It's been one of those days...

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

Cleaning up...

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.

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 6x4 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 3x3 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

 

 

 

Back from SENZ

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 - [email protected]
Michelle at Tattered Angels (Glimmer Mist). Attn Michelle [email protected]

Laters

Quick Post

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 [email protected]) 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.

 

Smokey rooms, karate and multi tasking.

What a scene.  I put the sausages on to cook on the oventop.  Paul goes down the road to get the boys from Karate.  I look at the clock and see I have 10 spare minutes where there is noone but me in the house, perhaps I could wash the large tile floor.  The clever ideas I have sometimes truly astound me.

So I start mopping.  Fast.  I start mopping in the kitchen and work my way out.  This area is huge that I'm cleaning.  I'm working fast.  Burning.  Something is burning.  I was clearly too wrapped up in the mopping to even think about the dinner that needs turning on the oventop.  And if I hadn't just washed the freakin floor, I'd run over there and do just that.

So instead I run and get a towel.  I throw it on the floor, step on it and shuffle my way into the kitchen, via the drawers to get out the sausage turner overer thingie.  Multii tasking.  BUffing the floor and preparing dinner at the same time.  So clever.

I shuffle back out of the kitchen, open the door to let the smokey smell out, and start mopping some more.  At which time the family arrives home to the scene: smokey room, me standing on a towel, mop in one hand, screaming at them from across the room "You can't come in!!!" 
At one time I would have had enough fore-thought to have figured all this out before it happened and avoided it.  Where did said fore-thought go?

Talking of fore-thought - talk of a new book for me is totally not true.  I have worked on quite a few books recently.  But none my own.  And usually just 3 or 4 pages at a time.  I do have something that I'm crossing my fingers works out - it's been in proposal for a long time, but it's yet to come to fruition.  The longer I have to mull it over in my mind, the better it'll be, right? That's what I tell myself anyway.

Anyway - quick post tonight.  I have a book that I'm enjoying tonight and I may go read some!  Seriously unusual for me but one happy step towards my goal of reading more books more often.  Go me.

I'll leave you with a page I did for a Memory Makers book that was recently released.  "Ask the Masters III".  Loved these puppy pics!  Used them on a page for CHA as well. 

Laters.

 

 

I don't think I've been this busy in a while.  The kids went to the beach with Nannie & Grumpr on Tuesday, and I've been holed up in this room ever since.  Apart from the small matter of an italian dinner out last night - it's the first time we've been out for dinner without the kids in a year. 

Last time was in Canada at a place called Moxie's in Vancouver.  The food at Moxies was amazing, the waiter was the hotter than a hot thing that is really really hot, he sang beautifully while he wiped the bar down.  Paul & I sat in Moxies for around 4 hours in the middle of the day, we were about the only ones there.  It was fantastic.  It was good to get away last night as well, but I'm ready for the kids to come home.
But anyway, I've been working on pages for the Aussie Scrap Source blog and for Tarisota.  And I'm adding more pages to Abby's 'All about me' album.  Which I finished, but really it could have done with more pages done in it.  So I've been finishing some of those.

Mission this weekend?  Final touches on my SENZ classes.  I'm gathering things for the Card Buffet.  The pile of stuff for that class is the most impressive thing I've seen for a while.  I'm looking forward to it!  I meant to take a photo before it was all boxed up.  I'll try and do that before the next blog update.

Update on me - Those of you that were in Christchurch with me saw my enthusiasm for Glimmermist.  Apparently my enthusiasm was felt around at the Tattered Angels homebase, because I was invited on to the Tattered Angels design team.  What does this mean?  It means I am involved with a group of ladies that really know their stuff, and I'll be able to bring more Glimmermist (and other Tattered Angels product) knowledge down to this part of the world.  Which has to be a good thing.

Right.  The radio is on - fairly loudly.  Paul is at work - but due back to do some work outside soon.  The cat is playing with a toy mouse on the floor - embarrasingly, it's not one we bought them which means Molly stole the mouse.  I have stuff spread out all over this scraproom.  Best I get to it before thsoe gorgeous wee kiddos come home.

oh - btw - I LOVED the Glad Wrap comments.  Personally the slider scares me.  I am sliderly challenged.  Give me the good old fashioned box once every 3 years with regular refills inbetween and I'm a happy camper. 

Here's a sneak of a layout I have coming up on the Aussie SCrap Source blog soon.

Laters