Tracie Hudson Workshop - Exhall Green

After finding out about this workshop at one of my crops I go to, me and Julie booked ourselves on it. Well it wasn't as straight forward has that, I booked on, which I got the last place, then when we went to the May crop a place had become available for Julie ... even though I was going to ask if they could squeeze her in.

It was great to meet some of the people we had meet last month again, as well as people who had followed my ravings on here or the Clubhouse, and alot of new faces.

Alison (UKS Alison5) travelled from Preston, so it was good to hear a Lancashire accent again and put a face to the name. She will also be at the Warrington Day Event and possibly the March 2010 retreat - I'll just have to keep raving about it - LOL.

Jo from (Shroud) meet at a Cleo Jarvis workshop in April another GoGo girl - looking forward to the retreat - which of course I raved about ... again.

Diane & Jo (Birmingham) Diane a GoGo girl and Jo going for the 1st time in October.

Also meet up with Sheena & Patrice who I'll be travelling to to the GoGo Warrington Day Event next month, we will be staying overnight, which should be fun. Been told to bring my customer to use the leisure facilities

Anyway back to the eventful day, which was organised by Crafty Stash, Claire & Tracey from the Exhall Green Crop, and held in the local village hall which was perfect.

Sue (Crafty Stash) brought her shop and of course spent far too much.

Claire & Tracey made a superb lunch and where of standby all day to help out, coffee, tea, biscuits and cake provided.

Then Tracie Hudson, who provided expert advise on four wonderful classes. The morning sessions where Sassafras Lass products with the afternoon ones being Prima Marketing, both companies she designs for.

Class 1 - Wish - photo of James taken in our garden



Love how she showed us to cut the paper up and 3d some and use more than one sticker per page.

Class 2 : Bestest Buds - photo of Jon & James and journalling describes how they love each others company and how much I love them both. Again using mainly stickers.

Even used some fabric to make a flower centre.

After lunch we started on the Prima range.

Class 3 - Prima Marketing Paintables - photo of me taken by Cheryl Johnson at June GoGo Retreat. When ever I look at this it amazes me how well I look. The original design was with the green vines down the side but I flipped it over and preferred it this way up. Have titled it Smile - but if I can get the thickers off will be renaming it "Photoshoot"

Love the bling detail on this.

Then the last class was painting on to a Prima Printed Cardboard Sheet. Which Had a printed design on and we torn and painted the edges of the sheets, before assembling the layout.

This photos was taken by Ann Freeman at the June Retreat and I just love how she has captured me laughing.

These flowers are gorgeous and we even distress the edges with some paint to tone in with the design more.

Cut out of a pattern paper and 3D the rose

I really enjoyed myself yesterday, and hope that Tracie visits the Midlands again.

Got loads to do this week, car needs MOT, visting son new secondary school, "educational" video screening at son present school, solicitors visit, stamping up demo at Liberty, getting my sons gear ready for his camping next week, packing for visit to Preston (whilst hes away), sorting stash for Skrapz crop at the weekend, as well as general house things - which always seem to take ages - LOL

Thanks for stopping by ...

Is this the life or what???

Well after having a awful day yesterday with a sore leg, so sore that I was even going to call my friends hubby, to come and sort it out, hes a physio-therapist (I think) or something.

The pain was so intense that I spent the previous night trying to get some sleep propt up on the settee with a hot water bottle and cushions supporting my leg. Then in the morning I decided to taken some strong pain killers, big, big mistake I was fine for about 1 hours, the pain had subsided and I was able to walk around and even hang up the washing, then all of a sudden I felt I was going to faint and became very sick, so spent the rest of the day lying down on the settee with a cold flannel on my head, dozing.

So I was surprise that I was able to go to Julie for our regular "Wednesday" meet.

So started the day with a slight twing in my leg, but decided to go anyway. So after showing her my CD about the GoGo Retreat and a bit of surfing the net, I manged 1 card. Then spent the afternoon in here.




It wasn't planned, but has the weather forecast said it was going to be hot, I took my costume and towel and ask, well ok Julie, said that I'll go in hot tub before lunch, has it would help my pain in my leg - LOL.

Even since she had it installed last year, I've been saying that I wanted to go in, and boy is it worth it, its marvellous and so relaxing. I did spend about 1 hour in it, moving around the different jets, and just enjoying it.



Then after about 45 minutes was joined by Bev, Julie was on standby to take the photos and she carried on making her cards, she ended up doing 9 whilst I was in there and 30+ bows for one of her daughters dancing shows.







Whilst I was in their on my own, I look up and the sky was blue, the birds were singing and all was right with the world - LOL. No honestly, it was just what I needed.

Then it was followed by lunch provided by Julie, she is such a friend, I could just have gone to sleep after it, and the amazing thing is at this moment, I don't have any pain in my leg, so it was worth it.

And for the people who read this and know how me and Julie "stash" shop - I want one, because Julie has one ... ROFL.

This is one thing I would definately get as a "luxury" item it I had any money spare.

Also came home to a parcel from Papermaze with the new October Afternoon "Road Map" papers, 2 punches and some Glimmer Mist, so I feel some scrapping time being planned.

Anyway must go better go and do some tea, thanks for stopping by ...

Title - What do I do ...

I've been finding it hard to add titles, I keep coming up with the same things over and over again, have tried title websites but some how they done appeal to my layouts, so some of these have note been "title" as such, but might be in the future when I find the right one - LOL

So onto my layouts that I've done this week. The first set are for the GoGo Getaway Sketch Challenge which have to be done and uploaded by the end of June.

Views of Chatsworth - following the "Apple-tini" sketch featuring "Scenic Route" paper, which I was convinced I didn't have any papers at home so got these from the Getaway, and when I got home I found some, but eh oh that the way it goes.

Found it a big challenge using all these photos onto one layout, but I think it works fine. I've not included any journalling because the title says it all.




"Lemon Breeze" Sketch featuring Cosmo Cricket. Have used the Early Brid range of papers and embellishments, got from the Getaway and turned the photos to black and white.



I throught the top labels was so approriate and he his definately "my dream". Also have holed punched around the edge of the scallop circle to add more interest.


Coffee Break - "Orange Fizz" Sketch featuring Bazzill Swiss Dot Cardstock. This photos was taking recently of me, Julie and Bev enjoying a coffee break between stash shopping.


Again using Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Paper Collection



SORRY REMOVED PHOTO - WILL ADD AGAIN LATER


On the chipboard sheet was this coffee cup, which is so cute and I just had to use. Also added a rub-on but it was a cheap one and when I came to remove the top sheets, I couldn't get it off, so decided to leave it on.



Smile - now this started out as one the challenges but evolved into this layout. The photos where taken at the Getaway by Ann Freeman and are just brill ... it sums up how I spent the whole weekend.



Did you guess .... I've used Cosmo Cricket again ... just loving these papers.




Not got much embellishments on this one, but I think the stitching works well.





This is a quick card I did for one the girls in the Street birthday this week ... I love the simpliticy of it and she really loved it .. so it just goes to show, less is more - IYKWIM.

I've not got any of the Magnolia stamps, but I've got a few images stamped using the ones that Morag, Julie, Kay and Nickki from Solihull Grop have, and must admit I'm tempted to invest in some - LOL

And finally, My DH Fathers Day card, which I love, but can't taken any credit for because it was designed by Nicola Kerridge (DT Scrapagogo) using the May 09 Greetings Kit. I did change it slightly by using my Fiskar Border punch at the bottom of the "orange" paper, and angling the squares that the "fathers day" are on as well as inking the edges.

Only did it on Friday afternoon, as I was thinking of going out and buying one, so glad that I did now.

Must go now, got a challenge to do for the Tracie Hudson Workshop next week at Exhall, and finding it hard to use paint on my layouts.

Thanks for stopping by

Crafty Stash Layouts

On Wednesday met up with Julie at her house, and produced these two layouts,from the kit we brought a the Exhall crop at the end of May, asd well as updated her about my brill weekend. (sorry to keep on about it, but I loved it ...)

Anyway, got this "in the House" designed by Stephanie Garbett for Crafty Stash and came with instructions, which involved alot of cutting out of pattern papers.

The papers that where in the kit where Webster's Pages, a paper company I've not seen before, but will be looking out for themfrom now on, especially now I can see the potential that the cutting into the papers give - IYKWIM.

Again another worthwhile kit, has there was enough to product the two layouts that came with the kit and enough left over the do another one, or make some cards from. Julie and me are heading back to the Exhall crop at the end of the Month to do Tracie Hudson Workshop, and the shop will be their again, so will definately be looking out for some more kits to buy.

I've not titled this layout, has the paper has printed "Natural Beauty" which I thinks says it all.




Not sure what the significance of the clock stamped onto actetate and cut-out, but I love it. Actually love it so much that I added another to the 2nd layout.

This photo was taken of me and Sam at the GoGo retreat, and has appeared on the slideshow of the weekend, which Cheryl Johnson (www.FeelGoodPhotos.co.uk) has put together, which made us both smile. Again lots of cut out elements and some stitchings

Hope you like them, back soon ...

ScrapaGoGo June Retreat 2009 Classes

Finally got around to photographing them.

These are the classes that I did over the weekend at the GoGo Retreat.

Using Kraft Paper, it was a lovely layout designed by Jane Dean, with a small "pop-up" house which has mini photos on the sides and tags with extra journalling and photos.

I did my of my Kraft Space, as the title suggested - I got the title from another Scrapper at the weekend and throught it was great as were where using "Kraft" papers - LOL






Followed by Fiona class, where she showed us how to use stickers on layouts, and make the most of the packaging that comes with it. She also set a mini challenge, to see you could use the most stickers on one layout, so I ended up using 96 and winning a lovely set of Thickers. Thanks Fiona.




And finally for the day, was Shimelle - Mini Book, incorporating Journalling pages has pages with photos attached - a fantastic idea and one I hope to use again.







Then on Sunday, I did Mary-Ann Walters "Just Hanging" class, which I loved, it was a bit complicated at first, but we all got their in the end, there was also enough stash leftover to make a mini frame for my desk, but that will be another time.



And this was my only layout of the weekend which wasn't a class one, only because I spent most of the time "socialising".

Used October Afternoon - Cherry Hill papers, stickers.




I love this punch, with was loaned to me by Ann Freeman.

Thanks for stopping by .. will be back with more ...

What a weekend ....Scrapagogo June 2009 Retreat

Apologies again for not keeping up with my blog, but I've been busy, or should I say getting over my fantastic weekend at the GoGo Retreat. And boy, did it live up to my expectations and more.

Lorraine and Janice did an amazing job, everything was so well organised and thought out.

The weekend started off great, by hearing fellow "Lancashire Lassies" at the Reception booking in and then Sam turned up and it just got better and better. I had a complete week end of laughs, all the other girls was simply amazing and so friendly. I will be introducing you to a few on another entry.

Here is a brief run-down of the weekend:

Friday - book in and meet new friends, greetings from Lorraine and Janice with brief explanation of the weekend events. Spent rest of night talking and laughing so no scrapping done.

Saturday - breakfast - great to have a cooked breakfast that someone else has cooked. Photography workshop with Cheryl Johnson with Jen as the model. Then onto 3 fully structured workshops with Jane Dean, Fiona Beckman and Shimelle Laine. In between having lunch more laughs, then my photoshoot with Cheryl, followed by evening meal and every more laughs, bed at 2.30am

Sunday - Wasn't going to go for breakfast but woke up to the smell of cooked bacon and couldn't resist, then our final workshop for the weekend with Mary Ane Walter which was a lovely frame - did get a bit complicated but we got there in the end. Final game of "BinGoGo" which I won then the draw for the free place at the next Retreat which Sheena won, then a mini photo shoot with the girls then home.

I've uploaded a few of the photo from the weekend and will upload the clases I did later


The hotel from the Treehouse.

The treehouse from my bedroom window

Mini treat at my scrapping space.

Trying to look like I know what I'm doing - LOL

And finalling for now, me and Sam we get on so well and it was great to catch up with her.

I will be back later with my layouts from the weekend, which I have finally finished.

Thanks for stopping by

Getting Ready to ... GoGo

Well, I must apologies for not coming one sooner. I did say that I would try harder but you know me. This week has ben abit manic, busy getting ready for the GOGO Getaway Weekend starting on the 5th and having major problems with my car.

Anyway, I quick update on what has been happening this past week.

Me and Julie went to a new crop on Sunday over in Coventry, Well it new to us, it has been going since last November and is run by Tracie and Claire , and Sue who owns and runs "Crafty Stash" - a UKS sponsor. I drove which is a rareity with me, and yes we did have one or two detours but we got their in the end. We both enjoyed it and the girls where really friendly. We booked onto the class which was two layouts (apologies - not photographed yet). The paper were boyish but worked really well with girls photos. When I take the photos I will go into more details then about the techniques used.

I also meet a fellow GoGo girl called Shena, who will be going to the getaway at the weekend, so now I know two people before I get their.

But mainly this week I've been sorted myself out for my weekend away with the GoGo Girls - I'm so looking forward to it .... over the 3 days there are 4 clases, make & takes, challenges, raffles, photoshoot, photography workshop, but most of all I'll be able to have a good old laugh, meet new friends, I'm saying friends now because I'm sure to make at least one or two - LOL, and learn new techniques along the way.

I started off the week only taking what I need for the classes, and possibly one other page kit that I had put together, my basic tools and nothing more. Now my tote is packed, 3 0r 4 page kits, a mini album, tools, stamps etc. I don't think I'll will get the chance to start or even finish any of my own work, but I'm taking them just in case.

One of the challenges was to produce a name badge, and this is mine. The die cut owl is Sizzix and was borrowed from Kay, I think she has every Sizzix die in their collection. The label was a nestabilities labels set - not sure what number- and was borrowed from Thersa (Solihull Crop) and the letters are - Cuttlebug "Hippy Chick". I used the apple to represent the Team I in "Apple-tini" for the weekend.

I was having problems getting a pin to stick to the back, so I've laminated it and puched holes in the top and will wear round my neck, but knowing me it will "bug" me and I'll end up taking it off. I'm really pleased how its turned out, simple but sweet - just like me - LOL

The problems with my car, is that I need a NEW one, saying this louding so that my Hubby can hear, but has usual he has selective hearing when it come to spending large sums of money - ROFL. He tends to have my car (Peaugot 206) at the weekend because he can put the bike rack on it, and I drive the C2 (which I love), well on Sunday he said that it had a "Knocking" sound coming from the "drive shaft" area, after spending money to get a new exhaust and ignition system last week, this was all I needed. So took it to the garage and I need a new part that can only be sorted on Monday. The garage said that it was drivable but I was unsure, so I had to miss my photography course today (Thurs). Anyway, it give me more time to sort out what I need for the Retreat.

So this week apart from the layouts I did on Sunday, I've not done any crafting, just been arranging and re-arranging my tote and paper to take with me.

Will be back next week with all the details and photos of the weekend.

Thanks for stopping by .....