That's a song, that is. It's also what I'm trying to do with my stash. Use it up, rather than wear it out. Although either will do, if it gets the stuff out of the drawers and being useful!
I'm training myself to go through one particular display book I have, in which I've stored lots of stickers and other flat embellishments. So I pick something out and use it - as it is, or altered. So far I've managed this
...I altered the chipboard after emptying a sheet of all the remaining bits. Gesso, inks and then Rock Candy. The stems have been heat embossed with a rather neat verdigris powder I got from Papermaze. Not only have I used the chipboard, but some stickers from a sheet of hardware-effect images, a couple from a 7 Gypsies sheet, and those coaster circles which are actually more Christmas ones from an earlier LO. I inked the backs of them with Fired Brick and Spiced Marmalade (a favourite combo) and then stamped a swirly design on top before breaking them up and using them on the page. I also dug out those Daisy D hinges which I've had for ever!
The next one is a rather lovely photo of my man - always inspiring using a really nice photo!
Again, I've used some of the hardware stickers, the remnants from a sheet of G45 and that monogram disc which I distressed a bit with alcohol inks and sanding. The butterflies are (hopefully) a subtle touch - I dived into a little box of die cuts I've saved from mass cutting sessions, and I thought I could get away with them even on such a masculine page.
My intention today was to show you a photo of my desk. It's not very exciting but I don't seem to have shown one lately. Only when I looked, I appear to have deleted the one I took. Sigh. So here are some little jars which I keep little things in
These are, as is much of my storage, from Ikea. I got the rack off Freecycle ages ago to keep my Distress ink pads on, and then when the jars appeared in the store the Distress inks got their marching orders and I spent some happy time decanting various bits and pieces into my lovely shiny jars.
Don't forget to pop over to Julia's blog for yet more desky goodness.
Oh, and as you are reading this (well, if you're reading it on Wednesday), we are being Ofstedded!!!! Aaargh! Will let you know - should you be interested - how we fare.
I am wondering what being Ofstedded means, doesn't sound encouraging though! waving hi from the hills of North Carolina at 3:40 in the morning :)
Posted by: sandee | February 22, 2012 at 08:42 AM
I have those jars too and I just loved them. loved your lay-outs by the way!
Posted by: Jona Panesa | February 22, 2012 at 09:02 AM
Great makes and I have those Ikea storage jar ... LOVE them!
Good luck with Ofsted.
Happy WOYWW
Cathy #59
Posted by: Cathy | February 22, 2012 at 10:04 AM
I love the LO of your man...the butterflies are a lovely touch. And hmm, am vexed that your left overs and old stash can work so well, frankly. I also know tha tyou're studying hard, so where do you get all the time it would take (me)????? Hmm, do I seem jelly at all! Good luck with OFSTED, I'm not jealous if that, for sure.
Posted by: Julia Dunnit | February 22, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Fabulous LO's, I love all the different elements that you have added to them. Fingers crossed that everything goes well for you all today with your Ofsted check.
Have a great WOYWW and a fab week, Luv Karen xx
Posted by: Karen | February 22, 2012 at 11:59 AM
Those pages are packed full of interest.Ikea is good for cheap and cheerful storage...love the little bottles.
xx 101
Posted by: Gwen | February 22, 2012 at 12:59 PM
I love your Layouts, the detail is Fabulous,WOW! Have a great week, Hugs May x x x
Posted by: may | February 22, 2012 at 06:01 PM
Two great layouts...lovely masculine feel to them...you did a great job.
Posted by: scrappymo! | February 22, 2012 at 06:47 PM
Great layouts! I use those same jars from Ikea, I love them!
Posted by: Katie | February 22, 2012 at 08:35 PM
Wow! You managed to put lots of this and that on those pages, but not in an overdone way. I'm impressed with all the things you managed to use up doing so. Cute little jars. I bought some nice ones to put all my paper flowers in. I thought they would look more decorative that way since I craft in the living room.... but I don't know why I cared since it is so obviously a craft room (to me that's living!). I'm curious about what you have your punches hanging off of? I need to figure out what to do with my punches!
Posted by: Princess Judy | February 22, 2012 at 10:00 PM
gorgeous layout Helen!
Posted by: Jess | February 22, 2012 at 11:47 PM
Great pages, I'm always trying to use up what I've got, only to add to it! Enjoy this week's WOYWW snoop of the crafty & creative desks around the world. Take care Zo xx 81
Posted by: Zoe Young Kirkby (@CraftygasheadZo) | February 23, 2012 at 11:36 AM