Crop for a Cause

Christmas Workshop

2011-10-25T21:32:00.000+11:00

SATURDAY 3rd December, 2011

10am - 10pm (12 hours of scrapping)
Barrabool Hills Community Church

Function Room. 4-46 Province Bvd Highton

Its that time of year again when we think its more fun to give than receive.

Join other little elves and have some fun at the last workshop for 2011.

Catch up with friends. Great Fun, Great Company and lots of Prizes

Get a start on the Christmas layouts or just make some last minute Christmas gifts or cards.

Please bring along some goodies to add to our Christmas hampers and workshop cost is reduced.

Like last year, these will be given to families within the local community
who just need a little extra love at this time of year.

Money raised from Sales/Raffles will support a community in a 3rd World Country.

If not enough raised to purchase a well, then other equipment e.g. Sewing machines, rickshaws

A Christmas Charity Scrap Off will be held on the day, which i hope most people will participate in. Even if you dont participate you can buy the kit and just use the products yourself. It is a brand new surprise Christmas Release by Kaisercraft,that we are sure you will love.

For those participating you will have one hour to scrap a layout and top 10 will be announced and

published on the Kaisercraft blog, along with the winner of the competition. The winninng participant will also get the next two crops for FREE and a brand New Release Gift Pack of two new collections.

Christmas Crops usually book out so TO GUARANTEE POSITION GET YOUR MONEY AND FORM TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. NUMBERS ARE LIMITED.

Cost:

HELP OUT Scrap and Chat $30

by bringing along some goodies for Christmas HampersScrap and Chat $40Includes: Dinner Charity Layout Scrap Kit $25Fantastic New Christmas Range and Goodies (NOT available on the day to purchase)

Includes: Dinner

Recycle Reuse - Workshop 15th October

2011-09-28T15:12:00.000+10:00

SATURDAY 15th October, 2011

10am - 10pm (12 hours of scrapping)

Barrabool Hills Community Church

Function Room. 4-46 Province Bvd Highton

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Due to the success of the recycle crop day last year, we will be repeating it again this year.
Bring along all your scrapbook supplies that you don’t want or haven’t touched and would like to donate to sell.

Please separate into 50c, $1.00, $2.00 and $5 and over.

All money raised from these sales will go to the cause for the day - TBA

COMPETITION: Best double layout using as many as possible recycled materials

Please bring along a plate to share for lunch.

Dinner will be provided.

(Please advise if any diety requirements)

C4AC Winter Workshop – 9th July

2011-06-18T09:32:00.004+10:00

Keep warm, have fun, scrapbook the day away and catch up with friends at our next workshop.
YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE TO GET DRESSED (well no naked women please) -
COME DRESSED IN YOUR PJ's and slippers.

SATURDAY 9th July, 2011
10am - 10pm (12 hours of scrapping)
Barrabool Hills Community Church
Function Room. 4-46 Province Bvd Highton
Cost $40 – Includes Dinner

In September, during my trip to South Africa, i will be visiting one of the orphanages near where i am staying. For this workshop, all money raised from sales on the day will be presented to the orphanage as a gift to help out the children.

Cards
In addition to this if you would like to show how much you care, and as a small token gift of your love, you could help by making a card to give to these children. If you are interested in this please have them ready on the day of the crop so i can collect them all.
Competition
Cosy up by the heater and create a layout to blow us all away. There will be a competition to be judged on the day for the best/original
- Winter Double Page Layout
Class – Chapter One , Two and Three
For something a little different on the day i will be running a class during the day. This class will the same one as i recently taught up at the Scrapbook Expo in Brisbane, so if you missed out, now is your chance. We will be using Kaisercraft’s Chapter One Range and creating three separate layouts, hence the name Chapter One, Two and Three. Additional cost – $35
Numbers for this are strictly limited due to space. (There is also a minimum number required to go ahead as i need to purchase products needed. For those who do the class i will let you know the photographs required in advance of the day.
Raffles/Prizes
In addition to our normal competitions and giveaways we will again be having a raffle. Prizes include a Limited Edition Black Cricut Machine.
TO GUARANTEE POSITION GET YOUR MONEY AND FORM TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. NUMBERS ARE LIMITED, especially for the class - therefore positions are based on first paid basis.
Download Registration Form - HERE

Crop 4 A Cause Update

2011-03-18T15:42:00.001+11:00

For those of you who came and supported the recent Crop for a Cause – where we were raising money for Michelle’s SIL (who has been diagnosed with MS), a huge thank you. We raised just over $1000 for her which was a fantastic effort considering we were such a small group in comparison to normal. As a group we have now raised approx. $50,000 if the past 3 years and that is an unbelievable effort and I really hope as a whole you are really proud of yourselves as you all have not only helped many individuals and families here in Geelong but also overseas.

Nevertheless, regardless of the numbers (yes i will check when the long weekend is on next time) we had a great day and lots of fun was had. To the girls who participated in the Ready Steady Crops – you did so good considering the kits that i put together – i would have struggled to come up with anything that even resembled a layout. i was having a giggle making them up and was thinking I can’t wait to see what they do with these, considering they were all old stock and things thrown together. It shows you what a talented bunch of scrappers we have. It is actually quite exciting because with every scrapbook mag that comes out I am starting to see some of your names filtering through in submissions that have been accepted – so congratulations girls to those of you who have been in the mags lately. To those of you who haven’t, keep persevering – it will happen.

First Challenge.

Oh my gosh… the first “kit” was a bit of this and a bit of that from Empire – an old range and the girls somehow still managed to make it look lovely. I love watching how these girls work under pressure and wish i now took a pic of the table – it seriously looked like a bomb went off.
Congratulations goes to:
1st – Angela,
2nd – Sharon
3rd - Marelle.

Second Challenge.

This time we used some old “Rustic Charm” which in its day was actually one of my favourite papers and the girls came up with some gorgeous layouts. Some of my favourite from the day.

Congratulations this time to:
1st – Sharon,
2nd – Leonie
3rd – Leanne

Last Challenge:

Lastly, really was probably the hardest as it was truthfully a bit of this and a bit of that but still the girls did a great job and came up with some lovely layouts.

Congratulations to:
1st – Sharon
2nd – Sharon
3rd – Maree

Also i just wanted to share this with you. With the left over money we had from the Christmas Crop, where we donated 10 large hampers to families in need, supported Chez on a recent trip to the Philippines we still had enough money left over to buy this Rickshaw to help out a family in India. Again thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas Crop. They have even put a plaque on the back from us.

For those of you who don’t realise, this is now in addition to the well we were able to fund, in late 2009, also in India.

Next C4AC Workshop is 9th July. Registrations will go our around the end of May.

Don’t forget there is still time to register for Unmasked – May 20 – 22nd.

Thanks again ladies for your ongoing support of Crop for A Cause.

Mel

Next Workshop and Unmasked Retreat

2011-01-03T15:08:00.001+11:00

HOLD ON TO HOPE – Crop for a Cause Workshop

Now that I'm on a roll I'm letting you know about the next workshop and the upcoming retreat.
As i am off on teaching on the cruise this week and then to CHA registrations for both these events (yes believe it or not – early they are) can NOW be downloaded if you follow the links in the left column.
As you know we were booked to capacity at the last crop so please get in early with payment to SECURE your spot. This will be strictly on a first in basis and payments received.
We are raising money for a local family in Geelong whose young mum (25) has been diagnosed with MS. (she is the sister of one of our lovely regular ladies) and we would love to show her our support and help them out. All money raised from sales on the day will go towards this cause.

There will be more details to follow in regards to competitions etc on the day – at this moment we are just opening the registrations.

UNMASKED – Weekend Retreat

more info: Unmasked

Often i hear in the scrapbooking world – “I wish I could do that” – and i often think – “Well you can” if you try. After the last workshop and the success of the little make and take – which was giving many of you the chance to try something you wouldn’t normally do (Tim Holtz inking) – these classes that are included will challenge you a little to go beyond what you are normally comfortable doing and hopefully have fun and learn something new.
We too often don’t give ourselves the chance to dream, explore our talents before we critise ourselves and tell ourselves that we can’t – so with this in mind we hope that this weekend we can encourage you a little in your crafting but also personally to have the courage to do and BE what you have hidden away inside you..
This again is limited numbers. Realise the cost to some of you maybe a little high but please bear in mind this cost includes the cost of 4 classes, kits and giveaways, ALL meals and accommodation.
There is also a discount if you pay early. As it just after Mother’s Day, for some of you it may be what you just need – so why not ask hubby to contact me or Al for a gift voucher…..(that would be extra special wouldn’t it).
We hope that at the end of the weekend you will have an extra shot of confidence installed and that you can go out and tackle some of the things you just haven’t had the courage to try.

“It’s not who you are that holds you back – its who you think you’re not!”

Christmas Workshop Wrap Up

2011-01-03T15:07:00.000+11:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. For some who have lost loved ones this year I know this Christmas would have been hard to get through and thoughts were with you.
For me it was the usual extremely busy day where you try to fit more than you should into it all and eat waaaay tooo much. But it was great to sit back and watch the excitement on the girls faces and as usual they are very expressive.
Here are some pics from the last crop

These clever girls entered the quick cards competition. They all managed to make some gorgeous cards in limited time. How they do it – we all want to know.

First second and third placegretters for our Ready Steady Scrap competition. Well done, Cherrie, Deb and Bec (sorry about the pic Bec, your eyes are closed) These girls whipped up a layout in 1/2 hour. Great work. Congrats too to Bec if you haven't already caught up on the news – Bec had another beautiful little baby boy (Toby James) just prior to Christmas.
Thank to the gorgous judges for helping out on the day too. Thanks Al, Richelle
and Kylie for helping out .
Huge thank you to PRINTBLOCKS again (and Andrew) for generosity and help with the prizes
The layout competition was won by Bec Beatie (you were on a roll)
followed up by Jo Stokoe. This was unreal – the whole tree just folds up

Fantastic effort girls – thanks so much to everyone who entered and for all of you who entered the Christmas decoration competition. Sorry i didn’t get photos of everything.

Can’t go by without thanking Karni for buying MY tree. I still haven’t had another one remade but who can say no when the money raised from auctioning it went to a good cause.
We were able to make up 9 huge hampers. These all found there way into the hands of needy families – a huge thankyou to Jenni and Therese Fox for helping out here . Also other money as you know was given to Chez prior to crop for her trip to the Phillipines – where she put it to great use with the childrens home. Chez will send me some pics later to post. Also after the day we had enough money left over to also purchase a rick shaw for a family in India to help them become self dependant. – again photos to come.
So once again thank you to everyone who came and supported Crop for A Cause. We look forward to the next one.
Mel

Christmas Workshop

2010-10-10T19:27:00.000+11:00

SATURDAY 20th November, 2010
10am - 10pm (12 hours of scrapping)
Barrabool Hills Community Church
Function Room. 4-46 Province Blvd Highton
Come along to our Christmas Workshop and join the other little elves having fun.
Catch up with friends and make a start on some Christmas layouts for all those photos you
intend to take this year., or better still catch up scrapping some past photos and finish making all those needed Christmas Cards. Come along dressed in Christmas theme or in Christmas colours.

Please bring along some goodies to add to our Christmas hampers, like last year, these will be given to families within the local community who just need a little extra love at this time of year.
Other money raised from Sales/Raffles will go towards purchasing another well to support a community
in a 3rd World Country. If not enough for a well, then other equipment e.g. Sewing machines, rickshaws

Competitions will be held for the best/original
- Christmas Double Page Layout
- Christmas Decoration. (please enter knowing that this decoration will be added to the hampers to bright up someone’s day and won’t be returned)

TO GUARANTEE POSITION GET YOUR MONEY AND FORM IN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
NUMBERS ARE LIMITED.
Please write on back who you would like to be seated near.

REGISTRATION FORM CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE:
Payment MUST be received by the 31st October
Scrap and Chat - $35
Included: Dinner, misc goodies and lots of fun.
Christmas Papers Add On - $55
Included: Same as Scrap and Chat above
PLUS 12 new Papers, and matching die cuts - Tis the Season and Be Merry.

Please note:
I will endeavor to seat you with who you request but due to the number of people in groups increasing in size, this is not always possible.

** There is a possibility of some special classes being held during the day at an additional cost - info to follow if this goes ahead.

Please bring along plate of food to share for lunch
Dinner will be catered and provided. Please notify me of any dietary requirements.

Update - August Workshop

2010-09-03T15:09:00.009+10:00

Thanks girls for all the fun and effort you all put in at the last crop.

We raised over $1800. Considering majority of it was from our trash and treasure sales its obvious to me that one man's trash is definatelfy another's treasure.

Congratulations to Leanne Nankervis who produced the winning layout using a mega amount of product collection around the home. I wish i had of taken a photo of this so if any of you did please send a copy to me to update this blog.

Also the Ready STeady SCRAP - from scraps was won by Debbie Johnson. She turned out an amazing layout in a 1/2 hour, loaded with little techniues, actually everyone did really well considering the stuff we gave them to work with. Here are a few of them

Thanks again to everyone for help in cleaning up and a big thank you to Sandy for helping pack the kits and Bee for helping with the set up. Couldn't have done without you.

Next workshop in November - will be a christmas theme. Further information to follow

Thank You Sandy and Gayle

2010-07-10T16:36:00.003+10:00

I just want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to two beautiful ladies who have been busy scrapbooking - but not for themselves but for the orphanages in Thailand. At the last Christmas crop last year I put a call out if anyone wanted to do up 12x12 pages for an orphanage in Thailand. Staff at the orphanage try to do up albums of all the little children so that when they are adopted they have something to give the new parents of their lives so far. A task that is daunting at times so any help is always welcome.

These following albums were completed by Sandy and Gayle, two gorgous ladies who have helped me out on more than just this occassion. These ladies have hearts of gold. Thank you so much. I know how much these albums will mean to the people who receive them and how much love and work you both have put into completing them.

WORKSHOP - Reuse Recycle Reduce

2010-07-10T15:38:00.003+10:00

SATURDAY 14th August, 2010

TIME: 10am - 10pm (12 hours of scrapping)

WHERE
Barrabool Hills Community Church, Function Room
4-46 Province Bvd Highton, Geelong.
ο Scrap and Chat $35
Included: Dinner, kit and lots of fun.
ο Scrap/Chat/Paper $60
Included: Same as Scrap and Chat above
PLUS 12 Papers from new ranges with matching Die Cuts/Rubons

Come and join in the fun.
Further details below on other things we will be doing throughout the day.

REGISTRATION FORM CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Whether you are a greenie or not we all have heard the saying ONE MAN'S TRASH is ANOTHER MAN'S TREASURE. At the next workshop we are about to test that theory with our TRASH and TREASURE sale.

We often joke as scrapbookers, that SHE who dies with the MOST scrapbooking supplies wins
BUT
are you really going to ever use half of the product that you JUST HAD TO HAVE and bought on impulse and now wondering why and if you are ever going to use it - I know i probably never will - though my girls love the stash i have for them now that they are allowed to use.

You know when you are scrapbooking and you are just looking for that little something to finish off your layout and you just don't have it but the person right next to you quite often does...... this happens often, and the beauty of scrapbooking together.

This workshop we are NOT going to have a "shop" as per normal but inviting all participants to go through their stash and bring along any unwanted (UNUSED) scrapping supplies you may have that you had to have at the time but since its just sat there and you're wondering what you will do with it. This could be papers, embellishments, rubons whatever - only rule is that the packets are unopened and the paper whole sheets. All this will be sorted onto tables with a minimum price attached (e.g. between 50c - $2) and money raised from these sales will go towards the cause of the day. What is left remaining at the end of the day will be boxed up and sent to one/or both of the places we have supported in the past who make albums for underprivileged/orphan children.

So start to clear out your stash and make way for some new now.

RECYCLE REUSE - LAYOUT COMPETITION
Starting from NOW - start looking around your home at things you can use on a layout.
This competition has not many rules except on your page you must use 3 recyclable items (e.g. tickets, labels, tags, lolly wrapers etc) and needs to be completed by the workshop day to be placed on the table. These will be judged by a panel of people. First prize will be a 12x12 Creative memories frame which are stunning and a gorgeous home decor piece for your home. Anyone, any age can win so start thinking about what you throw away that could be used on a layout instead.

READY STEADY SCRAP - Scrapoff competition

Scrap a layout against the clock - bit of fun using recycled items from the stash.

Scrapbooking Retreat - The Grange

2010-05-30T13:02:00.004+10:00

We still have a couple of spare spots for the Retreat so if any of you are interested please email me as soon as you can. I would like to have all payments received now by the 10th June at the latest so i can finalise everything. Im starting to pack kits this week.

We are going for a weekend together at THE GRANGE. Macedon Ranges, Lancefield
All meals (incl. cooked Breakfast, Morning and aFternoon teas, lunch and Dinner and Accommodation) is included as well as kits and giveaways.
This is our first one as CROP FOR A CAUSE, but many of you have been on them before so i am hoping this will be the first of many. If the weekend of JUNE 25TH - JUNE 27TH is free why not come along and join in the fun and get some of those long awaited pages completed. Thats what i plan on doing.

More details and registration form can be downloaded here:

Thank You for helping out.

2010-05-26T19:45:00.005+10:00

Another huge THANK YOU to everyone who came to the Mother's Day crop. We raised over $1500 for Breast Cancer which was given to Aggie to pass on. It was a day full of fun and thanks to everyone who came and got into the spirit by wearing all Pink and participating in those ridiculous games i make you play. It was also Katie's birthday that day and that girls kept the theme alive and well on their table with pink food, cups, serviettes and the full on works. Thanks Carmel, Kristen, Jenni and Katie for ALWAYS making the most out of every opportunity and for your help and support.
Huge thank you to Raqual (Chandon Craft) for having an extra little "SHOP" there on the day. Its always great to be able to go and buy what you want when you need it and also thanks for donating a percentage of the sales to the cause. Also to Cindy Bishop who AGAIN was down from Queensland and attended the event. If you remember Cindy won our decorate your bra competition last year. Thanks Cindy for your love and support too.
Thanks again to PrintBlocks for helping out with prizes - thanks Andrew, you have been a great support to the Crop for a Cause and the girls love being able to have a chance to win one of these machines. The pink extra cartridge hasn't disappeared into my stash yet...LOL. Congratulations to Kylie Hatton who won the PINK Cricut - i know you had a rough couple of weeks so I personally was stoked to see you win , hope you have had some fun with the machine since. and also to Racheal Libbis who won the pink Cuttlebug. She was around the other day and said she now has to go off shopping for some embossing folders - have fun, you won't be able to stop at one.

These girls below were our lucky winners of our competitions. Im not sure how long Marelle has been making that bouquet of flowers for but it was gorgeous. The gorgeous little wishing well that Dianne made was beautiful too. Actually all the entries for all the comps, cards. layouts and Beyond the page. I wish we had more prizes but i truly thank you all for participating and getting into the spirit of the day.

Next Crop for A Cause is on 14th August. For further inquiries just email me.

love

Mel

Mother's Day Workshop

2010-04-02T13:42:00.005+11:00

Crop for a Cause are joining forces again with Chandon Craft to celebrate National Scrapbook Day (Even though thats a week later) and to raise money for Breast Cancer research.

Next Workshop: Saturday 24th April

10 am - 10 pm

Where: Barrabool Hills Baptist Church

Province Bvd Highton

-Dinner Included. Giveaways, Raffles (Cricut, Cuttlebug, and lots more), Competitions, lots of laughs and fun.

$35 - Dinner included SCRAP and CHAT

$55 - All of above PLUS 12 new papers from the Tea @ Elsies and Utopia ranges.

If you would like to come please contact melissa at davmelk@dodo.com.au as soon as possible.

Also please email me a photo of YOURSELF (4x6") as soon as you can. WHY??? You will find out on the day....

COMPETITIONS ON THE DAY.

You have from now until the day to get creative - keep your entries to yourself and everyone will get to vote.

THINK PINK with all entries.

You may enter one or all of the categories but only one entry for each category please.

1. LAYOUT - about your mum, or someone special

2. A GIFT - something you could give a friend or your mum for Mother's Day
3. CARD - A friendship or Mother's Day Card

Dont forget to WEAR AS MUCH PINK AS YOU CAN.

Come and join in the frivolities. We plan on having lots of fun again as as always a good laugh.

Remember this from last time.....

Christmas Workshop

2009-12-26T20:45:00.002+11:00

Its a little belated but here is the run down from the Christmas workshop. As it was so close to Christmas we only had 60 ladies but it was still lots of fun. We played a few games, thanks to the recent cruise I was on, which gave me some ideas and they were lots of fun. (photos to follow - Jenny beware!!!!)
For those of you who didn't attend, imagine grown women with pant rolled up to their thighs, passing blown up balloons between their legs, no hands allowed. Two teams racing against each other. Lots of squeals of laughter - and then the person on the ends had to sit on the balloon and pop it to finish. For those who participated it was lots of fun and it gave all of us watching some great photo opportunities - great bribery material.

Huge thank you to everyone who donated items for the hampers. We managed to get 7 large hampers filled. I purchased a few extra bits and pieces and baskets and wrapped them all up the following day. I got a small little glimpse of how a supermarket chick would feel and I discovered that it would never have been a job for me. My lounge room was covered in grocery items and trying to sort them out took me forever. Amongst all the chatter and scrapbooking a few lucky ladies took home some prizes.
Alison Grey won the Pink Cuttlebug - lucky girl

Jo Boreland was the extrememly lucky lady who took home the pink cricut machine. It comes with three cartridges instead of two. One of them the limited edition pink cartridge. Im even a little envious myself. You dont know how many times I wondered it you would notice the extra cartridge missing from the box if I didn't include it..... LOL Well done. I think she may have almost shed a tear or two when her name was read out - it couldn't have gone to a more deserving person. Josephine has been one of the ladies who has been a regular at most of the crop for a causes and very very excited to go home with the additional box. These are the lucky winners from the Card, layout and Beyond the Page competitions. Between these four girls, they took out all the prizes from 1st to 3rd. They are all very talented. We had some wonderful entries and I thank all of you who participated. For those of you who are wondering how it was judged. All the participants from the day got to vote and we added them up. It certainly took the pressure away from me as there were many great entries and everyone got to have a vote.

The stand out winner for the Beyond the Page was Dianne Rowe for her gorgeous Christmas house. Im not sure how much time it took her to make but it was stunning. Well done Di

Carmel Sheers won the Layout competition with her beautiful layout pictured below.

And along with Carmel and Dianne are Rachael Ashby and Kirsten who filled in the gaps and winning the other prizes. I just loved the paper bag card you made Kirsten. Well done girls. All your work was gorgeoul. Im sorry we didn't have a prize for everyone who participated but thanks for taking part.

Thanks again to everyone who participated and made the day such a huge success.

For those of you who were wondering too, the hampers were all given out the following week to people who got in touch with me with families they know of who could do with a little extra "love" and just the thought of people around who care. From messages returned to me already, they were muchly appreciated.

Stay tuned too for another chance you can have to WIN a cricit machine and help out some people at the same time.

Countdown to Christmas - Workshop Kit

2009-12-02T23:47:00.003+11:00

Hi Girls
Im back. Land legs haven't really kicked in yet and things are still swaying but hopefully that stops soon.
For those of you who debated coming on this trip, start getting your sea legs ready, there is going to be another one - you will definitely have to do it next time. It was awesome, lots of fun and great way to meet fellow scrappers from around Australia. Not to mention the wonderful classes.....LOL. If you missed out don't worry there are more being planned but will tell you about them at the crop and you will have plenty of time to save.

MEGA PRIZE....
Ok now for the crop - WE ARE GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER CRICUT MACHINE - to raffle. Its going to be a pink expressions. Yes the biggie. so make sure you come prepared to buy raffle tickets.

COMPETITIONS
Don't forget we have competitions running - BTP, Cards and layouts - so start creating and lots of things planned for next year that I will mention on the day.

EXTRA KIT (pictured above)
If you log onto the Crop for a Cause and my blog you will see that everyday we are doing a December Daily or Countdown to Christmas journal album. All you need to do is start taking at least one photo per day to create this album. Each day on my blog and Kaiserblog they are going to be featured. At the workshop we are offering this as a kit if you would like - including coloured pics of all 25 pages and basic instructions for you to do yourself. So if you don't start this now its OK - we will give you the product to do it at the crop. This will be an additional $20 if you would like to take part. Just let me know in advance.

Hope to catch up with many of you next week but If you can't make it to the next crop I just want to say thanks for your support and friendship over the past year. The workshops wouldn't be as good if you weren't a part of it so thanks for being a part of Crop for A Cause.
Next year I hope we can do these more often even if they are smaller in numbers
Stay safe and have a happy and fun Christmas and New Year
love
Mel

Kaiser Outlet - Fun Day

2009-11-16T18:35:00.002+11:00

Hi girls

There is going to be a Family day at the Kaisercraft Outlet on November 28th from 9am - 2pm.
Sausage sizzle, face painting, showbags, and lucky dips. Discounted items, Friday frenzy madness.

Get a little of the Christmas spirit and share your creative talents. You will be able to make a card to send to our kids (ones that Kaisercraft support),
and
even get your shopping gift wrapped in our limited edition Kaisercraft wrapping paper.

Come along and support Chez

December 12th - Christmas Workshop

2009-11-01T23:51:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone

It feels like ages since i wrote to you all.

South Africa was fantastic and I thank all you guys who came and helped me out with the practice class - it was awesome to iron out the wrinkles beforehand. Next year I'm thinking of doing a few classes randomly like that for you guys to participate in if you would like so feel free to suggest the types of things you would like, even if it is only a smaller group. Naturally they will cost as i will have to purchase the products but if you are interested just let me know as i can plan these and other dates for next year. We are currently working on getting dates for all the crops in advance. The thought of a retreat has gone through my head also would love your suggestions - if any of you know a great place that would be good to and also trying to gauge interest so let me know if you would be interested in attending one

NEXT WORKSHOP: 12th December
TIME: 9 am - 10pm
WHERE: Barrabool Hills Community Church, Province Blvd, Highton
FANCY DRESS - Christmas Theme
COMPETITIONS: Layout / cards / BTP so get creative - theme Christmas. Start creating now - no rules - no particular products have to be used. Enter once in each category only. Prize for each

LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS AVAILABLE

PAYMENT TO BE RECEIVED BY 30TH NOVEMBER

Once again going to ask that you start collecting a few items that you could donate for hampers and we will have hampers to disperse again like last year for needy families in the community.

PRICE: $35 for Basic scrap and Chat - DINNER is included in this cost - and yes it will be a fantastic Christmas feast especially being held up at the church with the Winters looking after us again. - Gosh they are sooooo good to us.

There will be an additional kits which will be an additional cost but I am still finalizing these but but realize it is getting close - so will open it up now to you all if you want to pay for the basic scrap and chat ($35)and let me know later if you want to participate in the planned classes or purchase kits

Bank details are as usual (please put your name on the details as it makes it easier for me to track back and please email me the date you deposit anything)
BSB: 063551
A/c 10141667

PS on another note - OUR WELL has been dug and up and running for a community in India. I will forward a picture soon once i get one taken but again a huge thanks to everyone who contributed to the last workshop.

Feel free and please forward this email to your friends who aren't on this listing .
The last one for the year. and the first we have had for ages so lets make this a biggy. We can sacrifice the shop for extra people if required or set up thes hop part in the hallway somewhere.

Looking forward to catching up with you all really soon

love Melissa

Lend a Hand for Leukemia

2009-11-01T23:31:00.002+11:00

We haven't had a Crop for a Cause for awhile but just to let you know Chandon Craft are having their annual Lend a Hand for Leukemia fundraiser.
So come on guys if you are looking for an all day crop while waiting for our final biggie for the year in December why not come along to this one. Im teaching one of the classes but there are plenty more to choose from.
Here are the details for our 3rd annual fundraising day:

When: Sunday 8th November 2009
where: Buckley’s Function Centre, Breakwater.
Why: To raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.
WHAT: We are running an all day Crop & classes from 9am-5pm. Bring all the projects you want to work on and enjoy being with fellow crafters. The tables are 6ft doubles & with four to a table there will be heaps of space to spread out and craft. Cost $25.00

For more information check our HERE or pop into Chandon Craft and see one of the girls.

Invitation and thank you

2009-09-13T20:58:00.002+10:00

Just want to say a HUGE thank you to those of you who helped me out by coming along to the workshop class yesterday. You may not realise it was great to get your opinions and there are definately a few changes i need to make before i go away.
So glad i had the opportunity to do this before going. Anyway thank again for all your help.

INVITATION
THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER
BARRABOOL HILLS COMMUNITY CHURCH
7.30 PM
A lady called Lyn Lusi is going to be speaking at our church this Thursday night (17th September). She is one of the founders of HEAL AFRICA an organization set up to help out women in Africa that have been abused by the continual violence against women. Rape is a weapon of war in Goma and because of this many womens lives have been destroyed, not only physically but mentally. Thanks to Heal Africa and the hospitals they are setting up they are ONE BY ONE rebuilding these womens life.. Only recently this month Hillary Clinton spent time with HEAL AFRICA talking to patients.

Im inviting any of you who would like to hear more about this to come along 7.30 pm up at Barrabool Hills to hear this lady. BRING YOUR TISSUES.
Would love to catch up with you there and have a coffee afterwards. Get a group together and come along. It won't be all pretty stories www.smh.com.au/interactive/2009/congo/index.html but we need to know what is going on in the world and help out if we can.
Let me know if you are interested in coming
Mel

I think this will probably become one of the causes that we support at one of our upcoming Crop for a Causes.
www.healafrica.org/cms/participate/how-is-your-money-spent/

WELL being bored this week.

2009-09-01T16:03:00.002+10:00

No Im not talking about being bored bored but BORED as in dug.

Just letting you all know that i had an email today letting me know that the WELL we financed in India is being bored this week. Photos should follow early next month.
Thanks again to everyone who supported the last workshop.
Mel

WELL, WELL yes we brought a WELL

2009-08-30T20:40:00.003+10:00

Girls i have something exciting to tell you.

You know how we were trying to raise enough to buy a rickshaw or two at the last workshop - well we raised more than that. So instead of being able to just help out one or two families I opted for a whole community..

Just waiting for paperwork to arrive but we purchased a WHOLE WELL for a community in India. We even got a little plaque on a wall nearby to tell them we care.

I asked them to write the following;

"MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS"

Crop 4 A Cause Ladies

Geelong July 2009

I know to many of you it may not feel like you actually did or gave much, but together we can truly make a difference and you can not underestimate the value of your part in this.
Thank you so much to all of you who were part of this past workshop.

WHAT's NEXT;
Things as you know have been a bit busy with work and so i haven't organised another workshop as yet for between now and Christmas - though the Christmas one is fully locked in - 12th December up in the Church function room (numbers will be limited to 90) - will give you further details as I get them on this.
If you are interested in just having a couple of get together crops (no kits - just come and scrap - minimum cost) - money will be put towards the Christmas Workshop - leave a comment under this. I will keep checking and if we have enough responses i will arrange another one. If you have other suggestions - feel free to leave those comments too.

Hope to catch up with you all soon
Mel

2009-06-28T16:52:00.004+10:00

For those of you wondering where the registration form is. You can now download it from here.

On the day you will receive a copy of the new Kaisercraft Magazine which includes many projects and layouts. Therefore we are going to offer you one kit of your choice at a reduced price. You can only order ONE kit This kit WILL NOT be for sale on the day so if you are interested you do need to pay up front.

This kit is an ADDITIONAL $20 - though product included adds up to $35
You will get 6 sheets of paper from chosen range, and the following to match
- Diecuts
- Black and White Rubons
- Coloured Rubons
- Chipboard Alphas
- Alpha Stickers (choice of Boy or Girl for Child's Play)
and A5 folder to keep it in.

There will be all other products for sale on the day such as embroidered badges, brads and clear acrylic stamps if you wish.

Payment and notification of which collection you would like needs to be made prior to Sunday night. You can email me details if you wish.

PLEASE NOTE - Sunay is cut off and this offer is not available after that date.

thanks

mel

Workshop Update

2009-06-23T23:34:00.002+10:00

Just letting you know we have approx 15 places left for the July 11th Workshop.
If you know of someone who hasn't yet put their name down please get them to get in touch with me as soon as possible.
Will email all confirmation out by the end of the week with final details of the crop.
If you have any queries email me at davmelk@dodo.com.au
For those of you who have only given me your names please deposit money as soon as possible reserved spots will only go to those who have paid.

Registrations Filling Fast

2009-06-15T20:45:00.001+10:00

51 places filled,
only 29 places left
Still working out costs for additional kits but make sure you get your name down if you don't want to miss out
Mel

Don't Miss Out

2009-06-13T20:12:00.002+10:00

OMGosh
Can't believe how fast you girls have been putting your names down.
To avoid disappointment - get your names and money to me asap.
I checked my emails and bank account tonight and started a list thinking maybe a few of you might have paid and golly gosh - we have already filled up half the workshop.
I have 40 names and only 40 spots left to fill
Thanks for all the support.
More details will follow shortly (still waiting on some details and been a bit busy - soorrrry) but just wanted to let you all know how the registrations are going.
Its going to be so nice to be up in the function room - its freezing here today and know it will be noice and warm
Looking forward to catching up with you all
mel

Christmas in July - Workshop

2009-06-08T07:30:00.004+10:00

Hi Ladies
Registration forms still haven't been made up because I am still awaiting confirmation from Loraine but are still hopeful that she will come down for the day. So some final details are still being organised
BUT
you can put your names down for the next crop by emailing me at davmelk@dodo.com.au and depositing $35 into the normal bank account or cash to myself - which is the cost of the scrap and chat option.

Details: Saturday 11th July
Time: 10am - 10pm
Where: Barrabool Hills Community Function Room (its finished - the view is gorgeous)
$35 - Scrap and Chat
There will be the option to purchase your choice of one of the new kits but this is one of the details we are still working through. It may just be that I have them there on the day to sell.

Therefore if you are planning on coming please let me know as soon as possible now and when i have your payment I will send out a formal registration form but I know many of you are worrying about missing out on a place so if you want to pay the $35 I can get your place confirmed and we will sort the rest out later.

Being up at the church in the new function centre I would probably prefer people to bring along projects to do that require NO paint as there is no paint allowed in the room - I hope this isn't going to cause too much problems
Also you will need to prepurchase anything that is not inthe new releases with exception of pearls and rhinestones etc as there won't be a shop as such.

Just for those of you who were disappointed they never won the cricut last time - I am pretty sure I have got another one lined up for this workshop - so you can have another try.

More details to come - but if you want to pre-register and prepay - now is the time
I am only booking 80 places first and then will see how I can set it up to fit more later.

any questions let me know
Mel

C4AC Workshop - What a Day !!!! and some sad news.

2009-05-03T22:52:00.013+10:00

It was great to see the place packed and everyone having so much fun. We managed to raise over $2000 for the lady (Linda and her family) we were supporting. Thank you soooooooo much to you all for making the day the success it was. Along with the highs there were a few lows. As mentioned at the crop Mr Kennedy wasn't doing too good so we really appreciated Carolyn stil coming in and working, so we could have the outlet shop open during the day/night especially knowing her dad was so unwell. Just to let you all know too, that Stan Kennedy passed away this morning. You may not realise but he came along to every workshop and totally supported what we were doing and if he wasn't in hospital he would have been down at some stage to show his support again . He is someone who we are all going to sadly miss but the world is so much richer for him being here. For those of you who pray and even those of you who don't please keep us all; David (my hubby), Carolyn, Linda, Mal(his brother and sisters) and Margaret (mum and wife)in your thoughts and of course us other halves and the kids.
So now that you know the reason why these photos are a bit delayed on getting uploaded here they are finally for you to enjoy and have a giggle at once more..

Well as I mentioned it was a fullhouse.

Scrap Your Bra - one of the competitions we ran - this one belonged to Diane Rowe - wish i had a better photo but she literally scrapped the photos onto the bra and all around the back band .

We had mega fantastic, wonderful, great prizes during the day - Cricut, Zutter, Crop o Diles
and tooooooo many others to mention. Thank you so much Raqual (Chandon Craft), Marisa (Create on Garden ) for helping out with the donations.
Cindy Bishop (who by the way came all the way down from Queensland just for the day) - won the cricut amongst other things - sure hope she brought a HUGE suitcase.... thank you sooo much for making that huge effort but it was so lovely to meet you. See you again in June when I come up.

Julie and Leanne

And this is the bra that had the highest total votes - Cindy Bishop (QLD)

Again thanks Cindy for coming down. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize getters got gift vouchers from Bras and Things. Something little to replace those ones that they scrapped up.

Amongst all those women we had a loyal supporter - Simon Davies who says he is not a scrapper but you can see for yourself and be the judge of that - he even has his own blog so you can go here and check out what he has been up to. Thanks for coming Simon.

And as I took just way too many photos to post them all, here are a few collages that gives you a closer look at what we got up to on the day. These are only some of the entries for the BTP, Card and Layout challenges. Congratulations to the winners but a huge thank you to you all for the effort you all put in to make these gorgeous creations. It is you guys that have made the day such a success by being involved and taking part but most of all having fun. I loved all your work and I have taken away soooo many ideas. If you have taken some photos that you think we could share with everyone please feel free to email them to me at davmelk@dodo.com.au and i can post them up for you.

The "hooters" parade - this was a great laugh. OMG some of these bras would have taken a week, longer than scrapping an album. Others had a bit of a personal challenge to completing them as the breast cancer issue was close to them.

We have raised over $2000 so far with more to come. Thank you again Raqual for all your help, donations, encouragement. Without you it wouldn't have been half the success it was. Also thanks to everyone who pitched in and helped set and clean up too. It sure makes the job that much easier when you aren't the only one doing it. You are little angels in disguise.

Thank you again to you all for your efforts in creating these bras- these are simply gorgeous and so much work has gone into making these. Hmmmm now to think what we can do for the next one in July.

Dont forget we have a mini crop this Friday night - 8th May (6.30 - 10.30)

- $5 at the outlet again. If interested leave your name with one of the girls at the Outlet

All money will be going again toward supporting this local lady and her family in Geelong.

Crop - Friday 8th May

2009-04-29T19:17:00.002+10:00

For those of you who may have missed out on the Saturday crop - do not fear
We have another mini crop organsied for Friday 8th May.
This one is where we will be drawing all the prizes for the Connect 4 game that will be running during this week.

$5 per head (bring all your own everything)
6.30pm - 10.30pm at the Kaisercraft Outlet.
Give your name to one of the staff at the outlet to book a place. You can pay on the night.

Money will go to help out the same lady we are raising money for at the Saturday crop.

Classes - National Scrapbook Week

2009-04-29T19:06:00.002+10:00

GUESS WHAT: - we have a FULL HOUSE ladies.

Sorry to inform anyone who hasn't registered but we are now closed off for rego's. All positions are full.

It is going to be a great day and we have so many giveaways and prizes.

Can't wait to see those bra's scrapped up and all the other things you have done for the competitions

Anwaya just want to share some pics of the other class that is being held the following week at Chandon by the gorgeous Ros Madley: It is a beautiful Acrylic butterfly album

If you would like to participate in this class - just drop in or give Chandon a ring and book in.

See you Saturday girls.

Crop For A Cause

2009-04-24T21:08:00.002+10:00

Only 11 places left ladies. i know cut off was the 20th - but if you have a friend wanting to come there are a couple of places left. - If possible just let me know by Monday night - then for catering and other purposes I will have to then close of all regos.
thank you so much for returning your payments and regos so fast.
Looking forward to the days its going to be great.
Have seen some of the Bras being decorated and so glad Im not the judge - they are gorgeous.

Don't Miss Out

2009-04-11T18:22:00.002+10:00

Thanks to everyone who has put their registrations in early.
We have 58 people who have registered and paid already. It would be great if we sold out.
To all the regulars please note that I cannot hold seats without payment so to avoid missing out please get your registrations in as soon as possible.
We have had some awesome prizes donated and it looks like it is going to be a fantastic day
Look forward to catching up with many of you then
-Lis-

Mothers Day - Workshop Registrations Now Available

2009-03-28T01:00:00.012+11:00

Ok ladies the details are final and registrations can now be downloaded. This one is a must.
Not only have we got a CRICUT machine to give away - yes you read it right - we have got lots of fun and competitions planned. Huge thank you to Raqual for all your help in organising this.

Details are as follows but you can download all the following details for your own records from HERE also.

The mini book shown above is what you can create from Kit 3 and layout/card matches this. This class is available on Wednesday 6th May for those interested. (see below)

3 Package Options
Kit 1 - $35 Scrap and Chat
Included: $30 vouchers from local stores, Connect 4 game card (lots of discounts), other misc goodies and lots and lots of fun.
Kit 2 - $45 Paper Package
Included: $30 vouchers from local stores, Connect 4 game card (lots of discounts), other misc goodies and lots and lots of fun.
PLUS: 10 printed papers of your choice.
Kit 3 - $55 Kit and Caboodle
Included: $30 vouchers from local stores, Connect 4 game card (lots of discounts), other misc goodies and lots and lots of fun.
PLUS: 6 printed papers of your choice.
PLUS: Exclusive Bracket Album (not for sale) - and embellies to create album. This matches the layout and card offered in a class the following week. The perfect Mother's day gift or keepsake for yourself.

Registration form to be downloaded from left side.

Crop 4 A Cause in conjunction with Geelong Scrapbook stores (Chandon Craft and Create on Garden) would love you take part in National Scrapbooking Week and help raise money for local cause.

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING WEEK.

What we have in store for you during the week.

Friday 1st May
Layout, Card and Beyond the Page Entries to be completed and handed in by 5pm today. (Competition details and conditions attached)

Saturday 2nd May
Crop 4 A Cause Workshop and Launch National Scrapbooking Week. This workshop is strictly limited to 100 places - Only reserved seats for those who have paid and handed in registration forms.
Judging of the 4 competitions. Heaps of Prizes and goodies.
All participants will receive $30 in vouchers to be used at LSS’s.
Fantastic prizes being raffled, including a Cricut machine, crop-o-dile, Xyrons and other wonderful prize packs.
All partipants get Connect 4 game card (details below)
Dinner is included in Cost of workshop. As there is no kitchen for food preparation on site dinner will be catered for and brought in. To avoid excessive prices we would ask you to BYO snacks and get together with a group and bring a dessert we can put out and share with everyone.

Monday – Thursday
Special offers and discounts available for use at each store each day in addition to gift vouchers – in the form of a Connect 4 game
Every 4 in a row marked off during the 4 days will give you one entry into major prize draw –Free Photographic Shoot in your choice of Geelong location (more details on game card given out at workshop) – Possible 16 entries into draw if all marked off.

Wednesday 6th May
Class – Layout (at Kaisercraft Outlet) Price - $20
“What I have learnt from / love about my Mum
and Card – made from leftovers. (Melissa Kennedy)

Thursday 7th May
Class – Beyond the Page (at Chandon Craft) Price - TBA
“Heart Album” in BG Porcelain papers (Ros Madley)
- photos to come

Friday 8th May
Crop Night – at Kaisercraft Outlet workshop
Prizes drawn for free photographic shoot. Other misc prizes.

COMPETITIONS:
This is a chance to show us what you can do.
Start NOW and you have over a month to complete.
Entries to be handed into one of the participating stores by 5pm Friday 1st May.
No late entries will be accepted.
Scrap your Bra entries can be brought on the day of workshop.
Lots of prizes for participants

You can enter only ONE entry per section.

1. SCRAP YOUR BRA
Seeing we are raising money for Breast Cancer we thought it might be fun if we had a Scrap your Bra competition. Taking altered projects to the limit. Grab an ald bra and decorate it as you desire. No rules except you must keep your clothes on when it comes to our mock fashion parade. Bras to be worn over clothes. Come on Ladies this will be a huge laugh as well as some great fun.

2. LAYOUT
Scrap a single or double page layout – Topic “FAMILY”
Again no rules. You can use any products of any brand.

3. CARD
Design your own Mother’s Day Card
You can use any products of any brand.

4. BEYOND THE PAGE
Any beyond the page object that can be given as a GIFT.
You can use any products of any brand.

As you can see the only limitations are your imagination.
You all will be the judges.
All entries will be given a number anonymously and on the day of the workshop everyone will be given a form to judge the top 5 from each section. We will then add up places on a points system and winners will be announced later in day.
Heaps of prizes to be won – so why not have a go.

places for the workshop is strictly limited to 100 people so first in best dressed. Only reserved seats will be for those whom have paid....

looking forward to catching up with all the familiar faces again - it seems like ages since we've had one.
-xx-
Lis

Mothers Day - Workshop (National Scrapbook Day)

2009-03-17T19:10:00.007+11:00

Saturday 2nd May - 1pm - 11pm

Cost: Between $35 - $55 (price depends on kit chosen) Dinner is Included.
Lots of $$$Gift Vouchers and other discount vouchers for all LSS included - more details to come.

This day is going to be so much fun. I am already excited by what has been organsied.
As the date for this workshop also happens to fall on the day that is usually National Scrapbook Day, all the local scrapbook stores have gotten together to help support this cause and make this workshop the launch of a week of special discounts, games and competitions, and giveaways. Thanks Raqual for suggesting we support NSD and helping with organising this week. The following Friday - 8th May will culminate in another Crop where we will announce winners etc of competitions that have been running during the week.

Mark the dates down. Registration forms and lots more details will be out shortly but I wanted to give any of you who were planning a head start on one some of the competitions planned. This is one that will be judged on the Saturday.

SCRAP your BRA
Ladies, find those old bras - and start scrapping them. i can hear you already say WHAT !!!!!
Yep you heard me. Have you ever had the desire to do something a little silly.... well its something I regularly do but this time you can join me and its for a cause... This workshops cause is supporting a local lady with breast Cancer.... so therefore you know boobs need bras and well lets face it they are pretty boring... the bras I am talking about...

sooooo Just for something a little fun on the day one of the competitions we are going to be running run is to scrap your bra - we will have a little fashion parade later in the day and a winner will be announced. Obviously you won't be able to scrap your bra that day - so you can start thinking about how you want to decorate it now. I could say the bigger the better but that wouldn't be nice - this will be fun - so come on girls have a go. Just remember you have to parade it later on in the day(over the top of your clothes ladies - so no need to chicken out ) no need to be undressing... there are some great prizes planned. OK this isn't a requirement of the day but believe me you will get a giggle or two out of it.

If you need a little inspiration check out the photos below. These are just a couple of images I found on the internet. There are no rules you can decorate your bra however you like- your favourite color - even to suit your personality - its entirely up to you. Sew on flowers, stick on felt, add a photo if you wish - the only rule is there isn't any.
So get out an oldie and have some fun,.

More information regarding the day, registration forms and other information regarding the National Scrapbook Week will follow shortly.

If you need further information please feel free to leave a comment, or email me on davmelk@dodo.com.au

The day is strictly limited to 100 people so it will be the first 100 who book and PAY. The only reserved seats will be these ones.
Looking forward to catching up with many familiar faces again and another fun day.

Bushfire Appeals and Fundraiser CROP at Kaiser

2009-02-11T23:11:00.004+11:00

There is a way YOU can help out. If you are a scrapper here is a couple of ways..

No doubt many of you have been shocked, touched even brought to tears by what has been happening in Victoria with the bushfires. How can part of Australia be under water due to floods and here devastating fires....and to think some of them were deliberately lit.

Its hard to think about loosing everything, I know how shattering it was when only our garage burnt down... but the reality of it all is some of these people now don't even own a toothbrush let along a bed to sleep in. For many as well as their houses all their treasured memories(keepsakes and photographs) have gone too. Just close your eyes and try to imagine how you would feel if all your beautifull scrapbooks and photos disappeared. There is a way we can help out these families put these back together again. They will have the massive task of trying to gather photographs from relatives and friends but in the meantime we can help out with the albums.
Sarah Gladman has a call out to us scrappers to create some 12x12 album pages to help out these familys put their lives back together again. Check out her blog for full details. For an example of a finished page Chris Millar has posted one up on her site. She also has listed some places you can give donations too.

For anyone in the Geelong area.

Friday 27th February - 6-10 pm We will be having a Crop at the Kaisercraft Outlet Workshop. We have space for 100 people so come along and get some scrapping done or even make one of those layouts for the victims as mentioned above.

Cost - $10 (or however much you wish to donate) - 100% of money will be give to the Fire Appeals

Workshop Update

2008-11-21T20:47:00.003+11:00

Hi again Girls
Just a quick reminder for you all to get in your registrations for the next crop. I know it is a crazy time of year and some of you may be busy with other Christmas parties. There will be many more days to come.
For those of you who are wondering where we will park on the day - don't stress.
McCanns - next door closes at 12.30 - this is one of the reasons for the time change. Also there is parking behind Pegasus antiques.

Had a few people not happy about the change - please try and understand that this is a trial and we will see how it works out in comparison to the church. If you knew how long it takes to set up at the church you would all understand why I am jumping at the chance to try out the new workshop area. Just the fact that the workshop area is permanently set up is a bonus in itself. Im sure you will all tell me which you like better after the day.

Little bit of news - Kylie Hatton, one of our regular ladies who attends the crops - went into labour early and has had a little baby boy - Mason. Can you believe she emailed me shortly afterwards and said that all she could think was now she can attend the next workshop. Congratulations Kylie and IF you are feeling up to it we would love you to drop it and say hi....make sure you bring your new little bundle to show us all...

Look forward to catching up with many more of you again in a couple of weeks.
love
Lissy

SCKC Page Layout Challege

2008-11-13T23:47:00.002+11:00

The Challenge has been set....
Lets help put a smile on these kids' faces. Go to www.liveoutloud-lissy.blogspot for information on a challenge to get 200 page layouts done by mid december for this fantastic cause.

Form more information - contact me:

Christmas (December) Workshop

2008-11-09T22:50:00.003+11:00

The time has come and finally the registration form our next Crop for A cause workshop is available for download over yonder on the right side of this blog.

After the huge success of the first ever 100 - 1 Scrap off - we are going to hold the next workshop in the Kaisercraft Factory Outlet workshop area (back of the shop)
This is truly exciting..... Well for me it is - the workshop area is awesome and it means I don't have to set up tressles and lugg around stock as it is already done. If you haven't checked out the new outlet and said hi to Chez in there then you are seriously missing out but at least this will give you a good excuse to have a look.

As it could be difficult for parking in the morning for such a large number of you - we have decided to change the times for this one....(and see how is goes) as after 12.30 there will be extra places to park next door. Before I woffle on too much here are the details and if you would like to register please get all forms to me as soon as possible.

WHEN: Saturday 6th December
TIME: 1pm - 11pm
Dinner is included (bring your own snack/lollies etc or rest of day)

WHERE: Kaisercraft Factory Outlet
506-508 Latrobe Blvd, Geelong. (next to Pegasus Antiques and McCanns)

COST: $25 - $35 (Depending on kit)

PLEASE BRING ALONG A NON PERISHABLE FOOD ITEM or something to add to the Christmas hampers.

Money raised throughout the day (sales and raffles etc) will be given to Debbie Grinter for the Leukemia foundation and the Christmas hampers will be given out to some of the families we have helped out during the year.

$25 - Come along, bring some friends and just scrap and chat for the day - dinner included
$35 - For this you also get all the new December paper releases for FREE (This is 12 new double sided papers - 3 new paper collections)
Please make sure you mark down what you want on your registration form.
Numbers are strictly limited and places will only be reserved for those who have paid and registration forms have been returned.
Close off date is STRICTLY 30th November.

For those of you who haven't yet attended a Crop for A Cause, bring along what you are working on at present and enjoy some well earned time out, meet lots of new friends, lots of laughs and hopefully actually get some scrapping done - all whilst helping out someone at the same time. As I say by outselves we may feel that we can't do much but together we can make a difference.

Look forward to catching up with you all then.

100 to 1 - Kaisercraft Scrap Off

2008-10-03T21:53:00.004+10:00

Hi girls, just me again

This time this has nothing to do with Crop for a Cause but it is for a cause just the same….

Just letting you all know of an event some of you may be interested in. Would love to see many of the familiar faces from our workshops.

This is about that event I mentioned at the last workshop – You all know the shows on TV – Ready steady Cook etc etc, well we are having our own scrapbooking version – Paper, scissors, Cut….. Ok well not quite but ....

It’s the Kaisercraft Scrap Off….
Kaisercraft are holding a 100 to 1 Scrap Off competition
– 8th November. This is something you won’t want to miss. Be apart of this and possibly see yourself on our planned DVD. We have an exciting day planned for those participating and something you probably have never done before - I know I haven’t seen this happen before.

I am personally inviting you all now as Im not sure if you plan on getting into the outlet prior to this date. This event has strictly limited places. What I CAN’T do is hold a place for you. You will need to register and pay yourself through the outlet.

If you are interested visit the new outlet shop on the 11th October to pick up registrations forms etc. These will all have to be handed in from 18th October to receive kits.

It does cost $30 to enter but believe me when I say the kit for the first rounds are well worth it. You will then have two weeks to complete a project with what you are given.

ALL money raised will be going towards the Kaisercraft causes – orphanages, homes etc

Lorraine Bate from Scrapbook Creations Magazines will be down from Sydney and is sponsoring one of the rounds(prize is awesome), along with Fiskars sponsoring another round.

Winner will receive a $300 Kaiser gift voucher to spend on their choice of products. There will be other door prizes (vouchers $150, $50, $25) and giveaways on the day.

Feeling that you all NEED to register….lol… are you feeling it yet???

Come on out and support the kids again and have a fun day out.

If you are knocked out in one of the earlier rounds feel free to hang around and scrap…..

Download information here. If you need further info feel free to email me regarding this, otherwise see Chez at the outlet.

Feel free to pass this onto any friends but please note – this is event is limited to the first 100 people only. It is being advertised through the outlet and on the Kaiser site - so don't leave it to late to register.

Please note:
The new outlet shop hours are 9 am – 5.30pm Monday – Saturday
(not as in attached flyer)

Hope to see you all there on the day….

Melissa
LIVE out LOUD: LIFE: To be Enjoyed. Live it, Experience it, Laugh about it, Learn from it and then…. SCRAP it……

Scrapbooking Cruise - woo hoo

2008-09-27T20:18:00.001+10:00

As mentioned at the workshop, here is the informtion about the cruise...

A SCRAPBOOKING Cruise - how does that sound.
Are you tempted yet..
21st November - 1st December 2009
Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef etc etc
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line's Rhapsody of the Sea
10 days -24 hour private work room
Prizes, Giveaways
and guess what??????

If being picked as one the Masters this year wasn't enough, I have been asked to take the classes/workshops onboard this cruise... As well as an awesome opportunity
How much fun is this going to be. I still can't quite believe I have been asked to do this as I thought that maybe they may be after a bigger "name" if you know what I mean but still totally stoked to be asked and can't wait. Hope I don't get sea sick!!!!

What would be even better though and make the trip even more unforgetable would be if some of you guys who I know could come too...
Check out the details HERE and download all the info.
Have a read and if you have any queries you can email me or Lorelle, the organiser on lorelle@thecruisecrew.com

Also the deposit has been reduced to only $100, so get your names in early. You even have a whole year to save up.
We are going to have so much fun - if you think Kaisercraft has some great products out - wait until you see what we have planned for this.

These crafting cruises happen regularly in America but rarely here so why not make the most of this opportunity...

Thanks to EVERYONE who attended workshop

2008-09-24T20:06:00.003+10:00

Huge thank you to all ladies who attended the last workshop. Apologies for the heating but as you saw the function room isn't quite complete but by the next one can pretty much guarantee it will be a bit warmer. The views were worth it though, weren't they???

Thinking all you ladies need a bit more practice with the handballing skills though. Only gave away two prize packs. Anyway lets hope the Mighty Cats and their skills are better this Saturday. Car'n the Cats.... back to back would be nice..
Tracey was a little dumbstruck when we called her up and handed her the cheque. She honestly didn't guess it was for her so it was a lovely surprise. A few teary eyes when we placed the song
"PROUD" - by Heather Small. It says it the song "What have you done today to make you feel proud?" and I just hope that everyone who attended did feel proud of themselves for what they achieved that day and for helping out Tracey in a small way....

Anyway a huge thank you again to the Winter family for cooking and catering for us. They do such an awesome job and it just wouldn't be the same without your support, thanks Robyn and Terry for everything (and family too) and also to Raqual at Chandon for her genereous discount vouchers, and helping out with the Cricut machine etc.... The poor machine sure got broken in as it was running hot all day. Thinking though at the next workshop there will be page limit for everyone at a time as there were some people waiting for quite some time for a go....
Also thanks to all who helped with set up and pack up
Thanks to Fiskars for the aprons, and Scrapbook Creations for the magazines and naturally Kaisercraft for the goodies in the showbags....

Next workshop is still planned for 6th December - more information regarding cause to follow.

Only a Week Away

2008-09-11T22:35:00.003+10:00

Not sure if you are getting excited - but I am. This workshop has come around fast and its now only a week away.
For those of you who are interested we have 80 participants paid up and registered. Registrations have now closed so I am hoping you haven't missed out. The blinkin' footy is keeping a few away - and then we have hubby's who just don't get it that us girls NEED to scrap for 12 hours... and why not ...
We have been given some wonderful donations from Fiskars and Scrapbook Creations and am really appreciative of their support. Lots of other little prizes and raffles throughout the day so remember to bring your small change.... The "Cause" for the day will be revealed on the day but Im sure you will all believe me when I say it is a worthy one....

Another exciting thing is I have finally purchased us Cricut Expressions machine to have for the workshops- this will be demonstrated on the day and there for you to use (not abuse.....) and so trusting that if you really aren't sure how to use it after demonstration you get someone who can to help you out.
For those of you who were there for the Samaritans Purse Christmas shoe box appeal - I will have shoeboxes available next week to pick up. So if any of you are interested in filling a shoebox for a child in a third world country - make sure you grab a box before leaving th eworkshop. These will have to then be returned to me by the 15th October (so they can be shipped off)

Also thinking we will have some very exciting news to tell at the next workshop regarding someone who maybe coming down to do a special little class during the day.... trust me girls if this happens you will want to bring the "Poise". This is one of the loveliest, down to earth and funniest person I have ever met but one extremely talented lady - anyway can't get you all excited just yet as nothing is confirmed.... the last workshop for the year will be the best yet... Mark in your diarys 6th December and stay tuned.

Well look forward to seeing you next Saturday. Bear in mind there is still a lot of work happening around the church but we will be in the new function room - with the most gorgeous views overlooking the valleys. woo hooo - how exciting...

Registrations Now Open

2008-08-03T14:52:00.002+10:00

Reistrations for the next workshop on 20th September are now open.
Only places that have been paid for will be reserved. All payments to be received, along with completed registration formed prior to the 31st August so we can start catering for the numbers.
If you have any queries please contact me.
Looking forward to another fun filled day

It is looking like we will be in the new function centre at the church - but as carpet has not be laid yet - you may need to dress a little warmer.
More details to come closer to the date

Workshop - 20th September

2008-07-12T22:41:00.006+10:00

I know if Geelong makes it to the finals we may have a few people short - but you know those two big screens - well if we make it for those of you who don't go Im sure i will be able to get it put up on the screens - so hoping that doesn't deter you.Now as for the cause - i really are going to have you trust me on this one.... The money is going to go to someone who NEEDS it and it is someone many of you know from our workshops BUT... really want to keep this a surprise so please..... don't make me say. If you really must know personally email me but bear in mind I may just wan to keep it a secret....

Date: Saturday 20th September

Time: 10am - 10pm

Where: Barrabool Hills Baptist (entry now via the new roundabout in Scenic Road)

Price: $25 - $40 depending on kit chosenDinner is included.

BYO Nibbles and lunch to share.plus... other little surprises throughout the day...

Raffles etc will be held throughout the day

Again we will have Kaiser product on hand during the day if you need any extra bits and pieces.

Feel free to invite friends, for those of you who have been you will be able to guarantee your friends they will have a fun day and of course meet lots of lovely new friends.

Registrations: Rego forms will be available to download at the end of the month and these are to be returned with payment prior to the 31st August. Places will only be held for those people who have actually paid.

Again there will be three options

1. $25 Free Scrapping (Includes Dinner)

2. $30 Includes 10 sheets of printed papersof your choice.

3. $40 Things I Love About You - Kit (Boy or Girl)

AWESOME effort girls

2008-06-27T22:07:00.008+10:00

We raised over $3000 girls once i paid all the expenses. Woo hoo. What an effort. On top of all that we scrapped 90% of all those photos too which means we will be able to give the two families an album of their memories each - they can sit down together and journal about the photos. Well done - there is no way I could have done any of that without your help. I am having fun shopping for goodies for their hampers too. They will both also get another $1000 as well as their album full of wonderful layouts that you did.

There are so many people to thank but please forgive me if I forget any of you.

Thanks to:
- ALL of you who wore their PJ's and to B1 and B2 for their huge effort.
- everyone who gave of their time and made a layout one/both of the families
- Richelle, Linda, Karni and Al for helping make all those little goodie bags out of paper - never ever again...... OK probably we will but I promise it won't be 2 days before a workshop....
- Winter Family for their awesome catering and for looking after our bellies again. We all look forward to what you have prepared for us
- Barry and David for moving all the church pews - its a horrible heavy job but we could couldn't do it all without their help
- Marelle - for getting her friends to do some pages for the families even before the workshop
- Chris Millar for donating some prizes
- Raqual for her generous discounts again and again
- Karni for making some jewellry for the raffles and give a ways
- Julie for donating movie tickets for the families (thanks heaps).
- for all of you who stayed behind and helped me clean up too.

Im sure I must have missed someone and if I have Im so sorry. I wish i was feeling a bit better on the day to sit down and chat to you all a bit more but maybe next time.

Its so nice to see you all starting to mix with each other and become friends too. Our core little group of 11 has grown some what hasn't it. The money we raise for the cause is the added bonus of the day but what means more to me is to see all you guys enjoying yourselves too.

The next workshop is on the 20th September - and yes i know if Geelong makes it to the finals we may have a few people short - but you know those two big screens - well if we make it for those of you who don't go Im sure i will be able to get it put up on the screens - so hoping that doesn't deter you.

Now as for the cause - i really are going to have you trust me on this one.... The money is going to go to someone who NEEDS it and it is someone many of you know from our workshops BUT... really want to keep this a surprise so please..... don't make me say. If you really must know personally email me but bear in mind I may just wan to keep it a secret....

Anyway here is a couple of snaps of the day -

Thanks again to you all for making the day so much fun and another successful Crop for a Cause.

love

Melissa

Last Minute Preparations

2008-06-18T08:12:00.003+10:00

Hi Girls
just a quick message before Saturday - we are now well and truly BOOKED OUT - We have 88 people registered - what a hoot.
There will be lots of little extras and games.

We also have been given photos from the families and i would love to get an album finished for both famiies on the day. With 88 ladies, surely we could all do a couple of pages each. Cardstock for these will be supplied. We will have stamps and rubons available for journalling boxes and i would like to leave them blank for the families to fill in themselves.

COULD EVERYONE PLEASE BRING AT LEAST 3 PHOTOS OF THEIR FAVORITE THINGS - these will need to be cropped down to 6cm x 6cm (This is for a little surprise) so regardless of if you are doing the favourite things option for your kit - this is an little extra surprise - trust me on this one.....

ME album - if you are doing the ME album please start thinking about and gathering some photos of :, memories from your childhood, your favorite color, who inspires you, personality traits, loves, likes, dislikes, things people don't know about you, what you want to be when you grow up (if you haven't already - i know I haven't), dreams, hopes, things you would like your children to know. These are all examples of what could be in your album, there is no formulas for the pages as it is a book of YOU........ So think about what you would like to pass on to future generations.

FAVORITE THINGS: Well obviously you will need photos of your favorite things

Chandon Voucher

2008-05-02T22:01:00.004+10:00

There have been many wonderful people who have emailed me to say they are going to send product to help support this cause and I will list them all afterwards to thank you but if you are one of them and reading this - please know that I am extrememly overwhelmed and thankful you for your kindness.

Again the beautiful Raqual has given the OK to give you all vouchers for discount at Chandon Craft up until the workshop (one time use though girls- and please don't pass it onto others as I am also giving her a list of people who have paid). So once you have sent the money to me and i have received it I will pass a voucher onto you.

There is limited places so only when payment is received are those positions CONFIRMED. Thanks to everyone for letting me know of their intentions to come along though - it has helped me plan.

Think WARM and COZY - think PJ's

2008-04-27T14:13:00.010+10:00

It's going to be a Pajama party - OK not a party but close to it - and we are going to have heaps of fun and of course prizes for the "best" dressed. Was thinking of how we could make this workshop a little different and a bit more comfy and fun - so what better than letting you all stay in your PJ's for the day. Being in the middle of winter - think cozy, warm, hot chocolate.... yummmm...and being with lots of friends - that should keep us warm. Now come on girls- keep your slippers on - this will be fun. For those of you who really don't want us see you in your nighties or PJ's you can come dressed.....(and we won't hold it against you...)

Four kits to choose from. (apologies - these are just examples - I haven't finished the projects just yet but trust me you will like)

1. All about ME Kit: Many of us scrap everyone else except ourselves but who is going to tell your story... soooo you are... No one knows you better than yourself so get out from behind the camera and snap a couple of photos of yourself or hunt them out. In the meantime have a little think about the following: - Where you are right now..., Your personality, favourite things, people who have inspired you, things you love, some good advice, goals, dreams, what you are good at, basically just WHO YOU ARE..... The list could go on and on and naturally you can add pages to your album as you think of other things. (You will receive the Me album and Dbl paper collection: 2 sheets of each paper in that collection.)

2. Favourite Things. For those of you who don't want to go that deep maybe you have photos of your favorite things, people, friends, pets and just want to dedicate a little album to them then this kit is for you.
( You will receive little flip album and 1 paper collection: 4 papers)

3. Papers Please:- For those of you who just want to get some of the new papers and do your own thing (you will get 10 papers of your choice)

4. Scrap and Chat: This one has your dinner included but you just want to come along and do your own thing and catch up with your scapping and naturally chatting.

Remember you need to bring all own scrapping tools and any special little extra embellishments etc as the only products on sale are Kaisercraft. So if you know what you are doing and see something that matches - get it now.

Registrations are now open - I know some of you have given me your names - but to complete your registration and confirm position- the form downloadable on your right - NEEDS to be filled in,RETURNED TO ME and payment received as soon as possible.

Just want to leave a couple of photos with you for now. Sometimes putting a face to a name makes everything more real and these two people who we are supporting for the next Crop for A Cause as mentioned before have young families as many of us do. Being able to see them and think about if it was us in their situation brings things a lot closer to home - I know it does for me. I ask you keep these families in your prayers too.
love Lissy

The Guthrie Family
The Robinson Family

Its Time to Cherish - Workshop

2008-04-18T21:38:00.003+10:00

Before you go any further - if you haven't pressed play on the U-Tube Video (right) press it now and have a listen.....this song is so challenging...

When it comes to choosing a "Cause" for a workshop it is a really hard decision because it appears at the moment whichever way you turn there is somebody needing a helping hand. YOu only have to open a newspaper or listen to the news and it is truly heartbreaking to hear some people's stories and you can easily become overwhelmed by it all.

I couldn't decide between two families in Geelong so we are going to help out both. Both of these families have young children and have been/will be effected due to Cancer. In both situations the prognosis is not good, though we can always keep praying for a miracle.. The details of these families (both in our local community) are as below:

The Robinson Family
Brett (43) & Marie (42) Robinson of Highton. They have 4 children, Ashleigh 16, Connor 14, Billy 12 and Deklan 8. Brett was diagnosed late last year with Terminal Gastric Cancer which is in stage 4 . He also now has secondaries in his spine and ribs.

The Guthrie Family
Kim and Tim Guthrie. They have 3 children, Meg (9), Stuart (6) and Jack (2). I believe Kim is in her mid to late 30's. They live in Grovedale. The husband had not long started a new job, so hasn't accumulated any leave as such, so Kim's mother has been doing alot to help out with the children, etc, etc. Not sure the name of her cancer, but it is in her spine, pelvis, breast, lung, liver and brain. I believe she has or is having chemo & radiotherapy, but not on the spine or pelvis, as there isn't a who heap that can be done when the cancer is in your bones.

Not sure how that makes you feel when you read this but these parents are around the same age as many of us and our children. For me and some of you it would be unimaginable what these families are going through. I know for some of you others, you know exactly how they are feeling as you have been there.

I am just hoping we, TOGETHER, can stand by them, show them we care and can help them in a little way to fight this battle.

So the plan is obviously to raise as much money as we can on the day. But also are in the process of trying to get hold of photos from the families, from friends, so that we can put together a couple of albums on the day for them to get one each. We raised over $2000 at the last workshop so would love to be able to give at least $1000 , an album and a lovely hamper to each these families. Just a small token to show them that there are people out there that care about them.

Start to think about simple page layouts that we you could complete (I will bring a number of examples) but I would love to leave journalling boxes on each page that the members of the family can fill in and obviously we don't know the personal details of each photo. In the event that we don't get many photos we can still put together an album but just leave a spot with a photo matt, that the family can then add photos later.

Now along with the serious side as per always there will be lots of fun and laughs and plenty of time to do your own scrapping. Dinner again will be included in the costs as well as an awesome kit. (this though is still be decided but as per usual there will be a choice between just papers or Beyond the Page- will put the choices up later)

Date: Saturday 21st June
Time: 10am - 10pm
Where: Barrabool Hills Baptist (entry now via the new roundabout in Scenic Road)
Price: $35 - $40 depending on kit chosen
Dinner is included. BYO Nibbles and lunch to share.
plus... other little surprises throughout the day... but they're secret for now...

Papers will be supplied to make the albums - though if you want to donate towards the cost of these you may. Raffles etc will be held throughout the day again to raise extra money

100% of ALL product sold on the day will go to the cause. Again we will have Kaiser product on hand during the day if you need any extra bits and pieces.

Feel free to invite friends, for those of you who have been you will be able to guarantee your friends they will have a fun day and of course meet lots of lovely new friends.

RSVP: Please let me know if you would like to be included in this day by 15th May and payments to me prior to 31st May. I will have choices for kits up well before then.... For now I just need an indication of numbers.

If any of you have any ideas or can get product or gifts for raffles or silent auctions to be held on the day I would love to hear from you also.

Hope to see you all there and in the mean time
REMEMBER ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN LIFE and hold on tightly to the ones that matter the most....

love
Melissa

Letter - Re Vavuniya Childrens Home in Srif Lanka

2008-03-20T18:02:00.003+11:00

Hi
Just want to include this letter here for you all to read. It came addressed to me but want to share it with you as you all were a huge part of being able to raise the amount of money we did...

Dear Melissa, (and all you ladies who attended)

Thank you again for your hard work in raising money for Vavuniya Childrens Home in Sri Lanka.

As mentioned in my note to you, Pastor Kevin Hughes has just returned from a trip there. He has sent me a report of his time there. I have attached it, and thought I would give you the whole report because it’s interesting to read about the other homes and what life can be like there in Sri Lanka. I have also printed off four photos of the home at Vavuniya (one is of the well and water tower which has recently been completed).

I have told Kevin of your donation, and apart from the couple of things he mentions in the report, he has given me a more comprehensive list of specific items which he said “I do not have quotes for but I think the funds would go a long way to covering most of them”.

Shelving for the kitchen & store room
Blackboard and stand
12 chairs
Wok
CD player
Toaster
1 bicycle
sports equipment – cricket, soccer
Guitar
Maintenance – windows have to be sanded back and lacquered (need to employ someone to do this)

Fridge – approx. $500 to $600
Repairs to small motorbike used to take the kids to school – approx. $200

We really appreciate your support of the children at the home, and hope you will be happy with some (or all) of the items above being purchased for them to help fit-out the home with just some of the things we take for granted here in Australia.

Bless you

And here is part of a recent report from the Boys home in Vavuniya

BOYS HOME – VAVUNIYA
7 boys 4 staff

The children all seem very settled and look very healthy. One of the boys has severe eye problem and will need glasses. He will be taken for tests. There are some problems with the drinking water – the area is renown for high calcium content, and we are seeing what can be done to rectify this. Fruit and vegetable gardens are being established and look great. We will be investing in some chairs, white board, some extra shelving for the kitchen and some sports equipment and another bicycle. There is an obvious need for a fridge also.

The kids travel 3 kms to and from each day on the small motorbike with Ps Murali. Utimately we will have to purchase a 3 wheeler and/or van as the numbers of children increase. There are now some new regulations which we must meet prior to children being granted permission to stay at the Home – this is a frustratingly slow as there are many children in need.

Because of the military restrictions in place, no vehicles are allowed past the last major checkpoint about an hour south of the town. This requires walking quite a distance through a large checking area, presenting passports and identity cards for locals, and then cramming onto buses for the ride into town. There are two other checkpoints on the way – all passengers have to leave the bus and proceed through the area on foot and having thorough searches made of any luggage or belongings. This is quite time consuming and a little alarming for any newcomer. The same system applies on the way out. On the day before I arrived a motorbike bomb was detonated at a police checkpoint only a few minutes from the Boys Home, resulting in the deaths of two policeman and a soldier and 7 others injured.

As you can see the money we raised went a long way. I guess what we take for granted these kids have been waiting for people such as yourselves to raise some money for.

Thanks again for your generosity and I look forward to our next workshop

love

Melissa

Awesome Layouts

2008-03-10T22:17:00.003+11:00

Again ladies I just want to thank you for the awesome layouts you did on the day. I have ordered an album to put them all in and this will be given to Stephen to take over to Sri Lanka on the next visit. Wouldn't it be great to be there to see the kids faces as they go through it.
Give yourselves a huge pat on the back- you are all very inspiring and I thank you so much for the effort you all put in to complete them.
Thanks

More Photos from Sri Lanka Workshop

2008-03-10T21:29:00.008+11:00

OK I have no idea what is going wrong with my blogger but here are the other photos that I have been trying so hard to get up. Finally I think they are posted.

Sri Lanka Workshop - Wrap Up

2008-03-03T23:13:00.006+11:00

Well most of you know by now but Saturday was a HUGE success and we raised over $2000. What a hoot. You ladies are awesome. We had lots of fun scrapping and catching up with friends. After talking about dreams and how we are all full of loads of potential, attendees could make a little tag with a quote to remind us of just that. Also the ladies had the opportunity to participate in a couple of other things during the day. One being a layout competition - only requirement was to use the word DREAM. Also other ladies took advantage of the photos provided and help out making an album for the orphanage by completing a 12x12 layout. The layouts that were produced were lovely and it brought a tear to my eyes when looking at them all and just can't wait to get an album to put them in. Wouldn't I love to see the faces of those children when they go through that book.

Michelle Lugg won the "Dream" competition. There were so many beautiful entries but considering the cause for the day this layout grabbed my attention.

Well here are a few photos from the day.

Workshop Update

2008-02-23T19:43:00.002+11:00

Can you believe it - its only a week away. These workshops seem to come around quickly.
Just a quick note. I will be sending out the discount vouchers for Chandon Craft this weekend to all people who have paid. Please note this voucher is only valid for this week and not after the workshop.

In regards to the workshop next week. Please note that there is a lot of work being done around the church at the moment. The entrance to the church has changed if you haven't already noticed. Entrance is now via Scenic Road near the new roundabout. Follow that road around and you will see the new church entrance. There is also a huge amount of work happening to the front of the actual church too. You will be able to drop off your supplies etc at the front door but please make sure you then go and park you car in one of the newly created car parks out of the way. Sorry for the inconvience but trust me it will all be worth it once the building works are all finished next year.

Due to the success and the fun had by those who took past at the last workshop I will also be running a couple of little competitions of the day.
Just to give you a clue on what one is about......Think about your dreams....... (that is all Im saying). Dream big....

Im really looking forward to this workshop. Stephen Kaiser, owner of Kaisercraft will also be coming to say a little bit to us on the Orphanage that he has set up in Sri Lanka so that is something to look forward to also.

If you have any further queries, please contact me.
thanks
Melissa

Sri Lanka Workshop details - 1st March

2008-01-25T20:33:00.000+11:00

CROP FOR A CAUSE:

Next Workshop: Saturday 1st March 10am - 10pm
to be held at Barrabool Hills Baptist Church.

Dinner Included - but please BYO snacks and plate for lunch to share. Also please let me know re special dietry requirements. e.g. gluten free.

All money raised form sales on this day will go towards the running costs of the Boys orphanage in Sri Lanka that Kaiser's have set up.

Choice of three Kits:

Option 1 - $40 Ocassional Planner, (Included BTP Planner, Rhinestones, Chipboard words, Rhinestones, paper and flowers) and one rubon (this is not the friends rubon as pictured though)
Inserts will be made available on the day but only printed on white paper but downloadable below if you would like to print on colored cardstock to match the illustrated colors eg. lime or pale blue)
Downloads for Inserts for Occassional Planner
Address List http://www.box.net/shared/rdbg7lo8wk
Birthday Listing Jan-Jun http://www.box.net/shared/mz1o6s8u84
Birthday Listing Jan-Jun http://www.box.net/shared/dtpyvzcg8s
Tags for Tabs http://www.box.net/shared/bhm4hsu8wk

Option 2 - Paper pack $35
(10 pieces of printed paper of your choice
and 1 new "Seals" rubon )

Option 3 - Own Scrapping $25
Maybe you don't need anymore supplies so just come along and scrap with your own supplies. No kit will be supplied with this option but DINNER is included.

Registration forms is available for download here: http://www.box.net/shared/cv5aq6hwk4

Feel free to pass this onto friends. Lots of fun to be had catching up with old friends and making new ones. If you don't know anyone, don't worry - you soon will.

Indication of attendance would be appreciated prior to the 7th February and payment to be received at the latest by 20th February due to having to hire in tressles and organise catering.

Thanks
Melissa

Workshop Update - March 2008

2008-01-15T00:58:00.000+11:00

Just want to apologise for not having more information out yet for the next workshop.
Tentatively looking at 15th March - but cannot confirm these dates yet.
As my church - where we hold our workshops - is currently being renovated - and massive amounts of work is being done around the grounds - things are still up in the air about what we will be able to get at around thistime - so when I have more information I will pass it on. Okay - hope you all understand
love
Melissa

Workshop Wrap Up

2007-12-12T08:17:00.000+11:00

A huge thank you to all who attended our last workshop for the year. We had plum puddings and elves and angels and Mary's and even Scrooge. Im hoping you all enjoyed yourselves as much fun as I did and we raised a whopping $1100+ (still paying out some money) but getting the rest of the vouchers in the next couple of days for the hampers. They all got packed on Sunday, thanks to my girls who helped (maybe they would have been done quicker if they didn't - Ellie set up a pretend scanner and had to scan every item before the were placed into a basket) anyway we ended up with 6 FULL ones to give away. Four are going to the people I mentioned previously on our list and the others will be given to someone in need (am speaking to a lady who is organising this). Anyway thank you again for a wonderful day and supporting this cause.

Now for a reminder of the fun we had throughout the day - you all looked so gorgeous I thought I would just post up some of the photos for you.

Deb fron Chandon won the Quote layout competition and Bee won our Fancy dress, with Aggie coming second and Rachel coming 3rd - well done girls and thanks for the effort you put in with your costumes. Check out Bee celebrating with a plate full of goodies....ROFPMP

Calendar

2007-12-03T07:35:00.001+11:00

For those of you who are doing the calendar at the workshop on Saturday I have uploaded the of the MONTHS of the year for you to add to your project. I will be printing these out for you but they will be only on white paper. In case you want these printed on better quality or colored paper you can downloaded them from below and print them out on whatever color you like.

http://www.box.net/shared/5e00pca2ft

http://www.box.net/shared/szfapq37ha

Registrations Open - Adopt a Family Workshop

2007-11-12T21:45:00.000+11:00

Again a huge thank you to all you wonderful ladies for all the shoeboxes you filled and money raised at the last workshop. You know a dream of mine is one day to be able to hand those boxes out to those children - that would be so good. Anyway you guys did an AWESOME job and I can't thank you enough. Something I heard just this weekend puts so much into perspective. Do you realise that we are (living in Australia) in the top 5% richest people in the world. We really are blessed (though at times we may not feel like it) but through those boxes you filled you are going to bless a little child and probably even his family more than you will ever know. YOU have just shown someone you haven't even met that you care.... Can you imagine their little faces - it brings a tear to my eyes just thinking about it -

Anwyay before I start balling - the next workshop is only 26 days away. Can you believe that. Due to work being so busy and me being away on holidays (sorry had to go and really I did have a fantastic time) all of a sudden it is almost on top of us. Anyway I realise that this may be short notice (though I did mention the date at the last workshop) and many of you may have a busy month in December so I am trying to get in early. I so hope you have this date free.... So lets make this the best one yet.

Get your Santa hats ready - we are dressing up. Well not quite but I would love you to come along dressed inChristmas theme. Yes - FANCY DRESS What is up to you. How far you go is up to you - so for some of you that many mean the jolly red fat man suit for others just a santas hat (me angel wings - what you fink!!!!! LOL nahhhh) - but come along dressed up and get into the festive spirit. BUT - there will be a prize for the best dressed. There will be food, there will be laughter, there will be music, dancing is up to you, there will be lots of scrapping and chatting so come along and meet some new friends, catch up with some old ones and get into the real spirit of Christmas as we are going to be helping out some families in the community at the same time.
When: Saturday 8th December

Where: Barrabool Hills Community Church

Time: 9 am - 10pm

Cost: $35 (RSVP and payment to me by 25/11/07 at the latest)
Price includes: Choice of one of two kits and a fantastic Christmas Dinner. Naturally there will be other little gifts and surprises during the day but telling you will spoil the surprises.

This is not compulsory - but I will have empty baskets for hampers up the front - so if you would like to also bring along, on the day, 1 or 2 non perishable food items for something suitable for a Christmas hamper it would be greatly appreciated too.

As per usual - there will be the great company - but only if you come - the more the merrier we say. (If you can't stay for dinner - $30)

All money raised will go towards families in our community who at this time of year have different needs. Presents brought will be dependant on the amounts we raise. These are three needs that have come to my attention in the past weeks but if we raise more money than expected we may support more families too, so if this is the case I will add them to the list.

Family 1: Dad is about to loose job and has previously arranged to have Christmas at their house. There little girl is highly allergic to a number of things - therefore it would be hard to supply this family with a hamper so would love to be able to give them a lovely Coles/Myer voucher and also a voucher to take their little family to the Zoo or someplace similar.

Family 2: A local sudanese Family in the community - In this case would love to give them a HUGE Christmas hamper full of lovely Christmas goodies

Family 3: This is actually just one man. He is a paraplegic and naturally spends most of time in a wheel chair. He would love to enjoy his backyard but can't get into certain areas of it. Members of our church are going to do a front/backyard blitz on his place but thought it would be nice to give him a voucher to buy plants with.

For those of you who have never scrapped before I have a limited supply of tools so do not let that stop you from coming along - just let me know and I can arrange some things for you to borrow.

What Can We Do:
Kit 1: Many of you have mentioned to me that you just want to scrap some of the layouts, even though it feels a little slack on my behalf but that is what I have decided to do as one of the choices. I will bring copies of the all the layouts from all our paper ranges incl.(6 NEW PAPER RANGES) and you can then choose16 papers (4 collections or individual sheets) and you can scrap them anyway you like. Some of you may want to make gifts with them, others cards and others just catch up on that backlog of photos. You will need to bring your own photos and embellishments

Kit 2: Desk Calendar - You will get the Beyond the Page Desk Calendar and 8 sheets of paper(of your choice again), rings etc. Print out of calendar will be available in white (but also able to be downloaded if you would like to print it on a different color) You will need to bring your own photos (12 x 4x6") ribbons and embellishments.

As usual there will be sales of other products on the day. This is a great opportunity to start making some of those gifts you would like to give as presents - Christmas is only43 days away. (That is scary....)

So download the Registration Form (http://www.box.net/shared/8z84ascaly) and either get the money to me in cash or direct deposit into bank account below: Please please please, if you are direct depositing write you name of the description.

Name: M Kennedy
BSB: 063-551
AC: 1014 1667

Now what have I forgotten - there will be something so If you have any questions please feel free to email or phone me. Feel free to invite friends - I would love you to - the more people we have the more people we can help out. Looking forward to catching up with you all again
love
Melissa

Adopt a Family

2007-11-05T20:37:00.000+11:00

The next Crop for a Cause will be held on Saturday 8th December.
More details will come once I return from holidays but a few people have emailed me to ask about it.
Anyway it will be again 10 am - 10pm - Dinner Included. Cost will be $30 - $35 approx. Price will be dependant on whether or not we get you to bring a small gift to be included in hampers.

With money raised from the sales on the day going towards a few families whom we will be helping out this Christmas - again more details of them to follow also.

Thank you again

2007-10-07T20:43:00.000+10:00

To you all - thank you, thank you, thank you again for the beautiful flowers and card. I get a bit teary everytime I read the things you have said but please remember the workshops are only so successful and fun because of all of you.

You are so Generous - 110+ boxes FILLED !!!!

2007-10-07T00:35:00.000+10:00

Well what can I say !!!! I am totally exhausted but what a day. If you had as much fun as I did Im sure you would agree with me that it was a good day. I don't think I have laughed so much for ages. For you first timers, I hope you also enjoyed yourselves. As you saw from the set up it is a bit hard to get you all to work together at teh same pace as you are all doing different things, and there are some that just like to chat all day. wink wink. One comment I had was I don't mind if I do no scrapping I'll be back for the fun and the food. Which brings me to a few thank yous.

There is no way I would have gotten everything I did done without all you guys chipping in and helping out. Thank you so much for the girls who helped me set up on Friday and to you all for doing your own dishes after dinner and even packing away your own trestles (you have no idea how much that helps at the end of the night) - you are all trained so well....and to those who stayed behind afterwards(and hid my shoes and stole my car and then lovingly packed if for me).Thank you so much to you all for making me laugh so much that I was literally ROFLPMP.

Massive, huge, enormous (that is the size of my stomach afterwards) thank you so much to Robyn and Terry Winter and the kids for all the help and for making us again the most delicious dinner. I have received so many comments and you did such a wonderful job. We want you forever cooking for us.

Moreso I just want to thank all of you who donated shoeboxes. We received over 110 boxes - I actually stopped counting... It is such a simple way to show these kids there are people around that care and they will be so blessed to receive them. I hope you all got a kick out of putting them together too. I was totally blown away by all your generosity and looking at all the boxes quite emotional. Thank you all so much for participating in this.

To the granny brigade, thank you so much for participating and having a go even though some of you haven't ever scrapped before - what great sports. Love to see people having a go and hope you all can come next time too.

Its great to catch up all of you and I love the new friendships that are being made. I hope you all got a chance to talk to someone new also. AS mentioned before some of my bestest friends are turning out to be people I have met through scrapbooking. I have just finished reading the card that I couldn't read yesterday as I know I would have ended up a blubbering mess but thank you all for you lovely words - I'm not sure about being an 'inspiration' but I love organising these and you girls are all so much fun to be with - Ive been given so much that this is just a little way that together (not on my own) we can give some of it back to others that need it. We sung a song at church this morning and I couldn't help but think that is just how I feel.
"So blessed I can't contain it,
so much I've got to give it away
Your love has taught me to live now
You are more than enough for me"

Thanks again and I look forward to the 8th December for our last one for the year

Arrival on Saturday - Workshop

2007-10-02T22:51:00.000+10:00

If it is raining on Saturday, please feel free to drive right up to the front door and unload undercover. You then will have to shift your car the car park but at least you won't get your scrapbooking supplies wet. Lets hope it doesn't get too wet.
Also please note there are a number of road works going on around the church at the moment - please take care when driving down the road.

Door Prize - Operation Christmas Child

2007-09-23T19:41:00.000+10:00

I have decided there will be no actual raffles on the day of the workshop as you have all been so absolutely wonderful filling your boxes for the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal. Just a little reminder that the $8 also needs to be included in the box in the envelope provided. If you have misplaced your original pamphlet just put the money in a plain envelope and I will have the actual brochures available on the day - You only need to the provided envelope to fill in details to claim in on tax as donations over $2 are tax deductible. If you are wondering why $8 - it helps cover program costs also including shipping to those 3rd world countries.

Anyway as something just a little extra there will be spot prizes during the day but for all shoeboxes received you will get a door prize ticket - I know there are a number of you that are doing more than one so there will be a couple of prizes drawn throughout the day using those tickets as a thank you for your efforts.

Registrations Closed - WE ARE FULL

2007-09-21T19:40:00.001+10:00

Can you believe the workshop is only 3 weeks away. I can't...... Heeeelp I have lots of work to do.
We are full.... We have 70 people on the list. Woo hoo. How exciting. Lots and lots of little shoeboxes for the children.... Thank you all so much for your support as many of you have taken more than one box.
There will be doorprizes tickets given out for EACH shoebox received. I won't be running any raffles as such as you already have donated so much putting together your shoeboxes.

Anyway finally this Double Page spread is completed enough for you to get the drift and see what you need.

You will need to bring along a range of photos. One Large 5 x 7 inch for the Main and then lots of little photos to go into the Mini Album. I do plan on doing a demo on the day on how to put this together anyone who can't follow my "clear as mud" instructions... LOL lets hope I don't make as many mistakes as I did last w/shop.

Here it is:

The mini album looks like this - and you can add your photos to these pages. There are 6 pages and can turn over and use other side if you wish (12 sides all up) .

For any of you who ask how we put on protectors - there is a way but won't go into it now as you all probably have different types of albums.

Look forward to catching up with you all. If you haven't let me know what project you are doing it would be appreciated as soon as possible as I have to start getting products together.

Lis.

What to Bring

2007-09-21T19:37:00.001+10:00

Most of you have your own scrapping supplies - so remember to bring your basics with you and other pages or projects you are working on as what you receive in your kit won't take all day to complete - (now saying that it depends of how much scrapping vs. chatting is done)

I will keep updating the following lists when I think of something I have forgotten.

Basics Tools to bring:
Cutter/trimmer
Craft Knife and/or scissors
Cutting Matt (if you have your own) - there will a number available to share
Adhesives - for photos, ribbon, embellishments (PVC will be supplied but can recommend Pritt glue for embellishments and '450' for ribbon adhesive.) Its your choice when it comes to your photos as some like tape runners others like mounting tape.
Corner Rounder
Ruler

Embellishments:
Ribbons
Buttons
Metal Embellishments (not necessary - only if you require them)

Other
Nibblies if you want
A plate of food to share for lunch.

DINNER IS SUPPLIED and included in cost.

Operation Christmas Child Workshop

2007-09-21T19:36:00.001+10:00

The following projects are what you will have a choice from. As yet I haven't completed what the children will do. As for you bigger kids the choices are from what follows.

1. Hanging Christmas Tree
For those of you who weren't at our Christmas crop last year - the hanging tree is back so you haven't missed out. Please note the paper included in the kit though will be different to last years at it will be using some of the new Kaiser Christmas Paper. Like last year you will need to bring your own ribbons and metal embellishements to decorate your tree.

Please note: this is project is not listed on the Registration Form as it was a last minute inclusion. If you would like to do this please write on form.

2. Countdown to Christmas
This gorgeous little tree will keep you reminded of how many days left there are until Christmas.

Included in kit: the tree, hooks, wooden rectangles, flourish star, paper and rhinestones and rubons.
You will need to supply your own buttons and ribbons.

Also the numbers used in the example were printed on Bazzill. These will not be included in the kit but can be downloaded by clicking on this file. This will enable you to print them yourself. http://www.box.net/shared/ellg69qju2

3. Tabbed Christmas Journal
This is just the place to keep all those little bits and pieces you want to remember about Christmas.

From Wish Lists, Letters to Santas, Christmas card records, even your favorite Christmas pudding recipes, what better place to keep these things all together than in this gorgeous little keepsake. You could even fill in with photos of christmas' past and give to someone as a gift.

Again you will need to bring your own ribbons, buttons and any metal embellishments you may want to decorate it with but the rest will be supplied.

4. Double Page Christmas Layout AND Mini album (on second page)

This will be a double page layout but I haven't finished the double page spread as yet but the second page incudes a matching mini album that folds out and you can include other Christtmas photos in. I will up date this photo as soon as layouts complete. I can assure you it is really cute........ You will get everything you need to complete this double page layout in kit.