WOYWW361
Hello my friends. Yes, this is my desktop post manic card making session! I suddenly realised Monday evening that it was a dear friend’s 70th birthday – that day! Now you have to understand that at the beginning of the year I make a list of necessary cards for the year, and pin it up – in my eye line – above my workdesk! No, I hadn’t raised my eyes recently…. So, a VERY rapid make, written, signed, put into the envelope and sealed, added a stamp, and posted. Yes, without taking a photo! I think I’m losing the plot!!!
However, despite the faux pas, I have been busy this week. I continued with the garden jungle clearance – and discovered, to my delight, that beneath a huge amount of raspberry canes, which I have been trying to kill off ever since we moved here as they don’t produce fruit, were a great bunch of bluebells, and some wood anemones. Fantastic. So.. here’s workspace number 2…
It was the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza at the weekend – and our church opens its doors, puts on a BBQ in the carpark, and serves tea and cakes inside. I love it – it’s my thing – but I knew I couldn’t do it this year because of being around for John. Two dear members offered to come and be in the house for John so that I could go and play! It was so very generous and kind – and I had a wonderful time on both Saturday and Sunday, serving tea and cakes non-stop. I don’t know what the end result profit was – all to be given to children’s charities, but I know that on the teas we took over £600 on the two days! It’s a fantastic three day event which brings in around 30,000 visitors a day to the town! Yes, 30,000 a day! The main street is closed for a funfair, there is a parade each day, all sorts on the promenade, pipe bands, steam engines, prizes for the best dressed Victorian. The atmosphere is lovely – and above all, SAFE. Here’s a taster… I didn’t manage to see the whole parade this year as I was busy serving. So here is desk number three…
The lone piper comes each year – and we once persuaded him to play for us in the church!
Now for a bit of show-and-tell. I’ve been playing. Some weeks back someone mentioned the egg shaped blending sponges. They also said where it is possible to buy a bag of make up ones really cheaply – I only wish I could remember where! However, I decided to give them a go, as I have never been really satisfied with my efforts at colour blending. Neet was demo-ing colouring with Distress inks at the York show, and she thought it was probably because I wasn’t using sufficient ink. So, I tried being brave and going for some vivid colour… I admit to liking what I did, succeeded in not giving up when the colours were pale, and was impressed how clean the sponges came with just cold water.
Then a brief look at some of the cards I’ve been making. Needless to say, it wasn’t only the birthday card I forgot to photograph!! Several others disappeared into the post before snapping as well!
So that is my week. Lots done, a feeling of having achieved – which is nice.
I do thank you for your lovely comments last week – obviously photos of Wales go down well! I did manage to visit everyone on the list – but, I’m sorry, there were two or three of you I simply couldn’t leave a comment with. I couldn’t find an e-mail to write to either, and you are on Google +. I did appreciate your work, though.
Take care my dear friends. God bless you.
Margaret
Why I am writing this? Showing you my space? Pop over to http://stamping-ground.blogspot.co.uk/ and join us!!
37 IMPORTED COMMENTS
Shoshi
Lovely photos, Margaret, and your cards are so beautiful! I’ve had a look at your pergamano ones on subsequent posts too and they are stunning. Such patience. The colours are gorgeous. Many thanks for your lovely comment and sorry to be so long picking it up – we had a wonderful get-together and a good laugh and really enjoyed our tea! I stupidly forgot to photograph the table till it was too late but today I photographed the left-overs which I will put on my blog in due course. I am exhausted now last week is over and have been resting. Happy belated WOYWW, Shoshi #50
Sun, 08 May 2016 21:02:50
BJ
Horrah I have finally made it to the PC again after posting my desk rather hurriedly on Wednesday! Oh I love bluebells but I guess you know that from my bluebell bunny photo. Great that you could get out to the extravaganza and your cards are super. Thanks For visiting BJ #33#
Fri, 06 May 2016 15:32:41
Electra
Your cards are beautiful!
Fri, 06 May 2016 05:54:22
peggy aplSEEDS
I recently bought some makeup sponges and I didn’t know they had similar ones for crafts. The blended colors look great!
Fri, 06 May 2016 05:41:14
Felicia
Margaret, I am so, so jealous of your flowers! I have dogs that, it would seem, wait till I plant flowers and then promptly either roll in them until they are flat or dig them up!!!! Needles to say, I have stopped buying yard candy as my wallet can’t handle it!!! LOLOL Just beautiful!!!! And….I am in love with your cards! You are such a talented card maker! Love what that blending sponge does as well! Thanks for stopping by my blog and many blessings to you this week! Felicia #55
Thu, 05 May 2016 21:44:30
Kelly
Good morning, Margaret! Thank you for stopping by my space earlier. What a lovely way to spend a day, and what a special gift of those two offering to keep John company so you could get out for a bit. so that’s what those egg sponges look like! Had them mentioned by visitors to my blog but had never seen them. thanks for show and tell. 😉 Lovely cards. I really love that owl image. Creative Blessings! Kelly #40
Thu, 05 May 2016 13:25:10
Chunka
That’s a great spacious work space.
Thu, 05 May 2016 07:16:41
RosA
Hi Margaret Lovely cards! I especially like the bare tree branch one. What a good day you must have had at the Victorian Extravaganza. It was good that you could get along to it. Yes, I’ve been out of action for a while with a (minor) wrist operation, but it’s all coming along well now. Thanks for coming by and for your nice comments. Have a good week, RosA
Thu, 05 May 2016 03:36:04
April S.
Such beautiful pictures. Thank you for stopping by the blog earlier. And thank you for the beautiful birthday wishes. 🙂 April #38
Thu, 05 May 2016 03:27:13
LisaDV
Your cards are so fantastic. Glad you like the sponges. I remember reading about them as well, but can’t remember who posted. Glad I’m not the only one guilty of not taking photos. Happy Wednesday, LisaDV 36
Thu, 05 May 2016 01:49:50
Angie
Hello! Oh, what a fun post. So many interesting items in your post! Your garden is beautiful! Your desk looks like you had fun and some space to spread out! So cool that you persuaded the piper to play in church one year! I haven’t seen the egg shaped sponge yet. Looks cool. Beautiful cards! Thanks so much for the stop by my blog earlier today! Happy WOYWW! #47 Angie
Thu, 05 May 2016 00:56:22
pearshapedchris
Forgot to say -yes there is a new version of Jungle book -great scenery too! Not suitable for very young children but GD aged 9 loved it! Chrisx
Wed, 04 May 2016 22:24:22
pearshapedchris
My! You have been busy! I’m afraid that our caravan garden has been neglected lately -it has been too cold or wet – it’s going to need some attention next week! (there are communal areas at home and gardener comes and does those! The festival looks good! Hugs, Chrisx 34
Wed, 04 May 2016 22:21:46
Angela
Looks like you’ve had a busy time recently. lovely cards. I think we all have one of those moments when we realise there is an unexpected birthday. Thanks for the visit o mine, have a great woyww and happy crafting, Angela x 24
Wed, 04 May 2016 22:13:45
Carol N
You, too, have a very busy desk! Love the flowers and the pictures of the weekend. And I’ve never seen egg-shaped sponges before! Cool! Thanks for visiting and I hope John is doing well. Hope you have a great week! Carol N #42
Wed, 04 May 2016 19:58:55
Sue
Hi Margaret, You sure have been busy. Loving your cards. Glad you enjoyed the Victorian weekend. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy WOYWW Sue #12
Wed, 04 May 2016 19:51:25
Stacy
don’t feel too bad… (two of my 3 mothers day cards are still not done) and the one that is done does not need to go into the mail… love the cards you did get shot Margaret, the Parade looks like a fun scene too, Stacy #48
Wed, 04 May 2016 17:39:13
Julia
Lovely post Margaret, boy have you been busy!! Your photos are great, and how kind of your friends to stay with John while you went to see and serve – good for both of you I should think. Incidentally, I loved the pic of John on his hot wheels, forgive me for not replying, I’m not checking emails regularly, just because I’m forgetful now.
Wed, 04 May 2016 16:45:29
Zo – Craftygasheadzo
Wonderful pictures and makes on show! Take care Zo xx 35
Wed, 04 May 2016 16:26:28
Sharon Madson
Very nice post, Margaret. I am glad you got so much done this week. I love all your photos. I am glad I am not the only one that rushes around to do a card and get it in the mail. I usually have the card done, but have to do the inside, and sometimes that takes as long as making the card! Thanks for the peek at your week. #46 P.S. don’t worry about writing an email, it took me months and months to write you! 🙂
Wed, 04 May 2016 15:24:17
Anne L
Good morning Margaret. Thanks for visiting me earlier and your cards are so pretty. Glad you had a great weekend and how sweet of your friends to come over and stay with John. I so love the idea of the egg shaped sponges for inking but I know they are just to experience for me to buy for each colour. I also have to do more with my blending. Have a great week and happy national scrapbooking day. Hugs~Anne L #8
Wed, 04 May 2016 14:44:45
Sharon K
Sounds like it’s been a busy week! The cards are wonderful. Those egg shaped sponges sounds like fun to play with. Love the pictures of the Wales! Visited once but I was quite young so don’t remember a lot of it. Have a great week Sharon K #39
Wed, 04 May 2016 13:47:45
Neet
Second try – first would not let me send y comment – here goes. You must let me know when Llandudno is having another of those weekends, just the kind of thing I would love to visit and take part in – and have tea and cakes at your church now I know which it is. My word you have been busy, and what beautiful flowers you have unearthed. God was certainly looking down on you with your raspberry canes. So glad I was of use with the Distress Ink demo – remember what I said Margaret “give it some wellie” – a real northern expression but true. Hugs and Blessings to you both Neet 3 xx
Wed, 04 May 2016 13:16:50
Kathyk
Gosh what a feast of things to look at on your desk and blog today, thanks for sharing Happy WOYWW Kathyk No 19
Wed, 04 May 2016 13:11:58
Arnoldo L. Romero
The charity event in which you were involved sounds like so much fun and for such a good cause. I had never heard of those egg shaped sponges, but I really like the effects you got. Blessings!
Wed, 04 May 2016 12:53:02
Diane F
Looks like you had a great time! that is awesome. I really like those egg shaped sponges – seems like maybe they wouldn’t get your fingers as messy. Have a great day. Diane – WOYWW #30
Wed, 04 May 2016 12:45:34
Susanne
Lots doing there – enjoyed the snaps and recap. And lovely cards – I am often in last minute mode as well. Have a good week. Susanne #29
Wed, 04 May 2016 11:09:46
Annie Claxton
Your cards look beautiful Margaret, I especially love the one with the trees silhouetted against the sky, very pretty. I’m intrigued by those egg shaped sponges, look like a really good idea, I must try and find some. Enjoy the lovely day in your garden :o) Annie C #26
Wed, 04 May 2016 10:48:04
Annie
Thanks for visiting me earlier Margaret. I’ve really enjoyed visiting all of your desks this week….my you’ve been busy. Your garden flowers have to come top of my list….sooooo pretty. Hope you have a great week. Hugs, Annie x #9
Wed, 04 May 2016 10:32:36
Diana Taylor
It sounds like you’ve been busy! The parade looks tremendous fun and how lovely that you were able to go and help out – that’s a heck of a lot of tea drunk to make £600! I love the cards you made, they are so pretty and I especially love the one with the tree branches – what a gorgeous stamp that is. I hope you have a great week and many thanks for stopping by my desk earlier, Diana #20
Wed, 04 May 2016 10:12:56
Lynn
No wonder John has to sit you down, you are a busy bee. Maybe I should get Philip to do the same with me. I’ve lost the plot with birthdays this year as I now use the diary on my phone and I haven’t plumbed the dates in yet. I’ve got them listed on paper that I keep moving round the house hoping to find a spot where it will jump out at me. Consequently today I have missed one of my Goddaughters and a good friend. So I will be running round like a loony delivering cards and pressies later. Have a good week and thanks for the visit Lynn 16 xx
Wed, 04 May 2016 09:10:33
Jackie Mackay
What a good day you had there in LLandudno – used to go there on hols with my parents and climb the Great Orme. Glad to hear your cheaper version of blending sponges worked well. Have a happy week – suns out here this morning – may get some time around 4pm if it holds to get in the garden. x Jackie 18
Wed, 04 May 2016 08:23:49
LLJ
Lots of lovely things to read about today, Margaret! I’m glad you got out to the Llandudno parade, I love helping at that sort of thing too :-). You’re ahead of me in the garden though, in fact now the weather’s turning a bit, that’s my focus for this week! Hugs, LLJ 2 xxx
Wed, 04 May 2016 08:14:06
sandra de
That sounds like an amazing effort to cater for the extravaganza. Well done and gorgeous cards. sandra de @14
Wed, 04 May 2016 08:09:50
Chris
Morning, those cards are all so beautiful, you have been having fun. And it looks like the eggs were worth the money. Coming your way today or tomorrow, will deliver bags. Chris #10
Wed, 04 May 2016 07:31:25
Helen
you’ve had a very busy time; the activities in the street look great fun and what a great fund raised. Great cards, too. Helen #1
Wed, 04 May 2016 06:49:11
Kezzy
Oh wow so much to look at, the festival looked great, I bet you had so much fun and it was so nice of your friends to sit with John, it means you got a bit of time for yourself. Love the craft desk and wow your cards are stunning. Happy early Woyww 🙂 Kezzy xxx
Tue, 03 May 2016 20:01:01