Hello dear Deskers! I've got loads to show you today, so I'll cut to the chase. My deskshot was actually taken last week before I set out to work on my new projects, but I wanted to show you my new toy - call it an early Christmas present!
I bought a Fire HD 8 tablet on Prime Day for just £44.99! - it was an impulse purchase and I never realised how much I needed one! It will not replace my well-loved 10 year-old Kindle, but it's so much more than an e-reader! I can finally follow artists on Instagram (the app never worked on my phone); I can use Zoom (will be joining the Crop!); I can watch videos on the exercise bike (otherwise I would get bored out of my wits pedalling away for hours); and I can play games as well. OK, so I got a little hooked on the Harry Potter Puzzles and Spells game - it's great just don't spend any money on boosters!
Also on my desk, some new alcohol inks. I played a little over the weekend with the same stencil I did last time. Here are the fresh prints (the colours used were denim, cranberry, rust and patina) and I also realised I get nice results if I pull them with a metallic paint like gold or copper instead of white!
Now onto my main projects this past week: I took part part in
Laly Mille's Artist Soul Retreat free workshop. It was fun seeing some of you in the FB group! The first workshop taught us how to make an inspiration journal, kind of like a mood board, gathering elements that inspire us. These are just temporary arrangements that keep changing as you remove and add bits with masking tape. I will definitely continue with this practice as I found it very useful. Here's my first spread:
Then in the second workshop we used our elements to create abstract landscapes. Mine don't actually look like landscapes, but I was still very happy with them. I might have another go at this as it was a such an enjoyable process.
The third workshop prompted us to create a canvas with a grid. This was my first time working in grids and it was an real eye opener! I will definitely use this technique more often!
I was so inspired by this method that I ended up creating something similar on a piece of scrap paper - it was just a piece of my gelli print clean up sheet, ordinary copy paper. I started playing with it and before I could stop myself, I ended up with this:
Just don't ask what "Zimbabwe leather products" have to do with this - I only used that postage stamp for the visuals LOL! So there you have it - a very creative week indeed - and I feel so energised and inspired! Just before I go, here's a photo of Oreo I took yesterday - I think he looks so funny with that expectation on his face "Let me in"! Of course, I let him in straight after taking this photo!
That's it folks - hope to see you around! If I can't visit everyone back today, I'll do so during the course of the week. Happy WOYWW everyone and don't forget the
virtual crop on December 5th!
Finally one that I can easily attend!
So glad that you are going to make the Zoom call Zsuzsa thanks to your new gadget. Fabulous artwork on show as ever. Love the grid pieces too. Meow to Oreo. Stay safe and happy WOYWW. Sarah #4
ReplyDeleteMorning! Fabulous makes, and gold added even now would be good! Long time no post and everyone's blogs look amazing. I've started messing about with what inks I have... but it just turns out looking like a muddy mess! Gold might be the answer!
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW
((Lyn)) #8
Ps Oh...please let the pussy cat in!!
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ReplyDeleteI just love it ALL! I am sure I have that workshop bookmarked but have been putting it off cause it is long. Or maybe I am thinking of something else? In any case I am DEF. going to make time to look at this - really I am. Because what you have created from the workshop lessons is all just so stunning. See you in the Zoom, hopefully!
ReplyDeleteHi Zsuzsa. Goodness. You have been so very busy. Well done on all your makes. I think My favourite was the four abstract landscapes. I was out there in the weather and scenery as I looked at it!!!
ReplyDeleteTake care. God bless.
Margaret #2
Hooray for your new purchase - I couldn’t do without my iPad either, fr much the same reasons. It’ll be great to see you on Zoom for the 600th party! Love all your work but those gridded canvases are AMAZING!!! I could live with both of those so easily, love everything about them...you should do more!
ReplyDeleteHugs LLJ 11 xxx
I can almost hear Oreo sighing as you take the picture!! Great score on the kindle, and lovely that you’re already finding that you actually needed it!! You’ve had a really good week at your desk, the workshops are fab, and I can see landscapes in a way. Love the gridded canvas, can see this idea influencing your work for a while.
ReplyDeleteWOW WOW WOW loving your workshop pieces and I CAN see landscapes in all your samples, super canvas too, it's great when inspiration hits isn't it. Sorry you can't move your monitor up, mine is just now placed on a book (Thesaurus) didn't actually look at the stand??? Now there's another possibility as eye level would have been about 6" up and the book is only 3". Had to move the stuff on the wall including light and readjust the webcam (yep should be there for the zoom meet #600 yay) see you there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit BJ#10
What a great post , so many gorgeous makes . Not worked out if I can get zoom to work on my computer , will be bit small on phone ... thanks for your visit . Helen #1
ReplyDeleteHi Zsuzsa, lots of fabulous projects, I especially love the canvas, thats stunning. The Zoom crop will be on the 5th, the first Saturday after the 600th, which is the 2nd.Love the tablet & stand. Stay safe, have a lovely week, Hugs, Shaz #3 X
ReplyDeleteIndeed it's on the 5th! I've corrected it! 2nd is the anniversary, but I'd linked Julia's post, so hopefully no one got misled! Thanks Shaz!
DeleteZsuzsa, YOU BETTER STOP THE MADNESS!!! Your creativity this week is OFF THE CHAIN!!!! Oh my gosh! I am in love with your pix this week! That retreat was amazing for you and really showcased your creativity! And....I beg to differ, the one project does look like landscapes!! I am in love with those, by the way!!! Also the canvas's are to die for!! Oh how I wish I could hang out with you and craft for awhile!! It would be so much fun and I would love to learn a lot of your technique!! I believe, YOU DESERVE to gift yourself! And what a goodie it was too! Great price, by the way! I still have the old one too, and have contemplated getting that one, but so far, it's a no go! LOL I can justify ANYTHING, so I try not to go there too often! LOLOL Ok, not sure what kind of vibe I am getting from old Oreo, but I think it would be a straight away thing for me as well because I wouldn't want to suffer the consequences!!! LOL Hell hath no furry like a kitty scorned! LOLOLOL Good Wednesday my far away friend and hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my kindle - i might try that game - i do wish they would let you move on without having to pay for boosts, i have deleted a few that wouldnt let me get any further without spending. Love all your mixed media projects. Have a great week. Soojay #26
ReplyDeleteHello Oreo! He's a beautiful boy :) Congrats on the early Christmas gift, it looks like you will really enjoy. Your workshop was a very productive one, I really like the canvas grid. Enjoy your energy/creative spurt and the rest of your week ~ love, Karen#22
ReplyDeleteBeautiful MM projects as always - love the grids! What a great bargain that tablet was, 'm sure you'll get lots of use out of it. I'm dithering about a new ipad at the mo, as mine is so old nothing new and interesting works on it and it would be useful to have a bigger screen for zoom etc. than my phone. We'll see. I have bought a fancy new stand though!! I like yours too. Have a good week, stay well, stay safe, Cindy #19 xx
ReplyDeleteHi Zsuzsa, that workshop sounds brilliant and what great results, brilliant! Oreo is so cute, I believe he's thinking " Let me in you silly women, stop playing with that camera. Can't you see I'm getting all wet out here!" Wishing you both a very happy and creative woyww, Angela x18x
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous projects, Zsuzsa! I particularly like your new grids. Really gorgeous. As for that picture of Oreo - yes, I know that expression only too well! Amazing how a facial expression can encompass demand, accusation and victimhood, isn't it. I loved hearing about Oreo's antics - with cats, everything is fine as long as it's their idea. "Not her idea" is a common phrase uttered in this house! My hubby can put one of them on my lap and she will jump straight off ("not her idea") but a few seconds later, she jumps up and stays. Go figure...
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit and I smiled at your reference to note-taking! I've got into the habit of blogging only once a week, which is why there is always such a lot of varied content these days. Arranging it under headings, with the "desk" stuff at the top always, means that people don't have to read the whole thing if they don't want to.
So glad you have been enjoying the "tint carpers" haha!! (I think I'd have got that one without your subsequent correction!) I am quite pleased with Tint Carper #5. It's a bit different from the rest, and I am going to have to try to find something that goes well with it for #6.
Our two do look like stripy little tigers! Lily has the most incredibly soft fur, which developed from her initial kitten fur in the space of about 3 days, which was amazing. Ruby's is much coarser, although the fur on her chest is very soft. Lily is a real softie through and through, inside and out, but she tends to be a lot more affectionate towards my hubby than to me - Ruby is my baby and will purr and purr and enjoy a good cuddle. For Lily, I am just an available warming platform - she spends a lot of time on my legs but doesn't like me cuddling her.
Very amusing about your hubby's clumpy feet haha! Mine has pretty big feet too but I probably wouldn't describe them as clumpy! For someone of his size (at least, before he lost so much weight) his feet are really bony. I love all my socks and am thrilled with the fun new ones. And yes, the dress really is brown... My hubby took that photo late p.m. and the sun had just gone in (the light was a bit behind me). I should have spent more time editing it and tweaking the colour!
If I can tie my hubby down and get him to teach me how to use Zoom properly, I have every intention of joining the virtual crop. It will be so nice to "meet" everybody. I feel pretty cut off down here in the SW and not being able to travel, have only had the privilege of meeting a very few WOYWWers who happen to be visiting the area on holiday etc.
Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi x #14
So glad you let Oreo in straight after the photo shoot. (message to Oreo:- That's the price you pay for being a handsome boy.)
ReplyDeleteLove the work you have been doing and I can see landscapes in the second of your pieces. Just love the canvas, it looks quite large and I bet it is very impressive in real life.
Keep crafting - you were born to create.
Hugs, Neet 13 xx
Hi again Zsuzsa, I meant to mention Stampers Grove when I was here earlier and forgot. They are one of the most efficient companies I've used. I've known James for some time as I saw him quite a lot at shows. They are really quick at getting the orders sent out. It amazes me really, they are way up in Scotland yet their stuff arrives much quicker than companies who are much closer so if you need something quick they are a great company to deal with. Have fun, Angela x18x
ReplyDeleteI loved Laly's workshop - she has some amazing ideas doesn't she? Very sad I haven't had the time to actually do anything yet but I have taken lots of notes and a few screenshots. Lovely to have your inspiration there too xo
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of signing up for her full workshop but it's way out of my budget zone!
DeleteWhat fabulous, fabulous work, looks like you've been a roll with this fabulous set of compilations... it looks stunning!
ReplyDeleteI tried a few new things last week, inspired by your work, but I'm afraid it's a case of practice might make perfect.. or not!
Take care and stay safe
Chrissie #21
This new gadget of yours is great, I am quite envious! I love the Azulejo tiles you created last week and this canvas is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI did the course as well, I wasn’t comfortable with the landscape idea and I think it was the word landscape! I kept think about creating a landscape instead of just going with the flow. I haven’t done the third task yet. I spent a lot of time reading yesterday - Warrior Cats, the last book, oh it was good! Have a great week Angela #26
ReplyDeleteHow funny is that! Oreo and Mittsy...LOL! Both not too happy with winter coming! I love the results from the course you are taking. I haven't taken a course for such a long time, this one certainly looks like fun! Thanks for your earlier visit, have a great week! Lindart #28
ReplyDeleteLOVE those gel prints and your grid, Zsuzsa - they are outstanding. Now I've got to try both again, just for the sheer fun of it!
ReplyDeleteWowee.... some full-on creativity going on in your house! Love the prints you've done.
ReplyDeleteOreo definitely is full on giving you "that look". We don't let our cat out any more, because we're on a busy main road and I'm afraid for him. He also tended to have a habit of doing a long walk, if you know what I mean, from time to time where we used to live and my nerves couldn't take that round here!
I loved creating with Laly too. Was quite pleased with my landscapes in the end - but all your creations are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteSorry I am late visiting…. Happy WOYWW!
Susan #21
Calling All Crafters! – My Blog!
That Laly Mille course was indeed a lot of fun- mine never felt like landscapes either but the grid collage was great. Love your scenes too!
ReplyDeleteSally x