Doing something creative each day

Well 2012 is here and is making its presence felt in many ways, Sydney has been heating up and while it now feels more like January I would really like the cooler weather to make a come back.

 Do you make new years resolutions? I try not to think of them of new years resolutions, because to me that means they will get broken (going from past history here) so instead I find that every January (actually it usually starts in December) I get the urge to clear out and throw out. This is the time of year that my hoarding tendencies send me into a bit of a panic and instead I want minimalist, don't worry I am always completely over this by February :)

In the change over from my last year diary to the this year diary (I have one of those ones that you just slot the new pages in) I went through all of the other things in the diary folder and found a list that I had made 5 years ago with a 5 year plan. Obviously cleaning out my diary folder each year was not listed! The great thing about this list was that my goals are the same, almost word for word. The timeline was a bit off though by next year I should be reaching one of the major goals.

It got me to thinking though about how I view things and what I do.

For a long time now I have tried to walk, create and garden in each day. But looking at what a lot of the scrapbooking community is doing and being inspired and what my friends are doing and being inspired, I thought it was probably time to step things up and hold myself a bit accountable as well.

So I am listing here and maybe (notice there are no promises listed here lol) I will check periodically and see what is happening.

Inspired by Ali Edwards, my word for 2012 is Energize.

Inspired by Karen Grunberg , I am keeping my art journal going each week, usually something each day.

Inspired by my wonderful women who come to my classes, I am taking the Scrapbooking Australia classes to a whole new level.

Inspired by Pure Honey Photography, I am trying to take a photo each and every day.

Inspired by Photography Hotspots, I am looking at places I visit and getting inspiration to visit others to take photos of the landscape.

Inspired by Peta, just all over, and she is the card queen, but I am going to do more cards this year. this one does not have a time, quantity or deadline. I think I will need to see about this one and get back to you on it.

In the mean time check out the links (just click on the name) and let me know what or who inspires you!

Summer Retreat

2012 Retreat February 

Friday17 to Monday 20

Join us for an experience you will remember in a wonderful place called Winbourne. We love holding our retreats here in the peaceful semi-rural atmosphere that is just 15km from Penrith and we know that you will love this retreat too.

Bring along your projects for some uninterrupted 'me' time. This retreat goes back to basics, you pay for the nights you want to stay. Your meals and accommodation and scrap area are all provided for you.

There will be the Scrapbooking Australia shop on hand for those last minute purchases. And classes for those who wish to do them - classes will be held in a separate area so as not to disturb scrappers who wish to continue on their own.

Accommodation is in a modern eight bedroom Cottage.  Each bedroom has two single beds, heater, ceiling fan, bed and desk lamps and own en-suite.  Each Cottage has a room to suit the needs of a disabled person.  Linen is supplied.

 A room to scrap in that can hold up to 30 people and is Air conditioned, Handy to pleasant outdoor areas. The room has a kitchen attached with Microwave, tea/coffee facilities, refrigerator, crockery, cutlery. And there is disabled access and toilet facility within.

The Retreat is fully catered, including morning and afternoon teas and a hot breakfast on Sunday morning. All you need to bring with you are your drinks!

Classes are an optional extra and not included in your price - BUT! if you are staying overnight then you will be eligible for discounts on the classes you want to attend.

Retreat options:

It is $130 per night twin share.

If you stay for the three nights, Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday night your rate drops to a flat rate of $370 for all three nights PLUS you receive your discounts on classes. 

This is 3 nights, 4 days fully catered with accommodation for only $370

Friday Check in is from 12 noon and Check out is by 4pm Monday.

Coming just for one day for classes, we can arrange lunch for you at an additional cost of $20

Spaces are limited so bookings are essential for both accommodation and classes.

Your place will be confirmed when payment has been received, for overnight stay  a non refundable deposit of $100  is required on booking to secure your place. For classes the full cost is required to secure your place.

To book :

Email: leanne@scrapbookingaustralia.com

Phone: 0413 960 600

Fax: (02)9837 0000

Three glorious nights, four days of time just for you! Don't let this opportunity get away :)

 

gift idea

This was my last class for this year and I had a great time teaching it, I love the Wednesday ladies. So much fun and I really loved that everyone put their own spin on this little project.

This mini printers tray is from Collections and went together while we laughed, ate very yummy chocolate mini brownies -which I meant to take a photo of but they were all gone by the time I remembered, and caught up on each others lives and what is in store over the Christmas break.

One of the reasons I love teaching is the fantastic people you meet and as with most scrapbookers class is a chance to make new friends with like minded souls :)

This year I am taking a break in teaching over Christmas so that I can sort out the final issues with our new site and get our inventory up on the site.

There is also the Retreat in February to organise and did I mention what a mess my scrap area is at the moment lol. I am going to to take a few days to sort through that.

There is one more class next week being taught by the amazing Peta.

New classes will be up for January and February soon so watch this space.

Now the hardest thing about this project is, is it a gift or a keeper?

Blitzen the Christmas spirit

Loving that we are in December already, totally not ready for it to be December already, think I need a few more months but.........

I love creating Christmas projects more than other items and the BoBunny Blitzen range has become one of my favourites for this year. While the images are traditional the colours are contemporary a great mix with brilliant results :)

 Scrapbooking Australia held this class yesterday, where I taught a mini album with surprise packages made from the Blitzen range of papers.

So while I may not be ready for it to be December yet I have my mini album already for Christmas photos!

Noteworthy Christmas Cards

Scrapbooking Australia is so happy to have the talented Peta Burrows joining us for Christmas Card Class on Thursday 1st December at 6.45pm

There are a few places left if you would like to book into this wonderful class and learn how to make a cards using different folding techniques, yummy papers and wonderful embellishments.

Class cost is $15 plus material

Click here to Book your place today!

Facebook twitter the world is a buzz

So Scrapbooking Australia now has a Facebook page a Twitter Account a Google 1 and our blog. Scrapbooking Australia almost has a website LOL. Just a few more things to add to it. So while you are waiting for fantastic scrapbook products to be available pop on over to our Facebook page and become a friend, there are prizes to win for those who are in Australia. And become one of our followers on Twitter as well.

The world is an exciting place!

Christmas inspiration

With Christmas fast approaching it is time to get onto making those Christmas Cards. So I thought I would share with you a Christmas Card idea.

Using Green mesh ribbon, and paper from the 25 Days of Christmas Simple Stories collection, Peta made this fantastic card and finished off by embossing the edges with Green Tinsel embossing powder.

Who wouldn't love to receive such a wonderful Christmas Card :)