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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 28 March 2012

WOYWW 147 - happy sunshine

Hello WOYWW-ers and, of course, everyone else who pops by!

I hope the last week has been kind to you all.  It sure has been lovely here in the West Country of England.
Right here's my desk today -


I took this tea time yesterday but it's the same this morning, well apart from the mug of tea which I drank after taking the picture, I spent the evening listening to the radio (football commentary) and working on my computer. You can see a Papermania Book-print pad, a Manga artist pad, plain art journal and 2 Promarkers (all new & dumped there ready to be put away), a distressed piece of that Papermania paper with WOW embossing powder and a dress form ready to be turned into........something, messy pile of envelopes full of cut up decoupage, pile of sheets not cut up and a neat pile of empty envelopes, oh and my scissors of course!

For those of you who popped by last week, I must Thank You all for your lovely comments. Many of you requested that I share the finished cards I made with my H2O and salt backgrounds, well, you can see them Here

I'm sure most people know all about WOYWW but if you don't, then I suggest heading over to Julia's place to check it out, but be warned it's definitely addictive.

For those of you who follow me regularly you saw that I was going to be crafting outside making the most of this wonderful weather and some of you wanted to see my outdoor craft space so here it is -




More of a What's on your Garden bench kind of crafty space!  It's a beautiful spot in my garden as you can see, a real sun trap, but as far as crafting is concerned, it's only OK if there's little or no breeze. I'd have decoupage chasing around the flowers beds if there was more than a tickle of wind. As to what's on it, well there's my book I'm reading and then there's a pile of sheets all waiting to be cut up into decoupage or card companions. A pile of envelopes ready for me to put the cut up pieces into so I don't lose them. The plastic wallet is what I carry the stuff out in and is where I put the rubbish. You can also see my blue and white stick I use to get around and my shirt on the arm because it was so warm  when I took this pic that I could sit there in my vest top.....crazy considering it's only March!

Enjoy snooping! Take care Zo xx

76 comments:

Neet said...

Thanks for showing your desk and the bench, too nice to be in crafting especially when we so rarely get this kind of weather - got to take the advantage. I am crafting at night or early morning and knitting during the day outside.
Love your salt work but would love you to tell me how you do it.
I use my H2o's like watercolours to paint with or paint direct onto a stamp and then spritz with water as I keep stamping. Can get about 20 - 30 impressions out of one colouring. Clean off quickly afterwards.
Do pop by me as I have candy - thanks for the snoop - Hugs, Neet #5

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I think your cards are awesome. Had to check them out. That's why I take so long getting around to everyone. I read every word!

It's time for us in the northern hemisphere to be outside, isn't it? I really like your bench. The perfect work bench this week (grin).

Unknown said...

Hi Zoe,
I'm loving your alternative workdesk. I live n Sussex and we've had beutiful weather too,so far i've not ventured outside to do my crafting, great idea though.
Suzanne at desk 90

April said...

Wow the H2O and salt backgrounds made lovely cards! Your desk is looking busy this week and looks like you have lovely spot out in the garden too! We're having lovely sun over in the East too but sadly I think it's going to be gone by the weekend :o( x April #99

Unknown said...

Hi Zo

Looking at your first picture, I'm wondering where you were taking it... what an angle lol!!!

Lovely spot in the garden, but I agree about the breeze - one gust and your bits and bobs are everywhere (plus your decoupage lol)!!!

Happy WOYWW - thanks for your visits.

Paula x x x (51)

Di said...

Fabby workspace :) Super cards too, I had another peek :) Happy WOYWW! Di xx

Anonymous said...

Ooh! What a wonderful idea to craft in the garden, I may have to steal it :D Happy WOYWW!

Zoe #108

voodoo vixen said...

So lovely to visit people who are enjoying the warm sunshine in their gardens... have toa gree about the breeze though, very irritating to have stuff disappear on you! Annette #22

VonnyK said...

Had a look at those cards and they came out beautifully, I really love the look they make. The left over salt makes some great textures. Glad you are getting outside, your temps are still way too cold for me. I'm ready to get the doona out as it is getting down to 17deg at night.
Have a great week.
Von #49

JoZart Designs said...

It certainly is crazy March but let's make the most of it! Great spot in your garden to do this! Had a nosey at your cards and they are lovely!
JoZarty x
thanks for popping in on me!

Gabrielle said...

Look at you decamping to the beautiful sunshine! Loving seeing your tidy space this week - quite an inspiration! Happy WOYWW x

DottyA Cards & Things said...

Love that your crafting outdoors... I love to sit on the porch and craft too... thanks for sharing with us!!!

Tuire Flemming said...

Your sunny bench makes me green of envy... In Finland we still have lots of snow, and I just read that there´s a snow storm coming later this week... :(
Enjoy!
Tuire xx

...the yorkshire fox... said...

...how loVely to take advantage of the sun and craft out doors I'm in a top flat so no chance of that for me...gorgeous looking cards Zoe...mel :)

BJ said...

Thanks for you comment. You have a lovely place to craft outside, not sure I'd even get my stuff outside to do it though. Next best thing is when the sun is streaming in through my window though. BJ #73

Karen said...

How lovely to be able to sit out in the sun and do your crafting :) I love your outside craft work space and your indoor space, both look very creative. Thanks for popping by earlier, it is appreciated.

Take care and have a fab WOYWW, Luv Karen xxx

Franka Benjaminsen said...

That's brilliant to craft outside. Yes, the only problem is the wind. But that's a detail for all the sun we've get now. Enjoy the Wednesday and the sun. Thanks for sharing. Bye, Franka

May said...

Lovely work space inside and out, Fab cards you have made had a look at the post fab!!!!! Have a lovely week, Hugs May x x x No14

kay said...

loving that you have two desks,this sunshine is too nice to waste,have a great week :)
#66

SandeeNC said...

First: The layout for my AB using the salt technique turned out fantastic. The bubble marks left behind are teeny tiny ( since I used table salt ) but it still worked. Will try rock salt the next time! Thanks for the idea! LOVE your garden space although I cannot work outside, something about my body when I go sit on my balcony that turns me into a vegetable and I just sit there staring at the birds and the trees, lol waving hi from my balcony in the hills of North Carolina :)

Erika said...

Zoe enjoy crafting outside it's a bit cooler here today. Thanks for sharing, happy WOYWW, hugs
Erika.

Lynn Holland said...

Hi Zoe,
thanks for popping over to see the Doodly Birds.
Ive just had a right good snoop on your table, zooming in on the picture. I felt like a real nosey parker.
Have a good week
Lynn
www.oneimadeearliertoday.blogspot.com

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Yup, decoupage and wind are not good companions!! How lovely that we've been able to enjoy the outdoors so early in the year. The sunshine improves my mood, I know that for sure. It has been glorious :)
Hugs, LLJ ~74 xx

okienurse said...

nice crafting spaces. I wish I had an outdoor spot when it is nice out. Hope you have a great week and thanks for sharing! Vickie #138

505whimsygirl said...

Thank you for your hugs! I am feeling so much love today. WOYWWers are the best!

I looked at the post about the h20 and salt - love those cards. The orange butterfly one is my favorite. I can't wait to start crafting outside. I moved my little outdoor table and chairs on to the patio. We are still expecting cold weather and perhaps more snow....

Hugs,
Kay
#48 (you've already visited)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely place to sit and craft Zoe. I've tried to craft outside but always find that I keep running upstairs again for something else, and then something else!! Loved the salt cards you posted earlier, especially the second one, I think you said it was your favourite too.

Hugs
Brenda 30

SueH said...

You’re just so organized Zoe, having all the little envelopes ready and waiting for your cut pieces of decoupage, and what a beautiful outside space to sit and craft in. I’ve been out most of the day but I’m hoping that when I get from weigh-in tomorrow morning I’m going to be able to sit outside and cross stitch, so fingers crossed.

Thanks for stopping by this week.
Happy Crafting!
Sue
x

Ann B said...

Lovely cards Zoe and what a great idea to craft outside and make the most of this beautiful weather. Youngest Grandson went to his first football match on Saturday at the Rovers ground - free tickets for doing the Sport Relief mile at the ground - he's only 8, bless him. Said to his Mum 'What if I scream in the wrong place?'

Ann B
#72

Unknown said...

Yay for working outside! Lovely little bench you have, nature can be such the muse!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Can I join you on the garden bench there? It looks so peaceful (and sunny, I'm all about the sun). You seem to be chugging forward on a lot of different projects-kudos to you!

Unknown said...

Hi, nice tidy space, thanks for sharing! rach #101 xx

Spyder said...

My tea cups stay there for weeks! I tried crafting out side today, lovle and sunny but the wind kept snatching up things! My garden bench broke...hubby mended it, so I've no excuse now! Happy woyww
((Lyn)) #19

trisha too said...

What a sweet spot to sit and craft!

:)trisha
#41

Mary Jo said...

Oh my goodness, love your outside crafty space :)
but also your inside space. Such nice natural light :)

And your cards are lovely!
Mary Jo #125

Twiglet said...

A perfect outdoor crafty space and your cards on the post below ar perfect too. x jo

Mary Pat Siehl said...

oh working outside looks so lovely! enjoy!!!

Polly Polkadot said...

ah yes, I tried cutting fabric outside this week - not ideal but at least I caught a few rays of sunshine. A blue and white stick eh? - that is gashead devotion for you.

Rita said...

Isn't it lovely to be able to craft outside. There is always something we find to do, maybe not decoupage though. We in Scotland are have brilliant sunshine too and we are enjoying every bit of it. Hugs Rita xxx

fairy thoughts said...

I think you could start a new blog hop, sunny saturday maybe. I think I will stick to knitting outside though, too much to carrry about. happy WOYWW
janet #16

Deb's Pen Pot said...

Do so love that phrase 'tickle of wind' - well done, miss writer! I have to say "snap" to those papermania sheets - after your top tip (thank you!), I went into Rosecrafts and bought the last pad! Now just have to think what to do with them... :0) Love Debs xxx

Clare with paint in her hair said...

Wish i could craft outside! don't have a quiet place here to go, cant wait to move, roll on moving day!

Shoshi said...

Love your outdoor craftroom Zo!! Brilliant! Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog, and I'm glad you like my knitting and Zentangles. Hope you have as much fun as me, doing them. There's loads of inspiration for all forms of art over on the DeviantArt site - but be warned, it's HUGE!!!

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #12

famfa said...

Followed your link, your cards are great. Love the look of the outside crafting space. Los a bit of sunny craft

Alexandra MacVean said...

Love those big, giant crafty markers! Whoa! :) And that bench outside looks oh so warm, cozy and inviting.

Thanks for the peek! :)

Neesie said...

I'm hearing so much about your weather and seeing you actually working outside proves it must be true!
Make sure you keep your vest handy...(thermal that is) because don't 'they' say never cast a cloud til May's out?
I do hope it stays for you because there's nothing better than feeling the sun on your face. Nature's inspiration.
Happy WOYWW Neesie #31:D

debby4000 said...

Love your crafty bench.
luv
Debby

Angie said...

What a great desk to nose around ...and i love your crafty bench. Only tried crafting out side once and even a tiny breeze sent everything flying lol ...but it is great to sit and enjoy this un expected weather although i think this is the end of it today. xx 17

karen said...

That is a lovely spot you have in your garden! It is starting to warm up here in Canada too, can I borrow your bench, lol!
Had a look at your beautiful cards on the earlier post and left a comment there as well. Great technique and you did such a lovely job!
xoxo Karen #179

Cardarian said...

You have a very tidy desk - I wish I could manage that - mine is sometimes so full of stuff I can't even move! Your "garden" desk is lovely and I can imagine how nice it is to sit in the garden and enjoy the lovely warmth we are so lucky to have this time of the year!
Hugs,
Cardarian

Morti said...

LOL - the image of you chasing scraps of decoupage around your garden is just too much to bear - no, I'd agree, more than a tickle of wind makes it all impractical. Love the desk this week, and the H20/Salt cards are fab...

Thanks for stopping by!

Amy said...

Love your dress form, bet you will have fun finishing that creation. Your cards are fab too. x Amy #128

Becky said...

What beautiful work spaces, both of them :) it's been nice here too, but a bit breezy so no working outside for me, only reading!

Yogi said...

Hi there, thanks for snooping around on my desk. Your's looks nice and neat compared. BIG GRIN. Haven't had a chance to snoop too much, what with work, doing Tim's tags every day and life.
Have a great day. The outside space looks nice and comfy.

Craftychris said...

Lots to do on your desk! I'm liking the dress form. I have a bench outside, may have to craft outside myself, never even gave it a thought! I popped back to look at your cards - they are gorgeous! Thank you for visiting my desk - as you saw I am a fellow H2o enthusiast and good to hear you like Sheena's stamps too. I neeeeeed more! xx

Laura said...

Hi, Zo, thanks for visiting my blog. Glad you've been able to enjoy some reading and crafting time in the sunshine. I'm a huge bookworm myself. I'm currently reading the newest Alexander McCall Smith -- I like the Isabel Dalhousie series. Happy Thursday.

Teresa said...

Hope you are enjoying your crafting outdoors as well as indoors Zoe, it's been beautiful, I love this weather.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
Teresa xx

Susan ~ Killam Creative said...

How nice to work outside! Sadly for me I live close enough to the ocean that we have more than a tickle of wind most of the time. I love the dress form on your desk. Neat!

Cheers,
Susan #131

C said...

What a lovely place to visulize, craft and relax. Thanks for sharing. #28

Barb King said...

How fun to be able to craft outside, enjoy! I checked out your finished cards, I love the one with the water splots, I will have to try that. I am also a big lover of H2o's!

Sara S. said...

Wonderful creative spaces! It got nice here, but only just long enough to get me itching to do some outdoor projects, and then it turned rainy. Enjoy your beautiful weather!

Sara S. #22

Bridget Larsen said...

funny how must of the blogs I have visited show sunny pictures when we are going into winter-warms the cockles while I am in winter clothign
Bridget #79

lisa said...

Your salty cards are gorgeous, Zoe. I love that spatter, must try that!!
You look as though you have a lovely garden bench to craft on there. I can never manage to do anything outside other than read a book, I'm forever coming in and out for bits and pieces!!!
The weather is fantastic isn't it. I was in shorts and strappy top too yesterday here in Yorkshire.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #109

Bugged Designs said...

A lot going on in your tidy workspace this week. Glad to see you are making the most of this lovely weather too and managing to craft (I've been outside hula hooping -don't ask!)

Sherry said...

It's lovely to see your garden workspace too Zo - I hope you had your suntan cream on as you certainly would have needed it - good ain't it!!

Thanks for already visiting my desk this week
WoYwW # 3

Angie said...

Outside is where I want to be! It was in the 70's last week and then 80's and now brrr, windy and 50-60 ish! I've got spots all over my garden for reading, crafting and just relaxing. Enjoy the sunshine!

Minxy said...

Nice to see you have also been enjoying this beautiful weather, i'd craft outside myself but all my stash would blow away lol
Sorry i'm late, you know how it is!!
Minxy #10

SophieNewton said...

Love your outdoor craft space. Fabulous to work with the sun on your face. Thanks for sharing x
Sophie no.183

dottielottie said...

Hi Zo thanks for paying me a visit, Your workspace is very neat.I took a peak at your H2o and salt cards, my favourite was the red one with the butterfly and bug, lovely. Happy crafting.
Hugs
Lottie x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Those cards are really lovely, such beautiful colours. Thank you for your visit this week, I am so late in returning the compliment. Flash had a bit of a relapse, but now seems to realise that he must go more slowly for a while to allow the soft tissue damage to heal, so it is now steady progress. Have a good week. xx Maggie #7

Nicola said...

Thanks for popping by, you do have a neat desk this week. I love the H20 and salt cards, think my favourite is the red one :) x

Raven's Rest Studio, Jennifer Conway said...

haha - yeah, I know what you mean about the breeze working against you! I love both your work spaces, and can just feel the warmth of the sun. We're still waiting for some Spring warmth here in Canada, but it's just around the corner. Then we too can start crafting outdoors (with various rocks to hold things down!). *smiles* ~Jen

Debs Willis said...

Hi Zo! I tried crafting in the garden but couldn't see the colours too well cos the sun was too bright, and I;m not great balancing stuff on my lap cos my diddy legs stretch to reach the ground! Been a fab sunny week though, and I hope you enjoyed your time in the garden.

Love that card you made with the DB kit - I bought a couple of Kanban kits last year, they are lovely but only come out when I;m in a hurry

Thanks for visiting

Debs xx

Lisa-Jane said...

I'm intrigued by the book print pad, not seen that around as yet. Loving the garden shots! #77

jodpea said...

Hi Zoe, thanks for your comment on my post. Lucky you getting to craft outdoors! I'm afraid all I managed last week was a half hour after work in the garden with my book - and a jumper on!

Katie said...

Crafting outside sounds amazing! I used to try when I lived at home, but it was always too breezy and my papers ended up everywhere! And now I live in Chicago, the windy city, so definitely no outside crafting here!

JB said...

Hi Zoe, thanks for leaving a comment on my blog last week. Your garden picture is giving me a prompt that I should use my bench outside too sometime x