Re-invented Scraproom

I've done it again! I've reorganised my scrap room, added some new storage things and it is working so much better for me. It feels good too, like a new start in for the new year. I have freed up some creative space in my head so here's to a creative 2010 for everyone :)

2010 Crop Dates

Hi Cannock Croppers! Next years crop dates were booked quite a while ago, but in case anyone doesn't know, we managed to get the second saturday in every month. That way, everyone can easily remember them. I am wondering about making some changes next year. I would love to hear what you like about the crop and what you don't like. Let's come up with some new ideas! I am hoping we can have a meeting at the January crop for the first half an hour to plan for the year. Please email me with your thoughts at donnadowd59@hotmail.com or leave a comment on here. Just some things to get you thinking- maybe we could change the seating around so we can all chat easier, have scrapping challenges with prizes, include lunch?, sell our equipment that has been hard to monitor, or buy more? Classes have become a big issue that has caused quite a bit of anguish. Anyway, lots to discuss and think about. We have been running for about 5 years now, and there has always been a great open and friendly atmosphere which we want to keep. The bits I love are being with such great people, being inspired by the work you do, sharing info and ideas together, and of course, the crop shops that visit with lovely stash to drool over :) I would really value your input. Thanks!

sweet

I love this little video story- the circle of kindness.
http://www.lds.org/topic/christmas/christmas_video_2.html

Christmas challenges and joys

I love this time of year, but this is a challenging one for me. My back problems have returned with a vengeance. It's so frustrating to be laying here, with so much needing to be done! I will not be able to scrap at the crop tomorrow. I hope to call in if I can, but won't be stopping. I am trying to do things from the sofa - email old friends, watch some good movies etc and to feel the spirit of Christmas in different ways. I always think there is a reason for things, I just need to work out what it is this time! Thanks to all my friends and readers for continuing to follow my blog this year. One of my favourite films for Christmas is 'It's a wonderful life' and that is my motto this Christmas. No matter what challeges we have, it really is a wonderful life! Enjoy the season and see if you can surprise someone or do a little act of unexpected kindness. It's the very best way to enjoy Christmas - guaranteed :)

Soldering

I noticed this on a Stampington newsletter, and it's an inspiring how-to clip. Here's the link:
http://stampington.com/postscript/2009/december/postscript_12082009_video.html
It looks like there are lots of interesting videos on here. I am struggling with a bad back again at the moment, but the up side of that is that I have time to look at these things :) As soon as I can sit up better I am going to get that soldering iron out again! It was a bit of a disaster last time!

12 Tags of Christmas

Just a heads up to say Tim Holtz is doing his 12 tags of Christmas again this year (this is one of them). Have a look at www.timholtz.typepad.com - there are more amazing timholtzy techniques and some gorgeous ideas. I'm feeling all inky just thinking about it! Don't miss it.

Hobbycraft

It's definate!!! When I went shopping to the retail park right near my house I saw a huge empty retail unit with Hobbycraft posters all over it! They will be opening in Stafford in Spring next year! How amazing is that?? Hubby won't be to pleased though- I won't even need the car to spend money on stash haha!

Information for December Cannock Crop

Here's the info I received from Sue today:

Here’s the heads-up on what you'll need to complete the class layout:

Basic tool kit (paper trimmer, steel ruler, craft knife, scissors, pencil, adhesive, cutting mat)
One 6 x 4" landscape orientation photo and three smaller photo's if desired to fit into stars... Steph has used Black and white photo's (sneak attached above showing kit colours)
Sewing needle
Paint brush
Black ink pad
Of course, being a CRAFTYSTASH CROP ... THE crop where value for money and inspiration comes as standard ... we have a second layout for you to complete, should you fancy doing this layout as well you will need a 4"x 6" portrait photo ... Steph has used a black and white photo


Theme is OPEN

Scrapbook page! Ribbon Storage idea

I got fed up of not being able to see my ribbon, so I have organised it better. I used large book rings, one ring for each colour and tied the ribbon on to them. I then hung all the rings on a coat hanger which hangs on the knob of my craft room cupboard. It's so much easier to see what I've got, instead of sifting through tangled knots in a box! Also, I have actualy completed a scrapbook page! (shock horror!) I used to do lots, but got a bit carried away with mini books and gifts. It feels really good to get back to 12 x 12 scrapbooking.

Crop Class

We will be getting a sneak peek of the class at the weekend on my blog. I have asked for 11 kits for the following people who have confirmed: me, Carol, Karen, Nina, Zoe, Marie-Noelle, Tricia, Chris H, Chris G, Irene, Ellie. If you want a kit and you are not on the list please let me know a.s.a.p. or you will be disapointed. Thanks.

Christmas Crop

Saturday 12th December we have our Chase scrappers crop. Sue is bringing her shop from Crafty Stash, and there will be a class kit provided for £12 for those who want to do it. The room hire cost will be subsidised this month= just £3! We are having our annual buffet too, just bring something to share. If you want to, bring a £5 scrapbooking gift for our secret santa gift exchange. I always look forward to the Christmas crop, it's become just part of Christmas for me. Spending time with great people, doing what we love - what more could a girl want from Santa?
If you love Christmas you will love these! http://www.jacquielawson.com/cards_christmas.asp
Jacquie Lawson's amazing interactive Christmas cards. This woman has single-handedly captured the essence of everything wonderful about Christmas in her cards. Enjoy:)

Seasonal treats

It's my favourite time of year! The day I get out the autumn basket is always a marker for me - Christmas is on the horizon! It symbolizes nights in snuggled on the sofa, Christmassy movies, and that twinge of excitement in the air. I have been having a go at making some cards too. I was given a lovely watercolour painted card last year and kept it, so here is my version, with added stickles for sparkle! I am loving watercolour painting :-)

Sprinkles

Stacy Julian has been around in the scrapbooking world a llooonnnnnggggggggg time! I like her outlook, and her simple scrapbooking style, and most of all, her attitude. I LOVE the sprinkles section of her website. If you have time, it's very uplifting.
http://stacyjulian.com/sprinkles/

Decorating

So sorry I have not blogged much recently. I have been decorating the living room, and what seemed a small job seems to have gone on for ages. It's the domino effect!! I was given a chest of drawers and I wasn't sure about the colour, but I needed more storage space in the living room, so I painted it. Even with good paint it took 3 coats. I'm pleased with the result though, and I now have a great place to store the grandchildren's toys and games, plus pens and paper etc. I will never have to hunt for a pen again:) All the DVD's fit in there too, and the remote controls will have a home. The fireplace was to be a quick job. Or so I thought. I sprayed it with 3 coats of Plastikote stone effect paint. It gave it a nice texture, but it didn't seem scratch proof and I didn't like the colour, so I did a top coat of satinwood silk. It's a lovely finish, and looks much like stone, but a far cheaper option. It's all taken me ages. I have painted 3 walls with Crown "on the rocks" (gorgeous colour on) and just have the last wall to paper. I got some lovely Laura Ashley paper, £20 a roll, reduced to £1 a roll in the sale :) You gotta love a bargain- especially a quality one! So that's what I've been up to. No time to scrap with all my lovely new stash. I'm looking forward to our crop class, felt covers for books on 14th November. There are still a few places so contact me if you are interested.

yummy fabrics

I brought back some lovely fabrics from America. Joanne's fabric shops are amazing- so much choice and a sale on too! Many fabrics were $3.99 a metre. I also got some goodies to experiment with on the fabrics. I'll let you know how it goes! I'm really excited tonight. I just heard my parents are moving to Stafford! After 70 years in the same house (where I grew up) they are taking the plunge. It will be wonderful to have them living just up the road. Fingers crossed all goes well with the house sale.

crop-learn-play

Yay! Saturday is crop day!! I just heard from Jules. She is coming with her shop- and bringing a class for us to do! How exciting:) I'm bringing some stash to sell so bring along anything you have to sell too. Then you can spend your money at Jule's shop guilt free!

stash binge!

Yes, I've been on a 3 week stash binge! I now need an extreme stash diet for at least a year! The photos are just some of my buys. There's also flowers, paper packs, embellishments, and more than a few clear stamp sets. Trouble is, there is no room to even get into my craft room. I am overwhelmed, and have no idea where to stash my stash! I got some great books that i will bring to the crop Saturday, so hopefully there will be some inspiration there for all.

USA

It seems very weird to be writing this from America!! We are pretty exhausted and Kevin is now chilling and watching even MORE American football- so I have escaped to the business centre in the hotel for 5 mins to send a couple of emails and so thought I'd say Hi to you. I'm loving the exploring of everything here. We have met tons of lovely people and found some great shops. Saturday we head down to Vermont and it looks like we will hit it just right for the autumn colours. I'm excited! On the way we are calling in to a shop called 'We be scrappin' which I am told is fantastic. There's a web site so have a look. Four out of the first six scrapping shops we went to had closed because of the recession!! What a disappointment :( I have since made up for it though, and found some great shops. Michael's still seems to have the best overall selection and there is one in most towns. Kevin is brill, he just brings a book and sits reading in the car! I have decided he's a keeper! I haven't found any amazing new techniques as yet, and the stash here seems pretty much what we get over there, just cheaper. Anyway, I hope you are all well and look forward to seeing you soon. xx

details

Just a crop update. It's our crop saturday, and I will be doing a demo on travel journals, (hmmmnnnnnnnn wonder why!) including a technique turotial. We also have a shop and a second hand table so bring your unwanted stash to sell. It's £5 for the day, bring your own drinks but milk and hot water are provided. We will have sign up sheets for the classes coming up this year and next- so don't miss getting your name down. See you there!

Beautiful England

I'm really making an effort to get fitter, and that includes walking every day. I feel so so blessed to live near Cannock Chase and I've spent a bit of time there recently! It's amazing! Just wanted to tell you that. If you live close, make the most of it. Every season has it's beauties:) The heather is particularly spectacular at the moment.

Class Instructions

It's my class at Hedensford library tomorrow. It's been fun to get ready- and I'm excited about teaching it. I LOVE seeing people go home happy with something they have made (fingers crossed for that haha!) Anyway, thought I'd post the instructions in case you want to have a go at your own. I am planning to teach a few classes at home in the future. I will be sure and put them on my blog.
FAMILY HISTORY THEMED CANVAS

1. Colour you canvas by wiping it with a dampened sponge dipped in ‘lettuce’ colour wash, Leave to dry.
2. Cut out a piece from your patterned paper 18.5 x 18.5 cm. Reserve the rest for later.
3. Ink the edges of your cut out square by swiping a blue ink pad lightly over them.
4. This is where you get to be creative. Make up 3 flowers to your own design by arranging the shapes and gluing the layers together.
5. Make up the mini envelop with the pattern on the inside. Glue together. Fold the blue card and put it in the envelope. Tie your narrow ribbon around the envelope and knot.
6. Lay your flowers, photo, and envelope on your square of patterned paper in a design that you like. Remember to allow room for the ribbon to fit on the bottom of the canvas. When you are happy with your design glue the pieces on. Use photo stickers to attach the photo.
7. Attach the whole thing to your canvas using PVA glue sparingly.
8. Ink the edges of your canvas if liked.
9. Tear a strip of the remaining patterned paper approx. 28cm long- enough to cover the front and edges of your canvas. Ink the edges. Using a glue dot at each end, attach to your canvas.
10. Take the longer piece of blue ribbon and lay it over the torn strip. Attach with glue dots.
11. Use shorter piece or ribbon to make a bow and attach with a glue dot.

Crop again

It's our crop on saturday 12th. Sadly Jules can't be with us as she has a family commitment. Thankfully Caroline from Skrapz was able to step into the breech. They always bring lots of yummy stash- so be prepared:) It's the day before I go to America for 3 weeks, so don't let me spend anything!! I need every penny for that. Hope to see you there.

The Photograph

It's how and why scrapbooking started. The photograph. My son is loving his camera and for my birthday took some great pictures at our family picnic. I have had 2 put on to 18" x 20" canvases and I am loving them!!!! It just made me think- am I taking enough quality photos? And am I doing enough with them? These are a couple of the photos that Matt took.

Lot's happening

So here's what we have provisionally booked in for classes/workshops for Chase Scrappers.
September- Jules class
October - possibly Rachel Allen
November - Margaret Dunning
December Ellie's class
2010
May - Gallery Textiles
later in the year we have Shimelle and Jane Pope
All of these classes are sounding really good- I'm excited! Some of them are going to be expensive. Although we are now supported with money for the hire of the hall we are still going to be very short of what we need. Any ideas? Maybe we could do a bit of fundraising?? Let me know what you think.
I'm in a scrapping frenzy at the mo. I've just completed a 30th anniversary mini book for my hubby and I. Can't believe it's been that long and that happy:) I've started working on a travel journal for my trip to America NEXT MONTH- whoop!!! I will post pics soon.

Classes, classes, classes!!

Thanks to those who came to the crop saturday. What a great bunch you are! I always enjoy the company and the inspiration.. We are sorting out some really interesting classes for the crop. Jules is doing a class for september, and Ellie will do a class in December with a kit from Crafty Stash - www.craftystash.co.uk
I'm looking in to something for November. I've also been enjoying FREE classes on www.thebigpicture.com If you go there and search classes, choose list by price, and the free ones come up. You put your details in, but won't be charged. Then you go to 'my classes' and you can do them whenever you like. I certainly found some inspiration. It's made me want to get back to why I started scrapbooking- recording lives through words and photos. Enjoy!

Monoprint Class

Did Rurh Allen's class- www.ruthallenart.co.uk - at the Shire Hall Gallery today and loved it! Ruth is inspiring and a very tallented artist. She is also a good teacher, and the two things don't always go hand in hand:) This is the peice of work I completed, and I'm raring to do more! (click on it for a close up image) We used block printing ink which was deliciously messy- and traced our images onto patterned papers laid on top of the ink. I will do it as a demo at the crop next week, all being well. Ruth is willing to come and do some workshops for the crop. That's exciting.

Summer

I am LOVING summer! What summer you may ask? I know the weather has not been great, but there's even benefits to the rain! Here's why I love summer:
1. Day's out- people generally want to have fun in the summer
2. Garden looks beautiful- don't even have to water it this year:)
3. Roads are so much quieter when school's out
4. There are lots of local things organised- eg bands playing in the park
5. When it rains it sounds wonderful in our conservatory-nothing better than curling up with a good book in there.
6. Fruit! You have to love strawberries and rasberries- yum and healthy too!
7. Holidays
Our big holiday is happening in September, but we are excited to have a night away in the Lake District on sunday. And just remember- if we didn't have lots of rain we wouldn't have a lake district, or such a beautiful country! Tomorrow promises to be great too- I'm booked on a class at Stafford Shire Hall Gallery, making monoprits in 50's style. Can't wait. I will post my finished piece.
Enjoy summer.

Fun at 50

What a great birthday I had! All the family got together and had a picnic Sunday afternoon and we finally got some family photos. I will post some as soon as my son has edited them. We had great weather, which was a blessing because it's been pretty dire lately if you hadn't noticed! My surprise pressy was a spa day with my lovely daughter Becky, We had lots of fun, a gentle bike ride, a walk, a swim, a lovely lunch, some great relaxation and a facial and manicure. I came home feeling great!Thanks to everyone for making it special.
I have prepared this canvas for a class I'm doing at Hedensford library on 7th September. It's a library week focused on the theme of ancestors (my favourite theme) so contact the library if you want to come!

Crop Shop!!

Good news! Indigo Mill are bringing their shop to our crop on the 11th. If you can make the crop and would like Steph to bring anything in particular let me know and I will ask. In the mean time, have a look at their web site to get your juices going:-)
http://www.indigomill.co.uk/

pretty pretty pretty!

I bought the picture at Dagfields craft centre for £5. Loved it, so brought some wooden hearts at Hobbycraft and painted one to match, I then stamped a flower design on and painted in the detail, and highlighted the edges with stickles. I also got these gorgeous soaps at Dagfields. They look and smell so good you want to eat them! Thought they'd make an interesting feature in the bathroom that is the next on my list to makeover. The whole house smelt amazing when I woke up this morning. One of them is cherry bakewell and smells just like it:) I had the glass cake stand and thought it went perfectly. I'm finding that it's the little touches that make all the difference.

And yet another post......

I know- you don't here from me for months then I blog, blog, blog! I have TIME at the moment:) I have been playing with some stamps I bought for the crop for a class on the 11th. They are gorgeous! Anyway, I am doing a 6" x 6" layout for the class and here's a preview. I've used vellum, stickles, and naked chipboard, as well as some lovely sparkly paper. To cover the cost of the stamps and chipboard the class will cost about £1.50- and you get to use the stamps at each crop if you want to. Velum is fab to stamp on and you can curl the leaves up. Fun!

Quotes

Here's a couple of quotes I found while searching some blogs today. I guess laying flat with a bad back again does have it's advantages. I believe there is a reason for every trial and that something good comes out of every challenge. Feeling very philosophical today!!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered with failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."-- Theodore Roosevelt

Summer garden

How wonderful to come home after a week away and discover that everything has bloomed and blossomed in the garden! A week makes so much difference. I collected a large bowl of the first raspberries too, and it looks like there's plenty more to come. Raspberries and cream- the best ever summer treat. Anyway, I thought I would share these pictures I just took- it's the simple things that make me happy:)

Holidays and homes

I'm back from a week in a country cottage in Devon. We had amazing weather, and it was great to be with all the family. I am pretty exhausted now- and getting in some recovery time today! Having lived in a country cottage with beams etc, I have decided I no longer want one.It's been a dream of mine for many years, but it didn't live up to the expectation. This is a relief for me (and for Kevin who never really wanted to move) because I feel like I can really get on with making our home how I want it to be. After dark rooms and low doorways it felt good to be back to light and airy rooms with no stooping necessary and no damp!! So, while I've been relaxing today I found some fab blogs. LOVE this one www.romantichome.blogspot.com . I stole the photo from there, and this is the look I'm going for. OK, it will be a long term project :) But I'm excited to finaly commit myself to this house for good and I'm ready to invest some time and creative energy in to it. I have never been great at home decor- don't know why, but I am going to think of each room like a giant scrapbook page! We'll see what happens.

more flowers

Jules has made her own version of the fabric flowers. There's some great ideas on her blog www.capturelifecreateart.blogspot.com Have a look!

Fabric flowers

I've loved making these flowers! My idea was to make paper flowers, and I did some, but moved on to fabric and couldn't stop! I roughly cut out the flowers, stitched 3 or 4 graduating sized flowers together by sewing a button on the top, dipped them in fabric stiffener (you can make your own by mixing pva and water half and half) and then shaped them whilst drying with a heat gun. You need to seperate the layers a bit and scrunch it all up! I held the petals in the shape I wanted by using a pricking tool or scissors and dried it till it kept its shape. If you try it, don't get the heat gun too close- there is a risk it will catch fire:( Add a bit of Ranger Stickles around the edge, and a little ink if you like and it's done. Let me know how it goes.

Class

I'm playing with making paper flowers and giving them a porcelain effect- fun! I think it will make an interesting little class for Saturday's crop. If you are coming and would like to do the class all you need to bring is a photo-
5" x 3" or smaller, everything else will be supplied.
On a different note, I came across this quote today. How important it is to enjoy
le petit bonheaur!
"Hope for the moment. There are times when it is hard to believe in the future, when we are temporarily just not brave enough. When this happens, concentrate on the present. Cultivate le petit bonheaur (the little happiness) until courage returns. Look forward to the beauty of the next moment, the next hour, the promise of a good meal, sleep, a book, a movie, the likelihood that tonight the stars will shine. Sink roots into the present until the strength grows to think about tomorrow."
Ardis Whitman
Lisa Bearnson on her blog said she would like to put together a quote book and give a copy to each of her children. What a great idea! There are so many inspiring quotes I have used for strength and inspiration in my life, how great to share those. It will be an on-going project, and I might even include one or two of my own little gems!

Inspiration

Been following a few blogs, and found this on Hiedi Swapp's blog. She never fails to inspire me! It's made with fabric scraps run up on her machine. I'm loving the stitched flower centre. Check out www.heidiswapp.typepad.com for more great stuff. I'm also loving Rhonna's blog. www.rhonnadesigns.blogspot.com again, positively bursting with projects to get the creative juices going! (and I needed that- I've had a dry spell) Ugh!
CROP
I have been researching things to make our crop even better. Karen has found out we may be able to get a grant to help support what we do. To get it we must have public liability insurance, so I have been getting quotes. I've been thinking we need a more structured class/demo plan, and to have more fun things going on. We need a committee meeting soon! I would love to hear ideas from anyone.

Bits

It's been soooo long since I bloged!! Lots to say...... Karen and Carol's mini book class at Hedensford library was excellent. It was a great kit, really well put together. Thanks for a lovely afternoon. Trish, Vickie and I also did a collage class at Stafford library. It was something a bit different for me, and stretched me, and that's always gotta be good:-) I have also booked up for a 50's style monogram class at Stafford library in August- how exciting! Another exciting thing- we have booked our flights to America for september))))))We are going for 3 weeks in September so although it means I will miss the crop, I hope to come back with tons of new ideas and inspiration to share. I have already been on the net and found numerous craft stores within easy reach-(happy). I haven't done much scrapping recently, but the picture is of my interpretation of one of my lovely old postcards. What a story! The postcard is from the Lake District during the Second World War, a young woman called Betty wrote to her friend “Of course, it is quiet here, and the only thing to do is walk. Met an army captain a week ago yesterday, and I see him nearly every night, was out walking with him yesterday, and we went for miles all over the fell.” Well, I have created story in my mind of a war weary army captain, who had gone to the Lakes for a retreat, maybe from battle fatigue. He meets Betty while walking through Mardale (pictured on the front) and a romance begins. I couldn’t wait to make a piece of art telling their story. Enjoy your bank holiday, and don't forget to take photos! (as if you would)

Playing with Masks

After watching Tim Holtz showing how he uses masks (u Tube) I thought I would have a play. I made my own masks by cutting out a 6" bird on my Cricut Expressions. I used a temporary adhesive and stuck it on my 12 x 12 card stock. I stamped a text stamp over the top to leave clear areas where the bird had been. But then, I loved the bird I had used as a mask, and decided to use that on my page too! Nothing wasted here:) Easy and fun!

crop

I won't be at the crop on saturday, I'm away for the weekend. I'm sure you will have a fab time. Carooline from Skrapz is bringing their shop, which we know is brilliant. They have some new stuff to show you too. Enjoy!

Free collage class

There's a free collage class at Stafford Library (01785 27858)on Friday 15th May. I'm going, and I think there are still several places left, so come and join us if you can! I found a nice beeswax collage tutorial on YouTube, and you know how I love that smell! It's worth a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmJaDI6H_Ow
Think I better go and melt some wax!

Poor excuse for a blogger!

I know I have not blogged much of late. Forgive me? It's hubby's 50th birthday on saturday and my mind has been busy with that. Not that I've been doing much, just thinking! I feel like the things I have planed for his special day are not all that exciting, but its what he wants. We are going up to our temple in Preston for a peaceful day with the family, then out for dinner. I haven't done much scrapping recently, but am working on an exciting new project. I'm making a story book for my Grandchildren, writing the story, illustrating it (!!!!) and making a propper little book out of it. It's only a few pages, but I will put it on the blog when it's done. I KNOW that, however bad it is, Phoebe will love it! Isn't that wonderful? She loves my made up stories, and remembers all the details. There is something so satisfying about writing a story, and printing and painting on fabulous art paper. Love the texture, the smell, the sharp pencils, the way the paint puddles in different shades of colour. Can you tell I watched Miss Potter (about the life of Beatrix Potter) recently? Its inspired me. Not only do I want to write down the stories, I also want to go to the Lake District again-badly!!! The picture at the top is of Hill Top, Beatrix's home.

spring cleaning

A trip to Wolverhampton retail park the other day found me not spending my money in Hobbycraft (I know!) but Laura Ashley. Love their stuff anyway, but there was a sale! I bought 2 strings of pretty rose and cram bunting and cushions to match all at half price. My conservatory was just too plain and this has made a big difference I think. Did you see the home programme with Kirsty Alsop on channel 4 the other day? Very inspiring- so I blame her for my latest spending spree! I'm not usually a lover of her programmes, but this one is very different. You can watch it on channel 4 catch up. I have all the family coming tomorrow for a barbie after church, so the bunting makes it feel like an event:) Enjoy the good weather.

Craft room

It's done, and here are the pictures to prove it!! My plan is that everything I use frequently is close by. I have all my ink pads, embossing powders, and paper embellishments in the pull out drawer set next to my desk and all my other embellishments in clear plastic boxes on my desk.No more hunting for things:) All my tools are right above my desk in hanging pots, or in my tote which I keep by my feet. It feels good to be organised, and it is definitely freeing up the creative juices! I didn't realise how much all the 'stuff' I had been hanging on to was clouding my thinking! Too many choices, too much guilt for not using stash- now everything I have got I will use. Yes!