Merry Christmas!

Hi!

Well here we are at the end of another year with Christmas only 3 sleeps away!! I hope you have all your shopping done, presents made & wrapped & you can now put your feet up for a bit before the madness begins!!

I would like to thank you all for your support throughout the year. Of course without you coming to have fun in the workshops & laugh your way through the scrap'n'roasts, I wouldn't be in business - so thank you!

Taking a break from workshops for a couple of weeks, we'll start back with a scrap'n'roast on the 8th & workshops on the 10th. If you are desperate for scrapping supplies in the next few weeks, just give me a buzz & if I am home, I will open the shop for you! I don't mind doing this, but please restrict to weekdays between 9am - 5pm (no public holidays or weekends).

Good news for the girls who ordered the black Cricut - I was speaking to print blocks yesterday & they should be in Australia by the time they get back from their holiday closure (5th Jan) so I will let you all know when I get the invoice for payment.

How cute is this!!! My Vagabond, by Tim Holtz, arrived in my order yesterday. The packaging was so darn cute I didn't want to open it! Finally all the cardstock arrived off backorder, so all the holes in the rack will now be filled with colour! Some more border punches arrived, along with a set of gorgeous texture plates (music & postcard words). They will all be on the wall when you come in next - maybe...

The first scrap'n'roast for the year is on the 8th of January, starting at 2pm until midnight. There is only one spot left for this fun filled scrappy event, so if you have been thinking about coming, give me a ring or email to book in. $5 deposit is required to secure your spot.

Workshops begin again on the 10th January. The first workshop is "Border Punch Madness". You will need to bring your stash of border punches (I used 5 different ones!). I will email out before the workshops begin - but while you're out over this holiday period - take lots of photos!! This layout needs 6 portrait photos @ 4x6" or you could do 4 landscape photos @ 4x6" but not a mixture - has to be all up & down or all across!! So get snapping, click, click!

From my family to yours, a very merry Christmas and all the best wishes for a wonderful 2011! 

How embarrassing!!  Jennifer 'elfed' me on my iphone - but I thought I would share it with you anyway!!!! This is what happens when you sit for hours in the waiting room of the doctors surgery!  I got her back and yes these will be printed & used on a page!!! Muhahahahahaha!

Happy Scrapping & a very merry Christmas!

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 6 December 2010

Wow!!!  December all ready!  It's all go here at my place, how about yours?  Looking forward to next week when things will finally slow down and I can get ready for Christmas.

Exciting news - I have finally been allowed to have an account with Bumblebee Crafts!!  This completes the wholesale set, so to speak and I should be able to get practically everything available in Australia - yeah!  So go over to their website and have a squizz at what they've got, if you see something you like, let me know - I have to build up my first order.

My last day of work yesterday - have really enjoyed going out into the real world and earning a bit of pocket money (even if I did spend it all on medication and doctors!!).

Next week's workshop is a real 'bugger' - remember when my car drove itself through the church hall wall??  Well these are the photos, yes I have finally printed and scrapped them!!!

Stamping, Scrunching and Sewing    $18

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday  9.30-11.30am

Apart from the fact that these photos are of my car going through a church hall, it is a great layout for a heap of smaller photos!  We will be stamping, sewing, scrunching, ripping and distressing all on the one layout, but don’t let that phase you.  You will need 7 photos, 4 landscape @ 3x4”, two portrait @ 2x3” and one landscape @ 2x3”.  You will also need your basic tool kit, ink, edge distressor, paper piercer, embroidery needle, slice/cricut machine or stencil to cut your title and an idea of what your title is going to be.

This weekend is the Christmas Scrap'n'Roast!  1pm until midnight, $20.  It is fully booked.  If you want to be a part of the Secret Santa, please bring a present to the value of $10 and place it in Santa's Sack! Lots of fun to be had all afternoon and evening.  Remember if you can't make it, please let me know because there is a waiting list.

If you are interested in coming to a Scrap'n'Roast, they start again in January.  There are still spots for the 8th and 22nd of January - get in quick!!

Well better sign off here - have to get the place ready for the band christmas party in 4 hours....eeeeek!!!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 29 November 2010

Hi everyone,

29 Sleeps Until Christmas!!!!  Don't feel very christmassy myself ... yet, but with all the things in my calendar over the next few weeks, I am sure it will happen very quickly.  I have to put the tree up during the week as I have my band Christmas Party at my place on next weekend, that will definitely put me in the mood ... because you can't put up the tree without Christmas carols playing in the background!! 

My last week next week of my contract at the Bowden Brompton Community Centre.  Hasn't that gone quickly! Been good to work 'in the real world' for awhile with some really nice people as well. 

I have a huge favour to ask of the Thursday girls... could we please start at 10am next Thursday?  Jennifer came home from school yesterday with her piano recital notice and this year it is from 9-10am instead of the afternoon.  She was in tears when I said I couldn't make it.  Her performance is in the middle some where, so I would be able to watch (and photograph) and be back home just before 10.  I will contact you all about it.

Next week's workshop is...

Quick Christmas Gifts    $27

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday 10-12am

We all need a few quick gifts at the end of the year - right?  So let’s get a head start! In this workshop we are going to make a mini note/idea book, decorate a glass mini preserving jar, decorate a gift bag and make the easiest bow on a gift box, plus, if that wasn’t enough, we are going to decorate a December calendar page with all manner of cute bits and pieces ready for you to use as an advent calendar or to document your December!!  You will need your basic tool kit, border punch, inks and an eyelet hole punch.

Scrap'n'Roast for tomorrow has had a cancellation, so there is one spot left for anyone who doesn't already have plans!  Give me a buzz because I probably won't be on the computer.

I asked last week that all deposits for the Christmas Scrap'n'Roast be paid by today.  Thank you to those of you who got your $5 deposits to me in person and via bank deposit.  A few people didn't pay, so there are now some open spots, I will be contacting those of you who are on the waiting list to see if you would still like to come on the 11th December.  

In the Scraproom some new papers arrived yesterday, all double sided (as they all seem to be now) so have a look in the racks for newbies!!!  Quite nice ones too!  For those of you who have been waiting for the edge distressers, they have come in and are back on the wall.  The small glue bottles arrived as well as a top up of some more coredinations cardstock.  Still have holes, but the colours that are missing are not in stock at the wholesalers!!  

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 22 November 2010

Hi everyone!

Busy, busy, busy here!  Helps keep my mind off my sore ear - yes it's still sore, next step ent specialist, will find out when I go back to doc's next week - bugger!! If only I had the money I've spent in the last 7 weeks at the doc's and on medicine to spend on scrapping instead! ;-)

Did you know you can sign up to follow this blog?  It's just over there on the right hand side ->

Next week's workshop is...

ATTACK YOUR STASH - STICKERS!   $10

Monday 7-9pm, Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday 9.30-11.30am

We’ve all done it!  We all have them!  STICKERS!!! But what to do with them???  We are going to use your stash of stickers to create a border on your layout.  Now they could be flowers, alphabets (great for a school page), stars, themed….the list and possibilities are endless.  So dig through your stash and drag them out!  You will also need 2 full sheets cardstock for your background, 1 sheet cardstock for your photo mat, 2 full sheets of patterned paper, embroidery floss, stickers for your title, brads or eyelets or kindy glitz (I used 70 brads) and your basic tool kit.  For your photos you will need one portrait @ 4x5½”, two square @ 4x4” and one landscape @4x5½”.

SCRAP'N'ROASTS...

The last two Scrap'n'Roasts for the year are fully booked with waiting lists for both the 27th November & the 11th December. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, if you are booked in, let me know if you can't make it so that I can give the spot to those on the waiting lists.

Also, not all deposits have been paid for bookings in the Christmas Scrap'n'Roast.  Please pay your $5 deposit by next Friday 26th November or your booking will be cancelled and reallocated to those on the waiting list.

IN THE SCRAP ROOM...

Just received a top up of Coredinations Cardstock, but not all the empty shelves have been filled...still waiting on some backorders.

Great range of the EK Success Edger Punches.  These punches are so nice to punch with and they fold up to make storage easier!

Gift vouchers are available for family and friends to purchase so you can buy the scrap supplies you want!

OMG!! Only 35 days until Christmas!  Hope you are getting yourselves all ready.  I have all the big stuff, just need food and a few stocking fillers.  

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Wonley....

but oh so cute....

Next Week ... 15 November 2010

Hot, cold, wet, sunny!!!!  Me thinks the weather machine must be broken!!! It's playing havoc with the hayfever, hope you are all okay. 

Lots of great pages produced this week in the Page Maps November workshop - well done to everyone!  Another great workshop next week and a fantastic Attack Your Stash - Stickers in a fortnight...hope you are looking through that sticker stash and getting ready!

Next weeks workshop is...

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST   $22

Monday 7-9pm, Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday 9.30-11.30am

You all know I love using flowers and pretty papers when I scrap my pages - well in this workshop I have done my normal flowers and pretty stuff and then I have done the exact same layout in a grungy fashion.  This is a great way for you to see that you can do the same layouts by just changing the colours and embellishments.  You will need one portrait 4x6” photo for each page (so two photos in total).  You will also need your basic tool kit,  border punch, inks, a title for each page ( I have used chipboard on one page and cut out with the cricut and rubons on the other page), stapler and any other embellishments you might like to use.

If you have been thinking of upgrading your trimmer, the new Fiskars Premium Cut-line Trimmer has just arrived in store.  I have had one (from America) for a while and they are fabulous!  They are $50 each and there are two up for grabs - what a great Christmas present to yourself or give someone else the idea to get it for you!

42 sleeps until Christmas!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 8 November 2010

Hi everyone,

Sorry this is a bit late, I have got my trusty computer back - Yeah!  

Fun was had by all who attended the Faux Paper Bag Mini Album.  Keep an eye out for the next Fun Crop Day - I already have a pattern and the most gorgeous papers all ready to go! 

Next weeks workshop is...

Page Maps November   $18

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm & Thursday 9.30-11.30am

(Sorry, don't know why it won't rotate!! But you get the picture!)

This fun double page map has 4 photos - one portrait @ 4x6”, two landscape @ 4x6” and one landscape @ 5x4”. You will need your basic tool kit, a stapler, scallop ruler, decorative edge scissors or a border punch, journal pen, a title, inks, paper piercer, embroidery needle, and any extra embellishments you might like to use to suit your photos ( I used bling bits, rub-ons and some stickles/kindy glitz).

The last two Scrap'n'Roasts for the year are fully booked.  But if you want to  go onto a waiting list, let me know.

Don't forget to book into the Quick Christmas Gifts workshop on the 29/11, 1/12 & 2/12 for some cute quick gifts to make for the busy season!

Keep well & happy scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 1 November 2010

Hi Everyone,

Well, I have finally finished the newsletter - and not a whisker too soon!  You will find the newsletter attached to your email - so start looking in your inbox!  Still have a couple of layouts to do and some titles to finish, but all sorted out so I know what I am doing - I hope!

The Fantastic Fun Crop day is this Saturday!  There are still a few spots available to make the gorgeously stunning Faux Paperbag Mini Album.  $15 for the kit and bring a plate of lunch to share.  If you would like more details or to book, email, ring or leave a message on this post.

Next week's workshop is -

Embossing Techniques     $21

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday 9.30-11.30am

Do you know the difference between heat embossing and dry embossing?  In this workshop I am going to show you the difference between these two techniques and then we will use them both on this layout!  We will be heat embossing a border around our page & dry embossing some embellishments.  You will need one landscape photo @ 4x6” for this single page layout.  You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, sandpaper, foam mounting tape and an idea for your title as we will be cutting from chipboard and heat embossing.

Print Block's Black Cricut Expression Promotion closes soon.  I have to place the order on Monday the 1st November, so if you have thinking about this fantastic deal, speak to me soon!

Scrap'n'Roasts are changing - the times that it!  They will now start at 2pm for 2 hours of extra scrapping time!!!!  The next Scrap'n'Roast is on the 6th November.  Still at $16 for an afternoon evening of scrapping fun!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 25 October 2010

Hi everyone,

Sorry this is late - my computer didn't want to play yesterday!  Just having one of those moments I guess...

Well, the show is all finished, so I am busy scrapping and ...cleaning...yuk! As we speak I have conned Daniel into vacuuming his room, I know, wonders will never cease!  I said that anything left on the floor by 11am was going in the bin...well it's all on his bed now - don't know where he is going to sleep!  Kids...!

Next Weeks Workshop -

MORE PAPER FLOWERS   $24

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday 9.30-11.30am

 Right, we learnt how to make some paper flowers earlier this year and again in August….have you had a go at making any more?  Well, just in case you haven’t, we are going to make some!!  One we’ve already done and some different! These are so gorgeous on layouts, cards, even as a present topper, so practice, practice, practice!!! You will need 4 photos - 2@4x6” Landscape, 1@4x6” Portrait and 1@3x4” Landscape.  You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, paper piecer, embroidery needle, a title (I cut mine from leftover paper and used tiny type stickers for the date). 

FANTASTIC FUN CROP DAY  $15

Saturday 30th October 10am - 4pm

We will be making this gorgeous Faux Paper Bag Mini Album.

**STILL A FEW SPACES AVAILABLE**

You will need to bring - your basic tool kit, trimmer, border punch, inks (I used pinecone), 1" circle punch,, corner rounder, dimensional magic,  strong glue such as power pritt or scotch tacky adhesive, embellishments such as brads, eyelets, flowers, punches to punch shapes, or anything you might think you'd like to use from your stash! :-)  If you would like an embellishment pack similar to what I have used in my album please let me know so I can make one up for you.  The embellishment packs will be $5 each.

We will be sharing lunch on the deck, so bring a plate of food to share, I will supply the drinks - tea, coffee,  milo, water and softies as well as morning & afternoon tea.

Now, just in case I don't get the newsletter out on time (I am trying my hardest and scrapping like a mad woman possessed by a paper bug!) I will still do the weekly updates so you know what is happening in the next week!  I may just give you a November Calendar to tie you over ;-)

For those of you who like to plan ahead, here are the Scrap'n'Roast dates for November and December.  You can email or ring to book into these nights now!

6th November 4pm - Midnight  $16

27th November 4pm - Midnight  $16

Christmas Scrap'n'Roast - 11th December 1pm - Midnight  $20

Have you been looking at a Cricut???  Print Blocks have a once only special on a limited release Black Cricut Expression that comes with the Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge and two extra cartridges.  RRP is $650 + $100 for the cartridges.  I am going to do a special deal for you .... $550 for a limited edition Black Cricut Expression machine with Platin Schoolbook Cartridge + two extra cartridges + one 12x12" cutting mat ... $550 ... WOW!  

Cartridges you get to choose from are:

Jubilee

Preserves

Stretch Your Imagination

Pooh Font

Pooh and Friends

Wildcard

Storybook

Opposites Attract

Beyond Birthdays

Create-a-Critter 

Calligraphy 

Sports Mania 

Graphically Speaking

All Mixed Up 

Lyrical Letters 

Jasmine 

Joys of the Season 

Animal Kingdom 

Doodletype

You can look up the cartridges at www.cricut.com

This offer is limited and I have to order by the  1st November.  Payment in full is required when ordering.  Delivery date is January - but I'm not sure of the exact date. Please ring or email me if you would like more information or details.

Well, that's all from me this week.  Hope to see you soon.

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 18 October 2010

What a week!!!  Hardly time to sit and relax, but it's all been good, positive and that makes it all worthwhile.  How's your week been?

I have been so busy here with school holidays, a fantastic show (the World Goes 'Round) and life in general, that I am running behind in getting my newsletter done!  I have got all of Novembers workshops ready, so I will release those for you next week, with the remainder to follow.  Show finishes tomorrow, you should come and see it, so after a good sleep in on Sunday I will be able to scrap like a mad woman possessed! ;-D

Next Week's Workshop is - 

All Kitted Out   $22

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday 9.30-11.30am

Now, you know I don’t usually do kits up for classes, but when I made this page I decided that you all had to have exactly the same as me!  Make sure you have a look at the layout before the class so that you can work out your photos, otherwise you can do the layout with no photos, as you will be able to add them after. You will need 4 photos for this layout, 2@4x6” portrait and 2@4x4” square.  You will also need your basic tool kit, inks (I used pinecone),  paper piecer, embroidery needle, some journaling ready to write, an idea for your title as we will be using the cuttlebug to punch out our title, 3mm double sided tape and a small zigzag edge ruler, if you have one.

Halloween Scrap'n'Roast  $16 

**2 SPOTS LEFT **

Saturday 23rd October, 4pm - midnight

Come along on a Saturday afternoon & evening for 8 hours of scrapping fun!  Bring your photos & tools then crop the night away.  A roast hot from the Weber & salad will be served for dinner.  Softies in the fridge and the kettle is always handy for a cuppa!  There are always nibbles on the table ...and yes - you might get some scrapping done!!! 

Cost includes dinner, drink & nibbles – a great deal! 

**Workshop loyalty card is not signed & no free classes valid for Saturday Scrap Nights.**

Fantastic Fun Crop Day  $15

Saturday 30th October, 10am - 4pm

In lieu of the cancelled Fiskars Crop Day, we will be making this gorgeous Faux Paper Bag Album!  You can get between 20 & 40 photos into this baby...perfect for an occasion album or to give to someone as a brag book.  We will be making this album from scratch, decorating and embellishing...and yes it will take all day!  Cost includes basic paper pack and tags.  Embellishments are either bring your own or let me know and I will make up a embellishment pack for you.  I will have to let you know the cost of that next week.  List of required tools will be given upon booking.  Bring a plate of lunch to share out on the deck - hopefully in glorious sunshine.  Not too late to book into this wonderful workshop. 

Catch you soon, Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-) 

Next Week...11 October 2010

Hi Everyone!!

Hope you've all had a great break.

Opening night tonight for the show I am in - "the World Goes 'Round".  You can still get tickets at the door for all performances except the two Saturday matinees or phone 8251 3926.  Fun show, the band is on stage as part of the set!

A few new papers came in over the holidays - they are safely stuffed into empty slots with the rest of the double sided papers, it will be like a treasure hunt for you!!  Some new EK Success border punches also have arrived....really nice... cute.... beautiful... fun... well it all depends on the punch of course!  You'll have to pop in & have a look ;-)

Next Week's Workshop is......

Versamark Magic   $17

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm & Thursday 9.30-11.30am

Have you ever used versamark ink??  It is a fantastic ink that creates a watermark effect on your cardstock or paper.  For this layout we are dressing up our cardstock background so it’s not quite so plain.  If you have a versamark stamp pad, bring it along, otherwise they are available for sale at $4.50 each.  You will need 7 photos - 2@4x6” Portrait, 1@4x6” Landscape, 2@3x3½” Landscape and 2@3x4” Portrait.  You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, scalloped edge ruler, 1/8” hole punch, something for your title or Slice/Cricut machine to cut your title and any extra embellishments (I cut some Easter eggs from the leftover papers, as well as my title).

Well off to get into my blacks!  See you all soon,

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy

Next Week...20 September 2010

Good morning Scrappers!

What a busy week - unfortunately, not too much scrapping happening!  Looking forward to Scrap'n'Roast tomorrow night so I can get my hands onto some scrapbooking stuff and start creating!!!

We had a great workshop this week and I took photos of the all pages...head over to the gallery or facebook to see all the variations, they are just fantastic!  Did you know you can add photos of your work to the Made by Mandy Facebook group if you have joined it?  It's a wonderful way to share your work with friends who can't see it in person.  If you need some help uploading your photos, just ask, I'm more than happy to give you a hand.

Scrap'n'Roast   $16   Saturday 18th September 4pm - Midnight

There are three places for tomorrow evenings Scrap'n'Roast.  If you are interested, please ring or email me to book in.  A wonderful fun evening, 8 hours of scrapping with a Roast Dinner!!  Everyone always has so much fun, loads of talking and laughing, scrapping ideas all around! Because of school holidays and my next theatre engagement the next scrap'n'roast is not until 23rd October!!! 

Speaking of the next show - if you are interested, here is the link for more information and ticket booking.  The show is 'And the World Goes Round' and the band is on the stage, so you will actually be able to see us! I even have to do some backup vocals in one piece - scary with my voice...there is a reason I play an instrument!!! 

“Sometimes you’re happy and sometimes you’re sad – but the world goes ’round.” Life – with its glories, indignities, hopes and quiet dreams – is the subject of this stunning revue of the beloved songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb.

Next Week's Workshop....

TAKING IT TO THE EDGE   $16

Monday 7-9pm; Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm and Thursday 9.30-11.30am

So - how do you dress up a plain background paper to match the theme of your photos??? You stamp like a mad woman possessed - muhahahahaha!!!!  Learn how to very simply change the look & theme of any paper with simple stamping around the edges of your page.  You will need  3 photos - 1@4x6” Landscape; 1@4x6” Portrait & 1@2½x3¼” Portrait.  You will also need your basic tool kit, a stamp, a border punch, edge distressor, title, inks, paper piecer and any extra embellishments that will suit your theme (I cut out music notes & used some glitter music notes as well).

A bit of a teaser for the Fantastic Fun Crop Day to be held on the 30th October from 10am-4pm...

This fun day replaces the Fiskars day with Michelle.  All bookings for the Fiskars day have been cancelled and I have started the bookings afresh.  If you would like to come along for the day, making this Faux Paperbag Mini Album, $15 includes the basic kit, embellishments extra or byo (I will let you know exactly what is needed closer to the day), bring a plate of lunch to share, coffee/tea/milo/water available all day, wonderful company and you will complete a mini album (same papers as pictured) that will hold over 20 photos!!!!  Bookings are essential. 

That's all for this week.  Have a great weekend.  If you are down at the Breakout Creek Wetlands at Lockleys on Saturday morning, come over to the main marquee and wave to the band - I'll be there!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy