Wednesday 21 August 2013

WOYWW - Getting Painty!

Hello from Magpieheaven! Today being Wednesday it's time to show what's on my washing-machine top! Just in case you think I've gone crazy, well a bit crazier, I have to say that I'm not the only person who crafts on top of the washing-machine! How do I know? Well, nip over to Julia's 'Stamping Ground' HERE and find out where crafters all over the world like to Gesso their canvasses; whir their sewing machines or distress their substrates!!! All crafting life is there!
 Last week some lovely people left me really heart-warming comments. Thank you again. I treasured and took heart from every one. Although it's still been difficult to find crafting time, my mum had her offer on the flat she liked accepted, so her move nearer to us is 'all systems go'. Today I met with an ex-colleague of my DH whose auntie was an expert on Aspergers and she was able to give me some really positive thoughts on supporting my son! Also my dear crafting friend, Kezzy sent me a lovely little package of 'Happy Mail'. Suffering from a migraine I stumbled down the stairs on Saturday morning and there was a gorgeous card, some beautiful hand-made buttons and the prettiest tissue!
As you can see I've painted my little rocking horse girl and I'm sorting through these lovely designs to find the perfect butterfly and maybe some roses to add when the painting has progressed further. I haven't had time to photograph the lovely card she sent. I promise to show that next time. It has pride of place on my mantel-piece at the moment.
The other week I talked about Crafting being the sugar we can add to make delicious lemonade out of life's lemons. Well, the lemonade has been positively fizzing, as I've been having so much fun lately altering this old spice rack - my fingers seem permanently Sage and Mermaid! Our kitchen is just the same as it was on the lemonade post!!! But Kevin will return one day with cupboard doors and in the meantime I can dream! This spice rack had dulled to a really yucky faded blue and it's nowhere near big enough to hold all our spices so I took it down to make way for the new, bigger cupboards and I'm giving it a makeover. It's the perfect size for my Treasure Gold so when it's finished it will be a pretty piece of storage. I've been inspired by Carol over at Paper Artsy so when it's finished I hope to enter it in the Paper Artsy draw. I had the idea of making some Shrink Plastic flowers from the Tim Holtz tattered florals die and I was really pleased with how they turned out. I've totally fallen under the spell of SP and all the embellishments you can make with it!

I pressed the die-cut layers together while they were still hot and used tweezers to shape and mould the petals, which I coloured with alcohol ink and Treasure Gold adding a little pearl at the centre of each. Right now I'm off to take a look at some desks. Have a great WOYWW!

49 comments:

  1. Hi Julie Ann...great post and so glad to hear that things are all coming along the way you wanted.great happy mail from Kezzy and can't wait to see the little rocking horse finished!! I love your SP flowers they've turned out great, they will look great on your rack!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great happy mail, love the spice rack - what a great idea and it looks amazing! Have a fab week. Helen 8.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Julie Ann great post this week and so pleased to hear you have someone to talk to that is an expert in the field. They really are all about helping you to discover ways to help your son, it is a difficult life not only for your son but you too. Try and relax and take it one day at a time. Sorry about the migraine, trust me when I say I know how you feel. Lovely art sharing too. Have a great week.

    Happy WOYWW
    Eliza & Yoda 24

    ReplyDelete
  4. Glad to hear the lemonade making is going well :-) Keep at it. Really pleased you are getting lots of positive help and advise from folk that are in the know. Make sure you are also getting lots of R and R cos stress will only cause more headaches.
    Hugs,
    A x # 61

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such prettiness on you desk. I enjoyed my visit. Happy Wednesday.
    Sue x (MiniOwner@65)
    ETA I worked for many years with autistic chidren and totally understand your concerns for your special son.

    ReplyDelete
  6. those are lovely papers and projects on your desk today! i hope you find all the help and support you need to help your son. happy WOYWW! thank you for sharing!
    hugs, peggy aplSEEDS @ 12

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow, your craft makes are just lovely. So glad to hear things are coming together with your mum moving and that you have someone with experience to help with advice for your son. It makes all the difference when people understand.

    As for the happy mail, well, that's the best mail of all.

    Hugs from the bears @#99

    ReplyDelete
  8. Glad all is working out for you Julie Anne...sweet lemons :-). Loe what you're doing to the spice rack (get so many great ideas from WOYWW), Hugs RobynO#74

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just love your spice rack which is now a "Treasured Rack" (that sounds so right) - the colour is gorgeous and the decoration too.
    So glad you are getting lots of help with things, hope you get lots more advice and help.
    Hugs, Neet xx 32

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Julie Ann Lee
    you have been such a busy girl and have been making some lovely bits and I can't wait to see the little spice rack all spruced up and full of goodies.
    Have a really great WOYWW and enjoy the rest of your week
    Hugs Ria #85

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Julie Ann. Gorgeousness in Magpieheaven today! Great stotage, looks beautiful - love the colour. SP flowers - oh yes - GOT to have a go at those! AND rocking horse progress - so glad you're finding time for craft ther-happy and that things are looking up on the home front. Thanks for your visit MMx #33

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love the fact you craft on your washing machine, I am going to mention that to the next person who tells me they have no spcae to be creative! Happy WOYWW! Lindsay #20

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey Cuz, so glad to hear your Mom got a place, that's wonderful, oh man I loooove that shelf already it looks fabulous, we magpies do love to have colored claws,mine have been purple and green this week:),congrats on being in the top 3 from our creative corner, with the dream team, your SP pieces are gorgeous, does it have to be alcohol ink you use on them I only have water-based inks and Tim's, I have 1 sheet of shrink wrap and would like to try using it, I've been saving it for something special, not sure what that is yet LOL.. I didn't have time to do the WOYW this week, hopefully next week, I knew you would find a way to get help, your a great Mom and one of the most talented magpie in our parliament. Your gifts are lovely, can't wait to see the rocking horse when its finished, have a great week my friend, ((((( BIG HUGS )))))..

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lovely post. Rocking horse looking good. Hope you get your doors soon
    Thanks for visiting - yes I do use special origami paper that came with my book. I also use the Ikea magazine!
    Famfa 3

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love what you have done with your old spice rack! What fabulous embellishments you have created to adorn it!

    Have a great Wednesday!!

    Lynn #19

    ReplyDelete
  16. I stopped by last night to say hi and promptly fell asleep in my chair. Not that you are boring, but I was simply so very tired. That's a lovely spice rack and of course, the girl in the rocker is looking good. but that shrink plastic really was ingenious. Happy WOYWW from #10.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Glad things are moving along for you. thanks for the step outs on the flowers- lovely!
    Ah- the bath- not too many things that won't cure! good advice.
    Thanks for visiting and the snoop around.
    Robyn 25

    ReplyDelete
  18. Julie Ann--thank you for your sweet uplifting words to me today! Isn't it funny how many things we do on top of our washing machines! When I come home each day--I'm usually the first one home--I get the mail and leave on the dryer, because I come in through the laundry room. I love your spice rack--reminds me I need to start drying my basil and chives and get them stored for the year in some nice bottles. I'm glad you are getting support and help with your family--keep that lemonade sweet! Hugs dear! Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #9

    ReplyDelete
  19. How kind of your friend to send you a package of happy mail
    Spice rack is looking good!
    Jackie44
    Scrapbangwallop

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your rocking horse is looking good and I so love the spice rack. The shrinky dink embellishments look fabulous.
    Happy WOYWW Hugs Monique #110

    ReplyDelete
  21. Gorgeous papers in your happy mail, love how your rocking horse looks painted and your spice rack looks amazing too!
    Debxx #18

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hope your feeling much better and stay on the mend. Happy mail is always great to get and always there to leave a smilefor your. The colors for your shelf are lovely. Im slowly making my way down the list, it seems to take for ever. Have a good day and bright blessings to you and your Roberta 26

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am so happy for you that you found a flat for your mum! And happy mail is wonderful!!!
    I have been seeing all the lovely comments that people are leaving about your son. I didn't say anything because it seemed like everyone was giving you advice. But I just want to say that I have a son who has aspergers. At first, I got the whole "he needs to get left back" an "he will never get a grade higher than a C". blah. In addition he is also reading and written disabled with dyslexia. NOW he is almost 17, going into his senior year of high school and is in the National Honor Society! Haha mrs. he can't get better than a C! We worked so hard for so many years. 3 Hours a day for homework, keeping hin organized and calm. But around 7th grade he blossomed into a wonderful son! No more outbursts, Awards for grades, honor roll all the time. And he kept going on this amazing path! He has been called an "Academic Machine", does sports and is apprehensive about collage but we will conquer that too. Because I believe in him and he knows it!
    Keep doing what you are doing and I know your son will be amazing too!!
    That is my 2 cents. I hope it is helpful in some way.
    xxDaniella#13

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've just read Daniella's wonderful comment above...aren't there some wonderful people around?? It must be fab to know you're not in your own..... I'm sending big hugs to you too!
    And I love the spice rack..it has a new lease of life...well done you :-)
    Hugs, LLJ 63 xx

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love your spice rack, a great storage solution for your Treasure Gold.

    Jo
    x

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks so much for sharing ... the rack looks absolutely gorgeous and I love the shrinkies, they turned out very beautiful. Great job. And I love the paper too. Have a great time crafting, Suzanne
    #84

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh! It's good to be back!! Great things going on here! I love the rack and the flowers! I dug my shrink plastic out last week - I'd forgotten how good it is!! Chrisx ps Thanks for visiting

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love the refurbished spice rack. happy crafting #7

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hey Julie-Ann, thanks for swinging by my blog earlier..cool to meet another Onliest One (that is what Tigger calls himself..) I love the spice rack, I have been looking for one like that for ages!! Glad that your Mum's move is getting rolling. Oh and my friend says that all us late sept / oct babies are because of all the Christmas / New Year's celebrations...ew! Happy WOYWW. Cx 29#

    ReplyDelete
  30. Your old/new spice rack looks wonderful and I sure hope you post another picture of it when you are finished.
    Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi thanks for stopping by earlier ! Love how you are transforming the rack - stunning colour combo & love the embellishments ! Ali #30

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wow I am loving the wonderful transformation of your spice rack so far. The crackle effect and your shrink plastic pieces are fabulous. Can't wait to see it finished. I am happy to read that your mum got the place she had her heart on and that her move to be closer is underway. Have a great week! Danie #17

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your spice rack is looking fantastic!I have some crackle paint... Hmmm....where is it!?! The need for the remote was getting a bit urgent! Big pop up over the TV screen say click here to blah blah blah...you know the thing...of course without the remote I was stuffed! Found both under the little tv table (Now a printer table ) under my bench, it's on wheels so moved out easily, but how they both got under there is a mystery! Thank you for my snoop!!
    Happy WOYWW!
    ((Lyn)) #5

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi there thanks for your comment...the day just wizzes by not to mention the weeks...it is the first time I visit your blog, you look like a seriously talented lady, I just loved your flowers and your spice rack looks lovely too....good luck with moms move...keep well off to check out if my washing machine can inspire me too!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love what you've done to the spice rack so far, it's just gorgeous. Those flower are really pretty, you are very clever.
    So glad your mum got her flat.
    Have a great week.
    Von #62

    ReplyDelete
  36. Dear Julie Ann,I have been a tutor for kids with Dyslexia and Asperger's syndrome.All did well with a bit of extra help.Migraines are the pits.I'm so sorry you are a sufferer.Mine stopped when I stopped teaching full time.
    Thank you for your really lovely comments about my Kitty Fabric Book. If you'd like to talk further, please contact me at this (hubby's ) e-mail
    kevin.mccarthy@adam.com.au.
    Many thanks
    Judy McCarthy #28

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wonderful work to see on your workspace. I love the colors you used.
    Greetings from Erika # 76 ♥

    ReplyDelete
  38. WOW Julie Ann I just love what you have done to the spice rack!! Using it for storage is a great idea!! I am glad that your Mum has has her offer on the flat she liked accepted and is going to be closer to you. I wish my Mum was closer so I could spoil her a little :-). It is wonderful to have crafty friends that sends you things, they know just what to do to make us feel better when things are tough, don't they! Thanks for visiting my blog. Take care and have a wonderful week, happy WOYWW.
    Janene #67 x

    ReplyDelete
  39. Glad your lemons are fizzing. Love the happy mail too. Hope you migraine subsided, horrid things that they are.

    Lynda #96

    ReplyDelete
  40. Gorgeous little envelope of happy mail. Nope I can safely say I've never crafted on the washing machine, but then again the dryer is on top of it lol. So glad your Mum is moving nearer to you that must be a relief, it's hard work when the roles are reversed and you look after parents. Hugs Elizabeth ps meant to say love the treasure gold rack xxx

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hi Julie Ann, that's a sweet little rocking horse there and the contents of your happy mail are lovely. Good to read that you are feeling a bit more positive this week ... I'm dealing with my own lemons and trying to make lemonade too so good to note that a week can make a difference. Love your altered spice rack ... it's looking great after the makeover and the SP flowers are gorgeous. Hope you have an even better week ahead. Elizabeth x #47

    ReplyDelete
  42. Oh wow, Julie Ann, such gorgeous things! It's always a good day when paint is involved.

    Thank you for stopping by this woyww--did you make it through the whole list?

    :)trisha
    #21 this week

    ReplyDelete
  43. Such pretty things and those flowers are so sweet to look at great project you've got there great way to re-cycle something no longer needed and craft rooms always need little shelves :) hugs Nikki 22 thanks for the visit

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love the shrink plastic Tattered Florals, I have to give that a go. I have a stash of (unused) shrink plastic in here somewhere. I just emailed Kimmie, to say thanks and ask if she's ok.Glad your Moms house move is going well.Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #50 xx

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh poop, now I regret sending my similar spice rack to the charity barn as yours has turned out looking very nice! Love the tattered flowers you have done with shrink plastic too! Apologies for my late arrival of doing the round of WOYWW desks! Annette #6

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hiya … Your repurposed spice rack is looking beautiful I love the color. The flowers look amazing. I'd love to know how you made them. Happy your mom is getting settled, and your finding some direction with your son. I didn't get a post up this week, but I am still trying to get some visiting done. I sent you an email, I sent it through your google account, let me know if you don't get it. I hope you are having a wonderful weekend. (((HUGS)))
    Kimmie

    ReplyDelete
  47. Fab little shelf unit! Love your sp flowers! I haven't snag any of that shrink plastic...yet. :) I see so many peeps making really cool stuff like your flowers so one I will give it a go. A bit late..Thanks for the earlier visit! Happy WOYWW! Nan G #1

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love how you keep busy and keep making that lemonade, Julie Lee! With your talents, it would be such a waste for you not to use them for positive therapy! I love the spice rack and have to say that you are a magician with the shrink plastic!!

    Happy Belated WOYWW and thank you for your visit to me! Yes, definitely "Hitler" is so changed now. Since my WOYWW post we have now seen FOUR hummers at the "bar" at once and that was SOOOO thrilling!! I'm trying to keep the camera at the ready to capture it if it ever happens again!

    You mentioned how much you love a crescent moon with a face. If you send me your snail mail address via my email (on my profile page), I'll be happy to stamp off a few images for you and pop them in the mail.

    Enjoy the rest of your week! Darnell #16

    ReplyDelete
  49. I am so happy you liked your tissues. Wow seeing the spice rack again it really is a beautiful piece of art I really think it's awesome. Think I have caught up now lol. Lots of hugs Kezzy xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete

Due to high level of spam recently I have enabled comment moderation on this blog, so any comments will be moderated before appearing on the blog.