Wednesday 6 January 2016

What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 344

Well hello fellow Deskers, Happy New Year! No changes here, I'm too old. So, to find out more about WOYWW go HERE and to find out how to join in go HERE.

As I stepped away from my desk last evening, I took this photo. I intended to make a cup of tea and return, but was utterly distracted by my current crochet and the lure of the TV. So it's unchanged this morning! 
I was listening to something on iPlayer and doing something I haven't done for ages - using my alphabet stamps. Well, one of the ridiculous number of sets that I can't live without. In fact, the whole thing was a bit of a retro project because it involved the Pearl Ex palettes you can see at the right end. I've had them for about 15 years. Expensive? At the time they made me cough, but clearly, they have proved worthwhile! I made a card, a very quick calendar page and did another card for the memorydex. The stamp you can see is Stampendous hanging birdcages although I don't know how much of it you can actually see. I'll make you look at the card at some stage, I'm sure! The heart shaped tin by the tape was a container for lip balms and will be pressed into useful service at some point. (One of the things about me..I have lip balm in every coat pocket, every handbag and the van and the car. And the kitchen and the bathroom. My lips will never give away my age!)
The pink egg is a sponge. A story for another day. 
Join us if you can, all we ask is that you visit your visitors, at least. Reciprocity is good. 
Link here, please - put WOYWW in your post title and don't post an advert.....

52 comments:

Helen said...

I stepped away from the computer at just the wrong moment.. here you are. delighting us with your desk.. I never bought the pearl ex palettes, but have loads of pots of the loose powders. needless to say I've not used them for ages! you sound as if you've been very industrious. wish I could say the same... have a good day.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I learned something ELSE new about you this week. You are the queen (or princess) of lip balm! Never seen a sponge that looked like an egg before. And as for the Pearl Ex, it definitely lasts forever, at least the stuff I got does. Not sure what mine is, but it doesn't have the binder in it. Have a balmy Wednesday, dear friend (yep, pun intended).

glitterandglue said...

Morning Julia. Looks like you were having lots of fun before the lure of the tv and crochet... Happy new year to you and your family.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #2

Kyla said...

Happy 2016. I find it feels great to rediscover long forgotten stash though I totally understand the lure of a cuppa and TV!
Kyla #5

HeARTworks said...

Happy new year Julia! Ridiculous is right! I have so many alphabet stamps and I really do not get to use them that much! Too lazy, and I am perfectly content with my imperfect handwriting!!! But i should get them out and decorate my planner at least! It needs a little attention! patsy

Create With Joy said...

Happy New Year Julia! I have SO many alphabet stamps that have not seen the light of day in ages, but I am really hoping to find new ways to put them to good use this year!

Sue Jones said...

Happy new year Julia xxx you have done more than me so far this week! HAD to watch silent witness last night and Mon too - nothing much happening here.

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Blessings of year for 2016, Julia. In an effort to make up for my frequent absence of late I've started the new year well with WOYWW, phew!
Good to be back!
Lip balm, can totally concur with you on that and have as many except mine are in tubes not pots like to put it on like lipstick I guess.
Mm alphabet stamps, they get used for WOYWW atcs each year :)
Happy WOYWW, Shaz in Oz.x #19

{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Annie said...

So, my friend, your lips are always ready for kissing are they? Hmmm we learn something new every week ;-) So here we are at another Wednesday fun day and thankfully I'm now recovered enough to want to play a little [ or at least to sit quietly and comment on a few friend's blogs]. We need a few hard frosts, lighter days and mojo to come to play and the New Year will be a good one eh?
Have a good week.
Hugs,
Annie x

Lynn Holland said...

Happy new year Julia and family.
I feel the same about my car as you with your palette.
I've had it 13 years from new and couldn't believe I was spending so much on a car at the time. I'd never part with it even now
Lynn 17 xx

Robyn Oliver said...

Hi Julia and happy new year. I can also relate to having a stash of different alphabets.. which sadly don't get as much use as I planned for them - maybe that will be one of my goals this year. Have a great week RobynO#21

peggy aplSEEDS said...

Happy New Year, Julia! Fifteen years?! How amazing! If you say your lips aren't aging, I think I need some lip balm! Maybe I'll add that to my new years resolutions! Happy WOYWW!

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Lots of fun things on that desk. I've several letter/number stamps one of which is very old, upper and lower case letters and a wooden case to; display them in When a close friend died I was determined to have it at the auction. Bidding against a man...he knew I was on a mission when I jumped the bid by $40. I'd have bid all day on it. My husband just smiled !~ Mostly use it for names but it is a "Little Treasure" to me. He smiles at me always having lip balm available anytime night or day too ! I've tubes and little odd shapes of containers. Best Wishes for the New Year.

Barb said...

Hi Julia, things have slowed down for me so I'm really happy to be joining in with your WOYWW fun again. I also got some of those pearl ex palettes a long time ago. I had to think twice at the NEC many years ago as I seem to remember they cost almost £18. Mine are still going strong and I used them again just the other day too. Now what was it on tv that pulled you out of your craft room. Was it the launch of Celebrity Big Brother!!! Barbxx

Twiglet said...

Sending you the bestest wishes for 2016 - what with your lip balm and my oceans of body butter we will glide effortlessly through the year won't we?! x Jo

Clair said...

Hello & Happy New Year from a new Workdesker! I'm excited to visit everyone a little later this morning (but first, the dentist!)

I've never tried Pearl Ex, but now curiosity has struck and I need to hunt them down. Do share the card, so I know what they look like?! Thanks!

Clair :)

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Happy New Year to you too Julia x I have those Pearl Ex and loved them lots when I first got them but haven't used them for ages must get them out again. They are fab on black card. Have a great woyww, happy crafting, Angela x 32

Anne said...

Hello Julia and a Happy New Year to you - or should we call you 'Hot Lips':-)
I have many different lip balms around but still can never find one!!! I am trying to get back into crafting after the Christmas break!!!Hopefully my desk will soon look like yours lol. Anne x #34

Sue said...

Hi Julia, I have various lip balms in the flat, handbag and pockets.

Looking forward to seeing the cards you made.

Hope you have a lovely day. Sue

Glenda said...

I didn't get to play along today, but I just had to visit. Looks like you have been very busy! I gave up my alphabet stamps long ago...no wait, I do still have a few sets stuck away in a drawer. I'm definitely a hoarder!

Laura said...

You skip over the egg sponge and all I will be able to think about now is what on earth one needs an egg sponge for?!
Happy New Year Softlips! ;)
Laura

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

Rediscovering and playing with old art tools and materials is always so much fun. I love writing and lettering, so I have several letter stamp sets myself. I hope you continue to have fun with them throughout the new year.

Jane Willis said...

Here I am at last after meaning to join in for almost four years! I always enjoy my weekly peeks at what friends have on the go, but it's taken me all this time to join in myself!
I've got one of those heart shaped tins too, I keep meaning to sort my ribbon offcuts into it. Maybe in four years time I'll get around to it....
Jane

CraftygasheadZo said...

Happy 2016! Love your bits and bobs on your desk, I always keep those tins from lip balm too. I sent Keagan up with one to store his small bits and bobs in. You do find interesting things you know, that egg sponge! Take care Lovely. Zo xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

I love your desk when there are so many little bits and bobs around - glad you left it like that!Hugs, Chrisx #38

Tilly Tea Dance said...

Best wishes for the new year! I always like to save tins too with a "I'll find a use for that" intention. Although now I've got a toddler I've also found myself saving all the nice little boxes from make up and perfume thinking "they'll make great box models in a few years time". He's making a hoarder of me!! Happy crafting, Max #46

Neet said...

PearlEx is a blast from the past. I love the effect - so why do I not use it more? Answer - because I have too much stuff. Yet we still buy more!
Hope all is well at Dunnitt Towers -
Hugs, Neet 13 ('cos I fell asleep he other night whilst waiting and missed an early link up - doh!)
ps early hours here and can't sleep - jet lag?

Bubbles said...

I am so easily distracted by Netflix or youtube... or by one of the pets here :) I shall look forward to seeing how you used the birdcage stamp. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

FLR said...

Happy New Year to you too! Hahaha...I also said this New Year `I´m to old to change anything´.
My husband is a lipbalm-addict ;-) and I take advantage of that!
Looking forward seeing your card!
Today I used a tin I got from my niece, it had peppermints in it - they were gone very quick! - now I have my safetypins in it. It always reminds me of my niece.
Happy greetings
Francisca

Christine said...

More things in common! Lip Balm and Alphabet stamps!!! Just ordered some reverse alphabet for my Gelli Plates - see? Really bad!!!!!

have a good week
Christine

Bishopsmate #53

A Place for Kia said...

I too love to play with all my goodies, no matter the age. Sounds like you have had great fun...I am looking forward to visiting everyone later today ... I managed to get quite a few last week, and very much enjoy WOYWW - thank you.
Kia

Stacy Sheldon said...

I am grinning about the lip balms :)

who knew your lips could age you? ( makes me want to get up and go look in a mirror)
~Stacy #55

lisa said...

You can never have enough alphabet stamps can you. Your desk looks so interesting, all apart from the calculator that is....that sounds like too much hard work for me!!!!
Had to laugh at your lip balm fetish!!
Happy New Year
Hugs Lisax #18

Sharon Madson said...

I can tell what is the birdcage stamp is enough to think it would be a nice one to have. LOL Yes, sometimes tv does draw us in, doesn't it. Our big thing on tv is college basketball! In fact tonight is a big game for our local college. We love March Madness! Are you going to show us what crochet project you are working on? Happy New Year Julia! 58

Unknown said...

Happy new year Julia! I don't blame you at all for the crochet and tea side journey from your desk. Knitting is what calms me and makes me happy, and those are things we can do anywhere in the house. But it's so nice to revisit some of the toys we have had a long time. Makes me think I need to pull out that little loom I bought a couple of summers ago and do some weaving again! Happy Wednesday! Sandy Leigh

Beverley Baird said...

Happy New Year Julia! Blessings for the year - may it be filled with much creativity! Lots of that on your work table.

PaperOcotilloStudio said...

Looking forward to seeing that card. I think birdcages are an interesting element with both good and bad energy. I want to see which it is..LOL Also what you do with the heart tin and about the bright pink sponge. I hope these stories come soon :) Shel #14

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Julia, I have some of those Pearl-ex palettes too- they just seem to last forever, don't they? Like you I thought they were a little steep at the time, but now? Definitely a bargain. A bit like H2O's. They last and last too.Smiled at the lip balm. I've always suffered from cold sores, and tried everything, then came across Blistex lip balm in a little blue pot. Over 18 months now without a single cold sore, so like you, there's one in every pocket/handbag/on my bedside table, you name it!. Lots of love & hugs, Shaz xxx

Patrink said...

Hello and Happy New Year. I am thrilled to be back in the saddle as they say. Julia thanks so much for being a terrific ringmaster of all this talent.

Appreciatively

Pat #62
(sorry about 61)

misteejay said...

Lots going on Julia. I look forward to seeing what you are crocheting at the moment.
Toni xx

Elizabeth said...

Hi Julia, busy desk as usual I see, even if you did abandon it for a bit of cosy crocheting. Lip balm - we must be sisters at heart because I have one in the car, in my bag, in several pockets, in the bathroom and in my bedside drawer. Didn't think about how my well moisturised lips would never give my age away though :) Have a great week. Hugs, Elizabeth x #59

PS: Notice there's no LLJ link so far this week ... hope Jan is okay and just taking a break.

Sharon said...

Glad I'm not the only one tempted away by the tv lol. Better late than never using the stamps lol

Pen Sunshinepen said...

Hiya all new and forgot to mention my # great idea so much fun.

Crafty hugs Pen x #49

Nikki said...

I have a couple pots of pearlex ... and yep they are hidden in a box awaiting a day to be used might have to pull them out one day. I so agree with lip balm everywhere I buy it in bulk should have bought stock in the company lol
Happy Late getting around
hugs Nikki 15

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I remember those Pearl Ex Palettes. I sold them at my stamp club and then inherited some back from a friend not too long ago... wondered if they were mine to start with. Busy desk but you accomplished a few things so that makes it all okay. I quit using lip balm after I released how twitchy I got when I didn't have any on hand to reapply a million times a day. I just try to stay nicely hydrated now. I do have one lip balm with spf that I use if I know I'll be out and about a lot in the summer. I rarely use it.

Art Joy of Sharing with Peg and Shel said...

Hi Julia, At least those paints last. You should see the pot I have on my desk It didn't make it through the first year. grrr! I love those pearly powders and paints. Have a great Week. Peg 66

Bernice said...

Definitely agree with the need for lip balm in every bag, coat pocket etc - and glad to see someone else who hoards up all those empty boxes and tins for future use!! Looking forward to seeing your latest crochet project,
Bernice #23

Unknown said...

I too have lip balm stashed everywhere. I prefer Burts' Bees. Don't know if you have it there. It is a natural botanical product line. I get distracted by the TV, bad habit. So many more crafty things I could be doing. Intrigued by that pink sponge.

Anonymous said...

HI Julia
I'm running late on my WOYWW visits and comments.
As per usual you have a desk full of intriguing things!
Thanks as usual for hosting this fab hop around the world of creative spaces.
Hugs
Catherine X
#38

Shoshi said...

Love the pearl-x palettes, Julia. I made a palette for my Perfect Pearls and it makes them a LOT easier to paint with than using the loose powder. That was how I did the mandalas. I love doing them because every one comes out different. I'm taking some of the cards I made with them in to the chemo unit tomorrow, along with my lopsided cakes lol! Taste is the thing, not looks, or so I tell myself!! A busy week this week so the rest of the studio tidying will have to wait a while. It is lovely to be getting back into action but my mojo isn't running at full flood yet - baby steps for now.

Thanks for your visit to my blog.

Happy New Year and thanks for all you do!
Shoshi #22

Jane Willis said...

For everyone who asked me to come back and share what I made with the gorgeous Graphic 45 papers in my WOYWW post, here's a link to the finished result http://onionsandpaper.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/special-delivery.html
Jane

Marit said...

Happy New Year to you too Julia! Lipbalm? I haven't used the stuff for decades... but I have reading glasses all over the place... that does give away my age isn't it?! Have a great week... playing with alphabet stamps (good idea!) Hug from Holland, Marit #29