WOYWW 256

IF THERE'S SOMETHING STRANGE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD,
WHO YOU GONNA CALL?  STASHBUSTERS!
(apologies to Ray Parker Jr)

I'm rather pleased with the way the stash is diminishing, slowly but surely, though it looks as if I've got the whole lot out on the desk today!
What a tip!  With the exception of my newly sorted box of fat quarters - that sight gladdens my heart :-)
Oooh, that makes me happy seeing all the colours lined up like that - and yes, I was that child who always put her colouring pencils back In the Right Order...grin!
The latest zipped craft tote....I'm seeing spots in front of my eyes after this one!  Of the four bags I showed last week, 3 have been sold to work colleagues of my friend (one is going to Denmark which has made me do a happy dance!!)  The proceeds from this together with the WOYWW Crop raffle/leftover profit etc will be going to our nominated charity this year, The Alzheimer's Society.

Now then, fancy seeing a women so far out of her Comfort Zone, she's wearing extra strong safety pants???  Yep, for only the second time in my life, I've been stamping ATCs....see what I do for you lot!!  Julia was very patient with me and sorted me out with the various ink pads and embossing powder!

Look at that concentration, lol!!  I squealed when I first saw the embossing powder change under the heat gun. Verily, 'twas like magic!  I seem to have ended up with a Goth candleabra sorta look....  I enjoyed the couple of hours very much but am a fabric and yarn girl through and through :-)

Finally, I have to drive through Savernake Forest several times a week and this is what greets you at the moment....
Just gorgeous - Britain at its most beautiful :-)

Have a great week everyone!


47 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I heard you were impressed by the magic of EP. First timer (grin).

I not only put my pencils and crayons in order, I hang all my clothes on color coordinated plastic hangers. I then hang them in ROY G BIV order in my closet. I'm sort of color anal, too.

Have a colorful week, dear friend and enjoy that view from your car! Happy WOYWW from # 2.

Ann B said...

You can't best the magic of the EP, gets me every time and it's what got me into stamping all those years ago. Love your collection of fat quarters don't they look very artistic arranged like that. I love Spring because of the flowers it brings, especially bluebells, they bring back memories of grandparents garden, childhood woodland walks and masses of them in Devon woods as we holidayed in East Devon every spring.
Happy WOYWWW
Ann B
24

Helen said...

yep, still love the magic of EP melting! love the photo, such concentration... I'd better get making cos I sure want to swap with you! The bluebells are stunning! Helen 9

Robyn Oliver said...

Hello Jan and what a happy desk..ooow I love fabric too nearly as much as ink and stamps. Love the pic of you working on your ATCs - aren't we a crazy lot. Your totes are fabulous, spots and all and I'm so pleased that you've sold some already. OOOOO WOW I love flowers tooooo and the field of bluebells oh that's so lovely - lucky you to see them regularly. sigh!! Cheers and have a wonderful week RobynO#35

Paper rainbow said...

Hello Jan, oh beautiful bluebells, and hat could be happier than a box of lovely fat quarters. :) I think it is so kind that you devote so much time and effort into raising money for charity.

Craft buddy said...

I love your tote and fat quarter organisation - looks like you did some serious work! And I love your picture of springy bluebells x Jessie #46

Crafting Queen said...

What lovely fabrics, another great bag. Have fun making your ATCs and well done on selling your bags. :) Have a great day.

VonnyK said...

Oh no, not another tidy and put them back where they belong person. My hubby is like that, I'm more of a throw it in and let it fall wherever kinda gal (he he). Love your bag and excellent that you are giving the proceeds to charity. Love that photo of you with the heat gun. I'd blow the house up if I was let loose with one of those so I'm suitably impressed that you used it and did a great job too. You'll be an ATC pro in no time.
Have a great week.
Von #11

Eliza said...

You made me giggle with the safety pants then seeing you in action, terrified look and all, those ATC's seem to be coming along nicely. Seeing you are making some maybe I should too, I gave them up light years ago LOL. Yes the OB's days are busy like you know, and in answer to your question, no they don't bloody eat and yes the camera puts on 10 pounds. So imagine how skinny they really are ANOREXIC ACTUALLY I like a bit of plump it keeps you warm and sustained. I also to put my pencils back in order and so does my DD. LOL

Glad you remembered the OB days, the photos were for you too..... really

Hugs Eliza & Yoda 47
Happy WOYWW

sandra de said...

Omg what a gorgeous background,both the backyard and the woodland pic. Although my favourite is your look of concentration as you heat up the embossing powder. If I was sewing it would be a look of horror as I try to control hand and feet while keeing an eye on the needle. Brings me out in a cold sweat. Have a lovely week.
Sandra @65

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

I am another, like Eliza, who has to have my pencils in order and it really annoys me if they get misplaced at all. I think I am OCD handicapped because I like things in the right place - I just don't seem to be able to achieve that result. Your ATC's look as though they are coming along really well, and I am looking forward to seeing your end result. Not long now till the Crop. Can't wait. Have a good week with your stamping and all that beautiful material. xx Maggie #61

My name is Cindy said...

LOL Jan EVERYTHING goes in order in my house - even underwear altho I don't tend to have many colours of the rainbow there!!. I prefer colour order, tho if that is not practical then alphabetical - I'm just so used to it now I can't find anything if I don't put them back in order. You see, I've told you there is atidy person inside trying to get out! Love that bag!!
Oh the bluebells are so gorgeous this year - even the few that have got into gardens are doing really well, must be perfect conditions this year. Well done you for doing your ATCs, haven't started yet - yikes! Happy WOYWW, Cindy #51

Carole said...

Good work on dwindling your stash. The craft tote is fantastic...polka dots are happy :)
Heat embossing is a squeal of delight, and purple flowers are gorgeous. Be well Carole #68

jill said...

What a beautiful site to see , all those lovely bluebells . I think it does us good to step out of our comfort zone once in a while & I hope it wasn't to scary for you . Happy woyww jill #18

Hettie said...

Wow! I am impressed Jan.
Now stashbusting on fabric. Twill never work. Fabrics breed you know. Just when you think you are winning you find more.
Don't look now but I am WOYWWing! Or at least I will be later.
Hugs
xx

Anonymous said...

The best thing about stashbusting *anything* is that it gives you more room to go out and buy new stuff! Yes? I mean, that's the whole point of it, right??? Fantastic news on the bags, I know how wonderful your home made wares are. Beautiful bluebells, and I agree, no better sight, sigh. An yes, look at that concentration, lol! Oh, and I still put my pencils back in order!!

Hugs
Brenda 72

my cup of tea said...

I love coming to your blog, you always have such happy colors! I just adore that polka dot bag you made! Your ATCs look fabulous! Have a great week!
donna#81

Chrysalis said...

What a lovely stash of fabric, Jan, and I love the bag pattern - no wonder they're selling like hot cakes! I also love that candelabra stamp - it will make fab ATCs. Beautiful pic of bluebells, too - UK is def the best place to be at this time of year! Hugs, Chris # 15

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Oh, I love a carpet of bluebells.....almost as much as a big pile of FQs and in colour order no less :o) I still think embossing is like magic, even after all these years xx

Fiona #80

Unknown said...

The flowers are just gorgeous! And love your bag! Hope you get lots of sales! Happy WOYWW!
Carol N #76

Stacy Sheldon said...

I love the concentration that is such a great shot of your under construction cards :) those blooms are beautiful too! thanks for sharing, Stacy #87

Elizabeth said...

Great pic of you Jan ... heat embossing dull powder, changing it to bright shiny stuff, the alchemy of it never fails to delight :) The pics of your well organised fat quarters and your fabulous tote bags are also fabulous. When I sorted through my small collection of fat quarters recently I felt like Midas in his counting house ... how sad is that :) And congratulations on the sale of the totes. That's a very worthy cause so I hope you make oodles of money at the workshop. Have a great week. Elizabeth x #70

Krisha said...

LOL what a great post Jan. I keep my papers like you keep you fabric.

Oh yes, embossing powder is amazing the first time you see it melt! Good photo of you too.

Happy WOYWW
Krisha #71

Unknown said...

Oh just the sight of those gorgeous purple things makes me so happy! And I just want to dive right into that wonderful stash of fabric. I was looking at my Downton fat quarters yesterday, and making plans for them to do next month when I have a few days off to really play with Violet! I really think your tote bags are like no others--you have become a stitching queen! I would so love to be at a craft fair with you, selling our creations! I'm struggling today because a bitter cold winter wind is back, bringing me down! But it is supposed to warm up again soon. I so love spring! Lauren is sick, and hubby is on overload at his work. But the sun will come out again! In the meantime, I can look at your flowers. Oooh...I do have mesclun lettuces growing. I'll have to post a picture of how we planted those. Hugs dearest! Sandy Leigh #63

Kim said...

Hey, it was the embossing powder that hooked me 17+ years ago!! (kinda funny I don't use it that much now....and mostly clear as a resist...hmmmm) Thanks for sharing the bluebells; I swear our snow just left! Good to see someone is having Spring! Have a great week.

Sharon Madson said...

Those are gorgeous flowers! Thank you for sharing. I love seeing you work on your ATCs, and have to smile. You are going to be hooked! #89

CraftygasheadZo said...

EEE go you with that gun! Looks fab, I've not started mine nor even thought about them!! Lush pic of the bluebells too. Take care & enjoy your week. Zo xx 75

fairy thoughts said...

hi LLJ
you do know you can stamp and emboss on fabric but it looks like you are doing just fine on the card, hope you save me one
janet #12

Caro said...

I love the look of concentration on your face! I look forward to seeing the results. The bluebells are stunning so thanks for sharing. Thanks for sharing. Happy WOYWW. Caro x (#61)

Crystal Komara said...

Hi LLJ, loving that polka dotted tote bag! so much and trendy. Happy WOYWW!

SSG, #66

Shoshi said...

You look absolutely terrified of the embossing, Jan! Your little manequin is looking on in bemusement from the windowsill, wondering what on earth is going on!! I always remember the first time I did heat embossing, and was lost in wonder as the shimmering gold emerged from the dull brown powder. Magical!

Your ATCs are looking great. Well done! I haven't even looked at it yet and am not sure if I'll manage to take part or not. I've got a lot on at the moment!

Thanks for your visit - I can well imagine how lost you must have felt while your sewing machine was away being repaired, as it's at the heart of most of what you do. I shall get to grips with mine eventually but need to get this mini-album done first. Fortunately it's fun to do, as I'm not that hot in the self-discipline dept.!

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #28

Unknown said...

Oh I am lusting after your fabric stash! Karen #30

Unknown said...

Thank you for your kind comments earlier. Well done you for coming out of your comfort zone. I'd be the same if you gave me the stuff to make a tote bag. (Although I do own a sewing machine!) OMG how many ATC's are you making??? I've only done a handful so far. Better pull my finger out!!!
Look forward to seeing you soon
Lynda B 22

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Gorgeous bag and the Atcs are coming along well.
I too am trying to use up some old stash but somebody keeps bringing in more lol!
Happy crafting, Angela x 49

Mrs.D said...

Jan, Those bags are gorgeous and your fat quarters make me drool. I do very little sewing these days, but I can still itch to handle fabrics.
Well done for stamping the ATC's, it is hard when someone challenges you to do something out of your comfort zone and now you know that you prefer fabrics, but at least you know you've done somecard making.
Chris

Nan G said...

Wow! Look at all that fabri-luscious-ness! ATCs cool! Wanna swap? You could always mail it in the dot bag....hint hint! ;) ;) Hugs and Happy WOYWW! Nan G #82

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh those bluebells are a distraction! I love to go looking for them this time of year! Loving your organisation and you certainly are setting a good example! Atcs may be tomorrow's job methinks! Chris 95

voodoo vixen said...

Lovely neat organised fat quarters, yes, it would please me too! I bought some fat quarter storage boxes here in Oz... haven't seen them before but your material looks great all tidy inside! Good on you for trying your hand at the ATC's, there is something wonderful about heating up dust and getting it to melt isn't there? Never fails to amuse me!! Oh my to the bluebells... takes me back to my childhood in the New Forest... bluebells for miles. Annette #6

Annie said...

Sorry I'm so late popping over this week.....yesterday was full to the brim with twinnie fun [blogging doesn't get a look in as you can imagine :-) ].
Fab snap of the crafter in action today....I'm afraid to say I stayed with what I know for mine and everyone gets a quilty hug from me :-)
Hugs,
Annie x # 26

lisa said...

Hi Jan
Just popping by to say Hi, I have been such a bad WOYWWer lately, life has got in the way lately. I was a child who put crayons back in the right order too....still am! Love your spotty bag!
Look at you with a heat gun in hand, we'll make a papercrafter of you yet. Isn't it funny how we seem to be either paper of fabric people!! Paper for me definitely!! Although I am teaching a felt owl at craft club tonight...mmmmm!!
Hope all is good with you and yours.
Hugs Lisax

Mrs.D said...

Jan, thanks for visiting, the sparkly bits are made from Friendly plastic, a medium that can be heated and will then flow so blends together and then dries hard again when cool. I am hoping to use these bits in ATC's or cards, but am having to be careful because they are a little bit thicker that some other embellishments so may push the postage rates up.
Yes my desk is a lots of a mess, it has actually got to the stage where I need to clear up because I keep losing things.
Bless you
Chris #42

Twiglet said...

Lovely to see you stamping away there Jan! I am def a threads and fabric girl so my ATCs are little collages - bit fiddly but just whatI like doing. Love the bluebells! x Jo

Ali H said...

Hi Jan
Thanks for calling by - your bags are amazing ! And wow you stamping - go girl ! We may not covert you from fabric but maybe you can see why we play with paper & ink !! Looking forward to the crop later this month ! Ali xx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Ah love the spotty dotty bag.. and totally impressed with your dedication to the cause of woyww! Fancy embossing eh love it! Shaz in Oz.x #50

Lisa-Jane said...

Oh yes! It never fails to make me smile watching the powder melt. I think the ATCs look fab and I might have to make a few myself! (Sooo not me!) #37

Unknown said...
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fairy thoughts said...

Hi LLj
Small world eh! our mums having the same birthday. actually she's 87 and she told me off for getting it wrong LOL. I did give her a big hug and we got all sentimental, we never say we love each other enough do we...... so we did. :-)
janet

WOYWW 769

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