Sunday, July 31, 2011

Where to start!!

What a busy month - can't believe it is the last day of July already - Christmas will be here before we know it!!!!

OK - start at the beginning of the month so grab a coffee it is a long post!

Girls have had school holidays which unfortunately I came down with a head cold on the very first day which toned things down for the holidays lol! That still didn't stop numerous sleepovers, movies and friends :) We also got some great news on the teacher front - after not being given school reports nor a three way interview to discuss Jess's progress so far this year we have now got 2 permanent replacement teachers in the classroom for the entire term three with rumours this will continue until the end of the year. Reports will be redone and assessed and handed out at the end of August so it is a good step in the right direction :) I am though disappointed with the legislation in this matter where the children are not taken into account - the only way to change the process is to change the legislation - surely the children need have the support and encouragement to learn in an environment free from all the negativity we have had without it taking this long or fighting so hard for them...... School went back this week and we have had real homework for the first time since March and the attitude of the children in the classroom has improved out of sight - funny what the difference a good teacher or two makes!!!!

Anyway - lets move on from that. July also meant CHA and Camp Mojo for me :) CHA for those of you who don't know is one of the biggest Craft & Hobby Association's expo's in America and is held twice a year - it is THE place to go and see all the newest and latest releases......One day I may get there lol.....Anyway Graphic 45 always have the most magnificent stand and I was lucky enough to be able to get my projects to G45 in time to be used in their display!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!! I had a 2 day turnaround to create 2 projects (not enough time for more or I would have :( ) before posting them express back to G45.... silly volcano ash cloud held up my DT kit which on that note was beyond what I ever would have believed!! A Huge THANKYOU to Hampton Art, Spellbinders, Want 2 Scrap, (KEEP an eye out for some yummy DT work and blog hops in the next week!!! sshhh!), Clear Snap for yummy spritzes and Smooches , and Imaginarium Designs by our own Jane Tregenza G45 and Studio G - the box was chock a block full of amazing products on top of the new G45 Magic of Oz papers :)

Here is sneak peak for you of one of my projects - will show more once it has been shown on the G45 blog...





Chionia has been very busy too in the last month - when I got back from Brisbane show last month I had an email asking for her to come to try outs for Acro at her Gymnastics club - I also then got a letter from them asking her to try out for their squad teams in gymnastics as well - she couldn't do both though - too much time so we tried both and she has happily settled into acro squad 2 so much so she has now been entered into a state competition with her trio of girls at the beginning of September!! I think it is great for them to try and see what it involves - the other girls are more Jess's age so she is the baby of the group and is spoilt as such - great tuition with a handful of girls with 2 teachers and twice a week for 90 minutes has improved her fitness lol!! She is loving it :) Phew!!

What else!!!! Ahhh that's right - Camp MOJO hehe was held last weekend - a group of us flew over to Sydney last Thursday for 4 days of creative fun :) We arrived in the rain which did not stop for several days but the sun shine on our last day there! Bus driver had us worried going there - 2 hours into the trip he asked where we were going!!! So 3 and a bit hours later we finally arrived at Camp Mojo to the screams and yells that the WA girls had arrived rofl. We settled in with runs between our villa's and the hall due to the rain (which just kept coming and made everything extremely wet and damp) - so glad I took my coat!!!! The creativity side of it all was great - some wonderful people had booked into this camp - you could easily say some of the best scrappers in Australia - many masters and well known names :) The classes held by Jane Clark, Sherry Mendoza, Sarah Gladman and Rachel Greig from Darkroom Door were fantastic - particularly loved Rach's class on the last morning - also discovered her VIVA paints she carries are FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!! Must get some more - only got 6 whilst I was there rofl! The place itself though did disappoint me - sorry to say - the food was very hit and miss - the first night the steaks looked like a hacksaw had been used to cut them and quite a bit of it hadn't been cooked properly :( The desserts though were a winner and very well received :P Our villa whilst it appeared to be clean and tidy smelt overpoweringly of mould/must - even with the door kept open it gave us all headaches etc and things did feel damp..... :( I can understand it had rained a lot but it still was not healthy and many of us developed headaches etc.... maybe it was just our villa :( Photo time!!!!!! Keep an eye out in the next week or so for a mini album with these ;) Blog hop time with Want 2 Scrap and Graphic 45......

















Shhhh but there are many funny stories from the retreat - such as my naked clowns who become corrupted whilst I slept hence Miss Sherry being shown one of them with her new chastity belt - and I must say a HUGE THANKYOU to the talented Deb Godley for painting the faces on my clowns and simply bringing them to life - you will see them all in a few weeks as it is one of my G45 DT projects for August but thought I would show a sneaky peak on one!!


Last but not least - Next week is the True Blue Craft Show at the Claremont showgrounds where Twiddleybitz will have a stand and I will be teaching 3 classes :)
If you see my last post you will find a number to call to book into my classes - if you do it prior to the show you will receive a bonus goody bag so why are you waiting!!
Classes for Craft and Quilt Fair - August – Claremont Showground

Twiddleybitz Early bird special – PREBOOK and Pay for your class and you will receive a FREE Twiddleybitz goodness package VALUE @$15

PH 08 9206 3667 Credit card Accepted over the phone.





Hope to see you there - pop by and say hi even if you can't do a class :)

Monday, July 4, 2011

Busy Busy Busy - CHA... Classes... craft fairs and scrapthon days :)

Busy times atm - can't wait for next week - SCHOOL HOLIDAYS :) Been a long and tiring term this time - mostly due to one major PITA but we won't go there.....

My Graphic 45 DT kit arrived late last week - Phew - I was getting a bit worried about it - I reckon that volcano ash cloud has a lot to answer for!! and what a kit to get!! I was honestly overwhelmed at the amount of product we got not just from Graphic 45 but other companies such as Hampton Art who make the most gorgeous stamps, Clearsnaps and their smooches and spritzs, Imaginarium Designs and their intricate chipboard pieces, Nestabilities (OMG I love these!!!!!!!!!!!!) and a few other surprises which we will reveal on the blog soon enough :) Add to that the latest release by Graphic 45 - The Magic of Oz....

So I spent Saturday cutting up this for some very special CHA projects which I need to post off today so it gets half way around the world in time!


Now Saturday I went to a special scrap day - I wish I could have stayed longer but mum duties called lol! But I did get done majority of my LO and CHA projects as well as my upcoming classes at the True Blue CRAFT Quilt and stitch show where I will be running ongoing classes for the Friday and Saturday :)

Here is a little run down as per outline submitted to organisers....

Classes for Craft and Quilt Fair - August – Claremont Showground

Twiddleybitz Early bird special – PREBOOK and Pay for your class and you will receive a FREE Twiddleybitz goodness package VALUE @$15

PH 08 9206 3667 Credit card Accepted over the phone.



Come and meet & complete a Twiddleybitz Class with one of our finest – Melanie Forbes. In the industry for over 7 years Mel has

a natural friendly flavour to teaching. One of Australia’s finest, Mel is currently on Twiddleybitz and International Graphic 45’s Design Team.

You will often see Mel’s work combined from both manufactures in some of the most fantastic layouts and off the page projects around.

One of WA’s best in the industry, you will feel right at home doing one of Mel’s classes. (insert photo)



Come and see the COMPLETE range of Twiddleybitz products, with new products being manufactured monthly, you need to get your booty down

To our booth to see and feel some Twiddleybitz goodness in your crafting rooms. Ongoing demonstrations will be held at the booth.

More information can be obtained from our NEW LOOK website: http://twiddleybitz.com.au/blog.aspx


1. Kids Classes – SUNDAY all Day – Twiddleybotz PRICE $10 and $15 - insert photo

Kids come and make your very own Twiddleybotz a combination of chipboard and anime.

Twiddleybotz come in large and small and they are a fun creation for you to make.

Classes will be run on the hour every hour and cost $10 for 2 small and $15 for a large. All material supplied.

Ages 6 and upward – parents need to be accompanied for under 10yrs.

See images http://twiddleybitz.com.au/blog.aspx



2.Heritage Layout using Twiddleybitz Overlay. PRICE $25



Friday and Saturday Class duration 1.5hrs Class timetables One the hour every 1.5hrs

These classes will be ongoing, so you can come and create when you have the time.

On Friday between 10am – 2 pm and then on Saturday between 9.30-3.30pm

Class cost $25 all materials provided.

Size of photo’s needed will be on Ning website with other class details

www.twiddleyitz.ning.com

Teacher Melanie Forbes

Prebooked Classes are available and must be paid in full at booking time Ph 089206 3667

See images http://twiddleybitz.com.au/blog.aspx





3.My House – Miniature House in a Small Shadow Box Price $25 Age 15 upwards

Friday and Saturday Class Duration 1.5 hrs

Why not make your own house, a gorgeous little keepsake that you can display in your own home.

You will learn how to construct a small shadow box, miniature house and adorn your house with our very cute

Tweeny windows and door frames. And to finish it off with your very own house number on the frame.

When you have the time to come and sit down and complete a page layout with our fantastic Twiddleybitz range.

These classes will be ongoing on Friday between 10am – 2 pm and then on Saturday between 9.30-3.30pm

Teacher Melanie Forbes

Prebooked Classes are available and must be paid in full at booking time Ph 089206 3667

See images http://twiddleybitz.com.au/blog.aspx



4. 5 Quick Christmas Card Class – Price $20

You make 1 in the class with our fabulous and have the kit to take another 4 home to complete.

(time and seat allocation you may finish at the show depending on bookings)

You will have enough Twiddleybitz to create your very special cards this Christmas.

Friday, Saturday Class Duration 1 hr –

When you have the time to come and sit down and complete a page layout with our fantastic Twiddleybitz range.

We will be offering classes for you to attend at the time you want t attend. These classes will be ongoing

On Friday between 10am – 2 pm and then on Saturday between 9.30-3.30pm

Teacher Melanie Forbes

See images http://twiddleybitz.com.au/blog.aspx


I will upload some sneaky peaks during the week for you - Hope you can come and scrap a LO or OTP or cards with me :) I just need to take the photo's first!!

Graphic 45 has been busy this week on the blog showcasing a few of my projects - First up was the altered book in my previous post but then I also had a tutorial on the birdcage and then the box of drawers I made to store all my Graphic 45 staples in :) I am organised - the drawers are even labelled with the code numbers!!!




I hope you enjoyed them - more photo's and the tutorial can be seen on the blog pop over for a squizzy :)

Friday, July 1, 2011

Some metal magic

and these doorknobs are just the icing on the cake lol :)

One of our June assignments was to use the Metal door plate and knob - Now these are great fun - easy enough to alter such as mine here has been painted with Tim Holtz Dabber Sandal BUT the DT guys have been very clever and have created bangles and clocks out of them as well - now that is thinking outside the square!!! My altered book even has the tutorial of the blog if you wish to recreate your own version - I would love to see it - let me know with a link :)





Just love the Staples range by Graphic 45

I did notice a couple of questions in the comments for how to make an altered book on the Graphic 45 blog.

How do you get the remaining pages to stay together, and stay put? When I pop in the shadowbox I make sure there is sufficient glue holding it in - all edges are covered with a PVA glue. The remaining pages I tend to dab a bit of glue in between every 5- 10 pages - also by painting the edges of the book with a glue tends to help it stay together (I haven't done it with this book though - a bit slack at 2am in the morning lol!)

How was the chicken wire attached and finished so it had no sharp edges? AHHHHH hehe - it isn't real chicken wire - It is chipboard and is made by Twiddleybitz - GREAT product hehe no sharp edges!!! It also means you can simply glue it down to the page :)


and finally, how do you cut through so many pages and retain a straight cut? TIA
I simply cut using my craft knife and to begin with a metal ruler to ensure the edges are straight - if you look close enough at the tutorial photo's (blogger playing up!) you can see my edges are straight - but by holding the book half open and checking as you go your craft knife will generally cut fairly straight - be warned it took me just over an hour to cut out the shadowbox hole and had a sore pointy finger for a couple of days!!!


Brisbane - what a blast - I had the best time :) :) :) What a beautiful city despite the very hilly roads and a GPS that took us a different way to and from the convention centre every day!!! It was wonderful to finally meet Lisa and Jen and Tiff from the Twiddleybitz Design team - I reckon our stand was the best one there - if crowds were anything to go by we won hands down!!!! The Design Team did a fantastic job and all day every day all we heard were exclamations on various projects! I didn't take my camera :( so hopefully a few that did willl email me some copies and I will load them up for you.

I also got the chance to catch up with my sister and family - we spent the day pushing the pram up and down Paddington and visiting the antique centres (I so wish Perth had some like that here!!) Little Charlotte was just gorgeous and full of smiles despite being a catnapper!! And my Little Ben :) Hugs from Aunty Mel - you are growing up so quick!! :) Will post some puzzles once I get to them!!!


Nearly school holidays here - only a week to go and it can't come soon enough - hopefully things at school will settle down next term and the kids can get on with actually learning something.

I can hear dripping from the kitchen - meaning that it is raining inside - better go and get the bucket - we have had the wettest week in June for 6 years!! Lots of torrential downpours and storms come through - gutters just aren't coping despite Gary cleaning them all out a month ago :( Down south near mum and dads several mini tornadoes went through on Tuesday - check out dad's photo's here These trees are so old and beautiful - as my sister said the old toilet block will never be the same again!!

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