Overdue...for a change

We went away very soon after the WOYWW 5 celebration and very soon after that, I was ill and you enjoyed quite a prolonged blog silence.  Whilst I was sitting in my armchair being a tired old woman, I had company in the form of art.  The ATCs that so many of you were generous enough to give or send to me. And some of you had to jump through hoops to do it too, I had no idea that the 'contact me' for this blog now uses a Gmail account. Now that I do know, I'm checking it, honestly!

I thought I'd group the ATCs into colour or technique order for photography purposes. Immediate fail.  It was hard, I couldn't decide and Mr Dunnit was, well, less than helpful. He did defend himself by saying that he wasn't technique savvy, and I might have suggested that he didn't have an eye for colour either...so in the end, I did what any sensible human would do...laid 'em all on the table and photographed them. Really, me, over thinking things....not usual, to be honest.

The over riding theme of this year's ATC swap was without doubt, friendship.  And I don't wanna get all speech maker and pompous (and you KNOW that I can), so let me just say that I think your art truly reflects the 'spirit' of WOYWW. S'about friends.  And you genuinely don't need to thank me for that, as so many of you do.  It's entirely within your control.  I think it so easily could have become a bit of a clique and died a death. But your interest and inclusivity perpetuates the enjoyment, and the anniversary swap was really the tangible evidence.  Oh sorry..I did get all pompous and speechy.  I'm available for speaking you know, air fare, board and fees to be negotiated.  Ahem.

There are stories to all of these little art pieces too - 'out of the comfort zone' techniques, first time ATC makers, stitching, blending, scanning, printing, carving your own stamps. A lot of thought went into every single trade and in my case, quite a lot of feverish finishing and a little panic.    

Belatedly, thank you for the ATCS you made and sent to me.  I love each one and they have a proper file, so will be enjoyed for yonks. Thank you mostly though, for joining WOYWW.  I hope you get as much out of it as I do.