Only 5 sleeps to go.....

Hello everyone

We only have 5 sleeps until our retreat at Noosa.....all of the preps have been done and I've been busy packing up the shop to bring along some scrappin' goodies for you all.

You all have your class and challenge requirements for the weekend and I'm sure you are just as busy packing up your stash to bring along.

I will be in contact soon regarding location address and a run-down for the weekend.

Take care, Ann

Theme night....

Hi everyone

Just a quick post....hubby and I are away on a little holiday,but we are making our way home now and should be home either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning from Far North Queensland. We are in Bowen tonight.

I wanted to let you know that our theme night for Noosa will be "70's DISCO".  I'm sure this theme will be a lot fun and you can either go way out with your costume or keep it simple.  Who knows, some of us may have a pair of flairs or hot pants in the wardrobe!!

We still have a few spaces left,so if you have a friend or two that is thinking of coming along, then they are most welcome.

I will be in contact with you all soon re the class requirements for Cathy's class.

Take care for now, Ann :-)

October Class Layout Sneak Peek

Hello again

It's time to reveal a sneak peek of the class layout that Cathy Cafun will be teaching on Saturday 13 October at the Noosa Retreat.

Cathy has done a magnificent job with the brief for this layout - you will absolutely love it and she has some wonderful techniques and tips to teach you....

Here is a little temptation for you....

and a little hint.....Graphic 45!!

I for one can't wait for the Retreat to see this fab layout being done by everyone.

Take care for now, Ann:-)

Catch up with Cathy Cafun....

Hello everyone
I'd like to share some information with you about our guest tutor Cathy Cafun who will be teaching at the October Retreat in Noosa, regarding her Scrapbooking journey so far.......


1. How did you start in Scrapbooking and how long have you been doing it?
I found my passion for scrapping 7 years ago when I was introduced to this addictive craft by a friend, and have been hooked ever since.

 2. What do you enjoy most about scrapbooking?

Scrapbooking provides me with a wonderful way to express myself creatively whilst being able to record all those precious family memories for my children and hopefully my grandchildren one day.

 3. What is your style?
I’m not really sure what my style is, but I do love Shabby Chic/Vintage and am very partial to the grungy distressed look.  My creations usually have elements of texture and dimension and I find fussy cutting, layering and distressing a wonderful way to achieve this.

 4. What are your favourite 3 products at the moment and what can’t you do without?

Patterned Papers- layering and mixing different ranges of pp’s together is something you nearly always find on my LO’s.  I have the most massive and ever-growing stash of papers!!
Gesso –  I love the beautiful softness and texture you can create on a page with gesso.
Dies -  Totally love them atm.. they are a fab way to create your own embellishments.

 5.  Where do you find inspiration for your layouts?

My inspiration usually starts with photos of my family, and I just let my creations flow from there, but I also find inspiration from browsing blogs, online galleries, mags and am always inspired by new and exciting products.  Challenge sites are also a fab source of inspiration, as they are a fantastic way of getting you out of your comfort zone.  There are so many amazingly talented artists on these sites and I love looking at all their gorgeous creations and finding new and inspiring ideas to get the juices flowing.

 6. How do you get through Scrappers block?

When a project just isn’t working, the best thing to do is just walk away from it for a while, as I find if I try to push through, I just get more frustrated.   Usually, when I come back to my project after a break, it will fall into place, but if I’m really stuck, I will look through a few mags or galleries for some inspiration and that will often get me back on track.

 7. What is the best advice you would give to newbie scrapbookers?

A few classes are a good way to start, to get the basics and try your hand at some styles that appeal to you.  It takes a while to find what works for you, just experiment and have fun.  If you are happy with your creations, nothing else matters.

 Cathy adds "My love of Scrapbooking has allowed me to work alongside some amazingly talented artists through various positions on Design Teams, giving me the opportunity to make some beautiful and inspirational friends from all over the world.  I was also lucky enough to be invited to teach at the Scrapbooking and Papercraft Convention in June and had the most amazing time.

At present, I am designing for Scrapmatts, Meg’s Garden, Once Upon a Sketch and Berry71Bleu .  My work has been published regularly in Scrapbooking Memories and Scrapbooking Creations." 

Here is Cathy's blog if you would like to pop in and say hello: http://cathycafun.blogspot.com/

If you haven't already booked your spot for the Retreat, don't leave it too much longer as places are starting to fill up - don't miss you opportunity to be part of a fantastic class with Cathy as well as a weekend full of fun and scrappin' of course!!

Go to the webite www.qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au for further information.

Take care for now, Ann :-)

12 hour Super Crop

Hello everyone   

I just wanted to let you all know that I am holding a 12-hour Super Crop at Burpengary on Saturday 1 September.

It will be held at the King Street Players Theatre at the Community Centre on the corner of Old Bay Road & Maitland St at Burpengary(north Brisbane).

The crop begins at 10am and finishes at 10pm and all meals will be provided for a cost of $50 - any special dietary requirements can be accommodated.  A shop will be available for any purchases you require on the day.

Please contact me on mobile 0413 21 6096 or via email info@qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au to book you place for a great day of scrappin'. I'm looking forward to it.

Take care, Ann :-)

Noosaville ClassTeacher Revealed.....

Hello everyone

I am soooo excited to be able to now tell you the name of the teacher who will be coming up to Noosaville to teach the Saturday morning class........

Are you ready?????

It is.....

the gorgeous CATHY CAFUN!!

Cathy is such a lovely lady and loves nothing more than to share her knowledge with as many fellow scrappers and cardmakers as she can.  She feels very privileged to be able to pass on her techniques and tips.

I met with Cathy on Sunday and we discussed the brief for the class layout and I think we have a fantastic page planned for you!!  You can check out some of Cathy's work via her blog http://www.cathycafun.blogspot.com.au/



So if you have been thinking about coming along to the Retreat on 12-14 October, then don't leave it too long before you make your booking so you can be part of Cathy's class.  I will tell you more about Cathy in the coming weeks.

Visit the website www.qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au for further information about the Noosa Retreat, or give me a call on 0413 21 6096, or email me at info@qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au and I will get back to you soon.

Go on, you know you want to!!

Take care, Ann :-)

Noosaville Retreat Class Teacher....

Hello everyone
I am meeting with the lady who will hopefully be teaching at the Noosaville Retreat in October tomorrow to discuss her class and I am sooooo excited about the possibility of her coming along.
I will let you know in the next few days if she has agreed to teach her wonderful style to you all.
Stay tuned for the exciting news and check back soon as I am sure bookings will come in thick and fast!!
Take care, Ann :-)

Hello everyone
Just a quick post for the ladies at the Kilcoy Retreat who indicated that they would like the recipe for the yummy apricot rolls that we had.....well here it is....

18 malt biscuits finely crushed

1/2 x 395 g can condensed milk

55 g chopped almonds

18 pink marshmallows  cut into quarters

55 g dried apricots chopped

110 g glace cherries chopped

55 g raisins, chopped

desiccated coconut to coat.

Combine crushed malt biscuits with condensed milk, almonds, marshmallows, dried apricots, cherries and raisins. Shape the mixture into a sausage shape, then roll in coconut to coat.  Slice once set.   Makes 36-40 

Enjoy!!

Fantastic Kilcoy Retreat!!

Hello everyone
Things have finally settled down after the retreat - it's been a bit hectic with life in general and then hubby and I getting a bit of a lurgy, but we are coming good now thank goodness.

I thought I would share some photos of our great weekend at Kilcoy at the beginning of the month.  We all had a great time....lot of laughs, good food and great scrapping.  

The ladies all did a fantastic job with the challenges and looking back at some of the photos that I took of them, I can't believe some of the work that has gone into them - we have some very creative scrappers out there and I'm so pleased to be a part of it all and even more pleased to be able to share the weekend with you all.

Our Aussie Theme night was a hit - we had a great time...some of the costumes were fabulous....I don't think I have laughed so much and our spirited rendition of Advance Australia Fair topped off the night!!

I will update the website with some more photos, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy looking at these great memories of the weekend:-

Our creative group and the wonderful RSL ladies

Some great costumes for our Aussie theme night

Bonnie & Linda - a day at the cricket

Carmel & Karen - Bonza Beaut "Blokes"

Karen & Debbie - "Dazza and the Toilet Dolly"

Hollee & Megan - Aussie Sporty Supporters

Donna - the gorgeous Dame Edna

Lyn & Pat - another fab Dame Edna and a true Aussie!

Mary - the winner of our Photo Challenge - well done

Sharon - runner up of the Photo Challenge - very creative layout

Karen & Linda - Winner & Runner-up of the Canvas Challenge - Fantastic creations

Karen & Carmel - Winner & Runner-up of the Memo Box Challenge - just gorgeous

I can't wait to get together with you all at Cleveland in July.  A fab weekend is on the cards.....we will be having a Xmas in July theme night and you never know who just might pay us a visit on the night with some goodies!!

Don't forget to book your place soon as numbers have been capped to 30 seats only.  I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Take care, Ann :-)

Retreat update

Hello everyone
I have just sent you all out an email update regarding this weekend and the requirements for classes, directions and helpful info.
Please check your In Boxes and let me know if you didn't receive your information.
I'm really looking forward to this weekend and catching up with you all.
See you all very soon.
Regards, Ann :-)

Kilcoy Retreat class layout by Gail Lindner

Hi there
I can now show you a sneak peek of the class that Gail is teaching on Saturday morning at the retreat:-

Gail will be teaching us some great techniques to produce this fantastic layout - lots of embellishments and it even includes some of her handmade items that she has available.  A little birdie has told me that she will probably have some of her items as giveaways during the class!  How exciting!!

Requirements for the class are:-

• 3 photos: landscape orientation 3"x4" (when having your photos printed, choose to have 2 photos printed on to 1/4x6 photo sheet (2-up)
• edge distresser tool (I have these available in the retreat shop $2)
• gel glue (ones that dries fairly quickly….pritt or 450 glue is ideal – I have 450 available in the retreat shop - small $5.95 or large $9.95)
• double sided tape (available in shop)

I'm really looking forward to having Gail teach at the retreat - I'm sure you will love the class.

Take care for now, Ann :-)

Spaces still available for the Kilcoy Retreat in May

Hello there

I just wanted to let you know that there are still a few spaces left for the May Retreat at Kilcoy, about an hour and a bit from Brisbane.

 There is the option of 3 or 2 days, commencing Friday night.....just think....3 whole days and nights of scrapping, fun and laughs!!

If you have been thinking of coming along to the weekend, which is being held on 4 - 7 May 2012, then don't leave it too much longer to book your place - there is only 6 weeks to go!!  Come along on your own and make some great new friends, or get a group together.

Check the website for more info www.qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au , or call Ann on 0413 21 6096 to discuss further.

I'm looking forward to catching up with you all.

Take care, Ann :-)

ANOTHER OPTIONAL CLASS.......

Hello again

I hope your weekend has been relaxing. 

We have another class on offer at the Retreat.  Here is a sneak peek....

This class is $18 with full kit supplied and is a masculine layout this time and involves embossing, layering and the use of a material you probably would never think of using but gives a great effect!  A 5 x 7" landscape orientation photo is required and the layout colours consist of red, blue, green and kraft.  If you are concerned about colours in a photo that you feel would be suitable, then a black and white photo would be perfect.

This is an additional class being offered at an additional cost and will be taught on the Friday night after dinner.

So all up there will be three classes – the one with Gail on the Saturday morning which is included in the cost of the Retreat and then the two optional classes – one feminine (on Sunday afternoon - details below in previous post) and one masculine (Friday night).

Just email me if you would like to do the class so that I can prepare the kits. I will prompt you all again closer to the retreat just in case you don't get around to letting me know in the next few weeks.

By the way, if anyone would like anything in particular that they would like me to have in the Retreat shop, can you let me know by about 20 April so I can purchase for you(if available from my suppliers).  Dusty Attic chipboard is always a popular purchase at the retreat; I do carry a varied stock line but if there is something special you are after, just have a look at their website and let me know.  DA can take a few weeks to get orders delivered as they have a busy production schedule, so if you can let me know by about mid April, I should have it in time.  

Well that's about it for the moment - have a great week!

Take care, Ann :-)

INTRODUCING....GAIL LINDNER

Hello there

Well the weekend is here and it looks like it is going to be a lovely sunny one for a change.

As you all know, Gail Lindner is going to be teaching our Saturday morning class for us at the Kilcoy Retreat and I would like to tell you a little bit about Gail and her style. Here is a photo of Gail...I'm sure many of you will recognise her.  

I asked her a few questions about her scrapping life and her responses are:-

1.       How did you start in Scrapbooking and how long have you been doing it?

I started scrapbooking way back in 1999!  I took a trip to the USA and my cousin's American wife was a scrapper.  I asked a few questions, picked up a scrapping magazine and that was it!  So I can't believe that I've been scrapbooking for almost 13 years!

2.      What do you enjoy most about scrapbooking?

First and foremost, I love documenting the memories for my children.  Of course I enjoy the creative process and the amazing friends I've made too!

      3.       What is your style?

      Hmm.  I never know how to describe my style but I'll tell you what, my layouts nearly always have....... layers, stitching, inking and distressing.

      4.      What are your favourite 3 products at the moment and what can’t you do without?

      (i)   Patterned paper - am layering more than ever!  Specifically, I can't get enough Crate Paper at the moment.

      (ii) Typewriter - every single layout I've done a while now has typed journalling.

      (iii) Letter stickers -  I love to mix and match various styles for my titles.  Right now I'm loving the tiny alphabet stickers from Lilybee Design

      5.      Where do you find  inspiration for your layouts?

      From other talented scrappers.  Usually something stands out to me and gives me a starting point!  I read a lot of blogs LOL!

      6.      How do you get through Scrappers block?

      When this happens to me, and it happens often by the way, I usually take a break!  I'll re-organise supplies or edit photos and that helps to inspire me to scrap again.

      7.      What is the best advice you would give to newbie scrapbookers?

      There is no wrong in scrapbooking!  It's YOUR work so whatever YOU are happy with is right! And have fun!

      Gail has also been published in magazines and been a member of a few designs teams during her scrapping life.   She is currently on the design team for Simple Stories and past design teams include Elle's Studio, Zva Creative and Simple Renee.

She has regularly had layouts published in Australian scrapbooking magazine Scrapbooking Memories and was lucky enough to have had some of her creations published in Creating Keepsakes and Scrapbook Trends.

Throughout 2011 Gail was invited to be part of the Scrapbooking Memories Magazine Creative Team for 2011. This entailed a step-by-step article every second issue as well as commissioned product challenges and regular contributions to galleries. 

Some recent publications include:

•  "A Love Story" - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 14 No 5
• "Step By Step Stamping With Paint" article - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 14 No 1
• "First Time Mum" - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 13 No 12
• "Step By Step Washi Tape" article - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 13 No 10
• "An Amazing Site" - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 13 No 10

 She also has an upcoming feature article in Scrapbooking Memories (Vol 14 No 8).

So, there you go.....you now know a little bit more about Gail and her style and achievements.  I can't wait to see what she has created for you all to do in her class but I do know that it will be amazing and you will really enjoy participating.  

Enjoy your weekend and take care, Ann :-)

ADDITIONAL CLASS.....

Hello everyone

Well we only have 9 weeks before our Retreat and I for one can't wait!  All of the plans are coming together and we are busy with all of the preps to make your weekend one to remember.

We will be offering an additional class on Sunday afternoon that I hope you would like to participate in.  Here is a sneak peek:-

 It is a very girly layout and fresh & bright.  A full kit is provided with leftovers to complete further layouts if you wish.  


Lots of layers and dimension.  A 5" x 7" photo is required (portrait orientation) and if you don't have one to suit the colours shown, then a black & white photo is perfect.


The cost of the class is $25....this is an additional cost not included in the Retreat price.  I hope that you would like to partake in this extra class....please let me know if you would like to do it by emailing me so I can prepare the kits in time.  


Also on the Saturday night, we will be having our theme night and this time the theme is "Aussie".  Think..... a sports star, Australian celebrity, early settlers.....there are lots of possibilities and some great photo opportunities!


More info to come soon.


Take care for now, Ann :-)

Kilcoy Retreat Class Teacher.

Hello everyone

I have very excited to tell you all that Gail Lindner will be teaching our class at the Kilcoy Retreat!!  Many of you will know Gail from her regular technique features from Scrapbooking Memories magazine.

Gail is busy preparing the layout for the class and I'm sure it will be just spectacular - she is an extremely talented scrapbooker.  She makes her own gorgeous embellishments and will be teaching us some great techniques and also how to make her embellishments.  I can't wait to see what she has created.

I will post Gail's profile very soon for you all so see.

TFL, Ann :-)

Kilcoy Retreat: 4-7 May 2012

Hello everyone,

Happy New Year to you all. Well the Festive Season is well and truly over and many of you have settled back into normality with some getting ready for the school term to begin at the end of the month.

It also allows us to devote a bit time to our scrapping and thoughts of how we can spend some quality time doing what we love best - relaxing at a weekend retreat with scrapping friends, enjoying lots of time to scrap, eating yummy food, learning new techniques and having lots of fun over the weekend.

Our next Retreat at Kilcoy promises that and much, much more!! Plus, it offers three whole days to scrap!! Sounds like heaven doesn't it? It is being held on 4-7 May 2012 (the Labour Day long weekend), so if you have been thinking of coming along, then don't think about it too much longer as spaces are booking fast. If you are new to scrapbooking, or you are thinking of coming along on your own...don't stress....we make you very welcome and you will be laughing along with your new scrapping friends very quickly. Everyone is more than happy to pass on their knowledge and ideas. We have such a great group of scrappers!!

Just check the website for all of the details www.qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au and you can book your place there and then with a small deposit and the balance can be paid off in easy instalments.

I am going to be busy over the next few months with all of the plans for the class, demos etc, but I am really looking forward to it - I just love getting together with all of you and seeing your gorgeous creations.

If you need to know anything further that the website doesn't cover at this time, or you want the weekend tailored to your specific requirements (for example day packages only), just contact us via email info@qldscrapbookingretreats.com.au or call Ann on 0413 21 6096. Local residents are very welcome to attend.

Take care for now, Ann :-)