WOYWW - A hot one!

It's Wednesday again and I've finally taken a (bad) phone photo of my desk to join in with the gang over at Stamping Ground for another What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. It's a hot one here in Michigan. It's been hot the last few days. Really need a break from it. It's been up in the 30s (90s) in the daytime and only down in the 20s (70s) at night. I could handle the day if the night was cooler. It was so muggy last night I kept waking up looking at the clock. Ug. We're camping up north next week so it will definitely be cooler.

Here's the bad phone photo of my desk. My craft room is upstairs and it's been so hot I haven't spent a lot of time up there. Please forgive the mess!

It's a long view of the desk and you can see the mess in all its glory. Usually I only take a pic of the bit in the middle where I'm working but there isn't a lot going on right now. I'm stamping out some sentiments and images from some kits I bought from Unity Stamps. I am going to clean up - I am.

I've been taking walks early in the morning (look at previous posts if interested). There is lots going on at the lake right now. So many different animals and things growing. Yesterday I saw these two bucks and a doe. They were weary of  me but not outright scared. I managed to take this of one of the bucks. Such a magnificent creature!

I've been posting some of my nature photos on my instagram account too. https://www.instagram.com/sharonkoole/  

I'm going to get some things done early before the heat sets in and then I'll pop around desks. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone is up to!

Workdesk Wednesday - 8 years!

It's Wednesday again and time to join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. It's the 8 year anniversary! Can you  believe it? I haven't been joining in that long. It's a really fun place to share - lots of encouragement and creative sharing. I've really enjoyed participating.

Well, here's my desk this week

It's never clean - just can't seem to keep it that way. I've been working on my ATCs but no peeking! I have a couple of extras so if anyone wants to share drop me an email Ipswich2 at aol dot com.

I've actually mounted some of the backgrounds I've been making onto card bases. I love the colours. Happy Anniversary everyone!

WOYWW - Wednesday again?

It's the middle of the week again so it's time for What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. It's been a couple of weeks since I've joined in so thought I'd show my face and join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground. My desk probably looks like it did the other week. We were away last week and I haven't been up there this week yet. So instead of a desk shot I thought I'd share some of the goodies I bought while on my trip to visit daughter in Minnesota.

This lot is from a couple of the charity shops in town. I was really happy with the bottom two - they are kits. Like I need any more cross stitch kits lol. They called my name and I had to 'rescue' them.

From Michaels/Joanns. They were all on clearance/sale. I was quite pleased! The stamp set I've wanted to a while and since it was on clearance I couldn't resist.

The last lots are from a great craft shop in her town. Crafts Direct. If you get to St. Cloud Minnesota please visit the shop. It is FANTASTIC. It is independently owned. I love it! There is the main shop which is huge and then an additional outlet shop where they sell discontinued and damaged/open craft items. They have a discount coupon each week but this one you pay $1 to charity of the week to save 40% on one item. Such a great idea! Daughter bought me a GC as part of my Mother's Day/Birthday gift so I had fun picking out things.

Now to find the time to play with them all...

Workdesk Photos - What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday

Another Wednesday rolling around so it's time to join with Stamping Ground for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday.

This is the workspace part of my desk. I was finishing up a couple of cards when hubby rang to say he's on his way home so this is how I left things. Not sure whether I'm going to use those sentiments or different ones.

I thought I'd always share the messy pile to the left (not featured last week) and the pile on my floor (of backgrounds in progress).

It's stopped raining today so I'm going to take a walk. I'll visit other desks throughout the day. I'm getting quite excited as we leave on Saturday to go visit daughter in Minnesota. It's a long drive - over nine hours if you don't stop! - but looking forward to seeing her again. She'll actually get some time off work so we'll be able to spend some days together!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday

It's been a couple of weeks since I've shared my desk with the group over at Stamping Ground for What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday so I thought I'd join in this week and go do some desk hopping.

I really haven't been crafting too much. My mojo seems to have gone on holiday now that the weather is getting warmer. I have bee out and about doing some lovely walks with hubby.

I did make a couple of cards and a bookmark yesterday that you can see on my desk. One card and a bookmark are popped up on mini-easels out of the way waiting for me to take them into better light for photographing. They are using the papers that were on my desk the last time I joined. There's a big mess to the left that you can't see lol. It's a stack of papers and stamps that I was playing with. To the right is another mess that you can't see that includes pages to make a mini album using some photos I've taken over the last few weeks.

Well I'm off to pop around a few desks before I start my day!

Wednesday rolling around...

It's the middle of the week again - wow the weeks are flying by! - so it's time for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday with Julia over at Stamping Ground. I missed last week as nothing had changed on my desk. It's still messy and I think my mojo is lost in the mess. The photo below only shows a portion of the desk (the tidiest bit).

You can see a couple of backgrounds I've been doing. I've been working on photo pages and waiting for a sunny day to take decent photos of those. I've been knitting - a couple of hats (seen on Friday post) and now working on some wrist warmer thingys. I am so pleased with how the knitting is coming along.  I've also been working on one of the cross stitch pieces I've had kitted up. I'm finding it a little difficult as I don't particularly like stitching it. I think it probably shows in the stitching though I am determined to finish!

I'm off to have lunch with a friend, phone my Mum and will be hopping around desks in between. Happy mid-week everyone! Hope you have more sunshine than us - weekend nice, now rain and tomorrow (!!) snow!

Messy Desk - not much has changed!

Desk day again. It's Wednesday so it's time to join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for another What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

The view on my desk hasn't changed much from last week.

I finished constructing a mini-album and am currently putting together photos to put inside. One of my goals this year was to get my photos organised better than they are (sitting in boxes). I'm been putting some into a journal sort of thing and want to put more groups of photos in albums. I haven't decided whether to embellish or not.

I did make this little bookmark. I like the saying - it reminds me to try to think positive.

I have been out and about taking photos. I saw my first really cute Raccoon on Sunday (shown in previous post). I'm really enjoying all I'm learning in the course.

Thanks for all the comments! I really appreciate them. I'll be off hopping around the desks sneaking a look at what everyone has been up to. 

Desk Day - WOYWW

The weeks just seem to be rolling around (I'm still waiting for the first signs of Spring!) and it's Wednesday again - time to share my messy desk with those over at Stamping Ground.

Well this is it

It's a mess but things are getting done. To the left are a couple of polka dotted mini albums waiting for some photos, a book in the middle that has photos being put in it - complete with journalling - and a couple of other bits and bobs. I have been doing some knitting (last post) and more sorting.

I did finish the card I was starting on last week for my sister

The bird is attached to one of those wobbly things and when it moves the eyes move too.

And another card just for fun

It's really cold here today -9C (15F) so not sure if I'm going to brave it and pop out (hoping the car doors don't freeze!) or stay in and do some crafting. Hope everyone has a good Wednesday!

Desk Day - What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Middle of the week rolling around again and time to share our desks with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for another WOYWW.

This one's going to be short. Here's my desk

It's a messy desk with the beginnings of a birthday card for my sister. I have to finish it today so I can get it in the post tomorrow. I did finish the tangling part of my Zentangle from last week - I didn't take a photo of it yet. I've been doing some knitting too - I'm ready to try out some new stitches with the help of a book and my friend Youtube.

Thanks for looking and the comments! I really appreciate them.

March 1st already?! WOYWW rolling around again

It's March already! Spring - here I come (hopefully). It's also Wednesday again so time to join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday?

Here's my desk

It's as I left it Tuesday night after working on some stuff yesterday. I finally pulled out some of the (many) photos I have and worked on pages. I really need to do something with them and it was one of the goals I had this year.

I also pulled out some Zentangle yesterday. It's been ages since I've done any. I have been really inspired by Shoshi's lovely wooded Zentangle (can't find specific page) that she did. I'm really not that experienced at it so I thought I'd better start doing some again. It is quite fun and relaxing.

I've been taking lots of photos for the A Year With My Camera course I'm taking. I am really learning lots! Went for a lovely walk Sunday (previous two posts) and took lots of pics.

It's dull and rainy here today so I'll be off visiting desks and (hopefully) getting another photo page done!

WOYWW - Did I leave my mojo in St. Cloud?

It's Wednesday again so it's time to join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for another What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

Here's my desk - lots of coloured pencils and a few images. I think I want to sort my pencils - daughter has them all sorted in colours. Mine are as they came. How do you organise yours?

You can see a little colouring going on but not a lot else. I think I left my crafting mojo in St. Cloud!

Since I've come back I have got some sorting out done - several books posted off to Paperbackswap.com and magazines listed (and sold) on Ebay. I've got a way to go but I am getting there!

I did finish a scarf! It's like the one I knitted in St. Cloud, only this one is sewn too

Here's a photo of me wearing it! Hopefully next week there will be a little more to see on my desk.

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Wednesday rolling around again. Joining up with Julia and the group at Stamping Ground for another trip around the world sneaking a look at the desks of other crafty people. I am back in Michigan again after a lovely two weeks visiting my daughter in Minnesota.

My desk isn't that creative, just a few things waiting to be put away and some leftover chocolates I couldn't help dipping in to. I am still settling in and sorting out. I did finish my scarf in Minnesota but had to leave it as no room in my bags - really, I had to push down to get one closed!

I have been knitting on this one since I've been back. I really like these. They are so warm!

I also finished another cross stitch while I was in Minnesota. This one is a Lizzie Kate design. I am so glad I am finally getting some of these done! Now I have to work on getting them framed and displayed. I read quite a bit while I was away but that was on my Kindle. The goal is to read some of the books on my many bookcases....if only there were a few more hours in the day!

What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday

Still in Minnesota but joining in with Julia and the gang over at The Stamping Ground for another What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday. No desk again this week. I do have a finish I've been working on.

I am determined to finish some of the many projects I have kitted up over the years and this is the second I have finished this year. I've almost finished the scarf I was working on top but no photo of that this week.

Daughter and I went to The Mall of America on Sunday. It is huge! See last post of interested. While we were in Minneapolis we went to the Blick Art shop. Wonderful! I think we were both drooling.

We will be going back another time. Thanks for those who visited last week. I got as many people as I could. Not as easy on my Kindle. I'll try to do better this week! Happy WOYWW everybody!

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Joining up with Julia over at Stamping Ground for another What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday when people all over the world share what's on their crafty desks this week.

I have finished sorting all (that I've found so far) my floss. It's nicely put away in numbered bags and then drawers. My room is actually looking a lot tidier and I feel good to know that if I want something to stitch I know where to find it!

The compartments on my desk used to be behind me but I put the floss drawers there and the pens and distress ink closer to where I can reach it. Makes more sense and I'm not sure why I didn't do it before!

You've caught me stamping out images this week. I did a few pages of them including the crazy birds you see. I'm off to visit my daughter in Minnesota for a couple of weeks so I want to take them with me. She has plenty of colouring pencils so just the images needed!

I did make a card this week but was in a hurry to post it to my sister that I forgot to take a photo of it! I also finished knitting a scarf this week. It is done in a basketweave pattern. I really like it and am quite pleased with it. I think I've mastered the knitting and purling so now I'm on to some other stitches.

The colour is deep red and black - doesn't seem to show up so well in photo. Would help if there was a little sunshine!

I'm off to visit some desks before son pops in to visit.

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday? Answer: a mess

No ongoing projects sitting on my desk this week as I join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for another What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.

I'm sorting through piles. At the moment it's cross stitch bits. They seem to have taken root all over the house and multiplied. I'm digging through tubs and finding half-finished projects, finished unframed projects, ready-to-go projects and floss galore. My poor craft room is in need of a good sort - as is the rest of my house - so for now that's what I'm working on.

This was the first lot I sorted through earlier in the week and there was only more to find!

I sorted them all out into numbered baggies (about four or five to a bag) and then put them in a little drawer organiser my son got me last year. I printed off a full list of numbers and marked them off as I put them away. That way when I am bagging up a project I'll know if I have the floss or not. I have so many doubles (and triples!).  This does seem like a never ending task but I'm hoping I'll get through it!

Hopefully others are doing more crafty projects! Looking forward to visiting desks.

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

This is my first one of the new year. Happy New Year to the deskers! I'm joining up with WOYWW over at Stamping Ground. I wasn't around last week as we were moving daughter from Michigan to Minnesota - over 9 hours drive away. She's all settled now - started her new job Monday - and I'm missing her already! It was REALLY cold in Minnesota (air temp -13F, -25C). Who knew it could get that cold?

Anyway on to my desk. Honestly I haven't been doing too much. I've got a case of the blahs. I think it's a let down of Christmas, spending almost every day for the last month with daughter and suddenly...poof, nothing. I did go up to craft room today and get started pottering around.

I started on a new mini album - made one for Mum and one for daughter at Christmas and they both loved them so I'm determined to put some of my photos in more of them. Also some Unity images stamped out ready to colour.

At Christmas I treated myself to this wonderful 132 lot of coloured pencils. Got a really good deal on a Lightening Deal on Amazon. I only had a small pack before so looking forward to colouring.

While in Minnesota we got to visit a great independent craft store - I was drooling. The shop is wonderful. Crafts Direct. If you ever get near St. Cloud, Minnesota I would recommend a visit. You can see some pics HERE if interested.

I have my monthly lunch get-together today so will be around before and after to visit. Thanks for all who leave comments. I read them all and really appreciate them!

WOYWW - Last one of the year

It's the last What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday so I just have to join in. Julia over at Stamping Ground is our gracious host. I'd love to say Thank You to Julia for hosting this lovely weekly get-together. Also thanks to the lovely Jan who took over hosting duties while Julia was poorly. I really enjoy visiting weekly and seeing what fellow crafters are up to.

I don't have a photo of my desk this week. It looks basically the same as last week - messy! I haven't been up in my room a lot in the past week. I did finish the album for my daughter - she loved it - and the album for my Mum - she loved it!

I did receive crafty goodness myself - yarn from my daughter, a knitting book & a photography book from husband and some stamping blocks as well as lots of other non-crafty goodies including books!

I will knit those hedgehogs gloves by the end of 2017 so hold me to it! The photography book goes along with an online/email photography course I'm joining in with in 2017.

My MIL made me

She is in her mid 70s and still does this fiddly work! Lots of patience too. She also knitted us all scrubbies

Yesterday we (me, MIL & daughter) went out together to some local craft stores where yarn was on sale and both MIL and I stocked up. Today we all ventured out to some charity shops where I found some crafty bargains along with (more!) books.

So that's it. I'll probably visit a few this morning but more later in the evening. Daughter and I are taking a (chilly) visit to the lakeshore and then taking the dog on a long walk in a nature reserve. This time next week we will be on our way to Minnesota where daughter will begin her new adventure. Sniff. Sniff.

Happy New Year everyone!

Messy Desk - hanging head in shame

It's Wednesday again so it's time to join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for another What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. Things are busy here and I'm trying to spend as much time with daughter before she leaves at the beginning of the year for a new state and new job - big changes ahead! It was her birthday on Monday too so we fit in a celebration for that too.

Now on to the nitty gritty. I'm really hanging my head in shame. I was really tempted to move some things around but I didn't. I took the picture as-is late on Tuesday night.

I had cleaned up all the Christmas stamps and bits, but they were in regular boxes. I saw these Christmas ones at Michael's for $1.66 each so I bought enough to put Christmas things in so I would know exactly what was in them! I was in the midst of sorting when I had to leave to meet daughter.

In the background you can see some stickers from a dog set. I'm not sure what I was thinking but with only six days left before the big day I decided to make daughter a mini-album filled with pictures of the dog and all that we've been up to this year. It will be done!

Hope everyone has a Happy Christmas. It's Winter Solstice today so the days are only going to start getting longer - how's that for some happy news?

Crafty Week? - What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?

Yikes, another Wednesday has rolled around and it's time to join with Julia and the gang over at Stamping Ground for What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday, our weekly visit around crafty desks all over the world.

Been a busy week - daughter is back here again. Her move didn't go too badly and they got it finished before the snow came! She's sleeping/resting for a couple of days before we start thinking about her next move (the BIG one!). She applied for, and has been accepted for, her apartment (flat). It is a little more expensive but she's hoping it won't be filled with university students and the management seems really good. It is only a six month lease so hopefully by then she'll work out if she wants to stay there or move someplace else in town. By then she will know the area a little more. I hope it all goes well as it is sight unseen.

Anyway on to my desk.

It honestly doesn't look a lot different from last week. I have a mini album I am working on to send my Mum,  a new penguin tin that is filled with shaped Christmas-y glitter and a little basket of stamped Christmas-y sentiments.

I have finished my Mum's calendar which was my big project for the week. I am thrilled as I usually get it done just before Christmas. Will post this week along with Christmas cards that are all finished! I'm ahead of the game with Christmas crafts. Shopping, not so much.

A little peak at the calendar. As I said I did get my Christmas cards done. I haven't taken pictures yet but will do and put in separate post.

I'll be getting around to desks, some early, some later as I actually have a car today (as daughter is in town) and will be doing some shopping all by myself.

I'll leave you with a picture of Shasta in her Christmas collar. She's been sad lately, clinging to daughter and not liking it when she even leaves the room. She obviously knows something is going on and as a rescue dog has had her share of abandonment.