The day was just perfect; beautiful weather, gorgeous location. Congratulations to the happy couple.
I hope you have all managed to keep your feet firmly on the ground with this windy weather!! I just wanted to give you a bit of a heads up regarding photo requirements for the challenges and Suzanne’s class that we have organized for the weekend, over and above what you plan on bringing to do your own layouts.
1. One of the Challenges will be a Christmas theme – typically Christmas colours with the papers that you will be given, and the sizes of the photos required are:-
One 6 x 4” landscape orientation photo,
One 2 x 2” photo, and
One 3 x 2.5” landscape orientation photo (approximately) :-)
2. For Suzanne’s class, you will need the following sizes:-
Three 3 x 4” landscape orientation photos with a feminine/vintage theme (but who says you can’t put flowers on a masculine page!)
Here is a sneak peek of the layout you will be doing:-
So blue and cream tonings as well as some tealy green and a hint of lilac!! Sounds interesting doesn’t it – it is just gorgeous and true to Suzanne’s style.
More info regarding the Retreat to come so check back soon for regular updates.
If you have been thinking of coming along to the Retreat but haven't yet done so, there is still time to book so visit the website (link on the side bar) or email me at info@qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au for further information.
Take care, Ann
Hello everyone
Well it is only 5 weeks away until the Retreat and everything is coming together nicely. There are a couple of things I need to tell you about in order for you to be organised for the weekend, as follows:-
Firstly, we have a Theme night on the Saturday night and this Retreat the theme is “Wild Wild West”. So have a think about a costume for the night – it can be as simple as a western style hat, or you can go all out as a Saloon gal if you want to – it all adds to the fun of the night! Prizes are available as usual including one for the Best Costume, so put your thinking caps on – let’s see what zany costumes we have on the night! Yeehah!!!
Secondly, we have a masseuse organized for the weekend to pamper us. Unfortunately the lovely Brigitte couldn’t join us this time were her magic fingers, but I have another lady Sonya coming along and she provides relaxation massages as follows:-
1hr Full Body Massage $55
1/2hr Full Body Massage $30
20min Neck & Shoulder Massage$25
Sounds divine doesn’t it?? Now if we get more than 10 participants, Sonya applies a Group Rate being a $5 discount. Please let me know if you would like to participate (believe me, you will just love it!) This is an additional cost and payment is made directly to Sonya on the day, so please make sure that you have the cash available. If you can let me know asap, it would be appreciated; that way we can organize the timetable to commence just after lunch on Saturday and work around meal breaks etc.
In the next couple of weeks time I will provide a sneak peek of Suzanne’s class on Saturday morning – it is just gorgeous!!
If you haven't booked your place for this Retreat, I can still take bookings - either visit the website or contact me via email info@qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au to make your booking or enquiry. Day participants are very welcome to attend.
Take care, Ann :-)
Hi Everyone1. How did you start in Scrapbooking & when?
I have been scrapbooking for about 7 years. I have a background in science but after maternity leave with my second child, I decided I was ready for a change and started working and teaching at my local scrapbooking store.
2. What do you enjoy most about Scrapbooking?
I have always loved photography and stationery, so scrapbooking was a perfect fit for me! I love that we can enjoy the arty process while creating precious memories about our children and our lives. I hope that they will look back on the albums one day and smile and perhaps will be reminded of things that they had forgotten.
3. What is your scrapbooking style?
I always find it hard to define my scrapbooking style but my layouts usually involve multiple small photos, lots of layers and definitely stitching! I cannot create a layout without stitching! The inspiration for me, really starts with the photos. I mainly scrapbook photos of my children, Bailey 10, and Lily, 7, and also of my nieces and nephews.
4. What are your favourite products at the moment?
Working in a scrapbooking store gives me access to a lot of beautiful products and I have many, many favourite brands. At the moment, I would say that Pink Paislee and Crate Paper are the ones that I look to most when new products are released but there are many others that I love and use regularly.
5. Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
I read lots of blogs and many of them are fashion, photography and decorating ones. The colours and patterns really inspire me and get my mind in a creative mood. I also love to visit our local markets as the atmosphere is really conducive to creativity.
6. How do you get through Scrapper's block?
If you are feeling frustrated during the creative process, my advice is to take a break. Go for walk or do something completely different. Chances are, when you come back you will be ready to try again. I usually take a lot of time to create a layout. It sits on my desk and each time I walk past, I look at it with fresh eyes until I work out what it 'needs'.
7. What is the best advice you would give to newbie scrapbookers?
If you are just starting out in scrapbooking, it can be a little overwhelming. My advice is to take it slowly. Find your style by using other peoples' work as inspiration and you will eventually discover what works for you.
Suzanne adds "During my scrapbooking journey I have been fortunate enough to be published in many scrapbooking magazines and work on several design teams. At the moment I am a design team member of Aussie Scrap Source, a company who is fantastic to work for. The Australian scrapbooking industry consists of many talented people and I feel very lucky to be a part of it."
Suzanne is teaching at the Brisbane Scrapbooking Convention in June and her classes "sold out" very quickly! So I am really looking forward to having her for our Retreat and learning more about her style and technique.
I hope to see you there.
Take care, Ann :-)
1. How did you start in Scrapbooking and how long have you been doing it?
I started as a Card maker when I was about 18yrs old, by my Mum. She ran a weekly card class and I loved participating in it. Then after going to a Craft Show many years ago, I found my niche…Scrapbooking. I loved everything about it and have been hooked ever since. So, I’ve been scrapbooking about 15 years now.
2. What do you enjoy most about scrapbooking?
The quiet creative time to myself. I scrap mainly at night when everyone has gone to bed, as I have young children. That becomes “my time”, at the end of the day. I’m a bit of a night owl too, which sees me up into the wee hours at times, so I can just finish that layout off!
3. What is your style?
My style is always changing, so to describe it best I’m an eclectic scrapper. I love bright colours, paint and I usually scrap with more than one photo on a layout.
I love trying new designs and techniques and will give just about anything a go!
4. What are your favourite 3 products at the moment and what can’t you do without?
My favourite products would be washi tape(a Japanese washi paper in the form of tape). I love the stuff and use it on everything of late!
I love chipboard lettering, as it gives such great dimension and it comes in so many colours and styles.
Lastly would be bakers twine. I love tying bows and knots and adding texture to my layouts!
5. Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?
I love looking through online galleries, magazines and what’s in style. You can get a lot of inspiration from what you see around you.
6. How do you get through Scrappers block?
It happens to everyone and when it does strike pull out those Scrap magazines or look at online galleries and find something you like. It could be a design, the placement of a flower or they may have used glimmer mist for example. Start with something and expand on it. Get out the cutter and start cutting paper and pushing it around your page. You’ll eventually like what you see
7. What is the best advice you would give to newbie scrapbookers?
Invest in a good cutter and pair of scissors! Don’t expect to create what you see in magazines next week. It’s a process and your journey as a scrapbooker will evolve in time. We all had to start somewhere.
I hope that you have learned a little about Michelle here. I'm sure her class will be an exciting one and she will be sharing lots of tips with us and showing us how to make some handmade embellishments as well, similar to what she has available in her Etsy store at Chelley Bean Designs. I hope to see you at the Retreat.
