Monday 8 March 2010

Retreat weekend!!!

After all the months of waiting and planning the first ever Sarahscards retreat is over!!! And it can be called nothing more than a roaring success. I took my camera, fully intending to take a ton of photos and took the grand total of.... NONE!!! I am so bad, I sometimes wonder if I can call myself serious scrapper... I mean how many serious scrappers manage to take no photos whatsoever!!!
It was great to meet up with the DT again... although Nat was missed (so inconsiderate of your friends to get married that weekend!!!) It was great to meet UKS teamies and to finally be able to put real faces to UKS names.

Friday started out with lots of lifting and carrying to set the shop up and get everything ready. This had advantages as I got to see just how much gorgeous stash there was, but the disadvantage of needing to spend a silly amount of money on the gorgeous stash. Favourite purchase this weekend has to be the Martha Stewart birds on a wire punch... it is seriously fantastic and even if you think you wouldn't use it that much, I think you really would. I used it on 3 of the 4 LOs I did this weekend, so in my eyes it has already paid for itself.

The classes all went well, and the delegates seemed to be happy with the one that I designed... either that or they were just being very nice to my face so I didn't cry... wouldn't want to be going all Tracy on everyone now would I ;)
The class kits were amazing and you got so much in them, that you'd easily be able to create more LOs/cards with the left overs. With my kit you got a woodware paper ribbler.... I love mine and use it all the time. It was really funny seeing just how difficult it was for some people to be able to rip and screw up paper... there were a few jaw muscles tensing, but I was really pleased that people were happy to step out of their comfort zone and give it a go.
I was quite impressed that I managed to finish 4 LOs... especially considering that I actually like them too. I thought I was a slow scrapper, but I have to say that I can probably hand that award over to Rachael. Although her LOs are so amazing they look like they have taken a lot of time and effort, so I'll let her off. The papers she used on her first LO soon sold out after everyone saw how she had used them (I'll post a link to the LO once it has been blogged). And tut tut to Rachael... you have only made me really, really WANT a pretty butterfly punch AND a super duper tab punch!!!
This LO was to remember one of those to remember the silly things kids say when they are little. When Oliver was about 2 1/2 I refused to share a bath with him after he had done a wee in the water. He said that it was ok as he had only done a wee in his own side of the bath, not mine!!! Boys eh... dirty, dirty, dirty!!! The papers are by Prima and are just so much fun... I had to have them and the chipboard too.
This LO was obviously to show what Drew got for his first birthday... I don't like doing the typical birthday party LOs, but do like record their birthdays in their albums... I love this LO.
I love this photo of Harry and Drew pot asleep on Rob. When Drew was a tiny baby he would only ever go to sleep in the papoose, and on this day Harry snuggled up too and had a nap... it was one of those moments when I really did think awwwwww, I want another!!! The thought probably disappeared the moment Drew woke up.... lol!!!
This LO is of Drew and Jonas... my best friend's gorgeous little man, and was based on Sarah's retreat class. I really hope Drew and Jonas grow up to be friends... his mum is the best.
Right I really should o and catch up with the washing now... it would be a shame to not take advantage of the sunny weather we are having at the moment. Be back later in the week (hopefully)... and maybe even with more LOs to share.

12 comments:

Rachael Elliott said...

Lou your LOs are just fab!! Yeah another butterfly convert, and as for me being slow, my excuse...too many distractions! I hope you aren't going to be eating bananas and carrots all of this week and you managed to get your shopping sorted lol.
xx

Tracy said...

Lou, great LO's!!! You are one of the funniest, quick witted people i know, you made me laugh so much.
Thanks for making me buy that bird punch,and sorry for making your stash soggy. Love that saying 'going all Tracy', not sure if that's a good thing to be well known for, but hey hoo, that's me, emotional wreak!
Can't wait until we can all get together again.
Hugs Tracy xx

Rachel said...

wow u blogged! im pressed, turns out you werent on my google reader, but u are on now! fabulous lo, i cant wait to do your class and ripple away woo!

nikki said...

It was a fantastic weekend - so enjoyed doing your class and spending time with someone I have 'known' for so long - feel I know you so much better now. Am defintely a scrunching tearing convert and have already used my ribbler. :)

Susy Rudy said...

Fabulous class Lou and yes, I admit I was one of those clenching my jaw throughout - and not being able to use the ribbler either LOL - but thank you sooooo much - you have totally converted me.

Sarah said...

Thank you sooooooooo much for all of your work Lou - you know (I hope) how much it is appreciated. So pleased you had a good weekend xxx

Trina said...

Love your LO's Lou and your class was my fav! You are a fab teacher! Thankyou :o)

Was great to meet you too xx

Julia said...

Loved your class Lou even if I was one of the ones clenching my muscles as I screwed up the paper lol! Beautiful pages you have done this weekend too.

Unknown said...

great to meet you again and really enjoyed the retreat.I enjoyed your class and am a convert to tearing and inking.

Helsbells said...

Love your interpretation of Sarah's class and the one of Drew's birthday is gorgeous.

I'm still wondering whether we have enough space for the Fire Engine!

You'll be pleased to know that Evie and I have been getting good use out of the Ribbler :)

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous, bright and colourful layouts Lou. I still haven't managed to get into gutting yet - but I will one day! :)

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