Wednesday, June 2, 2010

WOYWW 52: First Anniversary

WOYWW or What's on your work-desk Wednesday turns ONE today. Congratulations go to Julia of Stamping Ground for this monumental event. I felt like a WOYWWAT (what's on your work-desk Wednesday anniversary tribute) was in order. The concept (and all these acronyms) began with Julia. In the beginning, there were no Mr. Linky links, and ONLY 11 comments (yep, I'm also a researcher and statistician, too). By October, Julia had attracted 20 plus participants each week. By November, over 30 played each week. The first WOYWW post this year attracted nearly 40 players. The word was getting out, because by the end of January, there were nearly 60 players willing to show their work spaces, then nearly 70 by the end of February. Then came the first week in March, 2010, and Mr. Linky was born, which became a weekly event that made it easier (and quicker) to click on WOYWW participants. By the end of April, I had joined and Julia had begun counting each week by number. At Week 47, she proposed the WOYWWAC (anniversary challenge). Weeks 48 through 51 saw an unprecedented EXPLOSION of new players, over 120 each week, with week 51 weighing in with 130 blogs, all of whom were not afraid to show their messes or neatness each week.

So Happy first WOYWWA, Julia. Out of fairness and with full disclosure in mind, this anniversary candle photo was actually taken last year on my birthday. The gifts are long gone and greedily sadly the cupcake has been eaten. Today's work-desk and craft room look much different.

For one thing, there's something new in the sewing area. I don't sew, not real sewing anyway. So when I mentioned I'd like to make a sewing machine dust cover, my art buddy Dana suggested a pillow case. All I had to do was cut off the bottom, sew a seam, and decorate. And decorate I did, in true Julia and WOYWW fashion. Supplies for the project: stencils and stencil cream for the letters, stamps and fabric paint for the decorations, and of course, the slightly too small diameter pillow case.

So what's on my work desk, then? Well a completed project, a failed project, and a partial project. The gesso, craft sheet, and revolving tool caddy (not shown) are always there.

I got the idea to decorate a bunch of these clothes pins with WOYWW, but I didn't have enough. My plan is to string a "clothes line" above my windows and hang pieces I've received from art friends. This is a WIP and I'll be showing the finished project soon (or whenever I get more clothes pins).

This is a failed project. I had a project in mind, but my orange Day glow spray paint actually fizzled and drizzled all over my fingers, which in turn made sticky messes all over my camera and keyboard. To make matters worse, it then refused to even spittle. At some point after that, I abandoned the project.

Who is this? Why it's Whats On Your Work-desk WENDY! Wendy is similar to a "Flat Stanley," that wildly popular (about five years ago) take-along doll many people decorated with their own faces and sent to others. She's truly my alter ego, right down to her flat less-than-voluptuous chest and her bangs that hang down past her eyebrows.

Her skirt is made of hand dyed fabric, her blouse from a piece of commercial fabric my friend Dana gave me. Her face is from the same recycled pillow case as the sewing machine cover, but I cheated and STAMPED her face. Julia will be so proud! The hands and feet were some my friend Kathy was going to throw away. She offered them to me, and what else could the Queen of Free do, but take them to be used in a future project.

Wendy's already started exploring. Here she's waving to everyone to join in and visit the WOYWW participants today, and be sure to check out the blog pick, chosen specifically for WOYWW participants.

Today's blog is dedicated to all WOYWW participants who love copic markers. Lisa (from Washington state in the US), the brains and art behind GOBEAGIRL, uses her copic markers daily. Not only does she use them, she shows you every marker she uses in that day's entry. I've never seen anyone else do that! Color me impressed. In addition to her stamping and coloring, she talks about her life. She is a real wordsmith. There's plenty at GOBEAGIRL to keep you entertained all day. Be aware. Lisa's blog is fun, but it is not the usual art you see on a daily basis. However, I know many of those who come here from a WOYWW link, will really love her coloring skills, art, and talent as much as I do.

Now I'm off to get some sleep, shop for groceries, then visit all of you (in that order, I might add). Thanks for sticking with me throughout this post, too. Although I actually shot the photos for this post yesterday, nothing has changed, except possibly Wendy, who could be anywhere now.

UPDATE: I've not been to sleep, gone grocery shopping, but as of 1:30 pm my time, I have been to every blog Mr. Linky had. I may never recover (grin), but thanks Julia for putting this all together today. Many of the projects were simply incredible.

90 thoughtful remarks:

Annie said...

Loving your creations.
A x

Helen said...

Love Wendy (shouldn't she be called Julia in real tribute?!) You have been so creative.

Anne said...

Brilliant! I love Wendy! The sewing machine cover is genius - the lettering is fab.

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Loved my visit to your desk this morning, love your tribute, just fantastic. Love doll Wendy too what a fantastic tribute, made me smile. Well done you I love all your pieces. Have a great Wednesday, Tracy Evans x x

Jamie said...

Love the sewing machine cover, so creative! x

Foil Play said...

I love your projects, and also your research of the stats :-)

Lothian Crafts said...

Great projects especially the sewing machine cover.
Cheers Elaine

Darcy Marshall said...

love all the stats. great machine cover and art doll. Hope you get some more pegs.

Angie said...

Wendy made me smile ... good start to the day ... love the machine cover too

Julia Dunnit said...

WOW!! WOW!! I love that you didn't make the cover and then add a teeny subtle label with the silly acronym on it...how fab is that - you'll never be able to forget now!! And Wendy is a gal of taste and impeccable eclectic dress - will she hang from the line whenyou're too busy to play?! Sorry about the can of ornage squirt - I recently had the same thing with acrylic sealant. Specifically bought for the fine spray covering....ruined the piece by erm, spitting on it. Agggh. And Elizabeth, my statistician friend - they were interesting; if only I'd thought to look myself - hope you weren't bored rigid by all the nonsense you had to wade through.

jude said...

Fab projects adore the idea of the sewing machine cover just love it!never would have thought of a pillow case.Have great wednesday
hugs judex

HeARTworks said...

Amazing! I'm impressed with your industry- you didn't stop at one project! I'll have to get a pillow case for my sewing machine, which I hardly ever use- so clever! Patsy from
HeARTworks

Anonymous said...

BRILLIANT!!! a cover for your sewing machine, now that is too cool!

Kate said...

So many WOYWWAC projects, you have been working hard. Love the custome sewing machine cover. Happy anniversary.

** Kate **

PaperArtsy said...

Blimey. Very industrious, and a great round up of the year of WOYWW

Unknown said...

I LOVE Wendy, what a cool idea- I really MUST find some time soon to make an art doll. And speaking of time, I bow to you, for mustering the time/energy to visit all these folks each week! Right now, I'm having trouble staying regular with the 50 or sites that I personally follow- do you have any secrets for this? I'd love to join but just don't think I could keep up:) Kudos to you!

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

Love the sewing machine cover, what a fab idea. As for "Wendy" can't wait to see what she gets up to over the next 52 weeks!!!

xx

Hello, I'm Vicki said...

wendy is very pretty, i love your pillow case - it's so gorgeous - i wish i could sew!! have a great day xx

Diane said...

What a great idea for a sewing machine cover, and I also like the idea with the clothespins--I think I'd like to do this too
-Thanks!!

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Hi Elizabeth, absolutely love the machine cover :o) and Wendy is wonderful ;o) Pity about the spray paint I have some spray adhesive like that, but 'cos there's still so much in it I somehow can't bring myself to throw it away :-/
Anne xx

Kay said...

Wendy is amazing! Love the sewing machine cover too.. great idea to use a pillow case.

Kate said...

Great idea for the sewing machine cover :0)

kayc said...

Wendy - love her. Great idea for your sewing machine. Thanks for your comments! Kathleen x

Angela Toucan said...

great cover, and the dolls look really interesting - clever you

Unknown said...

I love Wendy she is wonderful and the pillowcase for the SM is a fabby idea and it looks great with all the stenciling you are so clever!

love Dawn xx

Nine said...

Loving creations !!!! Thanks for sharing !

Handmade with Love said...

Love all of your projects, the ones and that failed and the successes and a big wave to Wendy, she is great! Have a great week. Tracey x

Tracey said...

The sewing machine cover is lovely. Brilliant idea. Wendy is cute...I look forward to reading about her antics.
Have a great wednesday
Tracey

Nicks said...

pillow case... what a fab idea!!!

ISA said...

I'm a little new participant of WOYWW and i think it's a very good idea and give us the desire to see more of each blog ! :-) But like you tell we are a lot now and it's hard to see all at the day ! But i will do week after week, i will arrive to see all i hope :-) So happy today to discover your blog. Have a nice day, ISA

Leanne said...

WOW these creations are fab - and was good to read about the 'facts' of WOYWW!!

Hugs
Leanne xx

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

Great Creations :) Happy WOYWW!

Paper and Ribbons said...

Fantastic idea to use a pillowcase, why didn't I think of that? I like the idea of having a clothes line to display the work you have received.

Twiglet said...

Well - I need a cover like that!!! Wendy is brilliant too - clever WOYW Wendy!!!

Bee said...

loving Wendy and your machine cover, Happy WOYWW anniversary

xx

Terri Kahrs said...

Awesome projects! Love that sewing machine cover AND I adore Wendy! It's always fun to see what new things are happening in your studio. Hugs, Terri xoxo

Loopylou. said...

i love your little doll and the sewing machine cover is fab!!!! yummy looking cupcake too!!!

Caterina Giglio said...

brilliant pillow case idea!! and I will check out your link! ciao!

~*~Patty said...

Love how you get into the spirit of things Elizabeth! Your art doll is such fun and the sewing machine cover is brilliant too!
Happy Wednesday, eventho it feels like Tuesday ;)!
oxo

Cath said...

Love your doll, and your research ;)

ikki said...

Very clever thinking and useful too. Great result. Love your Wendy! ikki x

Tammy Freiborg said...

Love the doll and look forward to seeing her in future WOYWW pics!

Karen said...

Awe you always make me smile my friend! I love that you made your machine cover from an old pillowcase and I adore Wendy...actually Wendy has inspired me :D

HUGS XXX

Spyder said...

you're soo clever, love your doll and I'm lookin at mine and saying, definitely going to turn it into a bird feeder!!
Have a crafty day!
(Lyn)

your code is...orideup

Harriet H said...

what cute celebration prizes......

Chrissie said...

Oh my! you really went to town! These are fabby items.
In England, pennant flags strung together are called 'bunting' (A collective name for the string of flags)But a 'banner' covers it pretty well too!
Happy WOYWWAC!
Chrissie

Stressed Stamper said...

loving the cover there - great stamping and great idea

Mummylade said...

really clever machine cover!

peggy gatto said...

you are too clever!!!
I need 1 big cover for my desk!!!!!!!!!!!

Jane said...

Wow you did your homework lol
Loving all your creations!
x

angeleef said...

What an amazing researcher you are! I'm new too and try to pass as many blogs as I can, but there are so many players that it is very hard and I think it will get only harder as more people spread the word! So I'm off visiting some other wonderfull blogs now!
** Evi **

Mollye said...

Cute clothespin idea. You're such an ingenius little soul! teehee

Linby said...

First of all good work on the stats - I like them too! Secondly , ingenius idea to use the pillowcase and would not have known if you hadn't fessed up to it. thirdly - wow so many creations - well done they are all fab. particularly like the pegs and think I may be doing something similar soon...
Linbyx

Kathryn said...

OMG! I must be very late today! No. 54 in the comment roll! Your WOYWW pieces are wonderful!!! Wendy is great! Hope to see her on your Wednesday posts from now on! Ha!
xo
kat

cheryl said...

oh gosh this is such a brilliant idea,love the sewing machine,brilliant idea hugs cheryl xx

minnie_mac said...

Loved your post. It made me smile and I loved seeing your projects.

Marilyn

mckinkle said...

I love your machine cover and the fact that you made it an ankle skimming length, thats just perfect coz if you'd made it so you couldnt see your machine......... well then youd have lost it for good!!!

Wendy agrees with me she just said so!! lol! Well, Im sure it was her?!?

Keryn x

Isabelle Norris said...

LOL, like Wendy and the cover is super cool too !!
isa

Nicki said...

Fab bunch of anniversay projects and love the little history of WOYWW!

Thanks, Nicki, xx

Paige said...

what a fab way to make a dust cover for your sewing machine!!! love it!!!

Ann said...

What a great way to use up an old pillow case. Very useful too. I like how you've decorated it. Well done.

Unknown said...

I totally LOVE your tribute and all the research stuff is fascinating ... this is a truly fabulous WOYWW post ... Thank you!

Joey said...

wow wow wow what fantastic creations I love the sewing machine cover a fabulous use of a pillowcase.
Joey.xxx

Cardarian said...

I think your projects are just beautiful! What a lovely cover and the doll - I love it all!
Cardarian

Bettythebaglady said...

Flat Wendy -I'm in love with her already. Good idea-the sewing machine cover and saves putting the hard top on every time to keep out dust. Took most of my older pillowcases to the charity shop but there could be some lurking at the back of the drawer. How did you get on with the reflection stamping?Was here earlier this morning but Mr. Blogger was being awkward and Mr. Baglady needed his breakfast. I love him so - I didn't want him to go hungry- after all he keeps me in the lap of luxury-LOL BettyXXX

ally fiddy said...

LOL - lots of lovely WOYWW things, and a cake too!

Penni said...

Great WOYWWAC Projects!!!

Hugs
Penni
X

kiki said...

fantastic WOYWWAC project !

kiki :)

Unknown said...

Lovely idea you will enjoy looking at it every day.
Christine x

Anonymous said...

Your doll is brilliant! x

Diana said...

Wow you MADE all those? They're so amazing. My goodness, I am way out of my league among you crafty ladies. I am just a scraplifting scrapbooker... but I am so enjoying all the beautiful creations from all of you talented souls.

lou said...

love the sewing machine cover and the doll is pure genius! x

patcrafts said...

I loved reading your post, truly inspiring.Wendy is great and the sewing machine cover brilliant idea I've got a plastic cut off charity bag over mine, but I've got plenty of spare pillow cases.
Pat xx

Julie said...

Crikey so many projects for today - you have been busy!! Love the sewing machine cover! JUliex

Gez Butterworth said...

BRILLIANT post. Thanks for showing us your wonderful, inspiring creations. Your stats made good reading too. I love your Wendy doll & look forward to seeing her on future visits. Sorry to be calling so late in the day. Finally, getting some me time! I have enjoyed every minute visiting your beautiful blog. Hope you've had a lovely day & remember the shopping can always wait till tomorrow!
Take care, Gez.xx

Lavinia said...

Thank you for the lovely welcom Elizabeth! Most welcome, you do some amazing work, I love your creations! I alooking forward to a great journey on with everyone at WOYWW its a brilliant concept!
Lavinia
x

Unknown said...

Oh Elizabeth - what great projects - and a really good idea to recyle a pillowcase... a fond reminder now of our global little gang...

Well, Wendy is just something else isn't she... she has a right character about her - I bet she's going to get up to some stuff in the future... hope you will be sharing her adventures with us!!!

Happy WOYWW Anniversary!

Paula x x x

Nikki said...

Wow Elizabeth that's quite a feat visiting everyone's blog as this is the mega blog hop now
LOVE your WOYWW projects too that slip cover is such a great idea I might have to make one for my sewing machine :)
hugs Nikki
P.S Congrats !!! You won my Devil cupcake Please send me an email so I can send him to you

Create With Joy said...

What an awesome post today Elizabeth - your projects are fab! I LOVE the stenciling on your beautiful pillow and Wendy - why she is just adorable! And the clothespins - wow, I haven't seen those in ages! (Guess that's a commentary on my laundering skills, huh?!) I'm looking forward to seeing you complete the WIP - and I am looking forward to more Wendy picks in the future!

Hugs
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I love how you decorated in honor of the event you crafty thing you ! the sewing machine cover rocks....

Sid said...

Hey I just love your art doll !! Super blog !

angelwhispers said...

Love your work! you are so talented thanks for sharing Chanelle xx

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

Cool! Thanks for your comment, I promise my space is not normally that neat, I had been read the riot act earlier in the day after a close call in terms of bodily harm!

Tracey said...

Love to read your posts each week, you always leave me grinning. Fab anniversary piece too.
xx

Jingle said...

Wendy is wonderful! I'm glad I'm not the only one who owns a sewing machine despite the fact that I can't actually sew! LOL!

Anonymous said...

What a brilliant post, loved all the stats at the beginning, I never would have thought to go through and look back at the year like that. Love your sewing machine cover and the little doll too.

Brenda

Kathy said...

What a great post - I've loved seeing your pictures and all the creativity on your desk. Love the little doll and the machine cover - I could use one of those - even though my machine is (supposed) to be stored in it's own desk/cabinet thing!

Marlynn said...

Holy Cow Bat Girl - when you soar you soar! Harley is here at the computer looking at Wendy. I'm telling you, I can't imagine what Oliver would do with the Wendy Girlie Girl - but I think you and I know it would not be pretty. Love the sewing maching cover. Dam* you have me thinking about making one...... oh no, Bat Girl, go get some sleep! LOL (word verification: farkes I do believe is better than gasma from my last post. loving these words)

Minxy said...

Both projects are fantastic.. i especially love the sewing machine cover.. mine hardly gets any use {mainly coz im rubbish at it} so a cool cover would look great.. im adding it to my must make list right now.. thanks for the idea :)

Debs said...

Love your projects, what a fab tribute to WOYWW
I love your work
hmm the cover could be my first project for my machine - yaaaay I got a project!