I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Wednesday 14 November 2012

WOYWW 180

Hello desk-hoppers... it's lovely to be back!  I missed a couple of weeks, and it felt so weird.  But I'm delighted to join in again with the week's best bloghop, hosted as ever by the lovely Julia Dunnit at the Stamping Ground, as we snoop around visit the craft desks of the world to see WOYWW (What's On Your Workdesk this Wednesday).  And not only am I back, but I believe my sister-in-law, Laura, is planning to make her debut, with her one-week-old blog Laurart...


Close readers will have clocked in the last couple of posts that I'm not actually at home at the moment.

I'm working away for three weeks, and having packed more craft stash than clothes (so as not to go into withdrawal), I've set myself up a temporary craft desk to play at, and that's what I'm sharing this week.

On the far left is my Paris tag, and then a canvas which was also headed to France, but lost inspiration part way and is waiting for a top up!






It would have been almost impossible to pack to come away, I think, without my early Christmas present from my mother (yes, she of the dollshouse museum blog), a Tim Holtz cargo case.  You can cram so many pads and bottles and bits and pieces in... and if they're TH/Ranger, it's all designed to fit them perfectly which, of course, delights me!

In front of it you can see the gesso and white acrylic paint I went straight out to buy at The Works upon arrival.  I'd run out of gesso, so had been waiting patiently to get here for that, and I'm afraid my white paint simply wouldn't fit in, but given it costs less than £2, and I go through it very fast, I figured it wasn't the end of the world to buy a new bottle.





I've also augmented the stash since arriving here in Stratford upon Avon, as I went to the last day of the Hobbycrafts show at the NEC on Sunday.  I had an absolutely wonderful time - mainly because I'd arranged to meet up with the fantastically talented Buttons... who, it turns out, is just as lovely in real life as she is online.  It was a real delight to make a face-to-face crafty connection with one of my favourite bloggers.


We were fairly restrained in our spending, but one of my main reasons for going was to see some of the PaperArtsy stuff in person, and I knew I wanted to get some Fresco paints (to add to the one I own).

I was so inspired by the demos Leandra was doing, that I also succumbed to some Ferro modelling paste, and some boards to create on.  Buttons also introduced me to the MDF Man, and I'm really looking forward to playing with these hearts, which were only 35p each! And I needed some new clear embossing powder, so was very pleased with this bargain jumbo WOW pot.



Sadly, we're in technical rehearsals and then previews for a new show, which means I'm in the theatre for upwards of 12 hours a day, and don't then have much creative energy leftover... but I'm really looking forward to Sunday!!




Lastly (sorry, Julia, I know you like us to keep it short), I mentioned in a previous post that the view from my living room where I'm staying is pretty special.









From the craft table, I look right out onto the River Avon and the weir, so I just want to leave you with a couple of pictures.








They were taken on Sunday morning - at the start of a glorious day. If you're feeling envious, comfort yourself with the thought that it's been pretty constant grey drizzle or worse ever since!





So, that's me.  As you'll have gleaned, I will have to fit my hopping into lunch and supper breaks over the next few days, but I hope to get round to see as many of you as possible. 

In the meantime, thanks so much for stopping by, and happy WOYWW to you!!

A morning-glory at my window satisfies me more than the metaphysics of books.
Walt Whitman

Don't trouble yourself with looking at the view... I've already composed it.
Gustav Mahler (evidently a man with very few self-esteem issues)

71 comments:

Unknown said...

oh what an inspiring place to work!!! love the stuff you have on your workspace!!!

Unknown said...

Love your beautiful photos! So funny how we pack more craft stash than clothes on these travels. Happy WOYWW! Sandy Leigh #6

Spyder said...

ohoo I have a box that folds out like that...I've just put it back in the attic as I kept forgetting what was in it...now I'm thinking I'll go get it down again!! but not now...it's nearly 3 in the morning!!
Have great week, thanks for my snoop!! Happy wOyWw
((Lyn)) hugs! #21

Lindsay Weirich said...

that storage box is AWESOME!!! yes, with 3 (!) Happy WOYWW! Lindsay #29

famfa said...

Gorgeous views. Will need to read back to find out what it is you are doing
FAMFA (19)

Joynana said...

First, your view is gorgeous. I could sit looking at that for hours. Second, I need that case from Tim Holtz, I have not seen it anywhere in my area, but i want it. Thanks for the great time snooping. #22

peggy aplSEEDS said...

your blog header is beautiful! so is the view from your living room and that cargo case, wow! lots of great stuff in your blog today! happy WOYWW!
thank you for sharing!
hugs,#12
peggy aplSEEDS

trisha too said...

I am so impressed at your packed stash of art supplies, and what a beautiful, inspiring view! Kind of takes the edge off that 12 hour day?

:)trisha
#41-ish this week

Brenda Brown said...

Love your makeshift space, it's surprising how much you can pack to keep you going craft wise.
Beautiful photos too.
Hugs Brenda xxx

Jenny Marples said...

So who needs underwear when you've got that fabulous TH case?!! Loving the view from that window (when you get to see it/when it's not miserable weather) - so inspiring indeed. It was so great to catch up with you on Sunday and I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with those hearts and the Ferro when you get the chance. Happy WOYWW, hugs, Buttons #64

Redanne said...

Hi Alison, I have slight envy over that cargo case you have, so many goodies crammed in too. How lovely to get to meet Buttons in real life too, lucky girl. Hope you lots of fun - you were certainly restrained in your spending! Love the heart box. Happy WOYWW, Anne x #65

okienurse said...

what a beautiful makeshift workdesk! Love the light and the view from the window! Looks like you have gotten some new stash to play with. Hope you have a great week. Vickie #63

Lunch Lady Jan said...

What a gorgeous view!! Good for sitting and staring and thinking about life, the universe and everything :)
Glad you got to meet another WOYWWer - it's fun, isn't it?
What production are you involved with in Stratford? My niece is heavily involved with the semi-pro amateur company there.
Hugs, LLJ #68 xx

Inkypinkycraft said...

cannot wait to see what you craete with the ferro..and the hearts! i am sure it will be amazing! the view from the window is stunning what a beautiful window view!! havea great week and hope you have fun creating atthe weekend!
no desk from me but have a great week Hugs Trace x

Tertia said...

Loving the TH travel case! The view is spectacular and I am sure very inspiring. Enjoy your time away.
Happy WOYWW!
Tertia #40

Tertia said...

Loving the TH travel case! The view is spectacular and I am sure very inspiring. Enjoy your time away.
Happy WOYWW!
Tertia #40

Helen said...

I love the views, of course - who wouldn't - stunning! Hope they inspire you when you get away from the studio to play - that cargo case is like Mary Poppin's bag it holds so much. Wish I had one! Helen, 3

Francesca said...

Hi Alison, do you ever sleep, wish I known you would be at the NEC, I was there on Sat, which was manic, Sun much better...but now back to reality. Great temp desk. hugs Francesca

Julia Dunnit said...

My word, you are staying in Stratford's millionaire's row!! No doubt you're way too busy but opposite Shakepseare's house there's an alley way (sort of behind the Christmas shop) which used to be home to a nice craft shop...I wonder if you found that during opening hours...not easy if you're doing 12 hours in the theatre! How lovely to have met a fellow blogger...I have experience of this and I can only echo what you said..it really is a pleasure!

Laurart said...

Thanks for the mention! I sadly didn't make it to WOYWW this week. Anya needed help to do a final item for her dinosaur project and of course, being my daughter, she would never pick something simple like a poster or essay - Anya decided to construct a papier mache T-Rex dinosaur for her project and it needed to be done by Wed eve(will send photos!) I promise I will join in next week (it looks interesting) - when I am not up to my elbows in newspaper, masking tape, tissue paper, glue and green paint! ;o) xxxxx

BJ said...

MDF hearts and a beautiful view, what more could a girl want? BJ#37

Lou said...

Loving those hearts, I went to NEC on Saturday but will have to look out for MDF man next time.

Lou #87

House of Bears said...

Oh my, what a wonderful view you have. We think we need one of those TH cases. Need, not want!

The bears @#93 so far this week. X

Claudia N. said...

What a lovely view indeed, Alison!

And thanks for showing your "off home" working desk and your perfectly organized cargo case!!! Guess, I have to have one too ;)

Looking forward to these albums, I saw on your desk, waiting to be turned into treasures again.

Hugs,
Claudia xx

Astrid Maclean said...

Wow, love the look of that Cargo case, must check it out, might be just what I need as I can never seem to manage to travel without my supplies either and this looks bril. Your purchases look wonderful too, and the view, ..... what can I say....
Hope you'll have a productive weekend!!

Cestina said...

Thanks for the shout-out. Having seen the dinosaur on skype I think it would have more than qualified for a WOYWW photo!

Your view reminds me of my childhood view over the Thames...(now that's the second time I have thought Thames and fingers have typed Thomas. I wonder what the deep inner meaning of that might be?)

Anonymous said...

Love that beautiful view, you're very lucky to be able to stay there. Hope the show preparations are going well. Love the new purchases, but that early present from your Mum is just fab, perfect for travelling.

Hugs
Brenda 1

Paper Profusion said...

Hi Alison, I want a Tim Holtz cargo case (now please!) - Hadn't seen it to scale before. Wonderful view - good for the soul. Good luck with play. Nicola x

Netty said...

You have amazing views of the river, wow. Very neat work space and love your prese from your mother.
LOL Paper Artsy was my first port of call, they have such fab things. x

Unknown said...

Hi Alison - how could you give up that view!!! Definitely a wonderful setting to sit in the warm and cozy and craft - hope you manage to get that Sunday time. Happy WOYWW to you from Helen 30

Annie said...

What spectacular views Alison and I love your TH Cargo Case. (May have to add to my list for Santa x)

Will certainly visit your sister's blog too.

THanks for visiting and leaving such a lovely comment.

HUgs

Annie x

Minxy said...

WOW, look at those lovely views. I love that you packed more stash then clothes, that made me chuckle.
Thanks for the visit, Happy WOYWW
Hugz Minxy #8

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

A blogging family...I love it!!! Meeting Buttons...fantastic, love her!!! And the place you are staying is over the top gorgeous! The weather looks grand too! You've packed great stuff, so impressed!

Annie said...

Sorry for leaving this message here Alison didn't have your email x just wanted to let you know I popped by your sister's blog, joined but could not leave a comment. x

Nan G said...

Love the view out your window! How great of Mum for the early Christmas gift. Looks like it does a nice job of corralling all your needs! :) I'm envious of those boards, can't win to see what you do with them. Happy WOYWW! Nan 103

Daniella said...

I love the travel case!! And, since this is a working trip and you got to go to the CHA show it sounds like work isn't so bad!
xxDaniella#28

Karen McAlpine said...

Firstly, love your view. So serene and restful! Second, can you Mother tell my Mother what to get me for Christmas? That travel case is super!! I went away in the Spring for two weeks with no stamping supplies at all! Gasp! Serious Withdrawal. Not a stamp store in site either. Creating was doubly fun when I returned home!! Hope you are having a great day!
Karen 115

toni said...

Hi Alison, the travel case is brilliant looks great full of all your favourite crafty stash. Although you're going to be very busy, i should imagine it will be nice to spend some time in Stratford, its such a pretty part of the country. I hope you get some crafting time x

Louise B said...

Love all the goodies in the box and the view looks beautiful and inspiring.

scrappymo! said...

What a lovely view while you work. Brilliant that you managed to pack so much! Have fun crafting!

May said...

Hi Alison, Fabulous goodies on your desk... What a beautiful view from your window....Thanks for sharing... Hugs May x x x

Deb said...

I commend you on your packing, clothes are so unnecessary after all! Love your early Christmas pressie, it is so perfect for travelling, that might be on my list this year. Stunning views!
Debxx

Meihsia Liu said...

Wow...the photos are so beautiful. And it's great to carry those crafting stuff and create when traveling. Thank you for sharing... :)

pearshapedcrafting said...

Coo! That cargo case looks as though it's just the ticket! Didn't realise that Paper Artsy were at NEC as they were the last aisle I went down(having started around the outside with hubby) perhaps just as well or I'd have spent most of my money there! I think they are going to be at my favourite show(Happy Stampers) next May so I've got time to save up! ROFL
Love your views, Chrisx

Barb King said...

That is a lovely view. Isn't that case great for travel, that Tim, what will he think of next. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Unknown said...

What a lucky little person you are to receive such a great prezzie it looks awesome. I'm very envious of the fabulous view from your window too.
Thanks for your earlier visit.
Elaine #17

Cathy L. Calamas said...

Oh my goodness!! I just figured out what I want for Christmas, that Tim Holtz cargo case!! Congrats on the
eclectic paperie DT. You will be wonderful with them!!

Terry said...

I was so enjoying that view and thinking I want to live there! Have a wonderful evening!

Laurart said...

I know I already commented but here I am on the actual WOYWW and you are on the list so visited you anyway! It looks like you took ALL the Tim Holtz inks!!!! (pout)xxxx

Shoshi said...

What a lovely post, Alison. The setting is gorgeous, and what a lovely lot of stash you've got, all fitting in that marvellous case!

Thank you for your great comment on my blog - glad you like my projects this week. My hubby is a lot better now, thank you, but still feels fairly exhausted after having what has been a very nasty bug indeed. So far I've managed to escape - long may it continue!

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #20

Monica said...

The photos and view is spectacular. Even in the rain and drizzle it must have an aura. That travel box is quite incredible. it makes it so easy to get up and go. hope the inspiration is now flying'

Darnell said...

I do appreciate that you took the time to hop by my place! You are a girl after my own heart with all that organization taking your craft with you like that! It's understandable with those hours that you won't feel like using it much, however.

And those photos! Wow! If that view is often grey and blah, then I smell an opportunity to make some money selling these photos. Eh? I know! They're that good!

Have a great week! Darnell #41

Neet said...

First of all I am envious of you two meeting up at the show, what a lovely thing to do. Secondly I love those photos from your window. Fantastic, so emotive.
Envy again, the early gift fro your mother - how fantastic! I'd love one of those and now you have shown how much you can get in ..... Santa?
Great desk, great blog ... what ore can a visitor want
Thanks for visiting me and Hugs, Neet15 xx (who is playing catch up after internet went on a silly yesterday)

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi there Alison, thanks for sharing all that loveliness have heard 9and seen) much of NEC loot! love your soft scenes! Thanks so much for popping over and thanks for sharing ~ happy WOYWW! Shaz in Oz. x #10

Anonymous said...

I am a bit late visiting. There is no other way to travel...more stash than clothes is the way to go. Serious stash envy here.
Silvia #77

Annie said...

Wow. What a lovely post. So much fab stash to snoop round and that view from your window is really stunning...thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
A x #74

Jackie said...

The views are so lovely thank you for adding them to your post
The Christmas gift from your mum is just great
It's been great seeing what everyone bought at the nec
Jackie57

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting me. I'm very envious of your TM box. It looks idea for carting things around in. Will have to have a look and put it on my christmas list. Those hearts look good value too. Tricia #95

Andrea said...

sorry I had no time to visit anyone yesterday,and wow what a stunning view and excellent photos , your cargo case is ace perfect for on the go,you have been busy .. I cant wait to see what you create with your hearts love the post thanks for sharing and also thank you for your kind words when you visited have a wonderful week ....Andrea x #60

Twiglet said...

Beautiful photos and I absolutely love that white creation on your latest post - so gorgeous! x Jo

Ann B said...

Lovely post and some stunning views from your window, don'y know how you manage to tear yourself away to do any crafting. As I'm a day late getting round any desks this week I was able to see your beautiful Serena card in the later post. Now I love, and use, this stamp but have never seen her looking more lovely.
Off to have a look at your Mother's blog now as I have a dolls house so need a bit of a nosey around.
Thanks for visiting yesterday.
Ann B
#67

Danielle said...

Love the travel case! And the views from the window are beautiful. Dani#107

JoZart Designs said...

What a lovely post! I recently acquired a cargo case and love it but one of the clasps dropped off pdq.
Lovely place to stay and I bet you wish you could enjoy it longer.
Jo x
Must take a peek at the doll's house blog!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful view from your temporary craft area - hope it's providing you with loads of inspiration.

Love your white card in the post above.

Eliza said...

Oh the views are beautiful and the serenity of the water. Its so nice to be on the road for work but the art supplies sometimes missed. Looks like you have yourself one brilliant set up with that case.

Happy crafting.
Eliza

Elizabeth said...

Lovely post - I so enjoyed the photos of where you're at - not to mention the quotes at the end. The TH cargo case is just so cool - everything fits in perfectly and I'm now off to check out a couple of the links - the MDF man sounds like my kinda man :)) Hope you find a bit more time for crafting and have a great weekend. Elizabeth x #43

fairy thoughts said...

lovely post the TH case is awesome, enough to make you want ot go away, you are a very neat packer and the thought of having more stash than clothes ids funny.
I love the MDF man too saw him at Make it earlier in the year and brought several of those hearts, great stuff
thanks for sharing
janet #26

RosA said...

What a gorgeous view! And I LOVE your TH packing case. How useful! And I would also take more supplies and "stuff to do" than clothes. Thanks for visiting and for your kind comments. Sorry I am very late this week but happy WOYWW anyhow!

Becky said...

What an amazing work space!

Cardarian said...

Sorry I am so late commenting - sometimes I think I already have but then realise I haven't! I loved your post and the amazing photos of the River Avon...I had a good snoop around your blog and find that you make lovely stuff...also I find your "daytime" profession very interesting - ha, ha I think I would need such coaching - sometimes to make a point in life! It was lovely visiting and thank you for your comment on my blog! Enjoy your stay in that lovely place!
Lots of hugs,
Cardarian

Queen Lightwell said...

So tidy! Guess it helps that you're not at home, huh? lol :) That cargo case looks like a lifesaver for traveling, very sweet gift. Does it win most useful gift ever? :) Do you use any particular brand of gesso? And is yours really runny? Is it supposed to be? I just don't get that stuff, I want to but I just don't. Anyways, thanks for visiting me earlier and leaving a comment...so glad my paper addiction makes you feel better about yours! lol :) Deeyll #65