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.