A good read – the sketchbook retreat and a mini book.

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

Nic-mini-1-bu 

Nic-mini-4-bu

Nic-mini-6-bu

Nic-mini-7-bu

Nic-mini-8-bu 

Nic-mini-11-bu 

Nic-mini-12-bu

Comments

48 responses to “A good read – the sketchbook retreat and a mini book.”

  1. Penny Avatar

    thx for the project info 🙂 Looking forward to the class!
    I do a Reading Round Up on my blog each month. There might be a book you could love on it. Or not. But anyhow, just thought I’d tell you.

  2. Penny Avatar

    thx for the project info 🙂 Looking forward to the class!
    I do a Reading Round Up on my blog each month. There might be a book you could love on it. Or not. But anyhow, just thought I’d tell you.

  3. Penny Avatar

    thx for the project info 🙂 Looking forward to the class!
    I do a Reading Round Up on my blog each month. There might be a book you could love on it. Or not. But anyhow, just thought I’d tell you.

  4. Penny Avatar

    thx for the project info 🙂 Looking forward to the class!
    I do a Reading Round Up on my blog each month. There might be a book you could love on it. Or not. But anyhow, just thought I’d tell you.

  5. jane rogers Avatar
    jane rogers

    Hi
    so cool to hear someone else say they’ve rediscovered their love of reading !! I used to read soooo much and then I had two wonderful busy girls which seemed to leave no time or energy for reading novels !! But school time is here and I seem to LOVE reading now again !!
    LOVE the vampire series by Stephenie Mayer. Series of 4 books with the first one called “Twilight” fabulous series !!
    Enjoy …
    jane

  6. jane rogers Avatar
    jane rogers

    Hi
    so cool to hear someone else say they’ve rediscovered their love of reading !! I used to read soooo much and then I had two wonderful busy girls which seemed to leave no time or energy for reading novels !! But school time is here and I seem to LOVE reading now again !!
    LOVE the vampire series by Stephenie Mayer. Series of 4 books with the first one called “Twilight” fabulous series !!
    Enjoy …
    jane

  7. jane rogers Avatar
    jane rogers

    Hi
    so cool to hear someone else say they’ve rediscovered their love of reading !! I used to read soooo much and then I had two wonderful busy girls which seemed to leave no time or energy for reading novels !! But school time is here and I seem to LOVE reading now again !!
    LOVE the vampire series by Stephenie Mayer. Series of 4 books with the first one called “Twilight” fabulous series !!
    Enjoy …
    jane

  8. jane rogers Avatar
    jane rogers

    Hi
    so cool to hear someone else say they’ve rediscovered their love of reading !! I used to read soooo much and then I had two wonderful busy girls which seemed to leave no time or energy for reading novels !! But school time is here and I seem to LOVE reading now again !!
    LOVE the vampire series by Stephenie Mayer. Series of 4 books with the first one called “Twilight” fabulous series !!
    Enjoy …
    jane

  9. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Darn it! Not going to the retreat and I have the perfect photo for your class!!
    Just love the way you whip up mini albums from left over photos and ‘throw them in the kid’s bedside drawers’! Gorgeous album.
    Reading? I used to be surgically attached to books! Authors I have enjoyed recently are Lisa Scottoline, Perri O’Shaughnesy, Harlen Coben and for a bit of light relief Sheila O’Flanagan.

  10. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Darn it! Not going to the retreat and I have the perfect photo for your class!!
    Just love the way you whip up mini albums from left over photos and ‘throw them in the kid’s bedside drawers’! Gorgeous album.
    Reading? I used to be surgically attached to books! Authors I have enjoyed recently are Lisa Scottoline, Perri O’Shaughnesy, Harlen Coben and for a bit of light relief Sheila O’Flanagan.

  11. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Darn it! Not going to the retreat and I have the perfect photo for your class!!
    Just love the way you whip up mini albums from left over photos and ‘throw them in the kid’s bedside drawers’! Gorgeous album.
    Reading? I used to be surgically attached to books! Authors I have enjoyed recently are Lisa Scottoline, Perri O’Shaughnesy, Harlen Coben and for a bit of light relief Sheila O’Flanagan.

  12. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Darn it! Not going to the retreat and I have the perfect photo for your class!!
    Just love the way you whip up mini albums from left over photos and ‘throw them in the kid’s bedside drawers’! Gorgeous album.
    Reading? I used to be surgically attached to books! Authors I have enjoyed recently are Lisa Scottoline, Perri O’Shaughnesy, Harlen Coben and for a bit of light relief Sheila O’Flanagan.

  13. Barb Avatar

    Ummmmm, I’m at a loss for words. I love that mini book. The cute little bling/charms hanging from it. The simplicity of the words and photos. I could so do this, if I weren’t so mini-book-impaired. *sigh*

  14. Barb Avatar

    Ummmmm, I’m at a loss for words. I love that mini book. The cute little bling/charms hanging from it. The simplicity of the words and photos. I could so do this, if I weren’t so mini-book-impaired. *sigh*

  15. Barb Avatar

    Ummmmm, I’m at a loss for words. I love that mini book. The cute little bling/charms hanging from it. The simplicity of the words and photos. I could so do this, if I weren’t so mini-book-impaired. *sigh*

  16. Barb Avatar

    Ummmmm, I’m at a loss for words. I love that mini book. The cute little bling/charms hanging from it. The simplicity of the words and photos. I could so do this, if I weren’t so mini-book-impaired. *sigh*

  17. Susan Kopp Avatar
    Susan Kopp

    I love mini albums and its been a while since I have done one so that just got me all inspired to do another. A really good book for me was “Moon over Madeline Island”. This book reminds me of a good chick flick. Check it out.

  18. Susan Kopp Avatar
    Susan Kopp

    I love mini albums and its been a while since I have done one so that just got me all inspired to do another. A really good book for me was “Moon over Madeline Island”. This book reminds me of a good chick flick. Check it out.

  19. Susan Kopp Avatar
    Susan Kopp

    I love mini albums and its been a while since I have done one so that just got me all inspired to do another. A really good book for me was “Moon over Madeline Island”. This book reminds me of a good chick flick. Check it out.

  20. Susan Kopp Avatar
    Susan Kopp

    I love mini albums and its been a while since I have done one so that just got me all inspired to do another. A really good book for me was “Moon over Madeline Island”. This book reminds me of a good chick flick. Check it out.

  21. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    Read ‘My Sister’s Keeper” or “Keeping Faith” by Jodi Picoult. So good, but heart wrenching. Actually, anything by her is well worth the read. I also love books by Luanne Rice, Carla Neggers, and Anita Shreve.

  22. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    Read ‘My Sister’s Keeper” or “Keeping Faith” by Jodi Picoult. So good, but heart wrenching. Actually, anything by her is well worth the read. I also love books by Luanne Rice, Carla Neggers, and Anita Shreve.

  23. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    Read ‘My Sister’s Keeper” or “Keeping Faith” by Jodi Picoult. So good, but heart wrenching. Actually, anything by her is well worth the read. I also love books by Luanne Rice, Carla Neggers, and Anita Shreve.

  24. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    Read ‘My Sister’s Keeper” or “Keeping Faith” by Jodi Picoult. So good, but heart wrenching. Actually, anything by her is well worth the read. I also love books by Luanne Rice, Carla Neggers, and Anita Shreve.

  25. Heidi Avatar

    I cannot wait for your class at the retreat, really looking forward to, have been a fan of your work for ages.

  26. Heidi Avatar

    I cannot wait for your class at the retreat, really looking forward to, have been a fan of your work for ages.

  27. Heidi Avatar

    I cannot wait for your class at the retreat, really looking forward to, have been a fan of your work for ages.

  28. Heidi Avatar

    I cannot wait for your class at the retreat, really looking forward to, have been a fan of your work for ages.

  29. shauna Avatar

    masterpiece as usual. like i always say, you are a rockstar!
    as for books, i found my love of reading again this summer and got hooked up with goodreads. you can add me as a friend (and a bunch of tccers too!). there’s a link on my blog if you’re interested.
    i read the vampire series by stepanie meyer twice and can’t wait for the movie to come out in november!!!! i’m a jacob fan myself… as opposed to edward.
    xoxo
    shauna

  30. shauna Avatar

    masterpiece as usual. like i always say, you are a rockstar!
    as for books, i found my love of reading again this summer and got hooked up with goodreads. you can add me as a friend (and a bunch of tccers too!). there’s a link on my blog if you’re interested.
    i read the vampire series by stepanie meyer twice and can’t wait for the movie to come out in november!!!! i’m a jacob fan myself… as opposed to edward.
    xoxo
    shauna

  31. shauna Avatar

    masterpiece as usual. like i always say, you are a rockstar!
    as for books, i found my love of reading again this summer and got hooked up with goodreads. you can add me as a friend (and a bunch of tccers too!). there’s a link on my blog if you’re interested.
    i read the vampire series by stepanie meyer twice and can’t wait for the movie to come out in november!!!! i’m a jacob fan myself… as opposed to edward.
    xoxo
    shauna

  32. shauna Avatar

    masterpiece as usual. like i always say, you are a rockstar!
    as for books, i found my love of reading again this summer and got hooked up with goodreads. you can add me as a friend (and a bunch of tccers too!). there’s a link on my blog if you’re interested.
    i read the vampire series by stepanie meyer twice and can’t wait for the movie to come out in november!!!! i’m a jacob fan myself… as opposed to edward.
    xoxo
    shauna

  33. fiona Avatar
    fiona

    No sorry I can’t recommend any good books. No I didn’t do Ali’s week in the life of but am still considering it.Your work is wonderful as always.

  34. fiona Avatar
    fiona

    No sorry I can’t recommend any good books. No I didn’t do Ali’s week in the life of but am still considering it.Your work is wonderful as always.

  35. fiona Avatar
    fiona

    No sorry I can’t recommend any good books. No I didn’t do Ali’s week in the life of but am still considering it.Your work is wonderful as always.

  36. fiona Avatar
    fiona

    No sorry I can’t recommend any good books. No I didn’t do Ali’s week in the life of but am still considering it.Your work is wonderful as always.

  37. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    “The White Masai” (turned into a movie) and Corinne’s sequel, can’t remember the name!
    I was going to do Ali’s challenge, but as it was during the holidays I thought I would have a boring week. But looking back on it I wish I did have my camera with me as I could have taken some cool photos. I guess I’ll just have to do it before Novemebr, LOL! A good way to see if I teach the same each day or change it up! might get one of the 5 year olds to take the photos for me… hmm there’s an idea!

  38. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    “The White Masai” (turned into a movie) and Corinne’s sequel, can’t remember the name!
    I was going to do Ali’s challenge, but as it was during the holidays I thought I would have a boring week. But looking back on it I wish I did have my camera with me as I could have taken some cool photos. I guess I’ll just have to do it before Novemebr, LOL! A good way to see if I teach the same each day or change it up! might get one of the 5 year olds to take the photos for me… hmm there’s an idea!

  39. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    “The White Masai” (turned into a movie) and Corinne’s sequel, can’t remember the name!
    I was going to do Ali’s challenge, but as it was during the holidays I thought I would have a boring week. But looking back on it I wish I did have my camera with me as I could have taken some cool photos. I guess I’ll just have to do it before Novemebr, LOL! A good way to see if I teach the same each day or change it up! might get one of the 5 year olds to take the photos for me… hmm there’s an idea!

  40. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    “The White Masai” (turned into a movie) and Corinne’s sequel, can’t remember the name!
    I was going to do Ali’s challenge, but as it was during the holidays I thought I would have a boring week. But looking back on it I wish I did have my camera with me as I could have taken some cool photos. I guess I’ll just have to do it before Novemebr, LOL! A good way to see if I teach the same each day or change it up! might get one of the 5 year olds to take the photos for me… hmm there’s an idea!

  41. Vanessa Avatar

    Nic, your mini’s always kick ass! I have to confess, I scraplift from you ALL the time! LOL
    As for your newly rekindled affection for reading allow me to make a few suggestions:
    *Anything by Gail Anderson-Dargatz – interesting stories that are all about the people (a few titles include Turtle Valley & A cure for death by lightning)
    *The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
    *I totally am with the other commenters who recommended the Stephenie Meyer novels. She’s got a new adult novel called The Host. Spooky and unnerving. A worthwhile read.
    *Marley & Me by John Grogan
    *A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
    *Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russell
    and Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
    Those are some of the titles I’ve read this year and LOVED!! Maybe you will too.

  42. Vanessa Avatar

    Nic, your mini’s always kick ass! I have to confess, I scraplift from you ALL the time! LOL
    As for your newly rekindled affection for reading allow me to make a few suggestions:
    *Anything by Gail Anderson-Dargatz – interesting stories that are all about the people (a few titles include Turtle Valley & A cure for death by lightning)
    *The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
    *I totally am with the other commenters who recommended the Stephenie Meyer novels. She’s got a new adult novel called The Host. Spooky and unnerving. A worthwhile read.
    *Marley & Me by John Grogan
    *A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
    *Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russell
    and Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
    Those are some of the titles I’ve read this year and LOVED!! Maybe you will too.

  43. Vanessa Avatar

    Nic, your mini’s always kick ass! I have to confess, I scraplift from you ALL the time! LOL
    As for your newly rekindled affection for reading allow me to make a few suggestions:
    *Anything by Gail Anderson-Dargatz – interesting stories that are all about the people (a few titles include Turtle Valley & A cure for death by lightning)
    *The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
    *I totally am with the other commenters who recommended the Stephenie Meyer novels. She’s got a new adult novel called The Host. Spooky and unnerving. A worthwhile read.
    *Marley & Me by John Grogan
    *A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
    *Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russell
    and Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
    Those are some of the titles I’ve read this year and LOVED!! Maybe you will too.

  44. Vanessa Avatar

    Nic, your mini’s always kick ass! I have to confess, I scraplift from you ALL the time! LOL
    As for your newly rekindled affection for reading allow me to make a few suggestions:
    *Anything by Gail Anderson-Dargatz – interesting stories that are all about the people (a few titles include Turtle Valley & A cure for death by lightning)
    *The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
    *I totally am with the other commenters who recommended the Stephenie Meyer novels. She’s got a new adult novel called The Host. Spooky and unnerving. A worthwhile read.
    *Marley & Me by John Grogan
    *A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
    *Forever Lily by Beth Nonte Russell
    and Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
    Those are some of the titles I’ve read this year and LOVED!! Maybe you will too.

  45. nina Avatar

    ok ok ok….i am coming out of lurkdom!! Yes, i do a weekly lurk on your blog Nic, and i am always truly inspired by your creations. I suppose the reason for my “coming out of lurkdom” has to do with your request for some good reads. Apart from scrapping, my next most fav pastime is reading…i love the a good read, and i would like to offer the following info if you want a good read….
    these 4 authors are fantastic and my favorites, they have never failed me yet and always provide me with an edge of the seat ride, when reading their books i suffer from the “I CAN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN” syndrome, so next time you are looking for a good read try something written by one of these guys….
    harlan corban
    kathy reichts
    robert crais
    tess gerritson
    cya,
    Nina

  46. nina Avatar

    ok ok ok….i am coming out of lurkdom!! Yes, i do a weekly lurk on your blog Nic, and i am always truly inspired by your creations. I suppose the reason for my “coming out of lurkdom” has to do with your request for some good reads. Apart from scrapping, my next most fav pastime is reading…i love the a good read, and i would like to offer the following info if you want a good read….
    these 4 authors are fantastic and my favorites, they have never failed me yet and always provide me with an edge of the seat ride, when reading their books i suffer from the “I CAN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN” syndrome, so next time you are looking for a good read try something written by one of these guys….
    harlan corban
    kathy reichts
    robert crais
    tess gerritson
    cya,
    Nina

  47. nina Avatar

    ok ok ok….i am coming out of lurkdom!! Yes, i do a weekly lurk on your blog Nic, and i am always truly inspired by your creations. I suppose the reason for my “coming out of lurkdom” has to do with your request for some good reads. Apart from scrapping, my next most fav pastime is reading…i love the a good read, and i would like to offer the following info if you want a good read….
    these 4 authors are fantastic and my favorites, they have never failed me yet and always provide me with an edge of the seat ride, when reading their books i suffer from the “I CAN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN” syndrome, so next time you are looking for a good read try something written by one of these guys….
    harlan corban
    kathy reichts
    robert crais
    tess gerritson
    cya,
    Nina

  48. nina Avatar

    ok ok ok….i am coming out of lurkdom!! Yes, i do a weekly lurk on your blog Nic, and i am always truly inspired by your creations. I suppose the reason for my “coming out of lurkdom” has to do with your request for some good reads. Apart from scrapping, my next most fav pastime is reading…i love the a good read, and i would like to offer the following info if you want a good read….
    these 4 authors are fantastic and my favorites, they have never failed me yet and always provide me with an edge of the seat ride, when reading their books i suffer from the “I CAN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN” syndrome, so next time you are looking for a good read try something written by one of these guys….
    harlan corban
    kathy reichts
    robert crais
    tess gerritson
    cya,
    Nina

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