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When you make a conscious choice to be happy, no one can take it away from you because no one gave it to you: you gave it to yourself.

A quote from April Green's - Bloom For Yourself Journal

Wednesday 7 March 2012

WOYWW 144 - Wonderful Wednesday

Well here we are again! Wednesday is one of my favourite days of the week I must say.

Once again a huge thank you to everyone that popped by last week, it was a real joy to read all of your comments and to share my craft room with you all. I did giggle at all of your book envy...that lot behind my door is only half my collection! There's another bookcase downstairs and more books in the loft.

Right onto today;

My desk is rather bare (I took this yesterday evening before the light faded, but it's still the same this morning as haven't had time to do anything more). That's a new CD-Rom and stamp over on the far side waiting to be looked at and stamped out, the flower pictures on the craft mat are my first attempts at painting with the Lilac and Fuchsia paint fusion stamps. I'm actually really pleased with them so have decided to use them for my mum's Mother's day cards. I have already mounted the lilac one onto a card front  and need to do the same for the fuchsia, though I think I'll keep it simple as the paintings really are the main image. Here they are close up;

 On this lilac card, I painted the third leaf separately to cut it out and stick it on raised for dimension, I've not done that before and thought I'd try it!

Am really pleased with this fuchsia, it's not perfect, but for a first attempt I think it's decent enough, I'll get better with practise!

The backgrounds were printed out from Sheena Douglas's Paint Fusion CD-ROM, I printed onto the reverse of Centura Pearl card, just like Sheena does. Another first for me, but I have to say it is a really good surface to paint on, I had some free sheets once with another purchase but haven't used them in the colour given, perfect for printing!

Ok, many of you comment that I am a tidy crafter, and yes I'll hold my hands up to that, BUT I do make a mess sometimes.......here's some proof.  I was playing with my inks the other evening so I took a picture just to show you.


Now this little lot was just an experiment that ended up in the bin, but it was OK, I used loo roll!

I cut up the inner card bit and die cut it & inked & splodged to my hearts content. Just to see what it was like.....but I didn't like it so it went in the bin. (Holds hand out...ready.....to be slapped!)

Here's a peek at the shelf...can you spot the new jar?

Yes the one with the silver lid. Not sure what was in it originally but mum gave it to me so I gratefully accepted it. I've put my wooden buttons and bits/bobs in there.

Head over to Julia's place The Stamping Ground to see our wonderful hostess and to join in, and, of course, it's the permissible gateway to go snooping around the world, peeking at those desks.

I got round fairly well last week, wasn't able to comment on everyone's posts as I wasn't always able, daft technology. Will try to pop by and see you all this week. Take care Zo xx

77 comments:

Lilacanglia said...

brilliant images, adore the fuschias,
hugs xx

Unknown said...

These are stunning Zoe, the petals on the fuchsia are fabulous. Well done , I like the idea of keeping bits and bobs in jars I have just bought some small coffee jars to fit the bill, once used of course.
You look to have had a lovely time playing with the loo roll. Its nice to try things out.
Hugs Elaine

lisa said...

These are brilliant, Zo, I love your Lilac and your Mum will too. They are so easy to do aren't they. My DD painted the lilac for her Grandmas Mothers day cards at the weekend too and thoroughly enjoyed the fact that she got a good result and she's only 10.
Love your inky mess too, it's nice to see we all enjoy getting messy!!
I have to laugh at your buttons every week. I have a button phobia so always wonder whether your collection will have grown every week. There isn't one to be found in my craft room or my wardrobe come to that!!
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax

Kate said...

The paint fusion stamps look amazing, I have to try them!!

** Kate **

Elizabeth said...

Hi Zoe, lovely post - the lilac is gorgeous and I think the added leaf is a great idea, you must be pleased. I was admiring the background on the fuchsia card and wondering how you did it ... that CD of Sheena's looks very useful ... of course, I've not succumbed to temptation but it's now on my wish list :) I don't know why folks think that we neatniks don't ever make a mess. of course we do ... the trouble is we can't stand a mess for very long and have to tidy up. The worst aspect of the tidy habit is that of tidying up too quickly only to find a few minutes later I need the very thing I've tidied away ... very annoying :)) Love your new button jar.

I'm feeling much better today, it's an unpredictable state to be in, but then I think you understand that from your own experience. Many thanks for your good wishes. Hope you have a lovely WOYWW. Elizabeth x #22

Redanne said...

I love Sheena's stuff, for a first timer you have done an amazing job! I put mine away months ago but may just have to have another go after seeing yours. Regards, Anne Rx #85

May said...

Stunning Cards!! beautiful colours, love the jars!! Have a good week, Hugs May x x x

Karen said...

Oh a lovely creative craft space and I just love your works of art, especially the Fuchsia, its beautiful and just happens to be one of my favourite flowers :)

Have a great WOYWW and a fab week, Luv Karen xx

Sarah said...

Loving both the bright florals and the grungy pieces - aaahh in the bin! Two minutes silence then. They would look great on a vintage style canvas or card with more shabby flowers..hint hint! Thanks for sharing with WOYWW...Sarah at 1

Deb's Pen Pot said...

You know how I love your Paint Fusion creations - and these are fab! Can I order some up, lol?! Fab idea to raise the leaf - really effective; could you do the same with petals etc to try out? Debs xxx

jude said...

Those cards are absolutely beautifull .The flowers look so alive and 3d real i surpose they are beautiful!Make someone very happy!Have fab wednesday and creative week hugs judex 9

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Such lovely flowers! I can almost smell them! You also had me drooling over your buttons! I will take a cherry red one please:)

Mistys Mum said...

Hi
what a lovely clear desk & your paint fuson work is gorgeous. I particularly like the 3-d leaf you have added to the lilac.
Have fun

SandeeNC said...

Maybe it's that your a tidy up after you craft person that makes your desk look so neat? lol, it just shows that I don't clean mine so often, cleanning for me is having a 12x12 work area, and I am happy! oh my, that's bad to admit to! waving hi from the beautiful hills of North Carolina :)

Artyjen said...

Gorgeous painting ;)
xoxo Sioux

JoZart Designs said...

A nice viewpoint of your desk and your cards are really lovely.
JoZarty x

Polly Polkadot said...

See that is the difference, I would have hung onto the disliked inked thingy, to remind myself not to do it that way. If I could just break that habit I might have a tidy room! The flowers are great.

Ann B said...

Great job with the paint fusion. Have seen Sheena do this and yours are just as good.
Happy WOYWW

Ann B
#84

Anne-marie said...

Your desk is so tidy and I love your paint fusion work thank you for sharing
Anne-marie no 17

scrappymo! said...

The flowers are gorgeous! Love the way you popped a leaf forward.
I would pull those distressed circles out of that garbage...they are very nice. I liked them...sort of looked like leather.

mamapez5 said...

Well I just love those painted flowers. I should have persevered more with my paint fusion bits. I never seem to have the time. I love the fuchsia one particularly. I'm like you in that I like to have a regular tidy up between projects. I hope your mum likes her card. I am sure it will be beautiful. Kate x

Danielle said...

I craft tidy, also. It is hard for me to do it any other way. But, like you, I do get messy with inks and paints, just apparently, not on Wednesdays.

Your cards are beautiful and would be great for Mother's day. Glad you are thinking ahead. Dani33

Unknown said...

Mmm I can smell that lilac! Looks like a beautiful idea for mother's day!

Emma Williams said...

WOW!! Your artwork is stunning, really beautiful and I'm sure your Mum will love it, she'd be mad not to! :)

Thanks for sharing your lovely inky desk...I always love a nosey around all the WOYWW but unfortunately, don't have the time to join in! :(
Love Emma xx

Tracey said...

Stunning cards. I have not tried this technique, but your cards are inspirational, especially as these were your first attempts. I look forward to see what you do next.
Thanks for the peek at your workdesk.
Tracey

Anonymous said...

beautiful florals and what lovely work! You are very tidy!

505whimsygirl said...

Oh, your coloring of the flowers are just beautiful! I do like the raised leaf on the lilac. Too bad you threw those experiments away - they looked very nice.

Hugs,
Kay
#30

Fiona@staring at the sea said...

Those flower cards are beautiful. I've heard of paint fusion, but didn't really know what is was. Thanks for sharing.
Fiona xx #103

Stephie Boots said...

You're so talented Zoe I could never do anything like paint fusion yours is amazing xxx

Louise Welsh said...

oh my goodness you have done such a fab job with paint fusion, how amazing. louise xx

VonnyK said...

I have never heard of paint fusion, so I looked it up on Google and wow, all that from a stamp. They are really gorgeous. Thanks for my visit and we don't have the Philly with chocolate over here, real bummer, I would eat it all day.
Have a great week.
Von #37

Joynana said...

I love your flowers and they look so life like. Your Mom is going to love it. We all make a mess sometimes. #36

Unknown said...

Beautiful flower illustrations!

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

I don't know paint fusion stamps but you've got me intrigued. Spectacular job, especially on that first-try fuchsia. Love the inky mess. Kinda looks like my fingers right now!

Cheers,
Susan #49

Debbie Rock said...

Thanks for popping by my blog ... it was a pleasure to have you visit! I have to WOYWW in shifts too!!!!
LoVe your Mother's Day cards ... they are just beautiful. Love Debbie xXx

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

I love those cards, both the lilac and the fuchsia, favourite flowers for me anyway. I am just waiting for the three new lilacs I have ordered to arrive, and give me the beautiful perfume. By the way, if you pop back to my blog you will find an update on the mica powders saga. Have a good week, and thank you for your visit. xx Maggie #8

AerynK Designs said...

Those cards came out lovely. And I'm about as "dirty" as you, so you're not alone.
Aeryn @ #68

Annie said...

I don't know about 'not perfect'! All I can say is they are really lovely and I'm certain your Mum will love them.
Hugs,
A x

Carin Winkelman said...

Ooh, why did you put those in the bin? I love how they looked! And yes, your desk is very tidy, but the cards are very pretty, so it's okay. ;-)

Pauline said...

Wow ! Those flowers are beautiful , clever girlie :-) I'm a jar girl to , my olive addiction assists my jar addiction perfectly ;-) have a great week thanks for visiting
P
Xxx

karen said...

Those flowers are gorgeous! Well done you!
I am out of the loop and don't know what Paint Fusion is, I will have to google that!
xoxo Karen #179

Erika said...

Wow Zoe those flowers are fabulous and your desk is still very tidy even after inking. Thanks for sharing, happy WOYWW+1....I'm always a wee bit late too!
Hugs Erika.

Mary Pat Siehl said...

love it--so much going on and those flowers are so cool!! great job! thanks for stopping by and saying hi
mary pat 102

Anonymous said...

I went back and toured your room from last week too because I didn't get here, and it's fab! I love all the books too and would happily come and browse. Beautiful paint fusion flowers, we done for a first attempt, they're gorgeous. Shame the other flowers went in the bin but at least it was only a mess about sessions.

Hugs
Brenda 6

Bridget Larsen said...

What the heck is loo roll, looks nothing like it in the pictures lol.Your painting is exquisite. So glad I could make you laugh from my post. See you next week.
Bridget #57

emma mitchell said...

I love your paint fusion flowers ,they are amazing !!
hugs
Emma xx

Fuchsia said...

These are awesome especially the fuchsia LOL then I would say that
thanks for passing by I too take most of the week getting round
enjoy your weekend x

Debs Willis said...

Wow Zo, your Fuchsia is fabulous! Been toying with the idea of trying the cd and kit, and this may just spur me on, Bough some of hte older stamps (poppies, rosehips and berries) but not the paints, may have to splurge now I;ve seen how gorgeous yours are!

thanks for your comments on my blog, and glad you like the new crafty room - it's fab!

Debs #104

Di said...

Fabby work! And, did you stand on ladders to take the photo of your uber clean and so lovely desk, huh, huh?! Di xx

Teresa said...

Stunning cards Zoe, I love them both and what a neat and tidy desk. Enjoy your crafting. Hugs Teresa xx

Anne said...

The cards are beautiful. I had a peep at last week's
woyww and am so envious of your space. I do have quite a collection of books - of all sorts and have them here there and everywhere. Love books can't stop buying them. Thanks for visiting me last week. Sorry I am late but what with lots going on etc time just flies. Anne x

Julia Dunnit said...

No Zoe, that isn't untidy, it's just a temporary mess. You do not pass yet!! And the OCD button collection ..... Gorgeous!!

HeARTworks said...

It's not just decent, it's fantastic! Wonderful job! :-) patsy

Nicola said...

Wow, those painted flowers are amazing! Love the jars too :) x

Sarah said...

Thanks for visiting me - thought i would return the visit & glad I did - you have a lovely blog so i'm your newest follower!!! The flower paintings are stunning! Hope you have a good week!! Sarah x

Barb King said...

Thanks for dropping by. See, now you've filled lots of us in the the paint fusion method, I will also have to look it up online< i have never heard of it.. You made some beautiful cards with it. Barb

Anonymous said...

pretty cards, I have not seen anything like it! very tidy desk too!

Jingle said...

Your cards are so pretty! WOW! Love your space!

Jacqui Chimes said...

Lovely painting

Beachstudio said...

Love your tidy desk! and you paint beautifully, it is perfect. I keep my buttons and bobs in jars too, collecting way to many but I love it. Lastly I love the saying you use about beginning your day. It is so.... great an idea. Off to not let my day control me! Thanks for that ultra positive thought!! hugs, Linda

Becky said...

Your flowers are amazing, so, so beautiful! They will make a lovely card for your mom! I too am a neat crafter :)

The Artful Diva said...

Your cards are extraordinary. I am now following you and hope that you will follow me too ;-)

Erica said...

Your painting is incredible!

SueH said...

Well, I’m amazed that they are your fist attempt with Fusion Paints Zo, they are stunning. I’ve see the pictures that Lisa (Lisa,s Craft Garden) paints with them and have often thought I should give them a go,

Happy Crafting!
Sue H #128
x

Diana Taylor said...

Wow, your paintings are absolutely beautiful - I love the way you made one of the leaves 3D and the colours are lovely - I'm sure your mum will love your card. Thanks for sharing your studio- it's so tidy and even your mess isn't really that messy! How do you do it?!!!

peggy aplSEEDS said...

your flower paintings are absolutely wonderful! and even your discarded experiment looks beautiful to me!

Unknown said...

That card is beautiful! Thanks for stopping by.

Ellie said...

Thanks for popping by my blog, I love your paintings! They are seriously awesome! You did them with stamps? Thats cool!
I chuckled at the colour coded button jars.... I wish I was that organised

Angie said...

Those are just stunning, I mean like my jaw dropped open gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing them and for popping by my WOYWW post! See ya next week!

Linda said...

Your paintings are gorgeous! The cut out leaf is perfect too. Linda #174

Dee's Craft Room said...

Hi Zo

These flower paintings are gorgeous, I love the colours too.

I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award.

Please pop over to my blog at http://deescraftroom.blogspot.com/2012/03/versatile-blogger-award.html#comment-form to claim your award.

Dionne x

Dee's Craft Room said...

Ha ha, It seems you found my post before I had the chance to tell you. I am afraid that is the problem with a name that begins with Z - but I guess that has been a problem which has dogged you all your life.

I also thought it was going to be hard to pick 15 people but as it turned out is was hard to only pick 15 people, I could have easily nominated twice or even three times as many people. I guess that is the up side of all those people who enter the Crafty Boots Challenges, you get to see the work of an awful lot of very talented people, like yourself.

By the way, you may come bottom of the list alphabetically but you were top of my list when I thought of the people I wanted to nominate.

Dionne x

Sharne Davies said...

fab cards and love the technique - thanks for stopping by my blog ( Fresh as a daisy) XX Sharne

Coleen said...

Hi Zoe, I don't think I've ever been on a blog that had a posting with 73 comments, wow. Just wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting. Very appreciated. These flowers on your desk are really beautiful. Makes me want to get back to drawing.
Blessings on your day,

Coleen in Ukraine

~ Ali Robertson ~ said...

Fabulous creation Zoe, love them

Ali x

Lisa-Jane said...

Sorry its taken me so long to get around this week - the commission is taking every spare minute. Those cards are absolutely stunning!

Morti said...

Yikes, you threw those bits away???? A bit of black, a bit of copper, and they would have been very steampunky! I'd have snapped your hand off for them! LOL.

Love the paint fusion work on your desk, the pictures look great.

Thanks for stopping by!