WOYWW #324

Hi Everyone,

Is it really Wednesday again already?! In that case, it's time to show the world What's On Your Workdesk and then pop over to Julia's Stamping Ground to see what everyone else has been up to.

This week I set up a temporary crafting camp in my room at Keble College Oxford where I was staying with three of my dearest friends for a few days ...


This picture was taken before I had unpacked - it looked a bit different later that evening, when the four of us gathered here for some serious crafting (and a glass or three of course) and we had lots of fun making these Japanese paper dolls ...


These would be great as bookmarks for little gifts or fundraisers. They're so easy and fun to make and a great way to use up scraps of paper and ribbon. I might do a little tutorial soon, so watch this space if you fancy having a go!

Here's a picture of my three crafting companions on the way to breakfast at the Great Hall ...



Emma made me this beautiful miniature purse, inspired by one we saw in an exhibition last time we stayed in Oxford ...


The original was in the shape of a frog and was made centuries ago - we wondered about the woman who created it and how she worked it out, whether she was sitting working with friends as we do now. Emma's version has a cute little frog screen printed onto the gorgeous slubby silk fabric and she's used tiny stitches to give a 3D effect and seed beads for the eyes. The whole thing is less than 3" high! Thanks Em, I will treasure it forever x

Michelle made us each a gift as well - and it's both gorgeous and useful ...


What a clever idea! It's filled with polystyrene beads, with a roll at the bottom for your tablet/kindle to sit on, so that the whole thing nestles comfortable in your lap - very useful for reading in bed, on the train, in front of the tv or whatever. Chel chose a different fabric to suit each one of us and it's finished with a fab vintage button. I just love mine, with the bright colours and the cute little creatures peeking out ...


Thanks Chel, I love it!

It's time to stop waffling and pop over to Julia's now - see you there! :o)

Annie xxx

Comments

shazsilverwolf said…
Hi Annie, great to see crafting friends spending quality time together! Have a great week, hugs. Shaz #5xxx
Robyn said…
Wonderful crafty BFF time! love those little paper dolls- do you have a pattern?
thanks for visiting and your kind words!
Robyn 1
Sue Jones said…
Those paper dolls are adorable - looking forward to your tutorial. Love your gifts. Have a great week. Soojay 23
Lisca said…
Oh you had some fun! So sweet of your friends to make present for each other.
O love the little Japanese dolls. They have a name but I can't remember at the moment. I made some last year in a workshop that I lead here in the village.
Did you ever make it to the Bodleian?
Thanks for visiting earlier,
Have a good week,
Lisca
Lizzy Hill said…
What a wonderful time you've had with your crafty friends! Love those thoughtful gifts, too......you took me back......a few years ago we visited Keble to see 'The Light of the World' painting and a whole pile of students were unpacking and moving in....maybe even to your room!!!! How bizarre is that....& there you are - staying there! Lovely:):)
April said…
Sounds like great fun with crafty friends. What sweet gifts.
April #40
April said…
Sounds like great fun with crafty friends. What sweet gifts.
April #40
Tertia said…
Sounds like you had a great time! Love the gifts you got.
Happy WOYWW!
Tertia #24
Ohhh Snap said…
Love the paper dolls, and what a fun thing to do with friends! Looks like you had a fun-filled productive time : D. #59
Lunch Lady Jan said…
Well, what a fab weekend you had with your mates! You obviously had loads of fun and what lovely gifts they made for you :-) How come you stayed at Keble College? Is it just open to anyone or do you have to have had an assocation with the college? Great place to stay!
Sorry this reply is so late, I've had visitors for three days!
Hugs, LLJ xxxx
Lunch Lady Jan said…
Thanks for the info! I didn't realise you could do that :-)
Xxxx