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Yep, I'm missing.  You know I'm busy when I don't update my blog.  I'm currently finishing up details for Autumn Escape, getting ready for Kelly Goree's visit to New Zealand, doing some work forBasicGrey, watching a six year practice hip-hop, getting my boys ready for the hockey season, planning a trip to Sydney for SIA, getting over an awful cold, taking part in the first week of Dimensional Details and doing some heavy thinking about participating in this event.  OK so I thought about it for two seconds before declaring that I'll pass.  Hubby plans to sign up though.  I'll stick to my running.

I'll be back to regular blogging after Autumn Escape… I miss blogging, I can't stay away forever.

For those of you going to Autumn Escape, here's a little taste of the make n takes…

laters

I'm back from Melbourne.  What a city.  It's lovely, or the very little I saw of it was.  It was such a rush visit, with five classes taught over two days, that I didn't get to see much.  I did, however, get to see over a hundred lovely ladies keen for a whole lot of scrapbooking fun, dozens of different versions of the altered book buffet, hundreds of different pages created from classes I taught over there and a few very good bottles of Malborough Sav Blanc.  Sounds like fun, right?

It was.  And I know there are photos to prove it – if you are one of the lovely ladies that has pics of some of the antics in the class (wendy, email me!), I'd love to post some of them on my blog.

Oh – and those girl that know the lovely lady that makes the bags that I loved (was her name Hayley?) – someone email me her address?  I know you'll know what I mean!

On another note, how did I not know about the new Tim Holtz sizzix dies?  Take a look at them here being used with the Cuttlebug.  I'm trying to get some stock in to sell at Autumn Escape, how cool are they?

I got myself a copy of Tim's new book as a pressie for myself as well.

Short and sweet post today… I'm still shattered after the weekend.  Still head down trying to get Dimensional Details stuff done.  I'm buried in an amazing amount of goodies for the Autumn Escape.  Chocolate.  Flowers.  Paper.  All the good stuff.

Oh – a quick request – I need white or clear 2L icecream containers – anyone got some I could have?

Leaving you with images of one of the classes from the weekend, this was a class called Trinkets.  We created a basic layout that looked like this, but then from there the ladies were encouraged to add more from the Flower Buffet.. yep… more… and add more they did… you should have seen some of the layouts that came out of this class.  Link me up if you see some versions online!

laters

Ahh yes – St Pat's day and I don't celebrate any of this kind of stuff however I had a nagging need for muffins so I did make green muffins before the kids got up this morning.  I also put green food colouring in the cistern of the toilet, frightening the heck out of the kids when they flushed it.  Funny thing was I was in a hurry as I thought I was going to get busted by one of the kids and in my haste half a bottle went in, I think we'll be flushig green for days. yay st pats day.

So anyway.  If it wasn't for the fact that I refuse to admit I'm getting old, then I'd think I was getting old.  Firstly it was the 'ooooh cooool Mum!  Are those chucks you are wearing?!!"

The what? Where?

"Chucks!" Jacob lifted the cuff of my jeans to expose what I can only imagine shocked his pre-teen mind and he coiled back in a "oh.  no.  not chucks" as he walked away.

What's wrong with my shoes? Was the look I gave him as he walked away.

Then there was the Brit tany Sp ears song.  The one where the offical song lyrics say "All the boys and all the girls want to if you seek Aimee". 

What's this song called?

"If you seek aimee" is the reply I get from the same pre-teen boy who is clearly just waiting for some bomb to explode in my head as realisation as to what he REALLY just said hits.

How do they get away with producing songs that encourage young kids to dance around singing this stuff?  Abby thinks it's a fabulous song.  She's SIX for goodness sake.  What happened to "Funky Town" and "Rock me amadeus?!"

I think I just got old.

Anyway.  I'll let their Dad deal with it as I'm in Melbourne at the end of this week at Scraptacular.  Poor Julie was hit with that hailstorm that caused millions of dollars of damage.  I'm a weather freak but even I would have been terrified by that one! I'm planning on having an awesome full on fun weekend after a few awful ones Julie has had dealing with all the insurance etc, so I hope some of you ladies can join me!

After that it's more of the Autumn Escape..more organising, little did we know when we took this on a few years ago how big it would get and how much work it would be.  Our reputation must be out there though, I've had people email me this week asking to sponsor us.  Sneaks due up on the Autumn Escape blog at the end of next week.

THEN it's settle into 13 weeks of fun with my Dimensional Details class – starting April 1st.. I've just completed yet another video for this one.  I never thought I'd be doing videos.  It's really good fun.  Love it.  Who'd have thought?

At this point I normally post a layout.  I have no idea what I've posted, what I haven't, what is Ok to post, what isn't… 

here's a layout though – Abby was a fabulous help while we were renovating a few years ago, here's a favourite pic.  A fairly simple layout for me… loved layering the lace.

laters

In a perfect world, I'd blog every few days.  But then in a perfect world I'd not be having my Monarch caterpillar population decimated by wasps and I'd not trip over sticks left on the footpath by kids playing cute imaginery games when I'm running in the morning.  A perfect world it is not.  So we'll blame the lack of blog posts on that.

That and Timaru.  Stunning place full of fabulous people.  Most memorable for my 9 year old son who must have felt a little vulnerable as he heard the adults discussing what to do about the Tsunami.  We are still getting nightmares of tidal waves. 

Loved Timaru though.  Loved saving a little blue Penguin off the rocks on Caroline Bay, where a stray cat was sitting guard waiting for bluepenguin for dinner.  We loved the amazing light as we walked the beach in the late evening, the fitness playgrounds, the hamster wheel, the fact that the train goes right through the middle of town all the time, the amazing fountains, the lack of traffic and the people.  The people are the best.  Thanks for having me, ladies.

We travelled afterwards to Hanmer where we spent a lot of time in the water and discussing how hard it is to say Hanmer, when really one feels themselves wanting to pronounce it Hamner.  This was until Braden pointed out that Hanmer does feel right, its like Granmer, only younger. 

Have I mentioned I'd like to move to the South Island?  To a place where one is greeted by sights like this… do you see the frog? 

For those of you that heard me chatting about geocaching, there is a cache here, it was the GS coordinates that made us stop.  And look.  Jacob is rushing to be first up the track, Abby is fighting with him, and Paul is telling them to stop acting the fool next to a 100km/hr road and there is Brady casually watching on.  As he does.  See.  Just like home.

For those of you going to the Autumn Escape, I'm going to be updating the blog every 3-4 days from now on, be sure to keep watching.
For those of you in Melbourne – consider coming to see me at Scraptacular.
For those of you not going anywhere, I can come to you… BPS Dimensional Details starts in just over 3 weeks.  I'm spending huge amounts of time on this workshop, it's going to be well worth it. 

For those of you that aren't concerned with any of the above, here's a layout, LG's daughter again, love the pics that LG takes, and it's all Prima.  Fancy that.

laters

Hands up who wants to go in the draw for a free seat in my next Big Picture Scrapbooking Workshop!  Prima did a little promo on their blog and thanks to BPS and Prima, there is a seat up for grabs… here is the link, be sure to spread the word!  Scroll down to the Feb 23rd entry.

For those of you that have already signed up, I'm still working on content… let me know if there is anything inparticular that you want to know/learn/see/figure out with me!

I'm really busy over the next few months, I am down in Timaru this weekend and over to Melbourne next month… the info is below, I'm looking forward to a full on weekend, there are FIVE different classes…some are Prima, some are not.. Don't ya love the random font thing that typepad does when ya copy and paste?!!it makes it look like the most important thing is the gourmet lunch.

Registration is now open for classes at Scraptacular which are being held on Saturday the 20^th & Sunday the 21^st March

A fabulous mix of techniques, texture, dimension, detail and layers will be taught over the weekend.

Starting on Saturday with 3 classes which consists of 3 single layouts, 1 mini album & 1 double layout and then concluding on Sunday with the very popular Buffet Book & Trinkets Border layout.

Classes are $55 each which includes all materials and morning / afternoon tea.

A gourmet lunch is available on the Saturday for those who wish to attend the whole day.Of course there will be give away’s, prizes & a lucky ticket draw.

Bookings are essential, if you’d like to attend please call Julie at Scraptacular on 03 95845000 or email your details to sales@scraptacular.com.au

OK leaving you now with a sneak peek for those of you coming to Timaru…. I can't WAIT to teach this canvas class.  I've never taught one before, it should be FUN.  Messy, risky, hope it dries in time kinda FUN.  Nothing like Prima Flowers to make everything better though…

LAters

It's quiet on Sunday mornings at 5.30am.  It's just me and the sound of the sprinkler that has accidently been left on all night.  I turn the sprinkler off and muse over the fact that those are best watered tomatoes in Pukekohe.  And that my water bill will be through the roof.

Two hours later and I have succeeded in getting through a good amount of work.  Yesterday morning I was up at 6am doing the PAYE – it was the 20th, had to be done – but this morning it is Autumn Escape stuff.  I've talked to Kelly Goree on the phone this morning.  Tidying up details.  The note on my desk, scribbled while I talked to her says "AV stuff, NZ stuff, Tequila and make sure I TeacherAid for design stars".  It's early on a Sunday morning, let's hope I get all those things right when I meet with Lucy later.  It's deadline day for the teachers as we get our product lists in for purchase.  Very soon there will be all variety of gorgeous product streaming in to be kitted into amazing class kits for the Autumn Escape.  If it wasn't early on a Sunday morning, and if I wasn't awake early because I had one too many last night, you might find me doing an excited little dance about that. 

Evolve Beads.  Fits Pandora etc.  I am in love.  All NZ beads.  Smitten.  I am smitten.  I will be hitting an evolve beads stockist soon.  Love the concept of different coloured glass beads to represent different parts of New Zealand.  Haven't loved a concept as much as this in a long time.

Tarisota.  Ahhhh Tarisota.  Where for art thou, Tarisota?  The answer is that Tarisota has been delayed due to the world of fried computers.  If you are waiting for the gallery to go up, your patience is appreciated.  Despite several re-builds, something about Tamar's computer is refusing to go right, and the gallery work can't be uploaded.  Never fear!  It will happen ASAP and Tamar sends her deepest apologies!

iPhone vs Blackberry.  That is the question.  If I purchase an iPhone and take it to Sth Africa and Aussie, does it cut out the need to take my laptop to check emails?  And does it really cost $30 per MB (yes that is what the telecom salesman said yesterday) to use the internet overseas?  How do other people do it?  Buy SIM cards overseas?   Opinions appreciated :)  My 6 year old phone needs updating.  Opinions appreciated, esp from those that travel overseas and use their iPhone for internet!

Apologies for being so quiet this past week.  I'm busy in the office, with classes, Autumn Escape, organising travel but mostly with my Big Picture Scrapbooking workshop content.  Good to be busy.

Sharing time .. this layout created for Aussie Scrap Source., inspired by fabric & rag quilting… see the inspiration pic below. 
Enjoy your Sunday.
Laters

It's 2.30am, strange time for a girl to be in her office.  A few things contributing.. a) classes to finalise b) deadlines to dodge and c) humidity to battle.  It's so warm.  I'm so awake.  I'm so making use of the time and working. I'm so going to feel like crap tomorrow.

A cool thing though- more tags, because I am addicted to these things.  I created the tags using Prima and Ranger products because we are doing a little blog hop today!  In the coming few hours you'll see posts go up from some of the Prima Design Team Members, Prima and Tim Holtz!  Be sure to check out what the other ladies have posted, you can never get enough Ranger or Prima, I say! 

Prima Products: 536411 Nouveau Stamps, 539306 Belle Art Poetry Flowers, 527706 Caboodles, 538699 Cameo Roses Mandarin, 535506 Mini Roses, 539337 Belle Arts Novelty Flowers, 529178 Crystal Swirl, 536756 Cardstock Stickers, Umbrella

Ranger/Tim Holtz Products: Distress Crackle Paint: Picket Fence; Distress In-Worn Lipstick, Frayed Burlap, Tattered Rose, Black Soot; Ranger Glossy Accents; Distress Stickles: Rock Candy..

Here's the links to the other blogs, enjoy your browsing!

Dimensional Details – My 3 month technique workshop at Big Picture Scrapbooking – Registration is OPEN!

And if my office is anything to judge by, this workshop is going to be over-the-top awesome.  I mean we judge by the mess, right?  The ink, the bits of paper, the half packets of embellishments all over the room and the alphas spelling "I love you" across the front of my laptop where a certain gorgeous 6 year old wanted to help.  That's what we judge by, right? That's what its all about?

Maybe it's about more than that.  Maybe it's about this.  Maybe it's about admitting we love being creative. 

Maybe it's about admitting we admire all the gorgeous textural dimensional layouts we see in blogs and galleries and we want to try something just the same. 

I have 3 months worth of teaching to bring you.  I have dozens of handouts.  Hundreds of examples, piles of step-by-step instructions and some amazing guest designers.  I have manufacturer support and dozens of products to giveaway. 

So why don't you join me.  Together we'll start at the start and work our way through, experimenting with techniques, week by week. All those questions I get asked by email …  "How do you layer like that?  How do you curl those edges?" I'll answer them all plus I'll go so much further than that.
Gather yourself a big old pile of "I love creating and it's OK to surround myself with all this product I have bought and just ENJOY it" attitude and join me. Let me know if you do.

laters.

What'll it be Timaru?  The money or the bag?!!   Everytime I think of Timaru I think of that famous line from years ago.  I can't believe I haven't let you know I'll be back down there.  I'll be in Timaru on Saturday 27th February, teaching two new classes.

Interested?  Contact Rachel – details are here.  Below are the two classes.  The sneaks are very vague, but because the product is all super new Prima CHA product, I couldn't provide anymore detail until the sparkly new product is here.  It's on it's way.  Exciting stuff.

Creative Wilderness

It's messy and it's fun, it's a super layered canvas class!  Nic is well known for her layout classes, but she's ready to walk you through something decidedly different!  Starting with a blank canvas, Nic will use a variety of products including Tim Holtz and Ranger, and she'll add the messy stuff; gesso, stamping, glimmer mist, inks and paints.  The end result will be stunning and you'll learn several valuable techniques along the way! 

Level: Intermediate

Length: 2.5 hours (split over morning and afternoon)

 

I've got a few bits and pieces to link up.  I thought I might throw them all in one post.  Kind of like the dinner I've made tonight.  We're having Friday-night-random-throw-all-the-leftovers-in-a-dish-and-call-them-Risotto.

This post is kinda like that.

The lovely Becks from Timaru emailed me and asked me to link you up here.  Crop for a Cause 2010 is one of those crops that is all good fun, demos, make n takes, raffles, good food, great company and most importantly, its for a great cause.  You southern ladies – take a lookie here for more details. 

Another cause that you might remember I supported a few years ago with a page drive?  The Southern Cross Kids Camps are looking for more 6×6 pages.  I know a lot of the scrapping community had fun getting together in groups and making groups of 6×6 pages for these kids.  Check the details out here. 

The Autumn Escape is creeping closer and closer… it's a full on weekend, I am getting amazing sponsors, the ladies are going to be super spoiled.  As with events that people book into a year out, we are getting the occcasional cancellation so if you want to go – let us know! 

An etsy shop with creations from Ngai and Jilly… even if you can't buy, it's worth the browse for the pure inspiration really….

Tomorrow I'm going to update you on my next workshop at BPS.  For today I have Friday nite risotto to make.  Throw together.  You know.  Really creative stuff.

laters