Wednesday 21 March 2012

WOYWW # 146

Good morning peeps,
Just a quick show and dash this morning I'm afraid, I've so much to do at the moment my shed is feeling neglected but hey ho, some weeks just fill with other stuff.
So this is my place, untouched since Sunday really. The overview.....
 On my trimmer there is an "aged Brass" sprite using one of Andy Skinners workshop techniques. Next to that is a mini tattered flower.
 My box from Sunday's class.
 And this canvas that I started at the Retreat weekend but time just never seems to allow me opportunity to finish! Still I live in hope. The colours are much more rich and shimmery IRL.
 Oops, almost out the door but wanted to show you these old books I found at Addiscombe Market the other week. They are Parish magazines from 1889 and 1892, full of beautiful engravings, pithy sermons and advertisements.

I thought I'd take all the engravings from one and turn it into a niche book perhaps, but I'm not sure.
I hope you all have a lovely day today, whatever your plans. To join in the desk hop fun do go over to Julia's place for all the details (Stamping Ground)

32 comments:

Julia Dunnit said...

Parish magazines with a page for the young folks...those were the days! Aren't they lovely. Love the canvas...I like how the cogs are flower-y .

okienurse said...

love the magazines. I think someone has come along and started stealing hours out of my day cause I can't seem to get all done I want to get finished. Hope you have a great week and thanks for sharing! Vickie #48

Helen said...

What amazing magazines... Always lovely to see your overhead desk shots - and that sprite is just fabulous!
Helen, 21

peggy aplSEEDS said...

wow, Neil, there's always so much to see on your desk! that sprite is gorgeous and the box and canvas too. and, i would love to get my hands on those old books. gorgeous engravings!

Artyjen said...

FAb stuff thanks for sharing ;)
xoxo Sioux

Bridget Larsen said...

love the box
Bridget #64

SophieNewton said...

Crickey! Were you standing at the top of a step ladder to take that first photo!?! Amazing projects, particularly love the box with the cogs and wheels x
Sophie no.88

Belinda Basson said...

Always love your overview shot. Thanks for the close ups too. Those etchings are so good for altering, can't wait to see what you do with them.

Karen said...

I just LOVE those sprites, they look so beautiful. Your high shots always look good. Perhaps I should try it on my trays on the bed next time LOL!!!! Karen 112 x

Danielle said...

Those magazines are a fabulous find! You have a lot going on. Love those cogs! Dani32

Anonymous said...

wow. Those mags were quite a find! Now I can't wait to see what you do with them!

Mary Anne
PS love the bird in the sidebar!

Sarn said...

HAPPY WOYWW
Hugs, Sarn x (No. 63 ish)

May said...

There is never enough hours in a day.... your desk is fabulous as always Neil, fantastic makes you create, love the mags and the box is just brilliant... Hugs May x x x No9

505whimsygirl said...

I love the magazines - the text and drawings are wonderful! I search the local used bookstore for treasures just like these!

You always have so many cool projects to share with us.

Happy WOYWW
Hugs,
Kay
#15

Miriam said...

Fabulous box and magazine Neil.

#111

Miriam said...

Fabulous box and magazine Neil.

#111

Amy said...

Love all your projects and your desk looks like a real treasure trove. Fab!

lisa said...

Such interesting things on your desk as always, Neil.
Those books are amazing, can't wait to see what you do with them.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisax #123

Princess Judy Palmer said...

Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! I love your steampunk box with the gear and the ball chain, so much fun. I always enjoy visiting your desk because I never know what fun things I'll see but I know they won't be things I would see elsewhere. Great find, those magazines. I would find it hard to chop them up. Happy WOYWW Judy #134

Redanne said...

Wow, I am lusting after that steampunk box and your canvas is fabulous. Regards, Anne #66

Fuchsia said...

Everything look cool to me
have a happy week xx

Tracy said...

I just love peeping at your workspace! Everything is fantastic! Oooh can't wait to see what you do with the books. ;) Warmly, Tracy #34

famfa said...

Wow intrigued how you got that photo from up so high? Hanging from a light? Lots to see. Those books are a good find.

ScrappnBee said...

Love all the projects that you have going this week! I esp. love the colors of the balloon canvas. thanks so much for sharing & have a happy WOYWW! -Amanda 57

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Great posts, lots of fun stuff. "LIFE"!!! just too busy. Enjoy the week Happy WOYWW.

CraftygasheadZo said...

Lots going on as always, I love those books what a find, though I confess I could only look and stroke them! So beautiful. Love the canvas and the box too. Thanks for sharing for this weeks WOYWW, it's Thursday now but I'm still snooping my way through the list. Take care Zo xx 22

Ann B said...

I'm a bit late this week - only got to the mid-50s yesterday and doing my best to catch up.

Beautiful books and such fantastic engravings. I would just put them on the shelf and enjoy them as they are.

Love your 'brass' piece - is it a green man?

Ann B
#56

trisha too said...

What wonderful things are on your desk today, Neil! Beautiful projects in progress, and that book is gorgeous--I have to admit, I have a hard time tearing into books when they have pages that pretty!

:)trisha
#163

Dragon said...

Its always so interesting to visit your desk... love the projects but don't beat yourself up about finishing... it's about the journey, remember??
FRankie
xx

Shoshi said...

I always love visiting your creative space, Neil! Gets my mouth watering and the creative juices flowing!! I love, love, love that gorgeous box!! It's stunning! I've got lots of papier mache boxes I bought at a craft show and was thinking of doing a steampunk design on one/some of them.

Also the parish magazine book is great! A while back my hubby lent me the old parish records from our church, started in about 1611, all hand-written, and it was fascinating to see how the script developed in style until the high Victorian, with copper plate with tremendous flourishes - with one curate in the 1800s who was there for ages, you can see how his own script developed over time! I photographed loads of the pages and have made backgrounds with them. They are on my blog. I also photographed some pages from an ancient book of sermons, printed this time, with long s's and a gorgeous type face. The sermons themselves are fascinating too!

I usually try to scan/photograph stuff like this to retain the original - you can add distressing if you need to, and it's fun digitally blending them, too. Old magazines and leaflets, the backs of vintage photos etc. are all great sources for designs!

I've just made a whole lot of digital backgrounds from an old oil painting, which have now been posted on my blog, and available for free download on my SkyDrive if you're interested. The colours probably aren't grungey enough for you but you can always alter them lol!!

Shoshi

Sarah said...

having that sort of week too - with a desk of 'need to get into stuff' ...a really fabulous book there and amzing images to truly inspire!!! Thanks for sharing your desk and a bit of your life! Sarah (a late WOYWWer at no.1)

Joynana said...

So much wonderful crafting going on. Love the canvas and the box and I never heard of the book before. Tell me more. #25