Introducing - Simple Pages...

Sometimes working in a Scrapbook shop is like working in a bar or being a hairdresser. People like to tell you their problems. I love hearing about them and trying to help get a solution....no its not about relationships etc....these problems are much more important! - where to start on a layout, where to get some inspiration, which papers suit which photos etc.

And I have listened and am working through all the problems and will eventually have an answer for everyone! lol.

Solution Number 1: Simple Kits (this is the most asked for!)

Every 2 weeks we will introduce a new simple layout pack. Each pack will include everything to make a single page layout. (instructions, colour image etc) and they will never cost above $10.

From here you can choose to include embellishments, titles, journaling etc. If you prefer to make a double page - you can always purchase 2 kits. The aim of this kit is to start you off, and if you prefer the simple look you can leave it as is. These are also great for kids.

Our first kit is created using the Basic Grey Marjolaine collection, and costs $6.00 per kit. There is no title on purpose as there is no lettering included in the kit.

The photo doesn't really do the colours of the layout any justice (maybe time for a new camera?)

If you would like to purchase a kit click here.

What do you think of this idea?

Easter Egg Hunt!

I'm all ready for the chocolate hunt in the morning! Powdered foot prints are covering the floors of my parents house....little piles of jelly beans in a couple of places too (if you have seen HOP, you will know EB (aka Easter Bunny) leaves them out instead of the traditional rabbit droppings.) Can't wait to see the excited little faces in the morning....

And then tomorrow night we will be hosting our very first Cyber Easter Egg hunt on our website. Visit our facebook page (no need to be a member of facebook - you can still see the comments) to see the clues from 8.30pm.

You will need to find this egg hidden in 10 different places on our website:

Will you join in for the hunt?

Wishing everyone a fantastic Easter Sunday!

Unsticking stuck photos....

Today I was asked if there was any solution to seperate photos that have become stuck together.

I had that problem myself a couple of years ago but I just threw the photos out ....wish I hadn't now - as I now have barely any photos to show for my 4 years of living and studying in Heerlen.

After searching the internet I came across a couple of solutions:

• Freeze the photos 
• use a hair dryer
• steam them apart over a boiling kettle
• Use Un-do (available in most Scrapbooking / craft stores)

and last and definitely the most popular and with the highest success rate

• soak them in luke warm water. After a while the will separate. After they have soaked for a little while (approx. 20 minutes) very gently pull them apart under the water. Place them on a dry surface to dry out (on top of a clean tea towel).  Once the photos are dry you will notice they have curled up. You can either gently iron them flat, or if you have more time place under a heavy object like a book. If you iron, I suggest a very low setting and place a clean tea towel over the photo so that the iron doesn't burn the photo.

I hope you can successfully separate your photos!

Punch Maintenance

Ever wondered how to keep your punches in perfect working order? I have punched through foil for a number of years, but the other day a friend over east told me there are actually 3 steps:

1. Punch through some waxed paper - this lubricates your punch.

2. Punch through some aluminum foil - this sharpens your punch

3 and if needed you can put  a few drops of lubricant to oil the punch mechanism for a smooth action.

What is your favourite punch brand?

Help your kids learn their ABC's!

Looking for a great little project over the school holidays plus help your little ones learn their ABC's? Have a look at Lowri's blog and see the great flashcards she made using the Class of '87 papers.

Lullaby Cards

Have a look at these beautiful cards created by the KaiserCraft design team.....think its time for some of my friends to have babies so I can make more cards!

Click here to be redirected to the Kaiser Blog.

Royal Wedding

I know, nothing paper crafty about this post either, but I think this ad is great so thought I'd share it!
Wonder if the real wedding on the 29th will be as fun?

HOP

Today I took the 2 eldest kids to see HOP. What a great movie!! The kids loved it (and so did I!)

Here is a trailer to the movie.



And click here for some activities for the kids.

Will you be going to see it in the cinema or wait for the DVD?

Sunday Market Sneak Peek!

On Sunday at the Baby and Kid's market we will be selling out new gift line for the first time! They have been on display in the shop this week so some of you have already seen it.

All items are handmade and created using products for sale in store so you can also make it all yourself. 

If you would like to learn how to make the fluffy tear bear from mulberry paper - let me know as we will be holding another class on it in term 2.

What do you think of our gift line?

Scrapping the Milestones

Its important to remember to scrap the important information we would like to remember in the future. Each time 1 of my kids celebrates another birthday I create a layout including their favourite foods, tv shows, toys and friends.

Last week my "baby" turned 2 so I made a double layout using Echo Park's Little Boy collection.

He absolutely LOVES Buzz so he had to be added to the page!

I specifically chose the photo with him poking out his tongue as his favourite welcome to people he likes is to blow a raspberry!

I made a pocket with tags. On the back of the tags I wrote info. about his favourite things.

Its a very bright and busy layout as that captures his personality exactly. How do you scrap milestones?

Now to make one for my little Princess who turned 7 today....

Easter Card Class

Have you made any Easter Cards yet for those special someone's in your life? No? Then why not join us next Saturday (16th April) morning at 10.30 and create 8 bright and cheerful cards. If you prefer not to make Easter Cards - you can change the stamp for a different one and these cards are easily transformed in to everyday cards.

 

Cost of the class is $20. Included in the kit is:

* 15 x 6 1/4 x 6 1/4" patterned paper (plenty of left overs to make another 8 cards easily)

* Card

* 1 x HOTP stamp

* Pack of adhesive Pearls

* Templates and Instructions.

* 1 sheet of foam dots.

If you have water colour pencils please bring them along.

You can book by ringing me on 0408 913684, e-mail (marijke@wholesalebrads.com) or in store.

My Special Class

For the past 10 weeks I have had a special group of ladies I have been lucky enough to introduce to Scrapbooking. These ladies all have special needs and they come to class with 2 carers. It was a struggle to create classes for them. I didn't want to make it to simple, not too hard, and each of them have various skills.

Every week we created a double page layout. They have learnt to use punches (squeeze punch being the easiest to use as well as Martha Stewart border punches), ink edges, use double sided tape, use the basic tools, cuttlebug, cricut and of course the sewing machine.

The sewing Machine was definitely a favourite - and boy could they go fast on it!

Yesterday was lesson 10, and for something different we decided to make a canvas to hang on the wall.

First we put on some plastic gloves and painted the background, sprinkled some glitter over the paint and then while the paint was drying we cut up the papers ready for the layout. We distressed the edges, and inked them.

After sticking down all the papers and photo we embellished using die cut stickers, brads, flowers and pearls. The brads have a double purpose of securing the papers to the canvas so it can't drop off over time.

And the finished project!

Now to plan the following 10 lessons which they have booked in for.....

New Kaiser Collections now in our online store.

I have just finished loading up the 2 new collections from KaiserCraft. These have been selling fast in store so be quick!

Go Shopping here.

Online Special: Spend $35 or more on the new collections (online orders only) and you will receive some ribbon and brads to match!

Introducing the beautiful Madeline....

What do you think of this collection? Coming in store very soon......

and this Beautiful Alencon Lace from Prima Marketing?

Would you like to see some layouts the designers from Prima have made with the Madeline collection? Then head over to their blog here.

3 Beautiful new Prima collections!

 

Also due next week are the new Madeline and Sweet Fairy collections....