Birthdays and layouts...

I do apologise for the delay in posts. I got rather busy leading up to the retreat and having been recovering from it since then.

Firstly, I want to make mention of my little brother, Dean. He had his 33rd birthday on Wednesday so we headed off to Esperance for a night to celebrate with him, and Cassi who also had a birthday on Sunday. He is doing better and it was so good to be able to celebrate this momentous birthday with him and see him looking good. I love this guy...

The class that I had in Newdegate during the holidays turned out to be excellent and although the preperation was huge the class went really well and I ended up with 32 kids attending! Thank goodness a few Mum's stayed to help!

I have a few layouts to share; 2 that have been on the go for what feels like months, and one from the retreat. I put the finishing touches on them today and it feels good to have completed something! The first if of Jett playing with some puppies that he fell in love with. The sketch is mine and I intend to do quite a few layouts in this format...

The second is my parents-in-law's wedding day in 1973 which is the year I was born. I love this Making Memories Noteworthy 2 paper that suited the era and the colours of their wedding. A few blossoms and a title on the Cricut was all it needed...

Then the last layout is from Gayle Smith's Cricut class at the retreat. I was itching to do them all but was absorbed in running the shop, but I did manage to fit this one in on Saturday night after dinner. I am pleased with how it turned out and the girls at the retreat must have loved the class too as some of them did 2 or 3 versions.

The retreat was a huge success with 40 ladies attending. We had a bit more room to move than the previous retreat and a few improvements which made things run smoothly. I get the impression that all the girls had a good time from the comments they made and judging by the amount of layouts being pumped out I think everyone achieved a great deal including having a break from the run of everyday life. The tutors were amazing and exceeded my expectations. We had Lis Cassey back which was awesome but we sadly missed Alli Paterson this time. We are hoping she will be back for the next retreat on the 27th of March next year.

I am hoping to get some scrapbooking done this weekend and next week to prepare for classes coming up in early November. I also want to do some of the class layouts from the retreat and use some of the product I've been getting in lately. I will have some new Christmas papers to show for my next post.

Thanks for looking and stay tuned for more!

The best news ever...

Yesterday was my birthday and I'm sad to say I am now 35 years old. I don't feel that old and I stand by the saying "you're as old as the man you feel" (I tweaked it a bit) and my man is only 29 so that makes me 29...I can only wish. As long as I age gracefully that's OK. I had a lovely morning tea with my neighbour and a couple of friends, then later in the day my Mum came to visit and stayed for the night...love that woman! I got some amazing diamond earrings from Rosendorffs from Matt that I love and a gold filigree heart pendant for my necklace from my Mum and Dad...very spoilt I must say! And of course I got chocolate...what more could a girl want? Well...one more thing, and this was the best gift of all. My brother, Dean, is now out of hospital and at home with his family. He had the transplant almost 3 weeks ago and now has to wait for the outcome which will take time but he no longer has to wait in hospital which is miraculous and awesome. He still has some discomfort but on the whole is improving and doing much better than expected. I cant tell you how good this is. So relieved.

Sharon Manning's off the page project is now complete and I have a sneak peak to show so here it is...

I've been preparing for my first kids class ever this week and I am overwhelmed with it in some respects. I agreed to hold the class for 12 kids from Newdegate which is celebrating 10 years for its Telecentre this month. I now have 27 kids attending the class and have frantically put together the projects and 29 kits. I hope I can pull it off. Could be my toughest crowd yet!

Kits for the retreat are also coming together. I also have Christmas papers, embellishments and stamps in stock for the silly season which is now less than 3 months away...shudder! Thanks for looking!

Counting down the days...

The retreat is only 2 weeks away which is scary for me and very excitement for those of you who are coming. I have sent out class requirements and class kits order forms so if you haven't received yours then let me know and I'll get onto it.

I didn't disappear off the face of the earth...I have been busy with ordering and getting class kits ready. New stock is arriving every day and its all starting to come together. I'm really looking forward to the classes myself!

Sharon Manning's off the page project is ready and too cute for words. I now have class requirements for it ready to send.

I've got my first shipment of American Crafts Thickers arriving directly from America soon as well as an assortment of journalling cards by Elles Studio, also from the USA. I'm excited about getting these popular products in to stock, especially in time for the retreat.

I had a great long weekend away in Esperance with family and friends and we had some much needed rain while we were away which has helped the crops a great deal.

My brother Dean is battling an infection at the moment and there have been a few complications but the daily blood tests show a rise in his counts which we understand is good news. Still early days but he is getting there...daily. His wife Cassi is incredibly strong and committed but spare a thought or a prayer for her if you can.

Thanks for looking and stay safe and well over the school holidays. I'm enjoying a few sleep-ins!