WOYWW

Happy hump day so that means another "What's on your workdesk Wednesday" no desk from me again BUT I can show you some more fabulous ATC's I got for the 10th Anniversary (SO looking forward to seeing more photos of the crop from the weekend).

The top row is a fabulous lavender bag (smells lovely and the fabric is SO gorgeous) and ATC from Elizabeth (aka Silver Scrapper) and on the bottom left is one from the fabulous Helen (aka Stamping by H) and on the right from the 'enabler' herself, the lovely Shaz (aka Shazsilverwolf)

Thanks ladies it is so lovely to receive post that are not bills, junk mail or voting papers!

Kyla

WOYWW

Greetings deskers!  Wednesday again, no desk from me as I have been in the middle of a field with little or no signal/access for a few days BUT when I returned home I had a fabulous gift from Lunch Lady Jan (LLJ)

I was SO lucky to be the recipient of LLJ pass it forward ATC for the 10th Anniversary of What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday.

Not only an beautiful ATC and gift card but a fabulous handmade mini poppered pocket (try saying that after a glass or two!) perfect for storing plasters and meds in my handbag (lets be honest the bottom of my bag is a dumping ground so this is SO perfect for me).  

I was lucky a few years back to go round to Jan's and spend time with her teaching me how to make a fabric handbag, she is such a great teacher that I still have that bag and have made MANY more since then for presents.

Thanks Jan, I love it.

Happy crafting

Kyla

WOYWW 10th Anniversary

Happy 10th Anniversary of us baring our desks as part of "What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday" started by the queen of desks the lovely Julia.

Not sure how many years I have been taking part (i think I joined in 2010 after lurking for a few weeks) but I have made some great friends on here both virtually but also in the flesh!

I managed to make 7 ATC's  so hopefully I will be able to swap them with a few people 

Only a quick up date as once again I am running behind and I am sure there will be MANY desks to visit this week so short is probably better (well that's my excuse)

Happy WOYWW 

kyla

WOYWW

Just a quick update to show the lovely ATC (and envelope) that I got from Shaz Silver wolf.

Now we all know how clever Shaz is when it comes to crafting (I have used many of the techniques she has shown over the years) but I love the background especially. 

Shaz, they are in pride of place on my wall in the craft room! 

Kyla 

WOYWW

 This is no ordinary Whats on Your Workdesk Wednesday.

Today is the 9th Anniversary, 9 years ago the lovely Julia set this up and its been running ever since.  We bare our desks and get new ideas for crafting and storage along the way.  We have made friends both virtually and also in real life at some of the WOYWW crops.  Yes, Julia really did start something amazing.

So on my desk this week is my June page for the 365 Journal challenge nearly ready ahead of the start of the month-go me!!!

Also are 4 ATC's that I made ready for the swap.

I only made 4, one for the person on the list and 3 more, it was a lot less stressful than trying to make loads as I have done in previous years.

My "Man Bites Dog" cards this week are 'Prez stuns lady heiress'-now that is no surprise!

Happy WOYWW

Kyla

WOYWW

Sorry I have been absent for a while and tardy in my returns.  

Life has been hectic between really busy in the pay the bills job to a lovely holiday with my mum to Malta (where my grandparents and parents used to live), a sketching trip to London and then a week in Devon whilst we had a fabulous hot week in the UK! 

So no crafting but a lot of washing and ironing between ridiculously long shifts at work.

However, I did get some lovely mail: 

This fabulous WOYWW ATC was waiting for me when I got back home.  

It is from Kelly Henkins and she kindly included some lovely die cuts, none of which I have already so I look forward using them soon in a project.

So, no desk from me (again) but I wanted to at least take part this week.

Happy WOYWW

Kyla

 

ATC Updates

Just a quick update to say "thanks" for the latest ATC's I received for the 8th anniversary of  "What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday".

On the left is one from the lovely Donna http://donna-rodgers.squarespace.com/ who made it from some of the shaving foam printed card I sent her and a brilliant handmade card. 

On the right is a lovely one from Ali (http://exmoorali.blogspot.co.uk/) with a fantastic quote "The stars are out there. Just look up"

I also got this one from Margaret http://www.artycraftystuff.co.uk/blog.html and a card with a fabulous saying "Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person. Having neither to weigh thoughts nor measured words". 

Thanks ladies always nice to have happy post.

Kyla

WOYWW

Oh my the week passed quickly!

Last Monday we got back from Spain and it feels like I haven't stopped washing and ironing since then!! Luckily I was able to pop down to Devon for the weekend and nosied around Plymouth, Exmouth and Exeter so feels like a proper break (though I appear to have a terrible cold at the moment requiring two lots of bloods for the doctor to test-ah the joys of RA and no immune system)-anyway I blather on as the reason you are here is to witness my desk of mess!

On my desk this week is my June 365 Journal-I have actually finished just in time for the start of the month!  Go me!!! 

My "Man Bites Dog" cards are 'Romantic Movie Actor Runs off with Drugs'-oooh!

Also is an 8th Anniversary WOYWW ATC from the lovely Shaz (who I sent one over the weekend to as she was next on the list but she kindly sent me one).

I love the lavinia stamps she has used and a great background too (thanks Shaz).

I have about 6 ATC's going if you would like one please let me know your details and I will pop one in the post (until I run out).

Happy WOYWW

Kyla

WOYWW Anniversary

Welcome to my desk on the 8th anniversary of What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday.  

8 years-it is amazing and I bet when our leader and Queen of the desks, Julia, first started this she never expected it to become what it is.  Over the years we have met both virtually and in real life, we have swapped craft, stash, cards and ATC's.  We have shared highs and lows (I will never forget those of you at the crop 4 years ago only a few weeks after my dad's sudden death convincing me to come and held my hand and fed me cake!!).

The past week has been a rush, I have not been able to return visit many desks as I was lucky enough to be in Spain (Barcelona and Sitges) with my family so access was very limited (very few wifi spots).  An amazing place for art and architecture though so MANY photos were taken and even some sketching.

Anyway, to the reason you are here-my desk is back to being messy (you will be glad to see) as I am quickly making a masterboard for my ATC swap (hoping I will be able to make a few after work tonight).

I find masterboards are a great way to make several projects especially if you are short of time (which I am).

I have decided after the terrible attack in Manchester not to do my "Man Bites Dog" cards this week-my thoughts are with all those affected.

Kyla

WOYWW

Bit of a late entry for me as only just got back from  holiday, but waiting for me were these two lovely ATC's

The one on the left is from Shaz and the right is from Debbie

Thanks ladies it is always lovely to come home to some nice mail rather than bills! 

My thoughts are with Julia (who blogged today, which was a lovely surprise) and with Jan(hugs).

Short and sweet as I have a lot of unpacking etc to do.

Kyla

WOYWW

 Sorry for missing last weeks post and return visits but the pay the bills job has stepped up a gear and meant precious little time for crafting let alone blogging.

This week saw my ATC's from the 6th Anniversary swap arrive.

The top two are from Bev in Canada (www.bunnysgirls.blogspot.ca) she said she couldn't decided which to send so sent both!  Thanks Bev, I particularly like the saying on the butterfly one "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty"

The bottom one is from Jill and though it doesn't show it in the photo it has an amazing background glitter to the card, thanks ladies.

 So, my desk is a cheat as it is empty (apart from actual work) but the kitchen is filled with the heady scent of Elderflower Cordial making.

I make several batches each late spring and it signifies to us that summer is almost upon us.  It is great just with water, hot or cold, nice in a G&T, cider or even added to stewed fruit.  I also give bottles as gifts (I took one to the WOYWW crop for LLJ and Julia) and it keeps remarkably well.  It takes 5 days to steep, but it is worth it.

 My "Man Bites Dog" cards this week (if you remove the final S off the word Stuns) reads like a headline from one of the red top newspapers!!!

I hope you all have a fabulous, crafty week.

Happy crafting

Kyla

 

WOYWW ATC swap

 Happy WOYWW.  Something a bit different today as not able to post a picture of my desk as its covered in my latest project which I don't want to show until the recipient sees it (and it's wet paint, so not easy to move).

So I thought I would share the lovely ATC's I have received so far:

 Top (L-R) Bluebeard & Elizabeth, Fiona Richardson, Delores, Silver Crafter

Bottom (L-R) Pearshaped Crafting, Cindy Cashplant, Morti and Elizabeth Anne

 Top (L-R) Tag by Debbie Tattered Rocks, Hettiecraft, Julia, LLJ

Bottom (L-R) Stamping by H, Zoe and Twiglet (gorgeous stitching)

 Wispo again did a fabulous poem to accompany hers

 and Mary Anne outdid herself with an ATC holder and pop-up box!

Over the years my ATC's (not something I particularly collect) have grown and my holder is now nearly full!!!

Happy WOYWW

Kyla

 

Masterboard ATC's and a right mess!

Hello peeps.  Yesterday was the WOYWW crop to celebrate 6 years of this tom foolery and what an amazing day it was.

Friends old and new met, chatted (some even got crafting done...not me, too much chatting) ate cake, learnt some new techniques, ate a lovely veggie lasagne and then some more cake!

I will blog about that on Wednesday and even got Julia to pick some "Man Bites Dog" cards for the occasion!  This post is the shame that was my desk the day I decided to make my ATC's for the anniversary swap.

I decided to make some masterboards so glued music pages to card and sprayed them with mica's and spray inks.

I thought the quickest way to dry the glue etc as it was a nice day was to hang them up on the washing line-goodness knows what my neighbours must have thought?!

 This is the chaos that was my room.....a total mess!

 Lots of die cutting, inking and splodging going on.

 The first few die cuts bits and pieces I just thought it would be quicker to brush onto the floor then pick them up when I finished....27 ATC's later I realised this was a mistake as the floor was littered with left over die pieces and some were sharp ones too!

 But it was worth it in the end. 27 ATC's all finished in time for the crop.  Many were passed round and I filled several of the envelopes that Julia had to send onto people and I even remembered to leave a few ready for the proper Anniversary on the 27th May and the official  swapee and a few to those of may visit and would like one on the day.

After yesterday I am totally shattered and am grateful that today is a day of rest!

Happy crafting

Kyla

 

Free art

 So, the other weekend I decided to join in Free Art Friday. There are various ones all over the world, where on a Friday free pieces of art are left out in the wild for anyone to find and keep!  It is a great idea and we have had it in Bristol for a while but I have never been brave enough to take part.

Swindon was having a Free Art Friday grand opening with a Smoke and Mirrors art exhibition at Jack Rabbit with some amazing pieces of art on display.  At the last minute (as in 10 pm the night before) I decided to make some small pieces from a tikki head I drew and carved a stamp from.  I added this to some embossing paste through sequin waste and some paper cloth that I stitched adding some acrylic ink dribbled across the pictures.

 I had no idea that Swindon had any street art but there was a few amazing pieces (I must admit we are lucky in Bristol as the home on Bansky and so many amazing art installations).

 SO many pieces of art were left out for people to find (I think there was about 100!!).  We weren't lucky enough but I met someone who found one of mine!

One of the people freeing the art was the amazing artist and my virtual friend on FB and blogger Sarah who was really busy bombing around the town setting lots of art free but I was able to meet up with briefly.  Its always great meeting a virtual friend in real life and it was Sarah's encouragement that led me to make a few pieces myself (though I need to make them a bit bigger if I do it again as they were ATC size so got a little lost and not as easy to spot).

So if your area does a Free Art Friday why not join them?  The Swindon one had SO many different art forms from painted skateboards, records, graffiti art, teabag roses, stencils and even photos a real mix which was great to see and for me made it seem more achievable to join in.  If your area doesn't have one, why not start one?

Happy crafting

kyla

 

An ATC from Egypt

Now this just goes to show how far reaching craft and art truly is.

This is my swap ATC for WOYWW from the very talented Roudi all the way from Egypt!

I really recommend popping over to her blog here

There are some wonderful makes on her page, especially her fimo work (check out her baby fairy made of fimo....SO cute).

Happy Crafting

Kyla

 

A different take on a wedding card

Spring Equinox  tomorrow and snow forecast!!

Looking back over my blog posts I noticed I haven't posted the card I made for my brother's wedding.  He and Zoe were married in Ecuador a few weeks ago (where they live).

I used some TH papers and made a patchwork out of them, toning them down with a wash of gesso.  I then added an ATC I made (with the TH die I won when I was lucky enough to go to the TH paperarsty event a couple of years ago) and added a moth paperartsy die and stamp, some torn corrugated cardboard and a pen nib for the moths body

I added the word 'journey' to represent the journey they are starting with their new life.

I wish them every happiness in their new life together

Happy crafting

Kyla

 

 

WOYWW

 Happy WOYWW everyone.  I missed last week as I was in a field in a wet Devon....but I had my travel craft kit and journal so had plenty to keep me occupied.


So, this weeks WOYWW....well, I have not crafted much at home for a few weeks (gardening, work and a few days away) so some of the stash on my desk has been there for years....well, at least a month!  BUT new this week is my oak block and piece of metal for some basic leather work I am doing.  I can't show you what (it is basic believe me) as I am in a panic as its father's day Sunday and I have NOTHING for my dad.  I don't want to get him booze (again) and he really doesn't need/want anything....so I am making something....but it is a panic make!

 Anyhoo, this is my lovely ATC from Claire.  Its called 'Disenchanted Queen' and Claire thought she had lost it back in 2006 then found it in a book!!  Well, she now has a new home and has been added to my ATC collection.

This is the ATC I made to send out, the background is a collection of music score (my ever trusty) and the coloured papers are actually kitchen roll that I use to mop up my Dylusion sprays!  The WOYWW is made out of a tomato puree tube with black acrylic paint over the top and wiped back.  I added a colour stamp and quote-and off she went to her new home.

Julia asks us to keep these postings short as there are so many to get round, so I will leave it at that!

Happy Crafting
Li'l Pidge 

Crafting, crafting and a gargoyle

I know you shouldn't open a statement with an apology, but rules are made to be broken aren't they? So, sorry, I have been really pants with updating this-the weather has been too nice to sit in front of the computer. But I'll make up for it (honest guv).

So, what's been going on then in the world of Li'l Pidge? Well, I have been stretching my wings and flying south for a bit. I took my new bag that I made with some of the material my friend Jill bought for my birthday on my new machine (which you will be pleased to know is still alive). I made a lining:
and included a small pocket with a little label and a magnetic clasp

and then made the cover, added a handle and then some of the lovely material on the covering flap:


I am SO proud!! I have been parading it up and down, and took it around on a quick tour of Devon (where we saw a great gargoyle)

and possibly the maddest scarecrow EVER (just check out the eyes!):


Back on the crafting front, I made a pair of gloves out of some bits of wool I had (dont look too close or you will notice a couple of holes that lead to no-where!):

They even have sparkly white glittery wool in them-a little scratchy, but sparkly, so its worth it. I am knitting a matching skinny scarf at the moment-I know, I should knit something summery, but I can only do a few basic stitches and this is my first attempt at switching wool (thanks mum for the instructions) so increasing and decreasing (and not creating holes that shouldnt be there) will have to be my next lesson!.

The postie brought my latest ATC swap from the CB Forum (who again published a photo of my tag book on their e-newsletter-gosh! I am so chuffed),
The ducks ATC was from Crafty Kayleigh 85 and the elephant from Purple pixie - how cute are they? The theme in March was of course "BBQ wild foraging stylee", (joke! I am a veggie of nearly 20 years!) it was of course Animals.

This is one of the latest cards I have made with my new Crafty Individual Stamp of the trees. I coloured it with distressed ink using a makeup sponge, then distressed the edges, tearing and sanding it down, then inked a dark brown around it image.


I mounted this on patterned paper then attached stamped acetate and attached with brads to get over the problem of seeing glue/tape through the acetate

I have also been experimenting with another new stamp from Crafty Individuals (loving their angel policy) and some mica powders, in dark and pale colours:

and a bit of grungy/rockabilly influenced red and black card:

So, that's most of the catch-up, and the new series of CSI is calling-so time to fly off.

Take care peeps, and happy crafting.

Li'l Pidge