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Monday morning has never come so quickly – the weekend seemed to be one large social event – from the large Pukekohe Fireworks display on Friday night (nothing like lying on one's back with 7000 other people watching the massive fireworks with 3 kids cuddled close and ash and debri falling in ones eyes…).  Then Saturday was a catch up with friends and then a guy Fawkes street party on Saturday night.  I happened to mention at said street party that Guy Fawkes was an English/New Zealand thing and that Australia doesn't share the tradition.  Most the people there didn't know that and even more wanted to know why – if anyone knows why, let me know!  We share most things with Australia, this one seems to be the exception.

What's happening this week? 

The Stars in their Eyes competiton kicks off at Scrappin' Patch…

There is 4 days left to register for the Autumn Escape to go in the draw for those prizes. 

Prima is looking for a new Design Team…

I am busy organising this special Christmas Edition of the Prima Card Buffet – just a note that this is close to being sold out.  Just the way I like it!  I love being busy at these events – busy = inspired=productive!

I'm finalising class kits for Scrapbook Art in ChristChurch – i'm thrilled I get to see the South Island again – I have 3 classes down there…

I'm busy making Stampin' Up! samples for a blog post.  I have GIVEAWAYS again – you know the fabulous Stampin' Up! giveaways that I do?  I will have some posted by the end of the week.  And I'll post pics of some new Stampin Up goodies that are coming out soon  – like a scalloped border punch very much like the threaded water punch except without the holes.  Very clever!  So I'll do all that this week.

I'm starting to entertain thoughts  of a certain Miss 4 in my life turning 5 – about to buy her school uniforms to go to school visits… 

The Tarisota Gallery has gone up over the weekend, I did 3 layouts, a banner and a door hanger –

Speaking of which I'll leave you with some images of it.  It is for Abby's door.  She can switch it from Come in to Keep out.  Guess which one she has it on most the time.  ( I totally under estimated how much she would LOVE this hanging on her door!)

laters

I got home from swimming tonight to a note on my desk.  Paul had stayed home with Abby and apparently they had some sort of heart-to-heart about Christmas because this is what the note said:

Abby's Santa List (as dictated to Daddy, 6th November 2008)

* A Real Phone. Ahhh yea let me buy my 4 year old a real phone…
* A Real Watch
* More Barbie Stuff like Mermaid stuff Just like last year…
* Polly Pocket – Ok now I think we are just remembering what we got last year…
* My Little Pet Shop
* My Little pony – Yep definitely this is just last years pressies all over again.
* A dolly that can speak french – Wait, I take that back , this one is new?.
* More Soft toys
* Pretty Stuff (Necklaces, rings etc) – I have those on my list too.  Good luck honey.
* Cool Fabulous stuff, Dresses and dress up stuff
* Lots and Lots and Lots of pretty things – as I said, me too.
* Shorts and T-shirts
* Little Barbie Stuff like knives and forks and things.  And pretty things?

10 points to Daddy for thinking on his feet and writing this stuff down.  But 10 points for Abby for trying to tell Daddy over and over again how much us girls love pretty stuff. 
Next time use the word sparkly, Abby, we'll see if he gets it.

laters.

November the 3rd and we are smack in the middle of fireworks-buying-time.  We only get 3 days to buy them this year.  I've said before that I love Guy Fawkes day, it's like the start to the summer.  I'm looking forward to a street BBQ and fireworks on Saturday night.

So how many of you (In NEw Zealand even!) Know what Guy Fawkes Day is for?  I admit when my kids asked I only had basic knowledge… it kinda went like this… "well in the 1600s there was this guy that plotted to blow up the English Parliament with all this gunpowder and stuff and he got busted before the plan went ahead.  They caught him and tortured him and hung him and when they did that the people of the city celebrated by burning big bonfires and 'Guy's' and over the years they have let off fireworks to represent the blowing up of parliament as well.  Except they didn't blow it up.  They just wanted to."

I apologise to any history teachers out there.  I did my best under pressure.  Truly.  My boys loved the story and you can just imagine them walking away doing the slow nodding in agreeance thing – alright…. blowing stuff up….keeeeewl…… Anyway.  Bring on Guy Fawkes day.  And bring on the summer that follows shortly afterwards.

The Sketchbook Retreat was a blast.  One of the best weekends I've been to probably, even if I did have to cut it short and come home for my family.  If anyone has pics of the Saturday night dress-ups – link me up!

Talking of retreats – I've just updated the Autumn Escape Blog with details of a giveaway we are having – 5 prizes – so go take a look at the blog. We've had an overwhelming amount of interest and a really decent (exciting!) amount of registrations back, but we need to know a more concrete number for planning/sponsorship purposes so we are really hoping to get more registrations in sooner rather than later – spread the word if you can and if you are one of those that KNOWS they are coming and hasn't got around to registering, seriously… do it.. a chance of one of 5 prizes has to be good reason!!!

Who bought Mallowpuffs in their shopping last week?  Just curious. lol.

Alrighty, leaving you with a layout.  Featuring my fab man again.  the journaling:

If you pressed me to say
Why I loved him
I can say no more than
Because he was he
And I was I
And he makes me
Toasted Sandwiches
When I've had a few too many
Drinks with my friends.

*sigh* i know. I know.  So heartfelt. 
Laters.

Let me just start by saying I am the perfect consumer.  I don't normally buy chocolate bickies, but since seeing the mallowpuff advertisment on TV I think I have bought 3 packets… it's just hilarious watching the kids crack them on their foreheads before they eat them.  A warning though – it really hurts!  We've had the "should Griffins have really put an ad like that on TV – it's going to make kids all over the country hurt themselves…" conversation here at the Howard home.  The conclusion was that it'll only hurt if we encourage them.  I don't think I've laughed that hard with the kids in ages.  Good one Griffins.

What's going on with scrapping?  Classes – I'm away at the sketchbook retreat this weekend… Christchurch at Scrapbook Art on the 29th November and I've just confirmed a class in Auckland for December 6th.  It's something different and perhaps a little keen – I'm not sure – it'll be a laugh anyway.  I'll post news of that one when I get details sorted!

Here is an interesting thread about 'softies' type scrapbooking embellishments and how a nasty chemical reaction can turn them to mush on your page… made me look through my stash wondering what I had that was similar.

I have a new class for sale up at Aussie SCrap Source – Fun adhesive elements…

Bit of a short post from me today, busy busy getting stuff ready for the weekend.  And i had a lot to say and I'd stashed it in that very safe place in my mind called "must blog that" and now it's disappeared.  Who knew it had an expiry date. Or a leak.  Or something.

laters

This has to be one of my most favourite times of the year.  Yes I love the crazy build up from now until Christmas.  I love Guy Fawkes, I love the school productions and the prizegivings, and I love the Christmas parties at school and kindy – it's a magical few months.

Except this year there is something spoiling it.   I'm hating the election stuff.  I don't do politics too well, I was a complete over-acheiver at school yet I did nothing better than average at History in 5th form. I did 6 subjects for School Cert which goes to show you what a girlie swot I was (until I hit 16 huh Dad? hehehee) but history blew my mind.  There was normally fights between political parties or religeons and I could never keep my facts straight.  It's the same now.  I've had enough of political talk taking up space in my already-full-of-important-stuff-like-scrapbooking-and-fudge-recipes mind, and I'm ready for it to be over.  SOOO ready infact that when I drive past those little roadside signs lined up just down the road from me that I want to jump the curb in my car and knock them down.  But I won't.  Because it would cost me money that may be already assigned to being spent on said scrapbooking or fudge recipes.  If I could remember the recipes – please let the election stuff be over soon.

The kits – most have sold, I just have a few paintables left – email me if you are interested. (Details 2 posts down).

Ok apparently I'm not done on the election thing because – talk about timing – I just answered the phone and it was a recording asking me to vote for a certain party.  Seriously PEOPLE.  If you ring my phone, make me get out of my chair, break my concentration, just to hear a voice recording, I will not be voting for your party.  As i said.  Please election stuff be over soon.  My hubby thrives on this stuff – he watches the interviews on TV and he tries to explain policies to me.  I nod and agree, or disagree, whichever seems appropriate at the time.  Lucky he is doing the thinking for us, come election day it will be him telling me which box to tick.

Talking of my fab man, here is a layout I created for the Aussie Scrap Source blog – the assignment was 'arty' which isn't usually me, but I gave it a go.  And actually it's turned out my most favourite layout in ages.  My hubby's boots and hammer were sitting in the garage just like that one day and I snapped a pic – the pic summarises what he does, what he is, who he really is, so I loved it.  I got all arty with the Glimmer Mist (You'll be pushed to find layouts done by me lately that doesn't use it!) and cardboard and also used Tim Holtz Grungeboard which I hadn't used for ages.  I wish I was as proud of every layout!

Laters.

Who knew Hairspray could be addictive.  Not the spray-in-your-hair-to-stop-it-moving type stuff but the movie that came out in 2007.  I watched it in 2007, had been waiting to watch it again, and managed to watch it twice over the weekend.  I didn't really mean to watch it twice but the 2nd time Abby was sitting on me and basically complained everytime I went to leave – and who can argue – and it was a pretty cool movie.

So anyway, "Good Morning Baltimore" is firmly embedded in my mind.   A lot of fun – definitely a chick flick, good to watch with Jacob and his friend Isobel (both 9).  BOTH of whom couldn't believe that a) the mother really is Danny from Grease and b) that the token good looking couple from HairSpray (Link and Amber) are really the token good looking couple from High School Musical (Troy and Sharpei).  Ahhh the things that amuse 9 year olds.

Scrapping news

– Scenic Route has released a Christmas line – it can be seen in this forum.  It's called Garland.

– We have stepped it up at the Queen & Co blog, not only are we posting 4 times a week with projects and ideas for all the new products, but we are posting a project with full instructions once a month – this month it is a halloween mask.

– Kim Archer (scroll past the tragic perm photos – I shouldn't laugh becuase mine would look that bad!) to the cute little cards.  At this point I am wishing I had found these a week or so back when I first thought of sending Evana a birthday card for the 24th.  And now it is the 21st and is there a card in the mail?  No.  Does it take more than 3 days for a card to get Auckland to perth?  Yes. 

Scrapbook Art – Registrations are open for my two classes down in Christchurch for November 29th.  The first is called All in One and is a layout with a mini book on the front. 
The second is a new class called So Tell me and it is a mini book – this one is a Prima class I am still in the middle of designing.
More details are on the website.  Allanah and I are also in the middle of chatting about whether or not there is time to fit in the "All you can CrEATe Card Buffet" Class that sold out at SENZ.  Be sure to let them know if you'd be keen.  I know if it goes ahead that it will be limited to a small amount of  people as we need the rest of the room in the class for the table of product.  *Said dreamingly like Homer Simpson…  Table of product. *

EDITED to add – I still have class kits from the SENZ "Paintables" class as well as the Christchurch "Summer Build a Book"Class for sale.  See the post below for details !

Leaving you with a layout I did with the last Tarisota kit.  This one was inspired by a layout I saw on the internet, although I changed things up a bit.  I'm not sure who it was, but it may have been Janine Langer.  The gorgeous bubba here is my new neice Samantha.

laters

I'm cleaning up after SENZ.  There wasn't much left, (that poor buffet was bare by the end of Sunday… it was kinda sad!) but I've cleaned that lot of class kits away and started preparing for the next few teaching gigs, the first which is at the Sketchbook retreat in a few weeks and the second of which is the 29th of November when I return to Christchruch to Scrapbook Art with 2 classes.

I'm often asked for spare class kits and usually I don't have them, I do that on purpose but I do have a few to sell today, these are both classes that I'm not likely to repeat again, which is why I'm selling the class kits!. 

So.  For sale.

Paintables Kits – with alphas – and a part bottle of Glimmer Mist.
(This kit includes everything needed to create the class from SENZ 2008… including the large set of chipboard alphas, a bottle of glimmer mist which is 1/4 – 1/3 full.  I'll also throw in a few extra flowers AND a CD with the instructions on so you can view them in colour!) The only thing you might need extra would perhaps be some watercolour pencils if you chose to colour that way.

" Jam Packed with technique, this class explores the world of paintables by Prima Marketing Inc.  Join Nic in using Glimmermist, watercolours, gorgeous flowers, lace and bling to create a beautiful detailed layout and bonus project that will simply shine in your album. This class is definitely technique based, you will embellish to your hearts desire and all walk away artists – no two layouts will be the same.  A generous class pack is included – there will be plenty of leftovers to keep creating with your new found inspiration when you leave."

KIT – including instructions on CD, large set of alphas, extra flowers thrown in pack, part bottle of glimmer mist PLUS postage included $39.

Glimmer Mist is a first come – first serve basis, part bottles include (please list in order of preference a few choices – I'll do my best to give you what you want but in all honesty, it's basically a case of first in, first served…
:

Sunflower (yellow) , Burnt Red (dark red), Watermelon (pink red), Robins Egg blue, Kiwi (green), Forest Green (Dark green), Denim Blue, Silver (very light colour – just a background shimmer really), Golden Terracotta, Auburn(red brown), Passion Red, Suede (brown), Pink Bubblegum (lighter pink), Jazz Blue (darker tealy blue), Candy Apple Red (true red), Creme De Chocolate (darker brown).

Examples of the layouts made in the paintables class above. :o)

Also:
Prima Summer build-A-Book class (as taught in Chch, Sept 08)

(This kit includes everything needed to make this multi media/ acrylic album – including colour instructions on CD, and a part bottle of Glimmer Mist approx 1/4 – 1/3 full – enough to have a good play!-  (kit includes acrylic pages, various papers, cardstock, laces, alphas, stickers, various other flowers and embellishments, instructions…)  PLUS POStage is included – $39.

"The days are getting longer which means summer is on it's way!  It's the perfect time to create a summertime album!  Join Nic to create a multi media mini album… just a little acrylic.. add some gorgeous papers and detail with a gorgeous range of exciting embellishments.  You'll be totally prepared this season with a book already completed and ready to add those favourite summertime pictures."

OK so if anyone wants those kits – one or the other or both, email me – you'll find my email link under my photo in the sidebar there.  Please let me know which kit you want, your top preferences for the Glimmer Mist colours, and I'll do my best!

Please note that I do not sell full bottles of Glimmer Mist.  These are merely part bottles that complete class kits.  For full bottles of Glimmer Mist contact Andrea at Scrapbook Outlet NZ or Mary At Kiwiscraps  or Allanah at  Scrapbook Art.

One thing that happened over the SENZ weekend – something that I didn't quite expect – was that I actually got really involved in a good book.  I took a book to read on the flight each way and by the time I got home I was well and truly hooked.  So hooked that I got up early this morning to finish reading it.  And I did.  And I've been thinking about it all morning.  That's a sure sign of a great book – when you almost mourn that you have finished it.

And funny thing is that I can't even tell you what it was called.  The plot was centred around a fishing town, a murder plot and there was great detail about a pod of orcas interwoven into the story.  I'll tell you what it was called, when I remember.  I sent it with Abby back to the neighbour who lent it to me straight away!.  The point of this mid-morning rambling is that I *think* I have found my love for reading again.  And now I need recommendations for another book.  Let me know what you've been reading.

Thanks for your comments regarding SENZ – I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend you and BET I'll be back teaching again next year – whereever that may be! Well i hope I'll be back!

The Sketchbook Retreat.. coming up in a few weekends time…for those of you waiting for details of what to bring for my class – The layout we are building has room for one 6×4 portrait orientation photo.  The colours we use are browns and teals with a little red/orange thrown in.  Subject of the photo – anything really.  I find often it's better to sit the class and create the project and then add the photos later.  So don't get too hung up on it – if you don't have a photo that suits, add one later!

The project will also have room for an additional four 3×3 photos – but we won't need to add them during the course of the class.

Other than that – what to bring…. basic tools – include your fav coloured ink for shading, black or brown kinda thing, a water brush if you have one (otherwise I'll supply water and paintbrushes), a hole piercer if you have one – don't worry if you don't…glue dots and tape runner type adhesives if you have them…I think that's all! 

Ok I'll leave you with a quick mini book I made for the tarisota gallery with the last kit.  I do these little books with leftover photos and throw them in the kids bedside drawers – they still get a buzz finding them and reading them at night – yea I know that won't last forever. 

Hey – did anyone do this "Week in the life" book with Ali Edwards?  I'm tempted.  I've done lots of 'day in the life' projects.  I wonder if I could manage a whole week :o)

Laters

What a fabulous time in Wellington!  You Wellingtonians really know how to put on an event – SENZ wellington really had it all.  Let's see… Wellington SENZ provided…

* Non stop shopping
* Amazing weather
* Compulsory exercise built into the venue – you didn't get anywhere without negotiating at least 3 large ramps.
* A venue next to the railway line and if I waited long enough a train went under the bridge every time I crossed it. lol
* More glorious weather
* An abundance of classes
* Probably the most relaxed classes I've ever taught.

There was more – that was just part of it.  I thoroughly enjoyed SENZ, Fiona and crew did a great job.

The classes went amazing… here are a few pics from some of my classes…This was the paintables class… some of the creations as they were being put together…

And then there was the card buffet class…Check out this prima goodness….each participant got a class pack with enough stuff in it to create 6 cards.. and then access to this as well…

  And actually there was tonnes more… there was bowls of buttons, alphas, more lace,glitter,  ribbon, leaves, more flowers, glimmer mist… It was amazing.  The most cards created was 12 – I was so proud of that lady! lol.

Remember I'm repeating this class at the  Autumn Escape in May.  To make sure it's a little different I'll probably change the class instructions up a little but the concept of the buffet will remain the same.  As it stands the class space is limited to 25-30, so being quick is the key to getting in on this one!  
By the way it was great to hear the excitement over the Autumn Retreat when I was at SENZ!  Thanks for supporting us – so many people telling us that they have been meaning to register and asking if it was full yet – no it's not full yet, but the classes are filling up!

I'll leave you with an image of another one of the paintables pages… seriously there were like 80-90 pages that were this amazing.  It just astounded me.

IF you sat in on my class and have any Feedback for either Prima (Manufacturer of most the products in the packs and the buffet!) or Tattered Angels (manufacturer of Glimmer Mist) then I'll leave you some email contacts below.  It's always nice to get feedback about my classes, especially to the manufacturers that I was representing – be sure to mention you were at SENZ with me!

Donna at Prima – donna@primamarketinginc.com
Michelle at Tattered Angels (Glimmer Mist). Attn Michelle info@mytatteredangels.com

Laters

Just a quick post.  I'm finalising stuff for the weekend.  Because teaching classes is just not the same without the adrenaline caused by thinking I'm not quite under control. 

I've actually just had someone go down and review the room I'm teaching in at SENZ. It's huge so I have opened up a few more spaces in each of my previously sold out classes.
I know there were a few people on waiting lists, so please contact Rhonda at Kiwiscraps (go to the www.kiwiscraps.co.nz site or email rhonda@kiwiscraps.co.nz) or phone the store to book in 04 4994499 .
This is for the All you can Create Card buffet class which sold out in the first few days, as well as the Prima Paintables which also sold out fairly quickly before they opened a second class space up.

Very cool.  Love that there is room for more.

I'll leave you with a very scary layout.  One because it's so black and weird, and second because I have my very bare upper thi gh on there.  That's truly baring all.  It's one from the Tarisota kit – gallery being uploaded tonight.