Date Keeper Class - THIS SUNDAY 28th APRIL SPACES AVAILABLE!

Come and make a Date Keeper!
What is it?  It's an altered and decorated small clipboard.  It's designed to be on display, unlike a birthday book tucked away in the 'everything drawer', so it should serve as an omnipresent reminder of the next date of significance.

The class uses the "Fan Fair" DSP, matching cardstocks, paints and inks, and is embellished with framelits shapes and a flower using a new product - so you'll pick up a couple of new techniques at the same time as creating the Date Keeper to organise your life!

Cost:  $30, including all materials for making the project, tuition and afternoon tea
Where:  Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney
Date: Sunday 28th April (last Sunday of the school holidays) 2pm - approx 5pm
How to book:  Payment is required in advance of the class, and in the event of cancellation, you will receive the kit and instructions to complete the project yourself or at a future Stampin' Crop day.  Please register your interest by email, and if there are sufficient numbers I may be able to schedule an alternate date.

escape 2 create creativity continued...

This year, there were three highly regarded and talented teachers with a class each to wow us with:  (L-R)
Ebony van der Starre, Kim Jeffress, and Sharmaine Kruijver.   Ebony is a current "Scrapbooking Memories Master", and is on the guest design team for Bella Blvd.  Kim is an Aussie scrapping superstar, on the design teams for Heidi Swapp, Basic Grey, Bella Blvd, Pebbles, Greatest View as well as having been a past Scrapbooking Memories Master.  Sharmaine is on the Cocoa Daisy, Scrapmatts, X-pressIT, FabScraps, D-lish scraps and is also an official blogger for Target.  I decided to do all three classes this year, to create some new pages for my wall frames (most of which still contain pages scrapped when I was last on a design team, some years back now!).  All three ladies were lovely, down to earth and friendly.  Sharmaine and I kept feeling we knew each other from somewhere  (but still can't think how or where, so perhaps it's a kindred spirits thing)

Anyway, here are the projects:

This was created in Ebony's class, and I loved making it.  Lots of masks, mists, strips, tape, and gesso texture. as well as doodling.  I love it, and the colour theme suits my boy's favourite colour - ORANGE!

Kim's class was for a Memory File - and it's not yet complete, as I intend making it an album to record the 2013 e2c retreat roadtrip.  I think I will have a bit of a play using some SU gear to create something similar - it's a fast and  easy way to get memories stuck down and safe.
Here are the progress pics - I've collected quite a few bits and bobs to stash in the pockets, and have plenty of photos.  I'll try and remember to post again when it's done.  And I'd better hurry up, since Kim is keen to show our creations to Heidi Swapp herself (!)

Sharmaine's class was perfect for my messy style, more sprays and paste and splats.  And Potty People!  I'd not heard the term before, but it was perfect for the little wooden male/female shapes we added.  There was resin, washi, twine and more.  Another frame-worthy creation.

As well as these three completed (well, almost!) layouts, I did a non-class layout of my own, first time in aaaaaaggggges, as a warm up before the classes started.  And 14 cards!!  I think that was a record level of output for me at a retreat, but staying up laaaattte is good for that ;-)

More later!!

Got Colour? Colour Refresh Chart for printing and checking

Colour Refresh Flyer - for your reference, here is a handy chart to print and put with your supplies.  There are two copies on the printed page, so one is perfect for recording what you own for each colour:

Inkpad?
Reinker?
Marker?
Cardstock 12x12?
Cardstock A4?
Ribbon?
Co-ordinating Designer Series Paper?
Buttons?
Brads?

Click either the image or the text to see the PDF flyer.  I am expecting that ink refills (reinkers) will be very quick to sell out.  With a reinker for just $4.95, you will get many more years use from your Stampin' Up! Classic Inkpad, keeping it fresh and juicy for solid, sharp impressions.

Another useful item to extend the use of your colours is a Stampin' Write marker.  $5.95, they can be used to ink up parts of multicoloured images, smaller stamps, watercolouring, and writing in matching colours.
Markers are available individually for selected retiring colours while stocks last:

Certainly Celery 105106
Pretty in Pink  100045

Alternatively, sets of 10 markers are available for each colour collection (8 in the neutrals).  Reinkers are also available in sets of 10 for $42.95, which might be a quick solution for the Subtles and Regals collections each losing 4 colours.  You'll also then have future colour refreshes taken care of.

Lots of fun with My Digital Studio - come and learn with me!

 

Gosh!  You can't help but tell that I am loving Island Indigo at the moment!  I've also been enjoying playing with My Digital Studio in an 'official' capacity, and being able to show off the finished projects as something my dear readers could make themselves!

This is a card I made for a team member, who had a major birthday yesterday (waves to Donna!).  I've also been working on projects and class notes for my upcoming My Digital Studio class.   The blog header I made a while ago, before I knew we were getting MDS so soon!  Tonight I whipped up a button to link to my Online Ordering site - you can see it at the top of the right sidebar.  So, between the header, cards and  buttons, using a variety of the techniques and effects available, I'm sure you can see the possibilities with this great, easy to use software!  Email me to express interest in attending a "Getting started with MDS class" - coming soon!

Watercolor Wonder Crayons and Watercolour Pencils Discontinued - only while stocks last

My beloved watercolor wonder crayons are soon to be no more...  Unfortunate supply issues have been the cause of their demise.  These creamy, watersoluble crayons are my favourite method for watercolouring, and can be used in quite a few ways.  I found a great review that shows all the ways I was going to mention, thanks very much to the Gingersnap Creations team for their comments and images, click the link to see the awesomeness in action.    

The crayons will be available only while stocks last, and I recommend the Brights and Regals collections in particular for a good mix of colours for most watercolouring needs.    They are great value at $29.95 per set, and looked after will last a lifetime.

As the same supplier produces our Watercolour Pencils, they will also be leaving us.  They are $34.95 a set of 24 acid free richly pigmented pencils.  They can be applied direct to an image, and 'melted' with a blender pen or aquapainter.  Here's a link to a YouTube tutorial using these beauties

So, take a look at the previous post about the retiring colours, and give me a call to order your must-haves - 0403 175 790, email, or NEW - Shop online!

Get these lists and check them twice... Colour Refresh Time!

Back in 2010 we had a major "Colour Renovation" which resulted in the retirement of 29 colours (with associated tears and heartache, as well as a bit of a buying frenzy!), and the introduction of about 10 new colours.  There were a couple of colours I did genuinely miss, but for the most part, the replacements really revived the Colour Collections and had me looking at them in a new way.

  We were told that there would be regular, much smaller updates in future years, and SU told us back then to make sure to keep our In Color pads, and many of my stamping friends started ordering reinkers for pads at the same time as the pads themselves. And that, is a very good thing, as COLOUR REFRESH IS HERE!

I'll get to the urgent bit first, so you don't miss out on getting supplies for retiring colours while you ooh and aahh over the changes.  Inkpads, reinkers, cardstock, accessories like ribbon etc in the retiring colours will be available ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST!  That means that we cannot expect all items to be still available when the retirement list is released in a couple of months time.  I strongly recommend that you do a stocktake of your colours, and lay your hands on the pad, reinker, marker and cardstock right now.  If there's anything missing, please give me a yell, and I can order it for you if possible.

Retiring Colours - while stocks last:

 SUBTLES
Yes - you read correctly - BAJA BREEZE.  Which reminds me I've used this colour so much, I need a new reinker for it!

CERTAINLY CELERY, PRETTY IN PINK, BASHFUL BLUE - Classic baby colours!

REGALS
Riding Hood Red!!  Not Quite Navy - go perfectly together, and will be sadly missed :-(  I'm personally not a fan of Bravo Burgundy and More Mustard, but they do have their uses, especially for brayering techniques, sunsets, and masculine cards.

BRIGHTS
Just Regal Rose on the chopping block - another solid coral-ish pink

NEUTRALS
River Rock - I do love this colour, and it fitted in nicely between greens, greys and browns.

Off to double check my stash...  Email or phone me with your order today!  Or, go online HERE to shop online via my DBWS site.

Date keeper Class - Sunday 28th April

I have planned a class for a  Date Keeper, and you can see a few sneak-peek style pics of the project above.  The class includes all materials to create an altered, decorated clipboard, with a set of plaques/tags that you can personalise yourself to keep track of all the important dates in your life - everything from birthdays to anniversaries and more - anything with a recurring date to remember.  It's expandable, and update-able, so you can use it for many years to come!

It's designed to be on display, unlike a birthday book tucked away in the 'everything drawer', so it should serve as an omnipresent reminder of the next date of significance. The class uses the "Fan Fair" DSP, matching cardstocks, paints and inks, and is embellished with framelits shapes and a flower using a new product - so you'll pick up a couple of new techniques at the same time as creating the Date Keeper to organise your life!

Cost:  $30, including all materials for making the project, tuition and afternoon tea
Where:  Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney
Date: Sunday 28th April (last Sunday of the school holidays) 2pm - approx 5pm
How to book:  Payment is required in advance of the class, and in the event of cancellation, you will receive the kit and instructions to complete the project yourself or at a future Stampin' Crop day.  Please register your interest by email, and if there are sufficient numbers I may be able to schedule an alternate date.

My Digital Studio - a whole craft room on your laptop, just $24.95!

It's here at last!!  I have had My Digital Studio software for a few years now, since my hubby saw it while in the US.  I've used it for blog headers (like this one above!), party invites, thank you cards, custom powerpoint presentations, and lots more, and I've barely scratched the surface.

I have to say, it is MUCH easier to use than any of the other major graphics programs, like Corel and Photoshop - I can't get my head around those at all! It's very intuitive, versatile, and works alongside all the products you already own.  There is also lots of videos and tutorials available if you need them, but sitting down for a bit of a play will have you creating pages and cards to be proud of in no time.

Best of all, the full version software download is just $24.95.  Not a typo!

Not convinced?  You can try it for FREE for 30 days!  Click the button below, and you'll be taken to my Demonstrator Business Website, where you can pop it in your cart.  Have a browse around in the Digital Downloads section while you are there, there are quite a few freebies to add to the content that comes with the free trial.

Here's a button link to a flyer for you with some more info:

Class:  Introduction to Digital Creating with My Digital Studio

Because I am already familiar with this amazing software, I'm planning a class to introduce people to digital creating, which will be suitable for anyone with basic computer skills (operating Windows, and perhaps a word processing program or similar).  The class will include written notes, and several guided sample projects for you to practice your new skills on, including at least one digital-only project and at least one hybrid project (all materials for this supplied).  I'd like to get an idea of level of interest before I schedule some dates, but it will probably be a weekend afternoon 2-5pm

Cost:  A total of $40 - being $15 for class tuition, plus $24.95 for purchase of the full version software from my online store HERE  - this will need to be downloaded/installed on your laptop/netbook before the class.  Download might take several hours, and it is recommended that you temporarily alter your computer settings to prevent it going into 'sleep mode'

Where:  Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney

What to Bring: A laptop or similar with power cord, purchased MDS software downloaded, a notebook.

Please email me for more information, or to express your interest.

Online ordering is HERE NOW!

*BREAKING NEWS* 

 ONLINE ORDERING IS AVAILABLE NOW!

You can now place an order with me 24/7 via my Demonstrator Business Website (DBWS) - which looks like this (at least until I update the graphics again!):
Just click on the image below to go to my site, and there is also a sidebar image to click on on the main front page of my blog.

Once you are on my DBWS, you will see a button at the top right, that says 'Shop Now', and when you click on that, you will see a page like this:

For your first shopping visit, you'll need to click "create account" at the top left side of the page - it's a simple procedure, and only takes a minute or two, and then you'll be ready to shop!  For future visits, simply log in, and if you forget your password, there is a secret hint question to help you regain access to your account.

Online ordering works very much like ordering from me direct, however I am unable to offer 5% shipping and handling for local pickup orders, as the system will apply the minimum postage charge of $5.95 for orders up to about $119, thereafter 5%.

You can search, browse, and sort by price, name etc.   If you have the item code handy, just type it into the search box, and the product will appear.  Then click on the product thumbnail image, and click the 'add to my cart' button.   Add each item to your cart, and then select "continue shopping" from the top right of the cart page, under "my account" to add further items.
Click CHECKOUT, and enter you chosen payment details, just like other online shopping sites you are accustomed to.

Online orders can include My Digital Studio software downloads, and items from the Clearance Rack, as well as items from the current catalogues.  There will also be links and information for current promotions.

For Hostesses and their invited guests:

Each Party held will have a special 8 digit code, that can be entered by guests who place an order online - either adding to their order placed at the Party, or guests who were unable to attend the scheduled date.  While the Party order is open, these online orders will count towards your hostess benefits!  So, go ahead and invite your stamping-mad friend interstate, they can join in the fun!

So exciting - it's a new world!  If you have any queries, or want to have a bit of a test run, you can complete an order up to the last couple of steps, then cancel it if you wish before submitting it.  See my next post about the incredible My Digital Studio software for tips on ordering free downloads online!

It's been a busy, busy month!

Things are slowly returning to a normal pace of life around here, after a hectic round of work and play, ending with a cracking easter break.

First up - I'd been hanging out for my annual pilgrimage to North Shields, on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, to attend the BEST. RETREAT. ON. EARTH.  Best people, best atmosphere, best planning, best decoration, best prize table, best food.  Totally the best fun!

Here's a selection of images from our road trip, taken this time with my StampInkPaper team mate, Ryn, who scored a last-minute spot from the waiting list.

 Broken Hill - Miner's Memorial on the giant park bench at dusk.  Not sure what the knitted bands mean, they weren't there last year??

 Emu on the move, between Wilcannia and Broken Hill

 Emu: Do you think if I stand behind this fence post, they won't be able to see me??

 Miner's Memorial, at the top of the oldest mine workings, right in the centre of the town.

 View at dusk from the Miner's Memorial to one of the main streets of Broken Hill, Iodide Street I think?

 Old "Poppet Head" - entrance to one of the mine shafts of the main workings.

  Cr

 Horrocks Pass, between Peterborough and Port Augusta.  A lovely, but treacherous stretch of winding roads after hundreds of kilometres of pure straightness.  Crap pic, as it was starting to drizzle, but scenic none the less.

We went on a felicitous detour this time, due to the navigator (me, apparently) being asleep in the back seat at the time...  We therefore came across the pretty village of Melrose, at the foot of Mount Remarkable.  It seems to be a magnet for mountain bike riding, according to the bike shops and trail posters, but where the main street comes to a dead end was scenic enough for us, with tin sculptures and gorgeous gum trees in big wide median strips. 

 

What other retreat do you know offers a chauffeur driven pickup service from the local airport?  Go Sandra!

 Table decorations, custom chevron tote goody bags, personalised mugs....

 The "shed"  - looks basic, but it's just perfect for scrapping in alll night long!  Heaps of space, and filled with laughter and infectious creativity, its the best shed on earth.

 Table 9 - that's us!

 Ryn putting finishing touches to the banner swag in the entrance

 Lolly buffet and Inspiration Station

Parade of logo'ed tshirts - one for each of the 5 previous years - I've been so fortunate to be able to attend every one, except for the first in 2008.

That'll have to do for now, getting late!  I still have heaps to show you, pop back soon!