What's on your Workdesk Wednesday???

Well, organised chaos a.k.a. my messy desk. 'Tis the mid week moment for confession, waffle and arty gossip combined with a flash of your desk - au naturel. Join in by heading over to Supreme Hostess Julia's... I'm on a hunt for that ever elusive perfect button and have just dumped my new stash.

On Monday I trekked way down South to LB Crafts for a Master Class with Linda Elbourne. Kicking The Dirty Habit has done wonders for Linda. She looks just fab, healthy and O, so fair-faced! We did a million techniques in a minute. Well, forty in four hours...the little box of tricks is on my desk ready for action in a Mojoless moment. Okay, lots of pics and blurb now... stroll or whizz at pleasure...

In October, I did a workshop with the fabulous Lynne Perrella. Here is the inspiring lady herself doing some PR and modelling! I had a great time. She's a true coach. She just makes you dive in and then spends quality time with everyone, challenging you to really ponder, discover and 'audition' your creative thoughts. At last, I can show you 'My Lady' who has been waiting very patiently...

It's the largest piece I've done at 32x42cm. At the start you're given a white photo-copied image and that's it! Just start. I decided on two roads. I'm a big vintage fan and wanted some familiar ground but decided to add a quirky element with unusual colours and details. Hence the purple swirly hair. And why not I say! 

I started by painting the face, bringing out her features especially her eyes. She is a very alluring woman I must say... For some reason I decided on a blue tone of skin under that slight blush. Who says it has to make rational sense, as long as it works for you! Then I moved onto her clothing, hat and hair playing with layers of paint and stencilling, giving myself the freedom to be spontaneous and open to whatever whim I had.

I would never have chosen these colours if I'd have sat down and thought it all through. I'm normally terrible at workshops, start faffing around and get overwhelmed by all the other creativity. This time I stayed in my own space and thought zone and didn't walk around wondering if I was artistically 'up to scratch'. At one point I just snipped her hat off, set it at a jaunty angle and pushed her ladyship to the right. I'm liking the go with the flow thing!

Lynne's sample had a great painted background but I went with my signature layering! I had already used lots of painted detail and felt this was a better companion. There was oodles of materials and ephemera to hand, floods of the stuff and it was so great to rummage through such 'riches'.

Old books, ledger pages, fabrics, lace, doilies, flowers, feathers, ribbons and  papers galore, to name but a few. Really, Lin and Leandra sure know how to put on a fine workshop. You want for nothing. I took bags of my own stuff too and by the end of the day my 'zone' was one major bomb site. Hubby walked in and said, "This must be your spot..."

I got so carried away with the playful vibe I added a 'Brussel Sprout Bag' veil for a touch of elegance before loading up the florals and vintage buttons. I even painted the shadow box in a soft dusky pink! (1980's bathroom flashbacks...) She will soon be behind glass which really finishes everything off and adds to the mystery. But just for the pics she's having an open air moment. I had such a fabulous day and came away feeling very tired yet also creatively refreshed and proud of my damsel.

She's full on feminine, a little eccentric but still very much my style, so all in all, two happy ladies.

So, an uber-long post. Is it still 2011?! I did really want to share about the whole experience! I suppose the moral of the story is to just be and trust yourself now and again... Thanks for hanging in there, even if you just like looking at the piccies! 

Two weeks ago I was giving away some bags and I'm pleased to say they're off to Lee from Crafty Loops! Now I really am done and need to knock my Wednesday into shape. Have a good WOYWW! Sarah.