What’s On Your Workdesk this Wednesday?
Not a great deal, truth be told. After my recent card making marathons I’m taking a bit of a rest! I’ve had a few bad fatigue days, especially yesterday afternoon and evening once I’d sorted out all my grocery delivery in the morning. I spent the time resting on the recliner, watching TV and sleeping.
Graphics Fairy Ephemera
I have known about the Graphics Fairy website for years, but have never really availed myself of it very much. If you haven’t come across it, it is well worth a visit – so much gorgeous free stuff! This week I decided to have a good explore, having got new stash recently and feeling the urge to do something a bit different. I downloaded quite a few images and filed them away, and then explored the DIY projects section and downloaded a lot of gorgeous vintage French-style images and printable sheets, and saved the pages of instructions onto my hard drive for reference.
All I have done so far is to start cutting some of them out.
Printers
I am having a lot of trouble with my inkjet printer at the moment – it’s printing everything out rather pink! Also, it’s extremely temperamental when it comes to non-standard paper. Recently I wanted to print out some grids for my stamping platform on acetate, only to discover that it has no setting for this – and it seems that this is common across the board with all modern printers. In the old days when I was running my first Bible study group and we had old technology (anybody remember casette tape recording, and overhead projectors?) I used to print out all my charts and visual aids on inkjet acetate sheets and they worked a treat. I did discover a way of fooling your printer into thinking it’s printing on card – I found a YouTube video where the man described taping a piece of acetate to a sheet of printer card, along the top edge. This was pretty successful although it did slip a bit; this didn’t matter because I was going to cut the grids down to size anyway so it wasn’t important that they were exactly straight on the page.
However, this time I wanted to print my Graphics Fairy ephemera on some nice smooth white cardstock that I’ve got, and the printer simply refused to accept it, so it was back to the 120 gsm printer card that my hubby bought for me recently. Being inkjet, the result is, of course, not waterproof so I had to spray them all with some inkjet fixative spray that I’ve got, which results in a slightly rough surface that doesn’t behave quite normally when you apply anything over the top – not a major problem but not exactly what I want. It also stinks to high heaven.
My hubby has an ancient (pre-historic!) black-only laser printer that he hasn’t used for years; last time he tried to set it up it wouldn’t work and I don’t think he was able to find drivers for Windows 10. I’ve been wondering about getting a laser printer for a while as a second printer, and have spent some considerable time this week trawling the internet and reading endless reviews of different printers. It seems that none of them have all the features I want and none of the ones I don’t want, and most of them seem to be far too clever for their own good! One or two will accept card stock up to 210 gsm which is probably enough for my needs. The HP one I think will suit me best has one huge disadvantage in that the price of replacement cartridges is almost as much as the original cost of the printer! It also has built-in firmware that does not allow you to use third-party cartridges, forcing you to buy their own over-priced ones. I think this is a huge rip-off. The cartridges which come installed in the printer are not full, of course (another rip-off).
So I’m in a bit of a quandary. I think I shall probably go for this model, but I would be very interested to hear if anyone else has purchased a colour laser printer relatively recently, with craft work in mind, and if they have any suggestions.
I know I’ve got the ToDo foiling machine now, but having a laser printer would also open up the scope for more foiling options now I’ve got a laminator. I don’t need to print photos on it (as long as I can sort out the colour problem on the inkjet that will do fine) but as long as the colours and definition on a colour laser printer are adequate for printing out coloured images and possibly decorative papers, I will be happy.
Printers have been the bane of my life over the years. They seem to be the one aspect of computing that never quite measures up, and now they are so all-singing, all-dancing with wireless connectivity and all sorts of gizmos, there seems to be even more to go wrong. The reviews are extremely polarised in most cases too – ranging from the enthusiastic 5-star “best printer in the world” to 1-star “for goodness sake don’t buy this awful printer – heap of junk” variety! All I seem to have done lately is waste a humungous amount of time on this and not got very much further.
I did, however, have a think about where I would put the wretched thing when I eventually decide what to get!
The grand tidy-up
After the recent massive tidy-up and reorganisation in my studio, it had got really messy and untidy again recently. It seems to be a universal law that mess happens all by itself with no input from me, but tidiness requires real effort on my part. I just wish I could wave my hand like Mary Poppins and everything would magically fly into decent order, but this is not to be… So Shoshi rolled up her sleeves and got stuck in.
I began by clearing the far side of the room – loads of as yet unsorted stamps and general junk got tidied away. I moved the iMac (which I don’t use much these days as I now have software on the Windows laptop for connecting to the cutting machine) over to that side of the room and set it up in front of the sewing machine, which also doesn’t get too much use – I can move the computer if need be. I can sit in that corner with room for my knees underneath.
I have also put the ToDo machine over there as it isn’t in constant use, and it can easily be moved back when needed. The basket contains stamps waiting to be sorted and stored properly in my new system.
The further white pull-out unit belongs under the desk where the iMac used to be (under the window) and I’ve moved it out permanently now, with its shelves exposed on the far side. This gives me an extra surface for stuff. The nearer pull-out unit would normally fit under the main desk area but it’s never been there as I always sit there. Both units are pulled away from the desk surface sufficiently to allow the floor anglepoise lamp to slide in the gap so I can move it where I want with ease, and it also means I can access the shelves under the main desk area. This pull-out unit is my cutting and embossing surface, where I’ve got the guillotine and I can put my Cuttlebug when necessary, and also my score board. Very handy beside the main desk.
Here is a view of the display area and main desk area.
You can see the score board (purple), my stamping platform, Cuttlebug and other bits and pieces within easy reach. I now have a perching stool that my hubby brought down from the loft (Mum’s one) as it raises me up a bit higher to work on the desk which is great. It all works very well now.
Moving on round to the surface under the window, this is now absolutely clear again, apart from my new baskets with my card-making supplies on the right, embossing folders and Cuttlebug plates in the middle, and dies on the left – all sorted and organised now. (The baskets above the main desk have stamps in varying degrees of sortedness).
On the left of this area I have some ultra-heat resistant mats, and this is where I’ve got my multi-cooker, melting pot, soldering iron, and laminator, above which are the shelves with all my mixed media supplies. I can now bring the laptop up from downstairs and put it on the desk and connect it to the cutting machine if required. Unfortunately I cannot use the older laptop from just through into the office area because SCAL (Sure Cuts a Lot), the software for connecting Inkscape with the cutting machine, can only be installed on one machine which is a bore. I am thinking of having the new printer in front of the window beside the baskets, and the laptop in front, where I can sit comfortably.
I’ve reorganised the shelves underneath as well, and in the process sorted all my scraps into two boxes – one for black and white card scraps and the other for colours. To the right of the baskets I’ve put a red magazine holder which has backgrounds in it, rather than them littering up various surfaces.
I think this is all going to work very well. I’ve made the mistake in the past of storing things I use a lot in much less accessible places than things I don’t use so often! I expect we all find that organising our studios is an ongoing work in progress, adapting to our changing needs and making room for new equipment etc.
So that’s what I’ve been doing this week. Nothing very exciting compared with recent weeks, but I’m pretty happy with it. Anyway, it’s been a while since I’ve shared any photos of my room and I thought you’d like to see how lovely and tidy it is – at least for now!!!
Kitties
Definitely in hibernation mode these days! Since the weather has got colder they are spending much more time cuddled up together and sleeping most of the time. What a life. As I type this I have a very deeply asleep Ruby on my legs, snoring for England!
On the my hubby’s chair with the kitty throw. Ruby doesn’t care where she puts her paws, and Lily (also deeply asleep) doesn’t seem to care that her sister has got her paw right in her face.
Double-decker kitties again.
I just missed the opportunity to video Ruby giving Lily’s ear a jolly good wash. When I got the camera going, she stopped, of course. Still holding her down, though. Having her rough little tongue going right into one’s ear must be extremely ticklish, I’d have thought.
Finally, tandem kitties on one of my hubby’s old shirts. He often leaves one out and they always go on it. Ruby does love to be on top of Lily – she’s as soft as a feather pillow, and so nice and warm too.
Not a great deal else going on this week, I’m afraid – not even in the kitchen as the freezers are pretty well stocked at present. It’s been nice to have a bit of a rest for a change.
Hope you are feeling less tired soon Shoshi. You may not have done much crafting but your craft room has certainly seen some reorganising. We have a Samsung laser printer (black only) which is fine for printing onto thick paper for foiling inserts (I have a Minc machine). I must admit that I don’t tend to print ephemera so have little need for colour. Meow to the kitties, Stay safe and Happy WOYWW. Sarah #1
I hadn’t heard of the Graphics Fairy page, am off to check that out – I’m leading a collages canvas workshop for the WI craft group in January and some images from there could be very useful indeed! The kitties on the kitty throw are very photogenic indeed (and don’t they know it!)
Hope you sort out your printer woes ok.
Hugs LLJ 5 xx
What a treat I got this morning with those pictures of the kitties. I love the one where one is sat on hubbies chair and the other in a kind of upright position on the cushion above. I guess the cushion lies back a bit but it does look funny. Similarly the one with them doing an imitation of a double decker bus or sandwich. Such a shame you missed the opportunity of the washing ritual, maybe another time.
Well Shoshi, I am not surprised you are tired and relaxing watching tv and sleeping (I do that regularly) as you have been doing a mammoth tidy up in your craft room which is looking ever so good in the photos. I still remember you moving into this house and all the work that went into making your craft room. I was full of envy, especially for your curved worktop.
Take care and enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Hugs, Neet xx 3
Oh it’s good to have a tidy up, nice work. BJ#8
I buy my ink cartridges from W H Smith, they are BOGOF so it makes it a lot cheaper. Did I tell you the one where my old printer came up with the message telling me I had the wrong driver fitted? I had only been using it for about 5years!!! I am using Peter’s printer now, only cos it uses the same cartridges.
It must be a real pleasure working in your room now, I am having a bit throw out, not quite the skip my DDs have promised but close!
Take care, sending blessings of good health over to you both
Christine #23
I’ve been getting stuff off the Graphics Fairy as well – I even had a subscription for a month – I downloaded what I needed and watched some of the tutorials, but to be honest I find their free stuff better for my purposes – just the images rather than the processed collage sheets and stuff so I didn’t see much point in continuing the subscription. I might re-subscribe at a later point just to see what else is available. Have to tried printing online? I bought a few journal kits on Etsy and quickly realised that I can’t keep buying the ink/toner to print them, so I uploaded my files and got the prints back very quickly. They’re called Doxdirect dot com. Free shipping above £10. I think I paid about £11 for 46 X full colour A4 pages if I remember correctly – and of course they are waterproof, proper prints, good for foiling etc. You can even choose a finish – I chose satin for foiling, but it turned out to be too glossy – next time I’ll choose matte. Of course, there are advantages of using your home printer too – eg. you can use whatever paper you want (I have trouble with non-standard sheets as well – but usually, it will accept them in the end – you just have to keep trying and stand your ground! It’s you against the machine – don’t give up!) – but any bulk printing I will just send off.
You workspace looks very, very tidy – I’m jealous!
Your hibernating fur balls look so cute – Oreo actually spends more time now outside – I don’t know where he goes or what he does, but he’s out for hours, sometimes most of the day. He’s just got back – I’m telling you this cat is telepathic – when I start worrying about him, he always returns within a few minutes – almost like he knows that I want him to come back. Spooky!
Take all the time you need to recover, Shoshi! Ups and downs are the natural flow of creativity – if you always just go up, you’ll crash in the end and burn out. Sometimes we need to recharge our creative batteries, so enjoy the down time without feeling guilty! xx
Your work room looks beautifully organised and I had to laugh at you comparing the ease of mess happening versus the effort to tidy it all up again – so true! I have been a big fan of the Graphics Fairy for years but haven’t visited recently – perhaps I should as they would have a lot of images suitable for collage.
The kitties are so funny – how is it comfortable balancing on that cushion!
Hope you have a good week,
Diana xx #18
Hi Shoshi, I do know the Graphics Fairy but have to say I’ve not visited them much either but the images are lovely. My laser Printer is HP and we use some compatible cartridges from Ebay priced at £35 for four. We only had one problem and the cartridge was replaced and arrived the following day. We have been using these for at least thirteen years. Hope that helps. Nice bit of tidying going on here too. Wishing you a very happy and creative woyww, Angela x13x
Hi Shoshi , I saw your comment about the printer. My hubby says that it’s a chip that is in the machine and the cartridge companies have already dealt with this problem. He says the best thing to do is google this and you will find a company that are able to offer you a compatible cartridge xXx
Hi Shoshi! Great job on the art room! It looks huge, and very neat and tidy! So many machines! My room is quite small and cluttered, and I have to have a TV to watch while I work. I know nothing about laser printer, but I have an HP inkjet printer that works great, and I’ve never had problems with different papers. I subscribe to Graphic Fairy Freebies, which I get every Friday. I save so many of them I’ve had to start being very picky! I used a lot of them in my “Childhood” journal. Have fun with them! Glad the kittles are looking after each other so well, keeping each other warm and toasty! Please give them kitty hugs from us! Have a great week, Lindart #27
I hope you feel less fatigued soon. You seem to have done a lot. Hope you find the printer of your dreams. Helen #2
Ugh goodness, trust printers to pack up! I have a HP Envy and I really like it. Thats a very organised space now, I followed suit and tidied mine a few days ago. Awww those kitties are perfect models for photographing!
take care
Ellie #26
Beautiful kitties as usual. I used to be very happy with Epson printers, then I got an HP and I wasn’t happy with that at all I had to get rid of all my Epson paper as it wasn’t compatible. It was mainly the colour seemed off especially on faces. The inks were costing me a fortune, I couldn’t go for the instant ink option as the printer was too old so I bought another HP and now have the Instant Ink. This printer seems fine although I haven’t printed any photographs yet. I Think with laser printers the toners, although they last longer than inks are a major investment. I don’t know if HP do the toner cartridges the same as they do the Instant Ink. Angela #6
I love to have a grand tidy up as I work much better when things are in line. So that’s happening in my room too this week.
I can’t start a new project either until the desk has been cleared of everything from the last one.
We are a funny bunch aren’t we, how we all work so differently.
Printer problems here as well.
It’s been a long long time since I have printed something like that to play with. I really do not have good luck with printers. the one I bought for work ( at work) that is a color laser printer is also a fax, scanner etc. so, its not sized or priced for home. (and it still does not like heavy weight card to go through it) It is made by Cannon though and works for the things we use it for there. That is so sweet to see that your kitties love each other enough to snuggle 🙂 ~Stacy #26
Hope your fatigue improves soon, I get what that is like with my RA, fatigue can knock you for six. As to the printer, sorry cant help we have a colour HP deskjet, its ok but I dont use it that much for crafting.
kyla