Made by Mandy

Next Week ... 13th February 2012

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000+10:30

Hi everyone!

Hope you've all had a look around the new setup of the blog. The newsletter is on it's own page, so it will be much easier for you to find and refer to. I've introduced a Monday Munchies page where I'll share recipes I love. There's a Wednesday's Weekly Winner page where you'll find a new special each week. there's also a My Little Shop page - so you can see what my shop looks like! I'd love some feedback - so let me know what you think!

Well an exciting week for me, back in the workforce! Enjoying that I can still drop Jennifer off to school and be back to pick her up.

Tomorrow, 11th, is Scrap'n'Roast and there are still spaces available. $16 for 8 hours of scrapping plus roast dinner, dessert, munchies, drinks...it's a bargain! Ring or email, even facebook me to book in by 5pm tonight (Friday).

Next Week's Workshop is...

4 Page Maps in 1 $20

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

Every month I receive page maps and sketches from the heaps of blogs and websites that I have subscribed to, as you know! I have a heap of 6”x12” page maps that I haven’t used and thought I would use 4 of them to create a double page layout. This is where you have to think about your photos, will you have 4 sets of photos or all one theme?? You will need 9 photos. Page 1 - 1 landscape @ 4½”x3¾”; 2 portrait @ 2¼”x3¾. Page 2 - 1 portrait 4”x6”; 2@2”x2”. Page 3 - 1 landscape @ 5½”x4”. Page 4 - 2 portrait @ 2½”x3½”. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, fancy corner rounder, border punch, circle punch (3/4” or 1”) and your title and embellishments. Now, embellishments...I kind of went to town with flowers and pearls combined with lots of fussy cutting on the papers, but depending on your theme, you don’t have to go overboard like it did!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 6 February 2012

2012-02-03T16:04:00.000+10:30

Hey everyone,

What a great week ...

The kids have gone back to school and are back into routine - Yay!
I received a job offer that allows me to continue my scrap business, do the school drop-offs and have school holidays off - Yay!
Got confirmation for the Copic Certification 1 and 2 classes, so have booked flights and accommodation to Melbourne - Yay!
Started a Business e-course online - Yay!
I got enough likes on the new facebook business page to get a user name - Yay!
Been receiving lots of ideas from everyone with ways to promote this business - Yay!

How's your week been. I hope you've had lots of positives too :-)

The February to April newsletter is complete and you can print a copy out if you scroll to the bottom of the blog page and click the printer icon. Bookings are open for all workshops, scrap'n'roasts and day workshops, so email, ring or see me during workshops and let me know what you'd like to do.

The Made by Mandy Scrapbooking Group has been deleted and is no more :-( But....the new Made by Mandy Scrapbooking business page is up and running :-) You can find it here - http://www.facebook.com/MadebyMandyScrapbooking Much easier to find, I'm sure you'll all agree!

Next Weeks Workshop is ...

More Border Punch Madness $19

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

We are really going to go mad with border punches on this page! I used 9 different punches and you can use as many or as little as you like to create this stunning border effect on your page. You are going to need 6 photos for this double layout. One portrait @ 6 ½” x 6”; 1 portrait 3”x6”; 1 portrait 3”x5” and 2 @ 2”x2”. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, border punches (remember I used 9), shape punch (I used a butterfly), journal pen (I used a white gel pen) and your title.

Scrap'n'Roast $16

11th February 4pm-midnight

Come along on a Saturday afternoon and evening for 8 hours of scrapping fun! Bring your photos and tools then crop the night away. A roast hot from the Weber and salad will be served for dinner, followed by dessert. 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!!!

$5 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking. Cancellations made 24 hours before and no-shows are liable to pay the balance of the evening.

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

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

Envelope Mini Album 24th March $50

ALL DAY WORKSHOP FULL KIT INCLUDED

This really cute mini album uses the Martha Stewart Score Board to make cardstock envelopes which will become the pages of our album. Using a fantastic (and easy) binding method to put our album together you will love this little album. Three different paper kit themes to choose from, using a 6”x6” paper pad with co-ordinating cardstock stickers, there will be a kit for everyone to love. You will need your basic tool kit, inks, border punch (or two), strong adhesive, MS Score Board, bone folder and your hot glue gun.

We will have a shared lunch, lounging on the deck, so bring along a plate of something savoury to share and I will provide the morning and afternoon tea treats plus your drinks for the day.

PLACES LIMITED … BOOKINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

Cancellations MUST be made two weeks in advance or you will be charged for the kit regardless of whether you are able to attend or not.

Well, that's all from me!! Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you all soon. Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 30 January 2012

2012-01-28T14:26:00.000+10:30

Hey everyone,

Hope you all had a wonderful Australia Day!! Here's the fireworks from Semaphore, taken from my friends backyard. I had forgotten my tripod, so I used the verandah post to keep the camera steady for the 4 second shots! You know what they say - where there's a will there's a way :-) It was quite windy and we weren't sure if the fireworks would go off, but to our delight they did!

Chúc mừng năm mới (Happy New Year) This year is the Year of the Dragon - 'An khang thịnh vượng' which means may you have good health, security and prosperity, a traditional Vietnamese greeting in response to happy new year :-) We went over to Dai Phat Supermarket to see the Lion Dance which brings good luck for the year! Daniel and Jennifer were mesmerized and loved it.

How are you holding up in this heat?? I thank my lucky stars we have a pool to cool off in, aaahhhhh.... lots of chunky dunks happening! (That's the opposite of skinny dipping, just in case you're wondering - LOL!)

Well, I have finished my "House Mother" job at Scotch - extreme hard work and I was ever so grateful to have finished!!!! But, I am thankful for the money, which is very handy just after Christmas and in time for back to school.

I am busy trying to finish off the new calendar, fairly close, so you should have it next week as scheduled. There's lots of great pages, Scrap'n'Roasts, a gorgeous mini album day workshop and more! Keep an eye out, it will hit your mailbox soon!

Next week's workshop is...

Sophisticated Lacing $22

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

I know you are going to love this lacing technique I found a picture of on-line. It is so cool! It looks like it is just crisscross, but when you have a more detailed look you discover it is crisscross with a twist!! Once I worked it out, it is very easy and looks very sophisticated!! You are going to need 1portrait photo @ 4x6”, 1 square photo @ 3x3”, 1 landscape photo @ 3x2¾”, 1 landscape photo @ 3x2¼” and 1 portrait photo @ 3x3½. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, paper piercer, threading water border punch (if you have one), eyelet setter, a title and another border punch.

The next Scrap'n'Roast will be on the 11th February, so check your diaries and book in quick, because as you know they fill up quickly!

Ok - off to do some more on the newsletter and then it's chunky dunk time!!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 23 January 2010

2012-01-20T19:52:00.004+10:30

Hi everyone,

Sorry this is later than usual, but been busy working away with no computer access. So very quickly...

SCRAP'N'ROAST tomorrow night (21st January) 4pm - midnight, $16. Still a few spots left. Chinese New Year/Australia Day theme - could be interesting and definitely fun!!!

Next week's workshop is ....

Attack Your Stash $10

Monday 7-9pm

*NO WORKSHOPS ON WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY*

Okay - break out your punches!! We are going to make some bunting with a difference across our page. I found this idea on-line and just had to have a go myself and then of course, share it with you! The beauty of this is it can be oh so girly or completely opposite. You will need 3 or four different punches, about 5 different patterns of scraps roughly ½ a page of each, inks, a title, a whole sheet of patterned paper for the photo mat and 2 whole sheets of cardstock for the background. Photos will be in a straight line across the bottom of the page so can be 4 @ 4x6” landscape or 6 @ 4x4” square or a combination to fill the 4x12” photo strip on each page.

The punches I used were a scalloped circle, a flower and a Christmas light.

I haven't even had time to take a photo - so it will be a surprise!!

Have a great weekend,

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 16th January 2012

2012-01-13T11:35:00.000+10:30

Hi scrappy people,

Another week has snuck by in a flash! Been busy scrapping and keeping kids from killing each other!! What about you?

IMPORTANT UPDATE

There will be only a Monday workshop for the next two weeks as I am working on a short contract during the days.

Next Weeks Workshop is ...

Page Maps January $17

Monday 7-9pm only

NO WEDNESDAY OR THURSDAY WORKSHOPS THIS WEEK

I just love these photos of the Chinese Mandarins statues serving the Vietnamese royalty in Hue. This page map was just perfect for the photos I had, I hope it works for yours too! You will need 7 photos. 4 landscape @ 4x6” and 3 square @ 3x3”. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, a border punch, a title and any embellishments you’d like to use - I used some bling strips and made a bling flourish as we did last October.

There are still a few spots left for our Chinese New Year/Australia Day Scrap'n'Roast on the 21st January. $16 4pm-midnight.

Anyway, must away...things to do...places to go!! Kids want to see the Muppet movie - I'm thinking I'll let them go in alone while I op shop and relax by the seaside!!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Daytime Workshops...

2012-01-11T11:21:00.001+10:30

Hi everyone,

Just a quick reminder that there is no Wednesday Workshop today.

I have just received a 9 day contract from 17th - 25th January for Scotch College - House Parent and Laundry Officer, which is just fancy talk for cleaner during their cricket competition!! This means that the workshops on 19th January and 25th January will have to be cancelled. Sorry for any inconvenience, but I can't pass up the opportunity to earn some extra cash, especially just after Christmas:-)

Thought I'd share with you one of the recipes from my New Year's Seafood Feast! They were all delicious, but this one was in my top 3, mmmm......

Marinated Cold Fish Salad

Serves 6

750g white fish fillets

3/4 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 clove garlic

3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped (I used cherry toms instead!)

2 onions, thinly sliced

3 zucchini, thinly sliced

1 green capsicum, thinly sliced

1/2 cup black olives, pitted

DRESSING

1/3 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup oil

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Place fish in large pan, cover with water, bring to the boil, reduce heat, simmer, covered, for about 5 minutes, or until tender; drain. Remove bones from fish, cut fish into large chunks.

Combined fish, vinegar, sugar, lemon juice and garlic in bowl; cover, marinade 30 minutes, drain. (I marinated longer than this, a few hours.)

Combine fish, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, capsicum, olives and dressing in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving time.

Dressing: Combine ingredients in a jar, shake well. (I made this the day before so the flavours were beautifully developed.)

The leftovers tasted even better the next day!!

Booking are still open for the next Scrap'n'Roast - Chinese New Year/Australia Day on the 21st January, 4pm-midnight, $16. There are 3 spots available...

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

An Artsy Adventure: Registrations Begin Monday, January 9!!!

2012-01-09T09:23:00.000+10:30

An Artsy Adventure: Registrations Begin Monday, January 9!!!: The day has finally come and registrations for all classes begin Monday, January 9 at all host stores! I am delighted that so many are exci...

Next Week ... 9th January 2012

2012-01-06T15:58:00.002+10:30

Happy New Year everyone!!

I hope you all had wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrations with family and friends surrounding you with fun and laughter :-) I know I did! One of my weird quirks is always setting a table with a theme, just love it! Here are my tables from Christmas Day lunch and New Year's Eve dinner.

New Years Eve

I stamped lots of clocks onto this cheap table runner from cheap as chips - used all the clock stamps I had in my stash and stazon ink. Looks pretty cool I think (and it washed beautifully)!

Our Seafood to See in the New Year Feast....mmmmmm!

Last candle standing! Had to have a play with my camera and timer remote before I went to bed...

So....can't wait to hear what you've all be up to! I've been scrapping lots, getting ready for the next calendar release, taking lots of photos and a little bit of sewing.

Here is my new camera strap cover, very girly and cute! Orders? Sure! Talk to me :-)

I am selling a brand new Lowepro backpack, Primus AW for $250. It is half camera bag and half backpack and very roomy to fit in all your DSLR bits and pieces! Here's the blurb from the Lowepro site...

"A perfect combination of fast access and all weather protection, the Primus AW was built for the backcountry. Rugged construction with a recycled, water resistant outer fabric and a seam-sealed AW cover protects gear. This pack also conforms to a variety of body types with an adjustable 8-point harness system giving the adventure photographer exceptional comfort under heavy load. The lumbar-equipment access point keeps the bag off the ground when digging for equipment in either of the two padded compartments. Gear retrieval is further complimented by a side access zipper that gives the user quick camera access without taking the bag off. Combine that with pockets and features that are made for today's adventure photographer and the Primus AW delivers adjustable comfort with tough camera protection.

In commemoration of Lowepro's 40th anniversary, we are proud to introduce the industry's first backpack designed for the professional photographer that is made primarily from recycled materials. Funds raised from the sale of the Primus AW backpack will support Polar Bears International PBI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the worldwide conservation of the polar bear.

The Primus AW backpack, constructed of 51% Cyclepet®, a 100% post consumer recycled fabric, is the first backpack of its kind, and establishes the Primus AW as the industry standard for eco-friendly carrying solutions. Each bag contains enough recycled material to equate to approximately 22 soda bottles. By preventing this material from reaching a landfill, .0034 cubic yards of landfill space, 15,109 BTU's of energy, .002 barrels of crude oil and .12 gallons of refined oil is conserved throughout the production process. The release of Primus AW celebrates the spirit of conservation which has been, and continues to be, an integral part of the Lowepro culture. To help you make the most of this Lowepro bag take a look at our new product video."

I am also selling my DSLR!!!!! What??!!! I hear you say! Well, I have upgraded from the EOS 400D to an EOS 7D - part of the Canon enthusiast range, more things for me to learn. If you are interested in upgrading from a point and shoot camera to a DSLR - this is perfect for you! I am asking $370. It comes in the original box (yep, I kept it!) and has the software and manuals too. Also included are - extra battery (so you'll have 2), 2GB Compact Flash Memory Card, leather hand strap, neck strap, timer remote (so you can take those long night shots!) and a tripod. **No Lenses are included in the sale** Everything, except a lens, you need to start taking control of your photography and reach for the next level :-)

This is a bargain! On eBay, just the bodies - no other bits with it, are fetching $400+!!! Talk to me if you're interested.

Now onto business!!!!

Next Weeks Workshop is...

3x3² $18

Monday 7-9pm and Thursday 9.30-11.30am

**NO WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP**

We are going to be using a 3x3² grid as a basis for the placement of our square photos and papers on this cute layout. You will need 6 photos for your double layout. 5 square @ 3x3” and 1 square @ 6x6”. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, paper piercer, a title and some foam mounting tape.

Chinese New Year/Australia Day Scrap'n'Roast $16

Saturday 21st January 2012 4pm-midnight

Our first Scrap'n'Roast for the year! There are still some spots available if you'd like to come along and catch up on some scrapping and with your scrapping friends. Bookings essential.

Well, I think that's enough from me!

Happy Scrapping and I will catch you all soon.

Mandy :-)

Fantastic day at the Zoo!!!

2011-12-15T18:21:00.000+10:30

I hope you all had a great weekend!

I had a fantastic day at the zoo with Chris Bray and his lovely partner Jess Tauton doing a photography workshop. Absolutely recommend the course, well worth it.

You can read my review of the day on Chris' website - and you will see my winning photo too!!

He is coming back to Adelaide in March, so head on over to his website and click on the courses button to learn the exact dates and cost.

Here's some of the shots I took whilst practising different settings...

Have yourselves a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope all the pressies under your tree are as cute as mine!!

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 12 December 2011

2011-12-09T11:25:00.001+10:30

Well, here we are - the last post of the year!!

I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thank you for supporting Made by Mandy Scrapbooking this year. Looking forward to lots of fun workshops, fantastic layouts and new discoveries in 2012! Workshops start back on the 9th of January 2012 - just drop me an email, facebook message or phone call to book in.

Next week's workshop is ...

Attack Your Christmas Stash $10

Start digging and get out all those Christmas papers you have been holding onto!! We are going to be doing a Christmas layout with no photos, it will be all ready for you to print out your best photos from Christmas Day! You will need 2 double-sided 12x12” papers for your background, 2 double-sided 12x12” papers for contrast 1, 1 double-sided 12x12” papers for contrast 2, 1 single-sided paper for contrast 3 … better yet, just bring all along those Christmas papers! You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, scoreboard or stylus, any Christmas embellishments you might like to use and foam mounting tape. (Yes, I will have my Christmas stash out as well!!)

**Now if you don't want to do a Christmas page, then just bring along papers to scrap any set of photos you'd like :-)

The Christmas Scrap'n'Roast on the 17th December is fully booked out. I need payment in full by Monday 12th December. Dig out your Santa hat, festive earrings, anything Christmassy and wearable. This S’n’R will start at 1pm, so a extra few hours of fun! We do a Kris Kringle too, so if you’d like to participate grab a pressie, $10 limit and pop it under the tree when you arrive.

Merry Christmas and Happy Scrapping!!!

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 5 December 2011

2011-12-02T13:12:00.001+10:30

Hi everyone,

Rollerskate on here!!!! Getting everything ready for my Band's Christmas Party tomorrow. Have just finished putting up the tree and it looks very cute. This year I have decided to go with a red and gold theme, with a minimalist approach. Very different from my norm, where you can't see much tree through the decorations, tinsel and snow!

Do you have your tree and decorations up yet?? How about we all post pics on the facebook group? It would be fun to see how everyone's tree looks :-) I shall take a quick pic after I have posted this and start the pics rolling!

Next Week's Workshop is ...

Page Maps $20

Monday 7-9pm and Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm

**NO THURSDAY WORKSHOP ON THE 8TH**

Remember no workshop on Thursday as Jennifer has her end of year piano recital.

This great page map was a challenge for me, as I always have my backgrounds matching!! But, I am happy with the result of this page with two differing patterned backgrounds, it actually worked quite well. You will need 3 portrait photos @ 3½x2¾”. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, stapler, a border punch and a title.

Here's the Becky Fleck PageMap from September 2011. It was an 8 1/2 x 11" which I changed to be 12x12".

Christmas Scrap'n'Roast - I haven't received deposits from everyone to secure your booking. Please pay your deposit ASAP otherwise I will release your spot to the waiting list people. The balance is to be paid by Monday the 12th December. If you aren't zooming past the shop, email me and I will give you direct deposit details.

Okey dokey, back to the grindstone!! Have a great weekend! If you're at Bunnings at Woodville, come and say hello as my band will be there playing, between 11.30-1.30, Christmas Carols and other non-Christmas music :-)

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 28 November 2011

2011-11-25T14:18:00.001+10:30

Hi everyone,

Sitting here in the peace and quite, listening to the gentle rain, ahhhhhh.....

Is your family stuck thinking what to get you for Christmas??? How about a Made by Mandy Gift Certificate! Available for any amount. Put it on your wish list!!!

Been playing with my new Copic markers ... and I am really loving them, I can now understand why they have become so popular.

Here I decided to colour in the cute little angels on my Christmas cards - from the Christmas card workshop a few weeks ago.

Then I had fun colouring in a birthday cake and Christmas tree - now to make them into cards! I can't wait to be able to do a course with Copic Australia to learn lots of tips and tricks to pass onto you.

By the way, did you know that Copic has a promotion running at the moment, for each marker you buy you get a point chip which you can collect and redeem for copic cases, copic t-shirt or hat and other bits ... have a read of the poster in the shop for more information.

The X-press double sided tape is back in stock!! I know some of you were like myself and getting quite desperate!!!

Next Week's Workshop is ...

Attack Your Stash $10

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

This fun attack your stash will see you pulling out 7 patterns of paper to go with your cardstock!! You will need 7 portrait photos @ 6x2¾”. You will also need 7 patterned papers (all different) portrait orientation @ 4x2¾”, 2 cardstock @ 12x12” for the background and 2 cardstock @ 12x12” for the large photo mat and cardstock 10x2¾ for your journaling (pre-printed if you can). You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, a title and any other embellishments you might like to use.

** My journaling didn't fill up the whole 10" strip, so I cut it down to 6" and added another rectangle at the bottom.

The Christmas Scrap'n'Roast is full! I have started a waiting list. For the girls already booked in I need deposits by the 30th November to secure your booking. The balance is to be paid by Monday the 12th December. If you aren't zooming past the shop, email me and I will give you direct deposit details.

Have a great weekend,

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 21 November 2011

2011-11-19T16:46:00.001+10:30

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lateness of this post, I have been running around like a chook with no head!!! Two band concerts tomorrow and so much to do...must remember to take saxophone along with everything else!!

Still waiting for the Copic markers and Xpress tape to arrive, hopefully Monday or Tuesday.

Next week's workshop is ...

All Around the Page $20

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

You’ve all been loving the Martha Stewart punch sets that allow you to punch around the page, I have too! So let’s practice!!! You will need 5 photos for this double layout. 3 landscape @ 6x4” and 2 portrait @ 6x4”. You will also need your basic tool kit, MS Around the Page Punch set, a different border punch, inks, a title and any other embellishments. (I used a photo to silhouette some birds.)

Christmas is fast approaching and so is the Christmas Scrap'n'Roast!!!! 17th December, 1pm - midnight, $20. I have decided to open up for 10 spots, so that means there are 2 spots available!!! They won't last long. I also need deposits from those of you booked in ... please :-)

My friend has just opened up her own salon, JaM Hair and Beauty, Shop 3, 445 Victoria Road, Taperoo 82481010. If you're needing a haircut or some waxing, give Jo and Marie a ring!!!

Happy Scrapping,
Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 14th November 2011

2011-11-08T13:26:00.000+10:30

***There is one vacant spot for this weekends Scrap'n'Roast.*** Ring or email ASAP!!

Guess what's arriving next week????

72 gorgeous colours of Copic Markers!!! Now that I am a stockist, I can do the training offered by Copic in Australia, so hopefully some training days will come up in the new year that I will be able to attend.

How about the weather this week!!! Give me hot, give me rain...but not together...just can't handle the humidity! It was so bad on Monday, we had to pump up the air-con and break out the chocolate to enable us to concentrate!!!! (Yeah, I know, any excuse!!) Looks like it's going to be a nice weekend though ... according to Meg!

Next Week's Workshop is ... All Roughed Up $21

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

Dig out that edge distressor, ‘cause I’ve been at it again!!! The roughed up edges contrast well with the border punch strips and doily cut paper. You will need 9 photos for this double layout. 3 landscape @ 5¼x3¾”; 1 landscape @ 6x2¾”; 1 landscape @ 5¼x2¾”; 1 landscape @ 3¾x2¾”; 1 portrait @ 6x2¾”; 1 portrait @ 4⅝x2¾”; 1 portrait @ 3¾x1¾. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, a border punch, a title and any other embellishments you would like to add. (I used a ticket stub and bling bits.)

New stock just in...limited numbers...

and more...you'll have to come into the shop and see!

Happy Scrapping,
Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 7th November 2011

2011-11-04T18:25:00.004+10:30

Hi everyone!!

Sorry this post is late but....

I just had the best Thursday night scrapbooking with Ingvild Bolme, designer and educator for Prima, all the way from Norway and a Friday morning scrapping with Trisha Ladouceur, educator for Prima all the way from Canada!!! It was lots of fun and I have two beautiful pages to add to my collection, yay!! No, I won't be teaching them to you....you will just have to look and admire!

Almost as exciting is my giantic zygote cactus which has flowered. Look at the size of it!!!! And in the most vibrant magenta. Isn't nature stunning?

Tomorrow is the Christmas Cards in Bulk workshop, there is one spot left if you ring me tonight! Off to make up the kits when I have finished this.

Next Week's Workshop is ... Scraplifted $24.50

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

I found this really cute one page layout and just had to do it for myself! A few changes but you can still see where I got my inspiration from. I love the wave going across both pages, held together with ribbon and the opening at the end filled with flowers. You will need 4 to 6 photos - you will see the layout can change to accommodate your photos. I used 5 photos, cropped, with a journal block matted to match the photo matting. You will also need your basic tool kit, inks, eyelet punch and setter, journal pen, scallop ruler, a title and a shape punch (flowers, stars, circles, anything to suit your photo theme). I chose to use paper flowers with bling bits and a butterfly punch, but if you want a more masculine theme, then layered stars or circles punched out, still with bling centres would look just as fantastic.

Next weekend, 12th November, is Scrap'n'Roast night. At this stage it is fully booked. The Christmas Scrap'n'Roast is also fully booked. Let me know if you would like to go on the waiting list :-)

Okay, off I go to sort in the scrap room. I'll see some of you tomorrow for a great day of card making!

Have a great weekend,

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

New Newsletter just uploaded...

2011-10-31T14:30:00.001+10:30

Hi everyone,

Just a quick post to let you know the new newsletter has just been uploaded.

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the download button on the right hand side. (Not the docstoc button!)

A dialogue box will open and you will have the option to open the file with Adobe Reader or save the file to your computer. **If you save the file, you can find the newsletter in - my computer, my downloads box.

Happy reading,

Mandy :-)

Nexct Week ... 31 October 2011

2011-10-28T12:01:00.001+10:30

Happy Halloween!!! Muhahahahaha.........

Look what I just picked off my mulberry trees, mmmmmm... going to have some of them on ice-cream for dessert tonight and the rest are going into the slow cooker to make apple & berry jam, delicious!!! Especially on hot scones with cream....drool :-P

Apple and Berry Slow Cooker Jam

1kg apples - peeled, cored and chopped

500g granulated sugar

grated rind of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons water or lemon juice

250g berries (e.g. raspberries, blackberries, mulberries)

Put all the ingredients into the slower cooker in the order listed. Cover with lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking. By the end of cooking time the fruit should be thick and pulpy.
Spoon into warm clean jars. Seal and leave to cool. Label and store in refrigerator for up to 2 months.
(The jams low sugar content means that it does not keep as long as conventional jam and must be kept in the refrigerator.) Enjoy!

I have been busy beginning my Christmas sewing gifts, with this cute bag for my mum (who is computer illiterate and therefore it's safe to show you the photo!!!) and a Christmas placemat for the table. Also finishing off the newsletter so it will all be ready for you next week.

The Christmas Card Workshop is all ready to go and is open for bookings! On next Saturday, 5th November from 10 am until 4 pm. $35 for the day in which we will be making a whopping 24 Christmas Cards - that's less than $1.50 a card!!!! I am going to show you how easy it is to make cards in bulk and we will get them all done. We will share our lunch as we normally do for these all day workshops. Strictly limited to 8 places. You will need your basic tool kits, inks, foam mounting squares, corner rounder and pritt strong adhesive. If you have a cuttlebug, Couture Creations Bauble Tree embossing folder and cuttlebug ornament tag with bow you can bring them along so you don't have to wait, but don't feel you have to :-D

Next Week's Workshop is ... Faux Stitching $19

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

Stitches, stiches everywhere but not a thread in site! You all know I love to stitch on my pages, well on this page we are stitching everything, but we will be using a permanent marker instead of thread. Always handy for those hard to stitch bits and looks just as fab as the real thing! You will need one 4x6” portrait photo, your basic tool kit and a title.

Whoa - listen to that rain!!! Bugger have clothes on the line! Oh well, second rinse cycle courtesy of mother nature :-) Also means my rainwater tanks are filling up quite nicely.

Have a great weekend, think of me in the rain under a marquee at the Findon community centre tomorrow night!!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Sebastian is already getting into the Christmas spirit and he's been good!!

Next Week ... 24th October 2011

2011-10-21T11:48:00.001+10:30

What a funny week weather wise! I guess we got a taste of a hot summer to come!

Off to see Dusty! The Original Pop Diva tonight, dinner at Ying Chow beforehand, mmmmmm! Going to be a great evening :-) Then I have a band performance at the Adelaide West Uniting Church's Annual Fete tomorrow from 11:30am (on Sir Donald Bradman Drive). If you get a chance drop in - they have the best bargains, I always find something every year, this year I'm looking for plants!

Tomorrow night is ... Halloween Scrap'n'Roast, 4pm - midnight. Don't forget to dress-up!!

Next Week's Workshop is ...

Attack Your Stash - Paper Piecing $10

We haven’t done this in ages, so I knew it was time to bring it out to the workshop again! So much fun and using up lots of little bits of paper, we are going to make a cute house, owl, bird and trees. You will need 4 photos, 3@4x4” square and 1@4x6”landscape. You will also need 2 patterned papers for your background, 1 cardstock for your photo mats and lots of scraps to make the elements. Plus your basic tool kit, inks, journal pen, foam mounting tape or squares, leaf punch and a border punch (for the roof top of house).

I put all my furniture items on Gumtree this week and I sold everything except these items...

If you are interested give me a buzz or find them on www.gumtree.com.au - all $20 each.

Phone not included with phone table.

Lamp not included with bedside unit

Happy Scrapping,
Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 17th October 2011

2011-10-14T12:38:00.000+10:30

Hi, here we are again at the end of another week!

School holidays are nearly over and I have finally made time to teach Jennifer to use the sewing machine - her smile was huge when she finished her first project, a pencil case! I put the zip in, bit tricky for first time at the machine, but she did everything else :-) Sew cute!

Now she is just sewing bits of material together!!! Lucky I've got heaps!

Next weeks workshop is...

Border Punch Layering $16

We all love border punches, they can really make the difference to any layout from drab to fab! We are going all out on this layout using our border punches to the max with a film strip to help tell the story! You will need 20 photos, 4@4x6” landscape, 16@1¼x¾” landscape - index prints go well in here, but if you can’t manage it, you can just use patterned paper as decoration or perfect for your title :-) You will also need your basic tool kit, a border punch, inks, a title and foam mounting tape or squares.

FOR SALE...FOR SALE...FOR SALE

Our tenants have moved out next door leaving us high & dry with a houseful of furniture!!! There are 6 wardrobes (3 pine, 3 oak veneer), beds (2 single, 1 queen), 2 desks with hutch & chair, 4 2 drawer units (we had these as bedside units), round table with 4 chairs & cushions, glass top coffee table with black metal frame, TV stand, slow cooker, microwave, kettle, 2 fluoro desk lamps, wooden side table - I think that's it. Pop in any time for a look and give us a reasonable offer...it all has to go before the new tenants move in.

Next weekends Halloween Scrap'n'Roast (22nd) is a sell-out! A super busy day for me as I have a band concert in the early afternoon!!!! Put on a scary face and I'll see you there!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

This Week ... 10 October 2011

2011-10-10T10:26:00.001+10:30

Hi everyone,

I hope you got the face book post on Friday, try as I might, I couldn't get blogger dashboard to work on my iPad. Never had that problem before, only since they have upgraded.

I know I said I would upload photos last night, but it has been a emotionally draining last few days...

Tragedy for my brothers best friend, who is like my second brother - he spent more time at our house when we were growing up in Canberra. His young 5 year old daughter, Phoebe, was killed in a motor accident on Friday night. His wife was injured and is going to lose her foot, maybe her leg. Amazingly their youngest daughter escaped without a scratch. My brother is not emotional like me, but when he answered his phone and I said "it's Mandy", he just burst into tears - well you know what an emotional wreck I am! Before I rang I knew he would have been on the first plane to be at Aaron's side and sure enough he was at the hospital, it was only a few hours after the accident when we spoke. Heart wrenchingly I spoke to Aaron too, he was glad that I had met Phoebe in person in February. It's just so hard to imagine and I feel so useless being so far away. Even more heart wrenching is that Aaron's wife wants to see Phoebe, but the hospital won't allow her to. Pete & Aaron were trying to find a way to smuggle her out to the morgue (a few blocks away). I hope they succeeded, she needs to be able to see her daughter and say goodbye for her grieving process to begin. The funeral is today and Huong is not allowed to leave hospital to attend.

Treasure each moment.

Here is this weeks workshop info again, with photos this time!...

Make Your Own Flourishes $23

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

Do you love the bling and pearl flourishes that are around, but not the price?? I am going to show you how to make your own flourishes in this workshop and you are going to love it!!! You will need 4 photos, 2@4x6” landscape and 2@4x6” portrait. You will also need your basic tool kit, border punch (I used three different ones), inks and your title. I used lots of colour with my papers for this layout, so I printed my photos out in black and white so they didn’t compete with the papers. The result is stunning and the photos look stunning!!! Something for you to think about for not only this page but others as well...

See you soon,

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Next Week ... 3 October 2010

2011-09-30T14:08:00.001+09:30

Well, School Holidays start in under an hour!!

I am busy cooking for tomorrow and for Daniel, plus putting the last minute bits into the kits for tomorrows workshop. I have also been busy sewing and finally finished my chenille bag...

ONE SPOT STILL AVAILABLE!!!! For tomorrow's Make Your Own Flowers Workshop. $45, includes full kit to make heaps of flowers and a layout!! 10am - 4pm

Remember there's no workshops next week.

Just arrived in the shop - Butcher's Twine!

We've all been looking at the butcher's twine on all the layouts and cards in the latest magazines....well I have managed to get some 100m spools - Yay!!! Available in Black/White, Mocha/White, Pine/White, Red/White, Lavender/White and Pink/White, all at 50c p/mtr. I am hoping to find a few more colours, so keep your eyes peeled on the ribbon wall for more.

Now for something to make you laugh...My gorgeous Sebastian went outside, but wouldn't come back in. He is scared of the screen doors, which were open! I had to lay out a trail of liver treats with a bonus dentastix at the end... after much coaxing on my part, he finally followed the trail, got the treat and relaxed on the couch!!!

What a sooky baby!!!! But still cute!

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)

Flower Making Workshop this Saturday...

2011-09-27T16:10:00.000+09:30

Hi everyone!

Just a quick post to let you know that the Make Your Own Flowers Workshop is on this Saturday, 1st October.

All the kits are cut and made up - it's going to be fun day! I have reposted info down below. Remember to bring some lunch to share (don't go overboard!!) and I will provide the drinks and morning/afternoon tea.

There have been two cancellations.....so there are two spots up for grabs!!!! The kits are made, so it's a shame for them to go to waste...

These are just a few of the flowers you will be making on during the all day workshop on the 1st October! It is going to be a fun day, learning lots of new techniques and you will also put some of the flowers you make onto a layout. Now that I have finally finished the flowers, got step-by-step instructions for you and all the materials needed, I can let you know the cost for the day. It will be $45, this includes all your materials (including needle, thread and candle) to make 30 flowers and a 12x12 layout - but you will have to bring your own 4x6" portrait photo! The title, printed onto transparency, will read simply be 'beautiful', to get you thinking about an appropriate photo and the colours you see above are what you'll be using. A few tools I found extremely helpful were - a hot glue gun, a quilling stick or tweezers, sharp scissors, scoreboard for the pleating on the layout and my glasses!!!

There has been some interest to runthe workshop again, so don't despair if you have missed out this time :-) It will be a different layout, same flowers but different colourway, as I have not got enough materials left to run another workshop exactly the same. I am taking names now and the workshop will be scheduled for November.

Happy Scrapping,

Mandy :-)