It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Hi there. I finally got around to taking some official photos of Christmas 2011 and here's a couple. I love this time of year as crazy as it is! I just love getting ready for Christmas and decorating, wrapping, dressing up and celebrating.

There are always things we wish could be better in the future but lets also reflect on good things that have happened as well. I have my health and my kids, a husband and my Mum, Dad and brother so I am extremely grateful. I am also grateful to live in such a fortunate country - Australia. I love my job, my town and my home...so much to be thankful for. I hope you have loads to be thankful for too. Enjoy the Christmas break and your families - they are more valuable than gold.

I sincerely wish you all a very Happy Christmas

& a safe and memorable 2012

Back soon!

New Releases from Dusty Attic...

Hi there! Just thought you might like to know I have the new releases from Dusty Attic in store now....they are gorgeous! You can see them here http://thedustyat.cart.net.au/store/new-release/ and you can order them through mwah! I am especially looking forward to using the new Christmas tree and titles for my Christmassy layouts.

I've been busy in the shop creating framed layouts for people for Christmas gifts and also doing some off the page projects with kids - also for Christmas gifts. I have been making cards as well and my favourite is this Diorama style card. Easy to make and really cute. If you would like the instructions let me know...

I have also begun a December Daily album which is a concept Ali Edwards came up with about taking photos everyday in December and documenting them in a mini album. I have managed to keep up with photos but havent kept up with the pages so far but I am not worried as I will finish it in January. I don't know how the thousands of other women doing the December Daily project find time to keep their albums up to date in December as life is just so busy! I am pleased to be giving it a go at least. I will show pics soon on the progress.

I am hoping to blog often this week to show all the projects I have been doing so here's hoping I can! That's all for now.

Its a pink one!

Hi there folks. At the October retreat I promised an update on Amy's progress with her status on becoming a Mum and (although its late!) I am pleased to announce Amy and Garth had a healthy, beautiful baby girl - Saskia Morgan - at 3:17pm on Thursday the 10th November weighing 3.055kg. Both are doing really well now and Amy is a very chilled out good Mum. Its so nice to see them have a bundle of joy an what has been a tough year. Good on you Amz...your awesome!

Phew....I'm back!

Ok, so the last few months have been crazy - which is nearly the norm - so I havent updated my blog for a while and you may have given up checking it out but here's an update anyway.

The Hyden retreat was a huge success with 60 ladies attending. We had amazing tutors who wowed us with their creativity, great company - girls from all over, great food (important) and even nice weather - its amazing the difference this can make. I am so pleased with how it all went and appreciate the feedback I have received, both good and the constructive suggestions. I try hard every retreat to make improvements and make each one different to keep it interesting. We raised $1164 for breast cancer research which was an added bonus. Well done girls for your generosity and congratulations to those who won prizes - well earnt!

I am pleased to announce the date for the next Hyden retreat - the 30th - 31st March & 1st April (oh dear...April Fools Day!) so mark your diaries. I will be taking registrations in late January so stay tuned around about then.

I also had a successful mini retreat in Denmark last weekend (17th - 19th November) at The Cove chalets. There were 14 of us who had a relaxing, creative weekend in the tranquil forest surroundings....just beautiful. I was quite unwell over the weekend but the girls were so gracious and enjoyed there time none-the-less. I have some layouts to share from the retreat but firstly I am pleased to announce the next retreat for the Albany region is on the 17th - 19th February 2012 at the Emu Beach Holiday Park in Albany. There are limited places so be quick to put your name down. You may register as soon as you like but registrations officially open early January 2012.

In between retreats, class preparation and all the travelling I have been doing, I have been putting together more Advent calendars for orders. I still have 2 more to do before the 1st of December which is next Thursday! Not long now til we get to try them out...the kids are so looking forward to it. I have some other ideas for Christmas decorations and cards so better get onto those soon...so much to do - so little time!

I have some fabulous new giftware in stock for Christmas and its so cool that Donna Downey - a scrapbooking celerity - now has a giftware line made by Demdaco who also make Willow Tree Angels. I have the Donna Downey collection of wall plaques which are stunning colours - very funky but suited to most decors. I also have a large range of Willow Tree Angels and another range of angels also made by Demdaco called the Kelly Rae Roberts Collection. These are stunning and come with sayings on them that are just so appropriate for gifts for special people in your life. If you are interested in purchasing any of these you can see them at demdaco.com.au. there are also wall plaques in this range but stocks are limited on all the giftware I have mentioned as they have been extremely popular. Mail orders welcome.

Now to share the layouts I did for the Denmark retreat...I was surprised to find out at the Hyden retreat that although my style is very simple, the girls absolutely love my double layouts where I cram heaps of photos (stylishly of course!) onto a layout because I quite often take way too many photos of some events then struggle to cull any because I like how they tell the story of the event. So with that in mind after the response to my We R Family class at the Hyden retreat, I created another 'Multitudes of Photos' layout and here are the 3 samples I created...

That's all for today...there is heaps more to share but gotta get some creating done...Bye for now.

M.I.A.

I'm missing in action like Sharon! Haven't had much time to sit down at the computer lately and haven't had the camera out for ages! I've been too busy preparing for the retreat which is only 8 sleeps away...yeehah! Oh hang on a minute...I need every one of those days to finish preparations.

One of the reasons I've been so busy is that in my bid to get ready early for Christmas, I have been making Advent calendars and teaching classes on how to make them. They have been such a huge success I am now being commissioned to make some to sell...lots of work but very exciting seeing each one evolve and finish up looking different from the rest. I love these babies and I think I could just about make them in my sleep. The raw calendar comes from my fav WA manufacturer Jen @ Dusty Attic. Then you choose a centre scene and decorate. Here is a pic of my first one...






If you would like one let me know!

More sneak peaks...

Hi there! I have received Aimee Grahame's layouts for the retreat also and some sneak peaks of them to share. Firstly let me say how excited I am about Aimee being able to tutor for our October retreat. She has been a quite achiever over the past few years attending retreats and joining in as a participant. Her eye for colour and design has not gone unnoticed by other participants or myself so I thought it was time to ask her to show us her stuff and share her bright and colourful work! Aimee has a single page 'collage' layout to share (love it) ...

And a double page layout to share as well...

Both layouts are stunning and she has thrown in a bonus layout as well...looking forward to her classes.

Class requirements are almost ready to be sent out so stay tuned to your emails early next week for all the low down on what we will be doing. Adios!

Yet another sneak peak...

We are very privileged to have Sharon Manning back to tutor for our October retreat and I love what Sharon has prepared. Her class consists of three A4 layouts which can also be converted to 12 x 12 layouts. I have enjoyed doing A4 layouts in the last few years and they can fit into 12 x 12 albums now that We R Memory Keepers and American Crafts albums both fit 12 x 12 and A4 page protectors in them. You will love Sharon's classic style that is very versatile for many themes. Here's a taste...


I don't know about you but every year Christmas comes around long before I am ready for it and I don't get into the Christmas spirit or have all the frills I would like to lead up to the holidays. Well this year I am trying to be organised much earlier than usual so i am making an advent calender months in advance so once its finished I can fill the drawers with goodies for my kidlets. I am also going to attempt making bulk Christmas cards and perhaps even start on making some presents for loved ones. I'll keep you posted on my progress once I have achieved some. I always look at blogs leading up to Christmas where paper craft artists are preparing mini albums in advance for the 25 days leading up to Christmas and I think - "how do they find the time to do this?" Each year seems to get crazier as the kids get older and there are so many school commitments, end of year functions and then swimming lessons for the last 2 weeks before Christmas to top it off! Who has time for Christmas shopping?! Well (I'm a little slow sometimes) I figured out that some must start back here in September or even earlier! In fact, my sister-in-law does all her Christmas shopping in September so there is no pressure thinking about all that while she is harvesting right up to Christmas Eve....smart girl!

Bye for now...thanks for looking!

More sneak peaks!

Hi there! Well I have received Mistra's layouts and you will not believe how incredible they are...I have ordered lots of stock for these kits as I am sure you will all want one. If you cannot make it to the retreat you are welcome to order kits also - more details on that later.

Toni Crane has prepared her classes, 2 in total. The first is 2 single page layouts using one kit that will have tonnes left over for extra layouts. The second is an OTP project that is really lovely. You will not be disappointed with Toni's classes either! Her style is different from any tutor we have had before and she is very talented. I am sure you are going to love her work too! Here's a taste of what she has created...

I will have more sneak peaks to show soon from our remaining tutors.

On a serious note, we lost a very dear friend and community member on the 31st of August. The late Denis Collins was the manager of the Wave Rock Hotel and Wave Rock Enterprises with his lovely wife Sheenagh. He is sorely missed by so many. I have come across generous people in my life but this couple pretty much top the list with all they do for the Hyden community, the environment and myself personally as well as many other individuals. Denis used to lend us his ute and help us move all the stock from my shop to the town hall for our retreats as well as countless other things he did to help me out. I want to pay tribute to this generous man as he played a part in helping me with my business. Rest in Peace big D.

Sneak Peaks and Basic Grey Page of the Month...

Hi, got some exciting stuff happening today!

Firstly I can reveal the sneak peaks for Mistra's classes (for the October retreat) - yes that's right, she has finished both her classes already! And I have the layouts in my hot little hand - TDF (to die for) You wont want to miss these classes I can tell you!

The first layout is feminine, pretty, fancy and all that girlie stuff! Y.U.M.

The second layout (if you were wishing for something more masculine and rustic) is SOOOOOOOOOO rustic and masculine and the layout is called 'Wild Abandon'. Here's a peak...

Also, the Dusty Attic on this layout has been specifically designed for this class and is exclusive to the Wave Rock Scrapbooking Retreat, until a January release so if you participate in this class you will be privileged to see it and have it first! I feel honoured that these girls would design product just for us and Jen even named the product 'Rustic Charm Frame' which was my suggestion! Thanks Jen.

So, if that wasn't enough news for one day...theres more. I have finally become a stockist for Basic Grey Page of the Month kits which started earlier this year. Each month (actually 2 kits every second month) new kits are released with new product from brand new ranges from Basic Grey. The kits come with a sample layout and instructions and tonnes of product to complete multiple layouts. These are great value for money. Let me know if you are interested in signing up for the kits each month or would just like to try one or 2 to start with. Here are some pics of the paper ranges in the Page of the Month kits...

Albany class a huge success...

Hi all! I have just returned from a weekend in Albany where I taught scrapbooking classes for a day with a fantastic bunch of gals. Everyone who came seemed to enjoy themselves very much and even learnt a thing or two! It was a smallish group but we were able to get to know each other quite well and have a relaxing and fun time. I am really looking forward to doing this again and will look at a November date and then early February as well.

We started with a technique packed class with lots on layering and a vintage feel. Here is the layout I shared with the girls...

Limited kits and instructions are available for this class or better still you can do it with me at Scrappin' Outback where I can show you the tools and techniques I used.

We also did 2 other classes that were packed with photos and I will share these sometime - you are also more than welcome to come do these classes with me. If you are anything like me I have tonnes of photos to scrap then these 2 classes will put a dent in your piles of photos!

I am busily getting ready for our October retreat here in Hyden and places are filling quite quickly so if you are coming and haven't sent me your application you had better do so! Mistra has already completed her classes and we are putting kits together. I will show a sneak peak soon - her classes are awesome - you're gonna love them!

Announcing the 13th Wave Rock Scrapbooking Retreat

It's time for... Click on the image to make it larger. I will be emailing out brochures and applications later on today.

Sinking me teeth in...

Ok, so school holidays (which were fun by the way) are over and its back to work which I am excited about. I am off the Lake Grace for a class tomorrow and Lake King next week. My Albany class is only a month away and I'm very excited about this one!!! Class layouts are coming together and I should have them completed by the end of the week.

I was a little frustrated that I had all this creative energy over the holidays but couldn't be at work using the energy....BUT we had the best time with the kids and our families and I have tonnes of new photos to scrap and precious memories we made together so it was worth the lack of scrapping time.

My Mum and Dad are in California visiting my nephews and Sister-in-law Cassi so I cant wait to see all the photos they bring home too.

New in while was gone is Bo Bunny 'Zoology' and 'Barefoot & Bliss' ranges and these are to die for! I cant wait to play.

Ooooh...and I confirmed a new tutor for the October retreat...very exciting - will reveal both new tutors soon. Maybe a 3rd in the pipeline...

Because I don't like doing posts without photos, here are some layouts I did last term that I haven't shared yet...

Thats all for now! Thanks for looking. PS I LOVE COMMENTS!

It's official...A day of scrapbboking classes in Albany

Scrappin' Outback

presents

A day of scrapbooking in Albany with Karen Smith

27th August 2011

Come and join us for a day of scrapbooking in the beautiful city of Albany. You will be inspired by Karen Smith of Scrappin' Outback in Hyden. We will complete 3 classes that are all layouts varying from single photo/single page layouts to layouts with 'multitudes' of photos. You will learn useful techniques, 'how to' use of tools and other tips and tricks.

Contact Karen on

Wk: 08 9880 5300 A/H: 08 9880 5761 or 0427 977 672

or email scrappinoutback@bigpond.com

to book your place.

Cost; POA

I have some class layouts completed and here is a sneak peak of the first...

It's a vintage layout using a black and white photo (or sepia) but would also suit more recent photos as well. More to come...

Announcing...

I am calling for expressions of interest for a day of scrapbooking classes (3 in total - morning, arvo and evening) in ALBANY on the 27th of August 2011 (finally!.. says Ann!!). Yes, I've finally decided it's time to get out and about again and share the LOVE and passion of scrapbooking, and Albany is beckoning. If you would like to attend and know more about the day you can contact me at my shop on 08 98805300, or mobile 0427 977 672 or email me at scrappinoutback@bigpond.com and I will note your expression of interest, tell you more details and keep you informed with more information as it becomes available. I am intending to do 3 classes of layouts (Albany has some local talent who teach great Off The Page projects) varying from single page - one photo layouts, to 'cram as many photos as you can on a layout' double pages. Hopefully this rattles your chain and I will be hearing from you soon! If you live somewhere else in WA and would like someone to come to you to share some scrapbooking lurve then contact me and I will consider it. I am thinking maybe Esperance in August as well....?

A little while back I did these 2 layouts of the kids with a Monarch butterfly that they found. The large butterfly on Phoebe's layout is handmade by a lady I met who makes them out of acetate and decorates them with glitter and bling so I just had to have some for my shop.

The papers are all by Basic Grey (of course!)

A day of remembrance...

It is one year today since we lost my brother, Dean. I cant believe its been that long and if I stop and think for too long I feel overwhelmed with grief and feel like it was yesterday. I guess I can stop today though and think about how wonderful he was, how free he is now, but also how much I miss him. Phoeb's thinks he's playing cards with Jesus and Dad thinks he surfing endless waves. It is comforting to know he is free from pain. Today I am going to be with my family.

My baby is 5...

Jett Dean Smith turned 5 yesterday! I cant believe he is so big now. I asked him to stay little forever so I can always kiss his chubby cheeks but he wants to grow up. I'll miss his littleness. We had so much fun recently looking through our videos from when the kids were babies and toddlers and nearly wet our pants laughing at some of the things they used to do. It's amazing how you forget...so thank goodness for videos, photos and SCRAPBOOKING (of course) that reminds us of all those awesome things they used to do. I especially love hearing them talk on videos and cant wait for someone to invent a way of hearing and seeing videos IN scrapbooks!



We had an awesome party at home with heaps of his friends. He had a blast. I have some catching up to do for birthday layouts so I'll have to get my A into G and start scrappin' away - so watch out for some birthday themed layouts.

Layouts to share...

Here is my version of the Crate Paper class kit I mentioned in an earlier post. I have been waiting for years for a scrapbook company to put out a range of boyish papers that are not to babyish ,if that makes sense, and this particular range called Toy Box is real good. I love how versatile it is and so colourful too!

Also, here are my latest layouts for my kids school albums. They have an album each which I put all their school related layouts in and their reports, certificates etc. as well. This years swimming carnival was fun as both of them were involved and we had the best weather and the best day. I was stoked with the pics I captured as well...a win.

I have also been doing kids classes in my shop and so far its going really well. The kids love it especially when they get to apply stickers. I remember the bliss of having stickers when I was a kid. The kids want to use glitter for one of our classes and my anal side is saying no but the kid in me wants to say yes and go for it. Which side will win I wonder...?

Oooh, and I have secured a new tutor for the October retreat but I am going to keep you guessing for a little bit...Ha!

Dusty Attic layout kits

I thought I should mention the beautiful layouts that Jen Hedger and Evana Willis taught at our March retreat...they were to die for! So much detail and lots of pretty bits and pieces to play with.

Jen Hedger's 'The Peaceful Heart'...

And Evana's 'Prima Delight' Layout...
Evana's 'Another Time' layout...

Jen Hedger's 'Life's a Beach' layout...


I should also mention that I have kits for these layouts in stock (limited quantity) and if you would like one then please email me.

Lastly, I taught an off the page class at the March retreat - a children's wall canvas in boy and girl versions...

I have a couple of kits for this as well.

That's all for today folks!

New ranges in stock...

Hi. I'm back with some new paper ranges that have arrived in the last few weeks...I'm a little behind on reporting all the goings on around here!

I love the new To the Moon range by Fancy pants...very cute for little boys but versatile for older boys and other themes too...

Then My Minds Eye released American Made which is obviously very American BUT the papers are also suitable for Australian pages as the papers are double sided and really nice and I have always loved the red, white and blue together...

Also by MME is Hip Hooray boys and girls birthday party paper ranges...

And finally a new Black, white and cream range by Teresa Collins. These papers are lovely and very versatile.

I mostly have packs in at the moment for a lot of ranges as they are very affordable and handy for anyone who likes to buy coordinated papers to take the rocket science out of choosing things that match!

I have been scrapbooking quite a bit and have loads of layouts to show that I need to photograph so bare with me and I will get to it soon.

I have some kits for a great boys layout using Crate Paper Toy Box range complete with instructions for anyone who needs some inspiration to get them kick started...here is the layout...

That's all for today...be back soon...