry! Love the colours on your desk and I am very intrigued by those big yellow dispenser things... i need to find out about those. Happy woyww, jenx

Jenny Marples said...

Seriously share your pain with the idea of doing 'cute'. Can't, won't. So sorry you have to. The desk looks very organised today to me. I can almost feel the cogs whirring from here. Happy WOYWW and thanks for your lovely comment last week, Jenny #92

Jaki Morris said...

How I hate made up words! Nouns becoming verbs, uggh

I like the look of the frog card. As ever, lots going on your desk today.

Take care
Jakix #93

Jaki Morris said...

Make that 94!!!
Jakix

Lindsay Weirich said...

wow, you have a lot going on! Love the froggy on your ipad chair:) Identically I added my blog twice, can you remove the duplicate entry? Thanks!
Lindsay #95

shazsilverwolf said...

Morning Julia- I have to agree with the difficulties of cute. I do not do cute, I really don't. I keep telling Beloved Hubby that I am cute, tho'. rofl.( which is what he does!) Hugs Shaz #77

Zue said...

Hi Julia
You are always so busy!
Wishing you well for your workshop!
x

Elizabeth said...

Hi Julia, 'cuten' another word to add to the crafter's dictionary ... I'm convinced one exists :) I think I've passed through the cute stage - I have a pile of unused cute stamps to prove it - so you have my sympathy. Despite your antipathy to cute, I hope the workshop goes well. Hugs, Elizabeth x #55

PS: I smile when typing words like palette too, even create, studio, mixed media art, etc., all make me feel a tad pretentious - when all I'm doing is playing with paper, ink, powders and paint :))

Lisa-Jane said...

I couldn't see the pallettes for love nor money! Best of luck with trying to cuten things, let me know what you do and I shall try it on the children ;-)

akilli melek said...

Julia sometimes i can't get any word out, I'd be happy with a made up word. I'm sure it started when i was pregnant but I never recovered LOL.
have a great week.
caroline

Marit said...

Cute post today Julia ;) ... mine is all about a trip to memory lane - evoked by woyww posts. Funny, how this series brings people together. Thank you! Happy woyww!

Angela Toucan said...

pretty pieces you've selected for your project and a great idea for the "pallets"

Do you want to come join our quarantine, I'm sure my little one could show you how to do cute without the "eeek" quiet successfully.

blessings to you from Angela

C said...

Love those purple glasses! I tried to stay awake to get in at a decent number but just couldn't do it so I'm triple digits this week.

Paint pallets..can't wait to see more!

Francesca said...

Love the ideas of the palettes...Going cute I know what you mean, I supply my local craft shop with cards which are normally cute and sweet , not my cup of tea. Had to restock in the last couple of days. Have a good one.

Helen said...

Hope you sort your 'cute' problem...it's one I'd share, though the Penny Black type of cute I can do! The disposable palettes are a great idea, how dedicated you are! Glad you like Dad's desk, isn't it fab! (Only just realised I hadn't left a comment here when I read it...) Your purple specs are gorgeous. Have a great week. Helen, 8

Unknown said...

A busy desk, as usual. I glad to hear I'm not the only one who has a hard time with going cute. I like the disposable palette idea. I may have to give that a try. Have a Happy WOYWW..#110

Laura said...

Good luck with the cutening. :) Cute is really not my default style either. Perhaps some deep breathing is in order? The disposable palette is a good idea. I actually used some paint last night and used a sturdy paper plate. Hope you're having a happy week. ~ Laura

Katie said...

Good luck with the cutening! Happy WOYWW!

Brenda B said...

"Prep for the beginnings of a workshop tomorrow"!!! Organised as usual then J? How do you sleep at night and stay sane leaving it til the last minute? I'd be a gibbering wreck and would likely be a no show at my own workshop!! The hat was cramping my fingers to be honest, it got so tight in there with all those needles, and no give in the wool at all when you needed it the most as it was 100% wool. If I ever make a hat again it won't be with 100% wool, I've learned my lesson!

Hugs
Brenda

famfa said...

Great desk. Love the word 'cuteness'. Perfect. Is that's four leaf clover on your glasses?
Famfa 113

Angela said...

Good afternoon Julia :) what a busy, interesting desk you have, lots to do! Wishing u a fabulous week, Happy WOYWW :)

AngelGreetings xx #119

Lisa Richards said...

Every once in a while you have to just grab a palette and do some real art (whatever THAT is!)! :)

I love the word "cuten". I think I've used it a few times.

Hope you get some sunshine soon!

Christine said...

...and a froggy good day to you...
good to see you are working hard.
love all the 'new' words, when I stutter the children really enjoy mine!!
Bishopsmate #123

MiniOwner said...

You are so full of lovely busyness as always, Julia. Love those purplke specs. Happy Wednesday. :o)
Sue x (MiniOwner@106)

Kyla said...

Yep, totally get the cute issue!!

Happy WOYWW
kyla

Kim said...

I;m with you...cute is not my thing! I started the Online Card Class, Pattern Play; so far the samples are...cute. I hope that changes!
But, I still like the looks of your desk! Good luck.

Heathers Inspiration said...

Hope your workshop goes well and you have a Great week :)
Happy WOYWW Heather#133

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Julia,

Oh, I bet you do cute quite well! Your desk looks quite productive!!!

Happy WOYWW
Peace,
Kay (48)

Kelly said...

Hi Julia. I like you're stepping out of your comfort zone. Good for you! I am intrigued by the magazine on the left side that I can't see all of the title. LOL

I'm not playing this week. I haven't made a lot of progress. Hopefully the next couple of days while the snow flies. Creative Blessings! Kelly

Carole Z said...

Hi Julia, wishing you well with your workshop..have a good week, looking busy from your desk! Carole Z #135

dix said...

Julia, I always love seeing your projects and checking out your work desk. Helps inspire me! Thanks for sharing. dix---

BJ said...

Oh what a day, no internet service from DEMON, due to hardware problem, since first thing 'till now 2.30pm. Asked DH to add my link at work and he added it to the post from 2 weeks ago! Just can't get the staff these days!
Know what you mean about cute, although my Easter Timmy tag is verging on cuteness (previous post btw) BJ #137 at last I have linked Horrrah.

BJ said...

Oh what a day, no internet service from DEMON, due to hardware problem, since first thing 'till now 2.30pm. Asked DH to add my link at work and he added it to the post from 2 weeks ago! Just can't get the staff these days!
Know what you mean about cute, although my Easter Timmy tag is verging on cuteness (previous post btw) BJ #137 at last I have linked Horrrah.

Annie said...

those are very cute specs with the little flowers on the side!
hugs, annie x

Karin said...

Ahhhhhhh cute is outside my comfort zone too, you have my sympathies. Happy Wednesday.

Krisha said...

I also have a hard time trying to cuten up a card...LOL I usually just go back to a CAS style for cute. Why is it so hard to do cute? I did them years ago, guess I forgot how.
Krisha #139

Anonymous said...

The little frog back there is a cutie pie. Cute glasses too. See, you already have the cute factor! lol! Happy Wednesday. Have a great rest of the week. Sue#126

mamapez5 said...

I love your busy desk. You have my sympathies; I don't do 'cute' either.
Happy Wednesday. Kate x #57

Pallavi said...

Don't say I didn't warn ya! I have been eyeing your buttons jar for a while it's really temping me to break in n run away with your jar of goodies hehe I'm also loving those glasses better hid em quick! Wish you a happy WOYWW!

LisaDV said...

I think your frog card in the back is super cute. Very clever way to make your own paint palettes. Happy Wednesday. LisaDV#145

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

I don't do "cute" and struggle with that sort of theme, so I sympathise with you. However, I have faith in your ability to sort it out with great success. Have fun and have a great week. xx Maggie #32

Caz said...

Loads to look at on your desk as usual!!
Been missing for a couple of weeks or so but back now - with a finished quilt and quiltofax....
Happy WOYWW
Caz
#149

Unknown said...

Please to see it's not just me who has lots of things on the go and once!!!

maureenjscott said...

Always look forward to seeing this post each week! I love to be nosy! X

Caro said...

Cute isn't really my thing either...I have had to do it a few times for a DT and struggled! Love the look of your desk. Thanks for hosting as ever. Happy WOYWW. Caro xx (#81)

donnalouiserodgers said...

it is a huge comfort to ME to know there is a person out there who will try anything, and still manage to remain true to her inner person that is screaming CUTE??? Nooooo!!!!! RUN SCREAMING FROM THE CUTE STUFF

and you will still pull it off, in the same way that your desk will always reflect the JD we know and love who resides within the boundaries that allows both experimentation and a tempered logic that applies a jolly good dose of common sense....and an entertaining blog of integrity

we can trust a woman like that, and I say we can trust your messy desk because - under those layers lurks art...

sandysewin said...

It's tough working out of your comfort zone, eh? I mentioned something similar on my woyww today, too.

Hope your classes go great!

Happy woyww,

Sandy #103

Anne said...

Love the purple specs!!! Great desk, always look like a real crafter to me. Happy WOYWW Anne x #161

Ali H said...

Hi Julia thanks for stopping by ! I can understand what you mean about journalling seeming contrived if you look at the American magazines or those who seem to follow a bit of a clichéd style - but mine genuinely seems to just seep or gush out of the dark reaches of my cluttered brain some how ! Seldom have an idea fully formed - just kind of happens !! Hope that doesn't make me too weird !! Take care & thanks for putting this brilliant blog hop together each week ! Ali x #22

Liz B said...

Happy WOYWW! And Happy Spring! :)

Kezzy said...

Wow such a busy be it must be an amazing experience doing workshops, to be able to teach your craft, a true dream lol. I am so loving the card on your desk, the flower and bird looks stunning, what stamps is it?, it looks like you have coloured them with H20's? thats amazing to start with, maybe I should get mine out again now I'm a bit better with a paint brush, I remember first time I used them, it didn't go well lol. I so can't wait to see the card closer, I shall keep a look out. I think I'm blind as I can't see the palettes and the jar looks like its full of sweets but I'm sure they are buttons. Oh and mr hoppy frog is so super cute, I know you don't do cute but he is cute, is he a stamp?. Eeek I better go, before I drive you crazy with all the questions lol. Happy woyww :-) Hugs Kezzy xxx

Mary said...

I had to giggle at the word "cute", you do it well, though you don't think so....trust me, I know cute, though I don't always manage to find cute while crafting. Love the palette...great idea. I've been using old CD's. Thanks for another week of WOYWW...always fun to check in. Have a crafty "cute" week.

Unknown said...

Well I know of an extremely cute card somebody made that made my day recently! It is now displayed on my ribbon board. You are probably tucked in for the night now--I am a late bloomer today with my visits and comments. Just one of those weeks--and yet, somehow. WOYWW is a zen kinda place to go and relieve the stress! Hugs Julia dearest...I do love your busy desk today! Sandy Leigh

Ohhh Snap said...

Embrace your inner cuteness : D. Love the frog(?)! And oh how I love Twinkle H2Os! Mine are still good after 10 plus years.

I *think* the Lily of the Valley note was to remember to put the new PTI Lily of the Valley die in my wish list, but it's foggy lol. My notes waffle between being overly detailed to downright cryptic : D.

Queen Lightwell said...

The suspense is just driving me crazy...have you received a package from, oh lets say, someone in Oklahoma, lately? :) I do hope it didn't managed to get routed through China on its way to you! lol And also, thank you ever so much for hostessing this fab linky party...your desk makes it look like you hardly had the time this week! You've been busy, huh? :) I've got too much housework for much crafting this week, but I couldn't miss the party! :)Hugs dear, Deeyll #161

Karen said...

I have added mine a little late! I work night shifts and forgot to take the memory card with desk photo on it with me. I had the lappie but no photo!
Love that your desk is as messy as mine xx

Victoria said...

I am smitten with those dazzling purple glasses..how enchanting! Love all the goodies on your desk. the colors in those tiny jars look fun...and those butterflies and florals look amazing..such a elegant and soft color too..beautiful! Always a joy popping in to your magical world!
Hope to play next week!
HUgs and sparkles
Victoria

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I really like that botanical motif you put together for your card, Julia. Blessings!

Tamika said...

Just dropping in! Maybe I should wait a few hours and see a new post! However, I like your glasses I need a new pair myself!

Susan Hogan said...

You know what - I am so glad I have found a desk that looks like mine - I see all these beautiful clean neat tidy planned places where people are supposed to craft in - and it isn't my experience. So glad to see one that looks like mine looks most of the time!

Jenny Marples said...

Hi Julia, life has got in the way again this week but I wasn't going to let your 200th anniversary pass without taking the opportunity to congratulate you on your achievement; http://pushingtherightbuttons.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/wnoyww-200.html
Happy WOYWW to a very special lady, hugs Jenny x

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