Wednesday 24 May 2017

WOYWW 416 - we've been doing this 8 years!

Eight years of desking (I didn't join in right at the beginning, and back when I started blogging and began joining in, in those days only had a film camera, not digital - so had to rush to get pictures developed to share) - eight years through which we have seen friendships (real and virtual) forged and strengthened - thank you SO much Julia, for starting this, and keeping it going through thick and thin all this time.  To all the deskers who have visited and shared their own desks and stories and lives - it's been great fun!

If you really need more whys and wherefores (how? I just told you, it's been 8 years....!) then the link to the desks and all the info are available at Stamping-Ground

so this week, do I have new stash to share?  is my name Helen?  of course I do...  balls I say!

 polystyrene ones!

and some new stamps

and some paper dolls











I actually bought them a few weeks ago, in a local shop that has a fairly basic craft department upstairs with some art goods too... they're intended for use (the big ones certainly) for some Powertex experiment when I get time...
I was somewhat bemused by the idea of Tim Holtz bringing out paper dolls (memories of childhood with badly fitting paper clothes with little paper tabs that always tore so the clothes fell off...) but when the eventually came back in stock I grabbed a pack.

So once again we are doing an ATC swap/PIF for the anniversary..  I haven't been able to make loads, but have one for my swap partner and one for Julia for her friendship... I probably should keep them secret till they've been delivered, but there isn't anything else to share on here today, so have included them.

coloured with distress oxides and the flowers are coloured with that fateful gold spray

Now, I am off to clean up the backs and get them ready for posting....


Happy happy WOYWW and, once again, thanks to Julia (and Jan who steps in when needed) for sterling work in the desking department!
Here's to the next 8 years!

The world can be a scary place sometimes but remember - there are happy places too, and WOYWW and it's participants is one of them.  I am proud to be a part of it.

46 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Your ATCs are fabulous, Helen. I love them both. Yours are so much better than mine, I'm almost ashamed to share mine. Like you, one will go to my PIF partner and the other to Julia. I just finished them a couple of hours ago, and haven't even had a chance to photograph them yet.

Needless to say, you know where to find me, because I suspect Julia is still sleeping.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Looks like I get to send you my ATC. You may be sorry you linked when you did. Since your e-mail is in your profile, I'll contact you for your address.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Helen, since I'm before you, I SEND TO YOU, don't I? I went back and read the entire rules and the person AFTER me gets my ATC. The last person on the list will send to me.

Here's what Julia wrote:

The name with * before you will be in touch for your address, and likewise, you need to contact the next person with an * against their name, for that person will be your recipient.
If you are the last * on the list, send your ATC to the first *. Easy, innit.

That's why they call it Pay it Forward, not Pay it Back.

glitterandglue said...

Morning Helen. So glad to see that on this auspicious occasion you are true to character and have some new things to show. Yes, I remember those dolls - and being utterly frustrated when the tabs broke! Those ATCs are lovely. Well done.
Take care. God bless.
Margaret #6

Claire said...

Thanks for the visit, Helen, we're all bright and early today :)
Happy WOYWW!!
Claire no. 5
(would be great if my name were Chanel...)

Robyn said...

Love your ATC's- I forgot to add an 8 to mine- never too late!
Robyn , Lucky 13

Lunch Lady Jan said...

I heartily agree with your last sentence - we have to remember all the huge amount of love and good there is in the world. And WOYWW is a prime example of that x. I wasn't expected to the the word BALLS writ large so early in the morning, it nearly put me off me brekkie!!! :-D. Have fun with them, we look forward to seeing what you do with them in the future :-D
Hugs LLJ 10 xx

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Hi Helen, loving the new stamps, not seen those! Brilliant ATCs too. Maybe if the whole world joined us it would encourage more happiness instead of the misery that seems to be around at the moment. Still less of that, today has to be a happy one. Sending hugs, Angela x20x (at the moment)

Annie said...

Good morning my friend and a very happy 8th year anniversary. What a wonderful group we are part of.
Thanks for all your visits and for all your lovely comments.
Hugs,
Annie x #19

Mrs.D said...

Helen, I am really wondering what you are going to do with those dolls and the balls. Those ATCS are super, will email my address later in the day, haven't mastered email on my phone.
Thanks for sharing.
Chris #3

My name is Cindy said...

Lovely post Helen, I feel awful that I nearly missed the 8th anniversary - can't understand why I have so much less time now I am retired!! Will get the camera out and see if I can get my IT to play and link up!!

Diana Taylor said...

Love the ATC's Helen, I've succumbed to a couple of Oxides - it was seeing all these fabulous pieces of work around the desks that finally helped me give in to them! I do love what you've done with them here and I also love the new stamp set you bought. The paper dolls conjure up just the same memories, and yes you're right the tabs always tore - I'd forgotten that!!
Happy WOYWW Anniversary,
Diana #24 xx

Sarah Brennan said...

Happy WOYWW 8th anniversary. I, too succumbed to the lure of the paper dolls! Sarah #27

BJ said...

AW shame you haven't made more ATCs this year as they are fab. I have made a bunch and happy to send/post you one anyways if you's like.
BJ#19

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Helen, love the colours in your ATC's. I remember those paper dolls- back of the Bunty, wasn't it? I haven't been here from the start, but it must be at least 5 years since I joined. Met so many lovely people, had so much fun, whats not to like? Have a lovely week, Love and hugs,Shaz #7 XxX

Cardarian said...

Hi Helen!
If anyone then you are my shopping inspiration! You always show new things on your desk and I just love to see what is new! Also I love the stuff you make and show us Every week! The ATCs are wonderful!
Thank you for always coming to my desk and saying hi!
Love and hugs,
Cardarian

Unknown said...

Fab ATC's H, shall never forget your 'lay down on the floor' pose at the first ever in person woyww gathering of the clan... much has happened in 8 years, but the desks are an anchor to those of us remaining and a fitting memorial to the few we have lost during our time together, long may we continue, doone @23

Unknown said...

also - if you like paper dolls buy and scan and print the tyrells crisp packets they are fab for journalling...obviously you eat the crisps first,surely they wouldn't scan so well when full!?

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Thanks so much for sharing your desk and happy 8th birthday of WOYWW!
We can really say WOW to eight whole years, eh? Of fun, friendship and learning!!
Been great to get to know your floor contents, Helen!! ;)
... and those oxides well, they're just something else .. great atcs.
Happy 8th WOYWW!
Shaz in Oz.x #32

{Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

Bubbles said...

Lovely ATC's - I really love the green ink colour as it's so vibrant :)
Have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Bubbles #36
http://patchworkapples.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/woyww-416.html

Sharon said...

Love the ATCs - so bright and cheery! I should have got up earlier and posted then lol.

Happy WOYWW anniversary
Sharon K #37

Julia Dunnit said...

Your ATCs are fab... I thought you said you didn't have much of an idea! as for balls, well, good luck getting them to stay still while you work on them....will the powertex stick to it alright or will you have to prime them with something first? Lovely words Helen, thanks for well, everything!

craftyani said...

Happy 8th WOYWW. I will be interested to see what you achieve with the balls I have quite a number in my cupboard and they have been there for years. Remember paper dolls with clothes tabs from a magazine in my childhood called Woman and Home think they called the doll Tilly. Anickoana #15

Stacy Sheldon said...

:) I love the colors and textures on your ATC's Helen, they look beautiful
~Stacy #42

Plush Possum Studio said...

I like the dimensional appeal of your 2 ATCs. Delightful! Nice Eclectica set as well. Happy 8th!
Rose of Rose's Art Garden #50

pearshapedcrafting said...

Great ATCs - gorgeous colours! I have stamp envy - that set is on my list! Trying to get around as many desks as I can! Chrisx 48

Lindart said...

I love those new stamps _ I'll have to look out for them! And the Tim Holtz paper dolls? I never knew they existed! Will have to check those out too. I was a paper doll fiend when I was a kid! Happy WOYWW Anniversary! Lindart #51

Kim said...

Happy 8th Anniversary! I love your comment about the film camera...I actually used this hop to convince my hubby to get me my first digital camera! And now the phone is so much better! I love that new stamp set of EA's...but trying to resist for now. (yeah, like that will last!)
Thanks for sharing, and have a fabulous week!
-K #39 or 40

Twiglet said...

Happy 8th WOYWW anniversary! Your comments ar so true Helen - especially the last bit. We are blessed to have WOYWW and all the good it brings. Love your ATcs. xx Jo

Darlene said...

hi helen - thx for visiting my blog today. Yes G&T...the one on my desk is blueish - changes colour to a pink when you add tonic. it is quite tasty....
you are always so busy with projects - I haven't got any oxides yet but sure it will not be too long before I do lol.
ttfn
Darlene # 44

Elizabeth said...

Hi Helen, Happy 8th WOYWW anniversary! We are so lucky to be part of such a friendly and caring community as WOYWW and may it continue indefinitely too! I remember collection sheets of paper dolls from Bobby's Bookshop in Leith when I was a child - most of my pocket money went on them :) Those from Tim Holtz look very different. Lovely ATCs. Have a lovely week. Elizabeth x #45/46

Unknown said...

Happy 8th WOYWW Anniversary!
Lots on your desk! Looking forward to your projects using those balls! And cool ATCs! Mine are thoughts in my head at the moment....
Thanks for the visit and have a great week!
Carol N 338

Anne said...

I remember playing with paper dolls ( I had the one in Bunty Comic - yes I'm that old :-) ) I used to design my own clothes for them as well!!! Love your ATC's . Thanks for visiting me. Anne x #24

Shoshi said...

Looking forward to seeing what you do with the polystyrene balls, Helen! Always some interesting new stash to be found on your blog! I remember those paper dolls well - I always found them very frustrating because the clothes never stayed on with those silly little tabs! Thank you for your two lovely comments and especially for your kind words about poor little Phoebe. I am glad you liked the cards I made for my hubby.

I am sorry to be so late replying to your last week's comment but I had such a busy week last week and then I was utterly exhausted and had to have two days of complete rest, and since then I've been trying to catch up with myself.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #47

Nikki said...

Fantastic Atc Helen and happy 8th anniversary:)
As always you have lots to show off on your space new fun toys I can admire thru your pictures
Happy WOYWW hugs Nikki last place

Christine said...

Wow! Fabulous ATCs!
They may be small in number but they're large in creativety.
Have a good week
Christine #22

Sue said...

Hi Helen, Loving your ATCs. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the balls.

Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Happy WOYWW
Sue #21

Words and Pictures said...

Wow - happy 8 years of WOYWW! I often think I ought to try to get back to joining in, but it never seems to work out. Loving all those balls!
Alison x

okienurse said...

Busy looking desk as usual! I haven't seen those Tim Holtz paper dolls anywhere over here! I am going to have to go online and see if I can find me a pack! Love the ATC's! Great looking desk. So busy yet neat and tidy! Happy WOYWW 8th Anniversary! It has been a lot of fun blog hopping with this group! Hope you have a great week. Thanks for stopping by and visiting my desk and garden earlier! Vickie #55

Dorlene Durham said...

Beautiful and colorful ATCs for the lucky recipient. I've only been joining for about a year but love the "friends" I've met. Thanks for visiting me earlier. Dorlene #49

buterfliecrafter said...

Lovely paper dolls and awesome stamps, great looking ATCs, and this is indeed a safe, friendly group that's is the key to julia's success I believe, Happy belated WOYWW, Vicky

buterfliecrafter said...

o yes, forgot, can't imagine taking pictures analog and rushing to gert them printed for posting on your blog, thank god for digital cameras and their convenience.

Neet said...

Are the paper dolls you talk about like sepia photos of people? If so I got a bag a while ago at Art from the Heart and was amazed at how many there are. Good value, keep me going for years. Great to see new stash - such a rare thing to see on your blog (running and ducking).
Love your atc's
Thanks for visiting me and Happy 8th Anniversary - Hugs, Neet xx

Virginia said...

Ah bless - a happy anniversary for WOYWW - I managed to join in although infrequently - my desk at the moment doesn't seem to be changing particularly rapidly - which is frustrating!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Andrea said...

hi, Helen, I remember those paper dolls I used to love them and make my own costumes for them ( badly probably ) the Tim Holtz ones look fab. great ATCs and thanks for sharing them it is a treat . belated anniversary wishes I had a great week away..and I am very happy to be part of such a warm and caring community crafty hugs Andrea #48

Marit said...

I didn't have acces to a computer last couple of days so I'm very, VERY late visiting desks and celebrating the 8th anniversary... anyway, here I am! Great ATCs you made and I love the stamps on your desk Helen! Thanks for visiting my blog last week, it's so nice to be part of this lovely group of crafters. Hooray, hooray and on to another year of 'desking' and crafting! Hug from Holland, Marit #29