Well, it may look staged, but it honestly isn't. I said to Darnell on Facebook the other day that I was planning Christmas cards by tidying my desk and then studiously avoiding it. True. But, for good reason..I'm trying to decide between serious holly or not serious holly. I think. I may not use either of them because soon, I'll have gone off the idea of holly.
You can see some 12 x 12 (from Fiona, a desker and Stampin Up! gal), which is for my December calendar...I'm excited to say that I've got 2 things going on in December that equate to a social life, so that justifies the making of the calendar! There's the inevitable glasses, some small scissors - I know not why - and the big ugly hole punch and calculator are there because I used the desk to do the October month end on Monday. Yes it was late. No, I don't care. The blankie in the basket at right is actually a wad of packing tissue for no good reason, and on top of that is a pretty ring binder. I manage my sweet Mama's affairs and figure she deserves everything to look as pretty as it can. Also, in case you didn't know, I'm a sucker for nice stationery. So that's not terribly inspiring, but I am at least thinking seasonally. A start! Share do, am sure you're way head of me in terms of planning and prep for thanksgiving and Christmas. Put WOYWW in your blog post title and link here.
And please...don't hold my rubbish visiting statistics against WOYWW generally, I really have been ridiculously enveloped in real life stuff, but will do better as the weeks progress, honest!
Morning Julia. I cannot believe I've made it to number one... but it seems I have. Your desk looks good - a lady who knows (even if you don't think so) like she knows where she is heading next!! I admit I rather like that pretty folder..., and the stamps look fun.
ReplyDeleteTake care. God bless.
Margaret. numero uno!
I took two minutes to go and make my lunchtime sandwich for work and you post... loving those holly stamps - not serious holly for my pennysworth- less colouring! Helen xx oh, and pretty stationery is never to be sniffed at!
ReplyDeleteJulia... I am up in the wee hours here in Western Canada to get a jump on the link and LOVED seeing your pristine desk today. I think my favorite bit is your Mom's lovely binder. And I say Go with the Fun Holly. I so wish I lived a bit closer so I could hop on over for the WOYWW play day but if the lovely Darnell can do it you never know. Happy WOYWW from Lynne in Canada #2
ReplyDeleteYou always startle me when you say my name in your post, Julia! You made my day!! Please don't go off Holly. She only gets to grace our cards once a year, the dear girl. And everyone loves Holly at Yule. Well Yule especially loved Holly, didn't he, until the storm of '48 and the reindeer ran him down, but we just pretend it didn't happen. Anyway, are you still with me? I vote for the beauty on the far left, very simple. The key this year is simplicity and, yes, above all, "celebrate!" Perhaps just in black and white with a pop of red berries. Didn't someone once say that the journey of a thousand Hollies begins with three berries? Yes, that's right. Glad we got that sorted and I look forward to seeing the stack of them WedNesday next. Love and huge hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteHi Julia
ReplyDeleteNearly gave myself heart attack the other day when I couldn't find evidence that I'd done the VAT return. Thought I'd totally lost the plot. I'd forgotten to print it off (still haven't done it). I'll be glad when we are retired and don't have to do all that stuff (kept the description clean did you notice)
Your mama's binder is so pretty, just right.
I've just prised myself off my husbands leg as he goes of working in Essex for 5 days so as a woman alone I'll make a cuppa and do a bit of desk hopping. Thanks everyone for keeping me company haha xx
Lynn 7
A tidy desk, Christmas inspiration at hand and no sun in the window....it's that time of year it seems. Roll on Spring for me.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great week.
Hugs,
Annie x
Hi dear head desker, well you're doing very well in your desk, I actually love both holly stamps and would use both on different cards to suit the personality of the person to whom they're being given. Love that you've a wee blankie of tissue paper there fur no good reason sounds so like my desk, loads of things there for no good reason!!
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW! Thanks for sharing so faithfully each week,
Shaz in Oz.x #9
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
Hi Julia, your desk looks like you mean business today, even if you don't. And it's a whole lot more organised than mine! I like both the holly stamps so I'd be hard pressed to decide between them too. It took me what seemed like aeons to spot the glasses - well it's only the legs and my 'eyes are dim, I cannot see ...' Like your mama's folder - I'm a sucker for pretty stationery too.
ReplyDeleteCan't say I'm way ahead of you for Christmas but I'm definitely in the early planning and prep stages. Surprise, surprise, I'm coming in at #12 this week - one step higher than last - my best for a very long time :)
Happy WOYWW dear friend. Have a wonderful week.
Hugs, Elizabeth #12
It's good to see you in full crafting flow again 😊 Hope the holly hiatus is soon resolved!
ReplyDeleteHugs, LLJ 9 xxx
Well you look ready to go with the cards. Liking both stamps! I have some of the paper to the left - really love it. The ring binder is very pretty - how sweet of you to use it for your mum's affairs. I also spy YOU in the background :-) Hi Hope you use the holly stamps. Anne x #14
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, I must be a bit earlier this morning. I noticed the gorgeous card below and just love it but ha! back to the desk. Mine looks stages too but only because the sparkly stuff is drying which is why I have some cards laid out as they are. I have made a crazy cat xmas card (it's just below todays post)which I loved but it probably took too long to put together so need something quicker. Have a great woyww and happy crafting, Angela x 16
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, Your desk sure looks ready to get the Christmas cards started. holly sounds like a good start.
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW
Sue #17
Oops sorry I had IT problems earlier but managed a correct link eventually! I know what you mean regarding holly. I am thinking foxes and reindeer this year (for cards not lunch!). Fionas paper looks really strokeable too 😀
ReplyDeleteKayla #27
Maybe when this weekend is over I will begin to think about and plan for Christmas. It will be a quiet one as DS has changed jobs and will be working all over Christmas - maybe it give me a bit more time to plan.
ReplyDeleteOn the photograph of your desk that 12 x 12 paper looks three dimensional - sort of like it has two layers, one with hexagon shapes cut out and laid over. Maybe it is time I got new glasses if it doesn't do it for anyone else.
Have a good week
Hugs, Neet 4 (with ActiPatch on her back and working)
I'm also a sucker for pretty stationary: binders, books, envelopes, paper,... always have been and always will. Do share your planner when it is finished, will you, happy WOYWw, Vicky
ReplyDeleteAh to holly or not to holly... a truly delightful Christmas dilemma! Looking forward to seeing that calendar!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Chris #30
Happy WOYWW. My Christmas crafting has not progressed at all. I have got 2 small presents wrapped, and intend to do some more later. I think I will be going down the charity card route for most recipients - and just make a few 'special' cards for close family. I would rather be painting and journaling! Love that 12x12 on your desk. Ali x #31
ReplyDeleteThe holly looks like a plan to me - in any form! Pretty stationery - yes for sure! I have never willing exited a Paperchase store empty handed!! That flowery ring binder looks beautiful! On countdown now for next week!!! Hugs, Chrisx 32
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a busy schedule ahead of you. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI go with cute holly. At least you can find the stamps you want. I spend time working out an idea knowing I have certain stamps, but then can I find them? Nope. They are lost in the mess that is my craft room. That seems to be a theme around here lately.
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW
Sharon K #35
Good morning Julia.your test looks very tidy and i can not wait to see your cards you make in whatever stamp you choose will be gorgeous. Oh yah I am a sucker for stationary also...... Running out of room myself in its bin as its getting full......as that is another desk. looking forward to seeing your calendar. Hope you have an inspiring fun filled week of love and creativity.Hugs Always ~Anne L#19
ReplyDeleteHi Julia, I love having a nose about your desk, I usually spot something I have, this week it's those small scissors! I love them because I can actually use them to cut stuff out without cutting the blood circulation to my fingers, or having an indent in the flesh! lol. What is it with small scissors, and the stupidly tiny holes for your fingers? Just because I need a pair of small scissors does not mean my fingers have shrunk! Love the look of that paper from Fiona. Have a great week, see you soon, Hugs, Shaz #5 xxx
ReplyDelete'Ello!
ReplyDeleteI've made it on board again this week - and I'm really looking forward to the 26th...!!!
Your desk is looking lovely and crafty. I'm a few decades behind in my scrapping, but I'm okay with that too lol. I'm going with Slow and Steady wins the race. I am just finishing with a Christmas Present from last year.... so I'm pretty sure you are ahead lol.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the teapot is finally dressed in all his glory : D.
Nice busy desk, Julia. I can't say I've ever heard of either serious or not so serious (frivolous?) holly lol! Sounds like "tis the season to be seriously jolly (or not so seriously jolly)"! I am sure that whichever you choose, you will have a jolly ho-ho-ho holly time doing it.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about not visiting - I can't imagine you or anyone having time to visit absolutely everybody - I did try it once, and it took me practically all week! Real life does tend to intrude at times, doesn't it.
Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #42 (the answer to the question of life, the universe and everything.)
Thanks for the mention and the link. The Candy Cane Lane paper is very popular. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it and to catching up in a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteYour desk is very neat and organized - ready for Christmas Crafting! Lindart #41
ReplyDeleteIt took me so long to look at all the things on your desk and read your post that Fiona actually posted while I was doing that! LOL
ReplyDeleteYour desk actually looks pretty neat, except maybe the wadded up tissue. Since I am feeling thankful today, I am thankful for you and your encouragement to join in with other crafters on Wednesdays! Thanks, Julia, and have a great day! #43
Well not a snowflake in sight still on my desk or anything else for that matter, but there is some HAPPY news there though - LOL. BJ#46 Oh I am such a tease LOL
ReplyDeleteHappy Wednesday Julia! Actually, you're way ahead of me. I was about to really get things going in my crafty world, and now I have left my cozy crafty corner for a life of night time theatre rehearsals from now until we open on January 20th. *sigh* But I have, of course, found a way to take craftiness with me in my rehearsal bag, so that's good. Hope you share your calendar making! Hugs! Sandy Leigh #45ish
ReplyDeleteHi Julia,
ReplyDeleteI think that being a sucker for pretty stationary is just a bonus requirement for being obsessed with paper.. of all kinds. That is how I started out, I have an entire old trunk filled with different boxes of stationary and envelopes and such, pretty colors of ink pens. ( just regular stuff not art supplies) so, I am grinning and nodding along. I keep debating if I want to let go of some of it because, I do not write paper letters as much or to as many people anymore but, I have not done that yet either.
~Stacy #44
Your desk looks ready to go! I kinda like both holly stamps; maybe use both depending on the recipient?
ReplyDeleteLove your Mom's binder: I used to buy stationary and desk sets; finally realized since my writting sucks, and my desks are always a mess, there were better things (like stamps! LOL!) to spend the money on. that being said; it's a good thing work pays for my desk calendar/planner! LOL!. Have a great week.
you are a very busy woman,, a sudden vision of someone twirling plates on their fingers came to mind, lol,, you are that busy lol,,I love to see your desk,, its just brimming with possibilities and things to come!
ReplyDeleteI like your plan of leaving the two possible choices on your desk until you change your mind about both of them. That sounds like a strategy I can get behind!
ReplyDeleteGood afternoon Julia. All mum's deserve pretty things I think, they do so much for us. I must admit to finding a bit of glee in your lack of Christmas filled desk, my mojo has been playing hide and seek with me and it's winning! Did manage a bit of Christmas what nots this week, but not much. Where are you Christmas????
ReplyDeleteHugs from Angie #47
Yay! It looks like you're all ready to be creative again... not staged! ❤️ Have a great week! ~Heather~ #47
ReplyDeleteHi Julia,
ReplyDeleteYour desk looks as if it's waiting for you to decide about the holly! I say whichever one requires the least effort!
Oh, I know how real life gets in the way of things. I skipped a few weeks because of all the activity and the fact that I probably wouldn't be able to return visits.
You may have noticed that I posted the picture from Facebook - nothing has changed in my craft room! This weekend will be another story!!!
Happy WOYWW
Hugs,
Kay
Pretty neat desk, lady Julia. I totally understand visiting statistics. I have good intentions and feel bad when I don't at least get back to all who have commented, but with this computer frustration lately and my aging process I've got to admit I'm losing stamina. I notice I have many views but lots less comments and I am guilty of that some weeks. Enjoy a great week.
ReplyDeleteWell, if you're still in the mood to use holly I vote non-serious. And it looks easier to color. Fairly tidy desk. Interesting some of the stuff on it. Happy Week to you!
ReplyDeleteCarol N #30
You have a busy desk and some lovely stamps there! I love the card you made with the 3 Christmas trees - very pretty! I am looking forward to the crop!
ReplyDeleteLots of love and hugs
Cardarian
Looking good today. Wish I could say the same for my space. Edna
ReplyDeleteLooks like it is all under control at your household. I have not made any Xmas cards and have to get 2 birthdays out of the way before I can even think of Xmas. So I am going to keeping painting birds.
ReplyDeletesandra de @26
I love a clean desk - but my desire to be able to touch everything is stronger, so my space continues to be reduced from 3' x 6' to 8" x 8". Good to know I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit and your lovely comment, Julia - I think one person's idea of simple is rarely another person's!! Glad you like the cat card. I am having such fun with the iPad and learning new stuff on it. Today I've been busy baking for tomorrow's cancer group cake guzzling meeting - lemon drizzle cake, shortbread and about 50 mince pies! Can't disappoint the girls by turning up empty handed.
ReplyDeleteShoshi #42
hi Julia! as always I enjoy your desk top. I'm a sucker for stationary too! what is it about paper?? I have no plans for thanksgiving and Since we are moving on 12/10 cross country into a house that has to be completely painted inside and new floors put down both accomplished in 10 days, I am just hoping to survive till Christmas. I suspect that sound like a big whine - it is. Love the desk hop, always makes me smile!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Ginny M #34
Very organised - oh to have space to just layout some stamps to look at LOL.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week.
Toni xx
Hey Julia! Sorry that I couldn't join in on the fun last Wednesday. Hope to get back in this week. ♥ Love whats going on at your place.
ReplyDeletexo
off to Galveston for Thanksgiving. Have a great week end and keep creating.
ReplyDeleteMonica # ?????