WOYWW 600 and counting........

             CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS....

Happy 600 everyone!! Sending lots of love to Julia and all you lovely deskers on this special day. Who'd have thought that 11+ years of desk snooping would still be going strong - do you think we're nosy or something??! ;-)  Thank you Julia, for keeping it going for all this time, I don't know what we'd do without our weekly fix of crafty nonsense and friendship. A huge thank you for those who contributed towards a present for Julia, which turned out to be three in the end! A gin gift box, mini decorated Christmas tree and vouchers for the Range all arrived safely, I think she was quite surprised mwahaha! Xxxxx

So, for your delectation today, I have a variety of desks! The JanCave did see some sewing action this week. Laura from the Harbour Lights cafe asked if I'd do a mask commission for one of her regular customers who is a priest.

All I can say is there's a first time for everything!!  I thought I'd make a couple of slightly different sizes as I don't know the gentleman, at least he'll have a choice. 

I'm quite looking forward to the next random request :-D

The crochet and cross stitch tv crafting is continuing, I just do whatever takes my fancy at that particular moment:
Some more leaves fluttering in the wind and a little bird have emerged from the Aida and I've started another stripey blanket - it's just struck me that they are all the same palette, perhaps I'm subconsciously feeling the need for warmth and bright colours at the moment!  You can just see the the two boxes that my cardmaking equipment is kept in behind - it was out on the dining table because I'd been having fun with my watercolours after watching a YouTube tutorial:


Everytime I paint, it reminds me of how much I enjoy it and why don't I do it more often? 

So there you go, another week, another desk - long may it continue. Thanks and hugs again to Julia for being the lynch pin of it all xxxxxxxxxxx



42 comments:

Helen said...

oh I didn't know about the gift for Julia! what a lovely thing to do. Love your painted cards, and your ongoing cross stitch. Hope the priest's mask is successful! Hope to seeyou Saturday Helen #?

Neet said...

First of all a BIG Thank You for the gifts you chose for Julia. Love the idea of the little tree - such a wonderful idea - and of course, the gin. Who could have a celebration without gin. Thank you so much, so very very much for doing all that for us.
Nice to see the embroidery coming along and the blanket is looking pretty neat too but I was blown away by your painting skills. I just love your Christmas trees! Love the pots with the branch too but the trees really did take my eye. Clever you! Do more painting please.
Thanks again for all you do for us, stay safe and well,
Lots of Love, Neet 7 xx

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Lovely Lunch Lady Jan... so glad you made the grand surprise for dear Queen Julia, she deserved it all and more..loving ypur desky share especially the aida.. its growing ever so beautifully. Thanks so much for your encouragement and wonderful posts.

Thanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X #9

{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Oooh forgot to say LOVED your paintings.. stunning. Xx

Sue said...

Hi Jan, Happy 600th WOYWW

Did smile at the masks for the priest.

Loving the colours of your stitching and the blanket.

Your painted cards are lovely.

Take care. Sue

Christine said...

Just lurve those masks!! what a brill idea!
Love that you are cross stitching, I am thinking (just thinking)of getting my 'stitcher' out again. Only backstitch to be done though . . . .
Love those paintings, you are so clever.
Have a good WOYWW, stay warm and safe
Christine #22

Julia Dunnit said...

No mate, you’re the lynch pin...you’re the one who reminded me that people wouldn’t bite and that putting a a crop together would be OK. You’re the one that everyone comes to if I cock up and don’t get the post out, you’re the one who worked like a slave to feed us all in the days before Crop hit the road. You’re the one who has to point out things like 600 being a bigger deal than I thought it was. You’re almost more to blame! Loving the dog collar mask btw, I think the priest will too, trust me, I’m a desker!!

Twiglet said...

Oh well done on the very appropriate gifts for Julia - only what she deserves bless her. The masks are fab - what a great idea - you might get more requests as I can imagine a lot of the clergy might be tempted! I love your little paintings - a girl of many talents - love you lots - see ya Saturday! xx Jo

glitterandglue said...

Hi Jan. It has been good to get to "meet" you each week - and to meet you in real life - so glad you are as crazy as me!
Those cards are great - well done. Yes, definitely more painting time needs putting into the diary as you are good at it, and obviously enjoy it! Seeing the cross stitch and the blanket together - yes, they are a similar palette - but that's just fine. Rainbows are vital to us all, so why not use the colours??
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #2

Annie said...

I'm doing a quick whistle stop tour of all my fav blogs today. I'm in the middle of making two bears and an elephant so can't stop long today but I needed to pop by to say happy 600th celebrations to you and thank you for your friendship over the past 11+ years. Long may it last eh?
Stay safe and well.
Hugs,
Annie x #13
PS A huge thank you to you too for all you do to support Julia and for organising her gifts...you know her so well :-)

Lynnecrafts said...

Well done re Julia’s gifts! And thanks for linking me in last week.
I love your little bird and your paintings! I find the desire for particular crafts comes and goes. Enjoy it while you’re in the mood!

Take care, stay safe and happy 600th WOYWW!
Love Lynnecrafts 22

Spyder said...

Love the painted cards...I really should do the same...but there is not enough hours in a day let alone days in a week! Foxy is still looking good! and the masks are fab. I still haven't braved trying to sew masks on the doggy and pussy cat fabric I have...but I will!
Have a fabulous 600th WOYWW, Stay sewing and painting and stay safe!
( Lyn) #18

Shoshi said...

Great minds think alike, Jan - both of us cross stitching and crocheting! My cross stitching, now finished, will be put in abeyance for now, but eventually I will finish a couple of long-standing UFOs. The crochet blanket is fun - lovely bright colours. Your watercolour painting is fabulous - beautiful cards. I love doing that too, and am really glad I invested in my Tombow watercolour markers - love blending them out with a wet brush. Thanks for visiting. Appliqué-ing the cats is definitely the way to go. The best pattern of the lot (the cushion cover) has appliqué cats on plain squares and this idea gives you lots of scope for versatility.

Happy WOYWW 600,
Shoshi x #29

Catriona said...

What a wonderful display of talented makes! I made black masks for him indoors as he didn’t want anything fancy! See you on Saurday💕

Diana Taylor said...

Lovely to see your beautiful embroidery growing each week, and I love the dog collar masks - it took me a while to cotton on what the label was for but I eventually got there! Love it!
However the big WOW goes to your gorgeous watercolour cards - what a multi-talented gal you are - I love them.
Thank you so much for choosing such lovely gifts for Julia from all of us - you made a great choice and you do a fantastic job as her wing man.
Hope to see you on Zoom, Happy 600th WOYWW
Diana xx #27

StampinCarol said...

You all did good with Julia's gift!!
That is quite the mask for the priest, very unique!
Your cross stitch is looking great and I agree with your colors.
Absolutely love your watercolors! I have no talent unless I use stamps.
Anyway, HAPPY 600!
Thanks for popping by and have a most wonderful week!
Carol N #37

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

Those watercolour cards are just adorable and the embroidery is definitely beginning to take shape! Just sent you message on FB so I won't repeat myself but we're all very grateful to you for arranging the pressies - looking forward to the crop - I must try and find something to do that's not too messy! I have yet to make my badge as well! See you soon! xx zsuzsa #34

Annie Claxton said...

HI Jan, happy Big 6-0-0!! Those watercolour Christmas cards are truly beautiful, they'd make nice little framed pictures to put up again next year. Love the special face masks do, genius idea! "See" you on Saturday xOx Annie C #35

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I just learned about the 600th anniversary yesterday, since it's been so long since I visited. You picked some real gems as gifts for her celebration. She is definitely worth it. It's wonderful all you have done to help her out, too. You deserve a big pat on the back as well.

Your little fox is adorable and I can see the color likeness in the yarn work, too. Happy 600th from #6.

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Jan, busy as ever. Loving your C cards, you should do more watercolouring they look great. Got my fingers crossed for Saturday. Downloaded the zoom app though I've never used it before and can't test it so hope for the best. Wishing you a very happy woyww and a lovely creative week. Angela x19x

My name is Cindy said...

Well weren't you quick off the mark this morning? Thanks for your earlier visit my lovely. First though thanks for sorting the presents for herself, they are amazeballs and I bet she was overcome. I truly don't think she realises how precious WOYWW, and by default, she is to us. (Questionable grammer in that last sentence and now I've got to spell check GRAMMAR). The colours in that yarn box are more jewel like than jewels - however although I often use pastels and neutrals it is those colours that speak to my heart. Pure joy in a ball of wool. Glad to hear I am not the only one who gets off the wall commissions - although I guess it wasn't hard to match colours with the uniform...... My DIL to be is living with us now and as a community nurse she was gifted home made scrubs. There are some really cute patterns and I particularly like the one's with matching facemasks!! People really are so very clever as the years with WOYWW have shown me. I mean, who knew you were a closet water colorist? Way to go!! Special love to you on this special day, Happy 600th WOYWW, have a good week, stay well stay safe, Cindy xx #30

Kathryn Frantz said...

Lovely cards, Jan! So fun, isn’t it?

I like seeing the progress of the cross stitch. The little fox is adorable. What will he become? A wall hanging, a pillow?

Hope to “see” you on the Zoom call, if my internet cooperates!

Stay safe and well.

Happy 600!

Kathryn

Felicia said...

Jan, first off, thank you for stopping in on my blog and setting me straight! LOL I am so glad I didn't miss it and hopefully I will be able to link up here in the states on Saturday! I have done Zoom meetings before, but computers have trolls! LOLOL Look forward to it! Your stitching is coming along and I really like how it's looking. Your cards are FABULOUS! I love to paint and these are really wonderful! I may have to steal an idea or two! LOL Thanks again for stopping by! Many blessings to you! Felicia #39

Lillianb said...

Happy WOYWDW #600

Great masks The cross stitch is coming alone. loving the colours of it also the crocheting you sure love bright colours,

Stay well and safe,

Lilian B #13

Chana Malkah said...

You have been very busy!

I am sure the priest will love his masks and it was wise of you to make two sizes!

I am so in love with your water coloring. The cards are amazing. I love CAS designs and your cards epitomize that style!

Hugz,
Chana Malkah #43

Caro said...

Thank you so much for organising the gift for Julia - everything is perfect! I love your beautiful water colour cards, especially the tree. Looking forward to chatting to you on Saturday. Happy 600th WOYWW. Stay safe and take care. With love & God Bless. Caro xxx (#14)

Eva said...

Dear Jan!
Can anybody explain me, the old Austrian Lady, what is WOYWW???
Congarats - not knowing what it is, but I have an idea...
Great, the masks for the priest.
The start of a new blanket and the pretty Cards.
Lots of hugs from Austria.
Eva

Heather M said...

Hi Jan, masks for a priest - whatever next! You are a lady of many talents for sure. Thank you for being such an organised second-in-command, and welcoming me so much to my first Crop, when Julia was unable to make it (better offer with hubby as I recall). I'm so glad you and all the other deskers were as lovely at the Crops as you sounded in your posts. I'm definitely following in your crocheting footsteps as regards the colours - aside from the baby blankets, then the brighter the better is my motto. I love the water colour cards you made - I'll have to check out the YouTube video - I haven't done any painting projects in a while. Shortage of time!! Thanks for stopping by my blog - just after I posted, the next delivery of yarn turned up, and it's the wrong colour for the baby blanket, so I will have to order even more!! Oh dear lol. Happy 600th WOYWW and have a lovely week, Heather xx #25

Robyn said...

Love the 600 banner. Looking forward to meeting you Saturday! Robyn 11

Mary Anne said...

Oh I do love visiting your desk! I missed it while I was gone. Those masks slay me! Before I read he was a Priest I was wondering about the bit of white. LOL! Makes perfect sense now. Mr Fox is coming along and your painted cards are wonderful. You see? You DO do papercrafts...

Happy 600th WOYWW! Can't wait to sample your cooking once again. Fingers crossed 2021 is a big improvement on 2020!
Mary Anne (4)

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oh My Jan, you are busy! Those masks made me smile!! I have a basket with the opportunity to sew while watching TV - hmmm....must do a little more!! Love the foxy scene! Your painted cards are absolutely wonderful! Take care, I will look up the zoom thing if that's OK, not sure how to, but will need to for Christmas!! Hugs, Chrisxx

Elizabeth said...

Hi Jan, lovely post. Many thanks for all you did to organise the surprise gifts for Julia - what you chose was perfect. The masks for the priest couldn't be more appropriate! I wish I could concentrate on some TV crochet but that mojo has taken time out. Love those autumnal colours. Happy 600th. Hugs too, Elizabeth x #36

Chrissie said...

Thanks so much for organising the surprises for Julia, great choices and I'm sure that she was tickled pink!
Your desks are showing signs of great industry, wonderful stuff!
Happy WOYWW 600 and Stay safe!
Chrissie #12

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

You did a grand job with the presents Jan and rounding us up, i'm glad we got there in the end silly email hee hee.. Your a wonderful woman!! Please continue with the watercolour because they really do look smashing.. Happy 600th WoywW & many thanks for helping bring extra smiles to us all alongside Julia each week. Big Hugs Tracey xx

Nikki said...

Those masks are really kewl for a priest I'm sure he loved them and your cross stitching is fab

HAPPY 600 hugs Nikki #47

Stacy Sheldon said...

Ooh Jan, I love those painted cards ( I did this for the first time ever last weekend and was so impressed with my self lol) so, it is totally up there as something to do again. Those masks look awesome. ~Stacy #48

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Happy WOYWW 600 and WOW..LOVE the Bright color BANNER I went back to all your posts since I've been MIA and I love Santa's grandson ! Little house coloring was fun, as I am now into Little Houses ! I think I'm like a hyper child with crafting. Jan your watercolor cards are just beautiful. Love the Berry/Twigs, I also love ALL Watercolor items and have wanted to try it out, oh yes I have supplies. Thanks to for the remined of Zoom, if searched it out and I plan to partake if all goes well !!! Stay Safe, and thanks for the fun all these years. Hugs for a great week.

Sarah Brennan said...

Many thanks to you too Jan as you are such a great support to Julia and the group. Love the new header in honour of the big event. Looking forward to Saturday if my laptop is up to it. Stay safe and happy 600th WOYWW. Sarah #5

Crafting With Jack said...

You are certainly a multi talented lady. Love the colours of your cross stitch and crochet work. The new header is impressive and fits the bill exactly. Great cards too. Happy 600th WOYWW Angela #42

Lindart said...

HI Jan, first of all thanks for the heads up, and I am so happy that my card reached Julia in time! You did a fantastic job of organizing everything!
The priest mask is very creative! I love challenges that come out of the blue! The fox is looking great, I love that little scene! Have a great week, soo you tomorrow! Thanks for sharing, have a great week! I will be at the 5:30 zoom meeting on Saturday, so I hope to get to meet you! Lindart #40

Dorlene Durham said...

Happy 600 WOYWW! Love the masks that you made for the priest. I chuckled a little. I absolutely love the watercolor cards you made. I do the same when I sew...I don’t do it often but when I do I love it. LOL. Have a great week. Dorlene #41

Susan Renshaw said...

Brilliant gifts for Julia!
I love your Christmas cards - they are lovely!

WOYWW 769

 WE'LL MEET AGAIN.... I'm going to take a break from blogging for a while - please don't worry, all is ok! - think I just need a...