Daisy's is gearing up for Christmas

Every time I walk into the store, I get a feeling of contentment from the steady hum of friendship and creativity. The buzz is always there, but stronger at the moment as Christmas approaches. It's a mixture of stress and anticipation of the busy times ahead of us. It's lovely though to see the ladies relax and take time out for themselves, before they go back home. Home to create more precious memories for their families and friends. That's what's so special about Daisy's it cultivates a sense of well being and contentment.

All this week the classes are asking everyone to bring with them a plate to share for morning tea. The end of the year, busy as it is, has opportunities for sitting together and sharing lovely food and companionship.

The children are already on holidays, hopefully this isn't adding to the stress levels, but I know I'm being a bit optimistic there. I always find the kids' behaviour pretty full on, as they're tired after a year at school and excited about the upcoming festivities. A combination which can be a strain on our patience levels. If you're among this group, then you may find some respite with our Kids and Mums Cardmaking class which takes place on Thursday at 1pm. The cost is $22 and a family consists of one adult and two children. The same format will take place next Thursday afternoon and the one after that too. I'll post a reminder so you can put it into your diary. Please ring to book your place.

This Friday morning is a Card Friendship class, with Barbi's heritage class in the afternoon beginning at 1pm. Friday night is our regular Scrapping after Dark. On Saturday Barbi will hold her Basic Grey Layout of the Month in the morning starting at 10am. The cost is $35 and is inclusive of all the products used. Also in the morning the Cardmakers' Group meets for their monthly get together.

Please note that next Monday's cardmaking classes are combined, so the 7.00 and the 7.30pm class are combined at 7pm-9pm.

If you've found that the rain has cancelled all your Carols by Candlelight plans, then Daisy's will hold their annual event on Friday 24th December, starting at 7pm. I've heard that the Daisy Divas are planning on making an appearance too.

Please remember that patterned papers are 15% off until the 20th December. If you're planning on completing projects for Christmas gifts or are late getting your cards done, this sale will help you with your planning and budgetting.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

Walk into Daisy's and find yourself surrounded by an atmosphere of Christmassy goodness. From what's available in classes, to the beautiful papers and embelllishments. Who can resist them. I know more than a few people who have a stash of Christmas goodies, too large to ever be used, simply because they love it. Even though we don't have snow and wear sweaters and mittens, there's still something special about the 'traditional' idea of Christmas. Come into our store and I'm sure we'll have something for your scrapbooking and card making ideas.

Our annual Christmas Album class held by the talented and lovely Suzanne Tonga, is coming up on Tuesday 23rd November. Even if you don't attend classes regularly at Daisy's, this one is an annual event for many. Suzy's album for 2010 is as beautiful as we've come to expect and love. There are still places left for this full day class, if you're interested. The class is $125 and includes all the materials needed to complete the album. Instructions are included which are easy to follow, in case you don't get it all finished. Album is also included. This year's album is an A4 size. Here's a sneak peak to help you decide.

To book, you can ring 54416797 or email info@daisychainscrapbooks.com

A flower Tutorial

Check out how easy it is to make these gorgeous flowers.

Christmas is quickly approaching

Walking through the shops and you see that the Christmas products are very much available. I can't help feeling it's far too early, but going by the speed in which the days are passing by, it's not silly to start thinking about it already.

We've already received some Christmas papers in the store. The above pictured range has arrived from Echo Park, as has the latest selection from Do Crafts, who've also included a free Christmas stamp on the front of their magazine. The girls @ Daisy's have well and truly begun creating Christmas cards, so there's no shortage of inspiration and ideas in the store. Christmas is a favourite time among many of the staff there, so it's no surprise that the work is beautiful and inspiring.

The last weekend saw the Card Making Retreat which is held at the Mapleton Holiday Centre. A lovely weekend of crafting was had by all. While the weather closed in around us, the sun was certainly shining in the hall while we sat for hours sharing ideas, trying new things and making projects which were prepared by the Daisy Girls. As a mother of three boys, I appreciate the uninterrupted hours of creating. I feel very lucky that I can take part in these weekends away. They are indeed good for the soul. A great way to relax and prepare for another busy school term ahead as this event marked the final weekend of our school holidays.

Classes at Daisy's this week include a new session of our Introduction to Copic Markers. Class A is held on Tuesday at 1pm and there are still places available if you wish to join in. This is a great overview of the theory of Copic marker usage, plus you have the opportunity to try these markers out for yourself. This is a great way to dip your toes in without having to make any investment of markers. Class participants receive a 10% discount on any purchases made. Copic B, the follow up class, will be held in a fortnight, on Tuesday 19th October.

Suzy's class tomorrow is a beautiful layout made from the My Minds' Eye range 'Lost and Found'. You will require a 5x7 portrait oriented photo plus a 3x4 also in portrait orientation. The kids' class on Wednesday will create a layout using banner flag embellishments which are all the rage at the moment. Barbi's class on Thursday uses a brown vintage style, lacy background. You are asked to use sepia photos if possible, 2 4x6 landscape oriented photos are required. On Friday afternoon, Barbi's heritage class will make a classic style layout using one large photo. The colour tones are charcoal and white with hints of pink.

The cardmaking class on Wednesday features a masculine easel card, a sweet and simple card using House Mouse stamp and a Christmas card featuring pretty ribbons, a great way to use your ribbon scraps. Friday morning this week is the Friendship Class for cardmakers. This class costs $5.

Don't forget we also hold our Cuttlebug classes. Norma has designed some beautiful cards showing off the beautiful embossing and cutting that this machine can help create. These classes are $15 with all materials included for three cards. BYO Cuttlebug and card making tools.

Cardmaking classes cost $12 (materials included) and scrapbooking classes are $10, with costs for kit being extra. You can ring the store to book your place, or you can order a kit if you'd like to do the class but are unable to make it. This is a great way to get creating with the hard work of planning already done for you.

Friday night sees, the regulars to wile away the hours, catching up with friends and creating until the early hours.

School holidays, a time to create

The school holidays are upon us, I'm hoping you're enjoying the not having to rush around and your days being a little more relaxed. Hopefully your kids are content to occupy themselves, this rainy weather isn't the best for kids who find it hard to keep busy. If you're lucky enough that your children are happy and content, you may find some time to do some creating of your own.

This frowsy weather is perfect for making cards, creating a layout or colouring in your newest favourite stamp. Sit down on your computer, find some new colour ideas and off you go. If you need to go out, drop in to Daisy's and see what's new in this week. The truck seems to be pulling up nearly everyday and you may be there just as a new load of stock is added to the already bursting shelves.

If you'd like to take your kids out to a class, don't forget that on Thursday is the Kids and Mum class. It's a bargain at $22 (one adult and 2 children), and the hard work (and cleaning up) is done for you. It's a nice way to spend some stress free quality time with your kids. Girls and boys love to make cards, so give the store a call to book in.

A link was forwarded on to me by a friend, and I felt it was that good I had to share it. The Crate Paper blog is often filled with lovely layouts and often new ideas which can inspire you. This entry shows how you can create paper flowers. These are a lot less complicated than some of the other flowers I've seen, so if you're all thumbs when trying some of the more difficult flowers, these may be worth trying. They look fabulous as can be seen here on the layout which was published on Crate Paper's Blog.

Watercolour Classes to Resume

We are happy to announce that our talented Mary McKelvie will be returning to Daisy's to teach again through the store. The classes will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 1-4pm. The ladies that have attended previously have learned much and are able to produce great quality art. If you're interested in returning or you've always wanted to learn please ring the store for details and bookings.

Remember, that we are now holding Copic A and B classes which introduce the use of Copic Markers. If you're interested in branching out into this colouring technique, these classes offer sound advice and show you some basic techniques to get you started along the way.

Just a reminder that with any of our classes, there are always kits available, please ring prior to the class to book or order your kit. The kits are limited so are only available if ordered prior. These are great ideas to have in your stash, so when you're stuck for ideas, these can get the creative mo jo flowing again.

Daisy Happenings

The e-newsletter has already been issued, snail mail recipients will receive their's soon.

Just to recap, our regular cardmaking classes are held at the following times.

1^st and 3^rd Monday nights 7 – 9pm

2^nd and 4^th Monday nights 7.30 – 9.30pm

Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 9.30 – 11.30am fortnightly –with the alternate Monday and Friday mornings being a Friendship Group where you can utilize the workshop tools and punches to create your cards (or scrapbook) in the company of others, share ideas and

have fun. Morning tea and supper is included in our class cost.

Also there’s a class held on the third Wednesday night of the month 7.30 – 9.30pm and a Cardmaker’s Friendship Group on the fourth Saturday of the month from 10am – 3pm.

This Saturday on the 11th September, we have a stall at the Sunshine Coast Womens Expo, which is held at the Lake Kawana Community Centre, from 9am till 5pm. Cost for admission is free.

We still have some places left for our upcoming Cardmaker's retreat. It's held at the Mapleton Holiday Centre, (not the convention centre like I'd posted on Facebook and on the blog yesterday). At $175 for the weekend, it's a bargain for a funfilled weekend which covers meals, accommodations, giveaways and classes. Cardmakers and Scrapbookers are welcome to attend. Please ring us on 54416797 to book and pay a deposit of $25 for your place (balance can be paid at the retreat). This is a great opportunity for those of you who are keen to attend one of our retreats. We know some of you miss out because we're booked so far in advance.

Some places still left

Our Cardmaker's Retreat is coming up on the weekend of 1-3 October, 2010. This retreat takes place in the beautiful surroundings at the Mapleton Convention Centre. Come along for a weekend of relaxing and creating with like minded souls. If you're a scrapbooker and would like to come, you are more than welcome.

The weekend costs $175 and this includes accommodation, food (except Friday evening) and all classes. It's a fun weekend. If you'd like to join us, then ring the store on 54416797 to secure your booking.

This week @ Daisy's

We have a cardmaking class on tonight, from 7.30 till 9.30pm. You will make a doily card, a vintage Christmas card and a bright and cherry greeting card. This class costs $12 and includes all materials. Tomorrow (Tuesday) we have Suzy's scrapbooking class. The class costs $10 with the kit costing extra. Suzy's layout this week is using a the lovely Prima papers and flowers, with a 5x7 portrait and two 3x4 portrait photos. In the afternoon we'll be holding our first Copic B class, this is the next level from our Copic A class. This class costs $10 and you'll come away with more techniques and a coloured image using some of the new techniques. If you would like to complete this Copic B class, you will need to have completed Copic A first. We will be holding more of both these classes.

Wednesday's card class starts at 9.30am and is a repeat of Monday night's class. The kids' class is in the afternoon and starts after school at 3.30pm. This class costs $10 and includes the materials. On Thursday morning Barbi will help you to create a pretty layout using chipboard, lace and glimmermist. This requires a 5x7 photo in landscape orientation. This class cost $10 plus materials.

Friday morning we have our Friendship Cardmaking class. This costs $5 and is a lovely way of getting together with other cardmakers and do your own thing. Barbi will teach her Heritage Class on Friday afternoon at 1.00pm. This weeks layout is a beautiful feminine layout featuring paper punching and chipboard embellishments. This requires a 5x7 portrait orientated photo. The cost is $10 plus materials.

Join us for Friday night, scrappin after dark. The Thai restaurant is close by, so you can eat and join the evening with friends.

Suzy is teaching a class using Delish Designs High Tea collection. The class costs $30 and includes all materials.

Please remember to bring all consumables to class and to book in, even if you just want a kit held for you as all kits are prepped beforehand, and stocks are limited.

Our retreat is coming up in less than two weeks. The theme this time is Winter Wonderland, so put your thinking caps on. We're all looking forward to a weekend of spending time with great company and having a chance to catch up on scrapbooking, or to try out some new products or techniques.

This week @ Daisy's

This week is another busy one at Daisy's with lots of classes to choose from. Monday starts off with a Friendship Group in the morning. You're welcome to come and share ideas and make new friends. The cost is $5 and includes morning tea. At 9.30 we will be holding another new Copic A class, this is a beginner class where you learn the basics about Copics. If you're interested in learning more, we also have a Copic B class, for all Copic A attendees. Class cost is $10 and you will receive notes and learn some of the background information. This class is suitable for complete beginners and is also good for those of you who have been playing with Copics for a while.

Monday night at 7 pm, there is a card class, the cost is $12 and includes all materials to make a doily card, vintage Christmas card and a bright and cheery greeting card. Sue's scrapbooking class runs on Tuesday morning from 10am-noon. This class is $10 plus materials. In the afternoon Norma will be holding her Cuttlebug Class, cost is $15 and this class is repeated on Wednesday morning from 1-3pm. You will make three cards using the Cuttlebug. All materials are included.

Wednesday afternoon, Janelle and Holly hold the kids' class. Cost is $10, with materials included. On Thursday Barbi will be teaching. The class has a $10 fee with materials extra. Extra papers always available for those of you who like to complete double page layouts. On Friday the Cardmaking Class runs from 9.30am-11.30 am, and you will make a cheery greeting card, doily card and a vintage Christmas card. Cost for this class is $12. Friday night we will gather together again for our winding down night at Daisy's. The workshop is open till late and you can meet with your friends, bring your dinner along and create the night away. Cost is $10 and includes a light supper, tea and coffee and use of the workshop tools, sewing machines, computer and printer.

On Saturday, there will be a mega card class, you will make 10 cards for just $25. This goes from 10am till 2pm. You will need to bring or buy your own lunch.

As you can see there's another busy week scheduled at Daisy's, come in and check out why our classes are always full. There's lots of fun to be had, and new techniques to be learned.

All classes and workshops require bookings and you need to bring your own consumables to all events.

Repost from the old Blog

Tuesday 27 July 2010

How long have you been scrapbooking? Do you ever sit back and think about the journey your creative side has taken?

I've been scrapbooking for almost ten years. Long enough to see the changes and to recognize the cycles. I've watched people start scrapbooking, seen the new passion and excitement, the thrill at learning a new technique and the insatiable quest some have for their new hobby. I've seen interests wane and rekindle. I've seen people's styles change and evolve into something that is entirely their own. I've seen others explore all areas of paper crafting, always excited at the possibilities that this craft can lead them to. I think that's what I love most about it, I loved the multi facetedness, (mmm is that even a word??) and the way we can always learn and try new things with this craft. It's a craft that can be moulded to fit all levels of creativity and personality.

I view my scrapbooking as a pictorial journal. Something to look back on and reminisce over. Something special for the kids to remember, and to have a little info with the pictures as well, to add meaning and emotion.

Like I mentioned, I've been scrapbooking for 10 years and one thing which rarely changes for most scrapbookers, is the fact that they feature rarely in their layouts. Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few of you who do include yourself in many layouts, but for the most part that is the exception to the rule. I've seen ladies create layouts week after week after week, and they never feature themselves. When those children look back over the layouts, they will wonder where their mother is, or their father. We spend so much time and money on this craft and yet forget to put the most important part of ourselves into our pages.

You are important. You need to be remembered too.

One of my very early classes, was a series on 'All About Me'. This class was very common at the time and was inspired by Rebecca Sower. She was the pioneer of scrapbooking about the everyday and the ordinary, but she was passionate about scrapbookers ensuring they were featured in their albums. Often the one behind the camera, we miss out featuring in our pages. Rebecca Sower, had a solution for that too, she said just because there isn't a photo of yourself, that's no reason why you can't scrapbook yourself. A very important point to remember.

In light of this, I thought I'd start a weekly series, with layout ideas for you to scrapbook about yourself. A challenge of sorts. It can become an album of your own, or it can be added into the family album. You can be as general or as personal as you like. Remember that journaling can remain private, with hidden pockets, or writing behind layouts, so that only the closest to you know there is information there. I've already told my children, to make sure they always look behind the layout, as I've often added words there. I like that idea as I don't worry about my handwriting, nor do I worry about how it fits in with the design. The important thing is that they are my thoughts and my handwriting.

I'll post the idea here each week, and will invite you to join our Yahoo group. There we can share our layouts and view each other's work. You can chat with others and we can discuss our thoughts and ideas. I've set the group up so you can upload files. You are also welcome to join our Facebook page and upload layouts onto it.

This week we'll start with a topic that's not too confronting. I don't want to scare you away !!

Topic: 100 things I love

Here's a link that may get you started on your quest.

Join our Yahoo Group

Welcome to our new Blog

As many of you know, this site has been recently upgraded, and I'm also testing new ways of doing things and trying to improve how the site and all the included items function. I hope that by changing to a different blog format, it makes it easier for you to participate and to add comments, I know from my point of view it will make things easier.

Until next time.