Hello and welcome to Magpieheaven! I am sorry to say that I haven't been able to show what's on my workbench/washing-machine top for the last two weeks for two reasons! Before I tell you what they are, let me just steer you over to Julia's Stamping Ground where you can find out a little more about why I feel the need to show you the top of my washing-machine, where I do a lot of my crafting and why I've so missed being part of the greatest blog-hop around hosted by the amazing Julia Dunnit!
Now I can explain: my work bench has been top secret, as I have been a GD for Paper Artsy, which has been very very exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, but I can relax just a little now that the big reveal has happened. I am also helping the Dragons over at the Dragons' Dream later on today, so there have no only been lots of secrets, but also much busyness and flapping of wings in the Magpies' Nest! Our kitchen is still at a complete standstill, but I'm enjoying crafting so much I have learned to live with it and the mystery that is Kevin and the slowly evolving cupboards! Magpie Granny seems to be settling into her lovely little flat and smiling again; our son has a voluntary job, which is doing wonders for his confidence and our daughter has found a lovely house to share with her student friends next year! So we Magpies are feeling very happy and here, without further ado, is my desk top today!
I have at last invested in the super Tim Holtz 'Worn Alphabet'. The envelope contains two sheets of Ez Mount for my unmounted stamps. I am putting off doing this chore, as I really don't enjoy mounting rubber stamps. I'll never forget the time I managed to get my hair stuck to the stuff - what a nightmare, but I have to laugh! I've never longed to be bald as much as I did that evening! In the background are the beautiful pages from our last year's calender, which had Japanese wood-cuts on it. I plan to use these images in new projects and that jar contains some lovely copper mica flakes, which I've just been using. I will try my very best to visit my followers' and friends' work desks today, but please bear with me, as it is going to take me a while to visit. Have a lovely Wednesday everyone and I have missed you all so much!
Oh I'm totally with you on a hatred of mounting stamps. I have a small mountain to mount that I keep putting off. Hateful chore.
ReplyDeleteHappy woyww
Zoe #42
So good to hear happy happy happy long may it continue. Know what you mean about the mounting of rubber stamps and the stickiness, they warned me in the shop when I bought my first (and only) lot of the stuff, oh and they were right! Thanks for the visit BJ#2
ReplyDeleteGreat stamps and I am with you about the mounting troubles. Love your calendar pages it will be great to see how you use them in projects. Will have to check out your GD for Paper Artsy ...how wonderful to have your work show cased.
ReplyDeleteSandra @28
Ooer secrets :-) How exciting and it's soooo lovely to hear all your happy news too....long may the happieness last for you all.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
A x # 44
Well, that's great to hear that all is going nicely in the Magpie household...yay! Good to hear that all the members of your family are happy in their different ways!
ReplyDeleteI have never mounted a stamp in my life and long may it continue :-) Like your calendar pages, missus..great work!
Hugs, LLJ 45 xx
Happy Wednesday xxxxxx
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine anybody likes mounting stamps, but loosing hair over it? Typically something that could have happened to me. Thanks for the laugh!!
Hello my dear Magpie Cuz, the Parliament is screaming you name these days, your popping up all over blogland and I couldn't be prouder for you my dear, your posting at Paper arts, is FANTASTIC, haven't had time to comment on your last post which blew me away, the Dragons Dream, you know how I love them, can't wait to see what you have done, I also saw you won at Creative Corner congrats on that too, now you'll have just about everything you need to do all your GD spots. I'm off to water fit but will be snooping later and will drop by Paper artsy later too, I'm really happy to hear all the good things happening with the family also, lifes all good, have a wonderful day and I'll see you soon my friend, ((( BIG HUGS )))
ReplyDeleteDianne #70..
Hello Mumma Magpieyour washing machine looks really interesting today, i think I might have to go through some back issues to see some stuff I may have missed and catch up myself. Good for you being GD and getting some tasks completed. Now to find out what you have really been doing. Paper Artsy first.....
ReplyDeleteHappy crafting and thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Eliza & Yoda 32
Don't do it!!! Don't put that awful stiff on your new stamps. Instead use a removable glue spray and use them with something like the rocker blocks, or a Clarity Stamps mount. I hate that sticky stuff with a real passion, and I know that several others are now struggling with it and working to remove it from their precious stamps. Shaz Brooks is removing hers too. Hope your true crafting space is soon finished and ready for action. xx Maggie #24
ReplyDeletePS I meant to say Stuff not stiff. Also, if you need some extra cushioning to get a good stamped image, just lay your paper or card on a mouse mat and stamp it on there. works a treat - no failures.
DeleteGreat idea to save the lovely images from your calendar! I have yet to pick up Tim's alpha as I am not good with stamping letters, and wasn't sure how I would do with those. I have so much of his stuff so maybe I should try them. Glad everyone is getting settled and is happy! Winnie#64
ReplyDeleteYou have sooo much happening and so much to be happy about! Your assignments sound absolutely thrilling, what fun! I'm loving that Tim Holtz alphabet--I keep finding more Tim Holtz things that I need in my life! So glad to hear your family is doing great. And thank you for your kindness and caring to me personally--every kind word really does help me heal that much more. Hugs dearest! Sandy Leigh #73
ReplyDeleteWonderful supplies, Julie Ann--the alphabet looks fabulous. Good luck getting it mounted, that's not one of my favorite chores, either, but the results are worth it, yes?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the GDT!!
A Happy WOYWW to you!
:)trisha
#87 this week, with
image transfer pendants
sounds like you are having a great time which is good to hear a i'm intrigued how you managed to stick your hair to Ez-mount but im not going to try it ! im worried now with all the comments suggesting not to use it as I have a lot of stamps needing mounted and have bought several sheets for the job ..eek have I done wrong ! great hearing lots of good news of everyone in the household i hope the happiness continues for a long time ahead . have great week crafty hugs Andrea #17
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that mounting stamps is no fun! Have fun with your new alphabet! Happy WOYWW! #71
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the dragons, Julie Ann! we're glad you've come to join us... Have stamp envy with that set of Tim's stamps... Helen 6
ReplyDeleteWell, congratulations on the GD for Leandra. What an accolade. And for Dragons too! So pleased for you - not so for the mounting of stamps. A job I detest,
ReplyDeletePleased for all the good family news,
Hugs and thanks for the visit, Neet 24 xx
Congrats! and I hate mounting stamps too but I do LOVE that alphabet, so for that I might break down and just do it.
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW evening!
Mary Anne (19)
Those calendar images are lovely! I'm sure you could use them somewhere. I quite understand about stamp mounting business. Once upon a time, before I discovered EZ, I used ON/OFF glue which I brushed on to the backs of the stamps. Really I don't think the EZ is a vast improvement but at least you get nice cushioning.
ReplyDeleteI see a nice piece of silk there too :), right?
Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments re that canvas.
RosA # 1
Happy WOYWW #101
ReplyDeleteHi Julie Anne,
ReplyDeleteI was always concerned about getting the image straight while mounting - and to match the outline on the other side of the wooden block. I do like the unmounted stamps. They also take up less room, which is a plus for me.
Hmmm, a power strip is something that you plug into your wall and then it gives you mutliple outlets to plug in many things. I wonder what they call it in the UK? Several people have been stumped by that.
I'm slowly getting around to visiting. Thanks for stopping by already.
Happy belated WOYWW
Peace, Kay (3)
I hate the mounting chore too..keep some talc to hand to stop your fingers and scissors getting too sticky too quickly! The alhpa is gorgeous, and so too is the fabric it's sitting on..what's the plan there?!
ReplyDeleteGreat pic of the bits and bobs on your desk - I just love that shot silk fabric!! x Jo
ReplyDeleteVery interesting looking desk this week.
ReplyDeleteHappy very belated WOYWW!
Tertia #77
I completely know what you mean, that stuff is mega sticky lol. Glad everything is going well in magpie home, and a mega congratulations on all the new DTs your on. I have that stamp set, really is awesome. Lots of hugs Kerry Ann xxxxxxxx
ReplyDelete