Living my dream

National Scrapbook day - Frank Garcia DT blog hop with PRIMA

Welcome to my blog and the Frank Garcia International Scrapbooking Day Blog Hop! We have some surprises in store for you in this hop! Along the hop, we're featuring some of our favorite Frank Garcia projects from the design team and right here I have some of my own favourites from a recent scrapbook cruise where I was teaching some lovely classes with Franks designs.

We also have a giveaway up for grabs! To take part and be in to win, simply follow along on each blog, leave a comment and/or follow each of the fabulous designers to be entered to win! There may even be additional give aways on the designers blogs.... like right here.

Prima - www.prima.typepad.com
Frank Garcia - www.frankgarciastudio.com/new-blog-1/
Trina McClune - www.trinamcclune.typepad.com
Lisa Novogrodski - www.lisas-livingincolor.blogspot.com
Delaina Burns - www.delainas.blogspot.com
Cari Fennell - www.meandmymaryjanes.blogspot.com
Beatriz Jennings - www.iralamija.blogspot.com
Jennifer Snyder - www.scrap-escape.blogspot.com
Lisa Gregory - www.what-a-beautiful-mess.blogspot.com
Prima - www.prima.typepad.com

So you should have arrived here via Frank's blog. My name is Trina and I've been addicted to this crazy hobby of ours... scrapbooking for many years now. 

I love to use lots of patterned papers, beautiful flowers, texture paste, stencils and well, let's be honest, anything pretty!

Recently I've been on a cruise from Sydney, Australia to Noumea in the South Pacific where I taught several scrapbook classes with Franks beautiful products. Here's a wee look at a couple of items that I taught.....

First a few simple tags....

After creating the tags, we used one of them as the base for a single layout. Tales of You and Me was perfect for these projects.

The tag opened up meaning you can put a photo inside, on the front of the tag, or even down in the right hand corner. 

As a bonus, I also threw in some extra teeny tags instructions that could be used as gift cards for some presents...

Alongside this, I also created a 'from scratch' mini album using Franks French Riviera Collection and some packaging for the front. Take a look.....

I adored the little charms I found which matched our cruise perfectly.

Making this album on the cruise meant all the attendees could go home, print their photos and put them straight in. And the sea side theme of Franks collection worked perfectly for this!

With plenty of pockets, and hidden journaling spots and fun interactive pages to add extra photos/journaling and/or ephemera.

There were 20 pages plus covers in this class so everyone was kept very busy! But everyone also got most if not all of their pages done. WTG ladies!!!

So if you'd like to be in for a chance to win, please leave me a message below and come back to check the winner in a few days. I'll be giving away some of Franks beautiful products so you can have a play yourself.

Please don't forget to hop along to the next person's blog to see what they've been creating with Franks lovely collections. You'll be heading off to Lisa Novogrodski next. Just click on her name and it should take you right there. 

Have a fabulous day all. Happy scrapping!

SENZ class release

Yippeeeee! After months of ordering product and designing classes, SENZ details were released to VIP customers yesterday.

Tomorrow (Wed May 20th) the day pass holders will get details, and on Friday 22nd May classes will be released to the wider public.

If you are wanting to become a VIP or get some day passes, then just head on over to the SENZ site to sign up....

In the past I've sold my classes through Create and haven't undergone the tension associated with a release.

Waiting for the email to go out, then for people to look over all the classes, visit websites to get more information and to then see the orders start coming in.

In the past, I've got my information to Fiona, then forgotten about it. Not so yesterday.

As always with such a subjective industry, this type of time is fraught with insecurity. Have I created something good enough? Will people like what I've done? Will they like me? LOL!

It's crazy! After so many years of being in the 'business' it's still such an uncertain time highlighted by actually being able to see the orders arrive in my inbox.

I have to constantly remind myself I do this because I love it. Because I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge, my love of scrapbooking, or ideas that could help with future projects, with people. And really being liked or 'wanted' doesn't come into it.

But isn't it funny how insecure/silly we can get?! Jeez!

So, just wanted to do a quick post about SENZ, show you a little insight into how I cope (or not), about my little part in it, my excitement and nervousness and insecurity and joy and and and to remind you that it's on and you can take a look at all the work we tutors (and there are some GREAT tutors!) have done over the past weeks and months to bring you some amazing classes that you will LOVE!

And just cause I can, here's a couple of sneak peeks.... for now I can't tell you what or when they are on, you'll have to wait for the release you are aligned with, but I can tell you, they are going to be so much fun.

I can't wait to see you in class!

 

 

Formalising things. Kits, teaching, want to know more?

Hi. For anyone growing with my scrapbook journey over the years. You'll have seen me start scrapping in a very simple way. Eventually learning what style I love and then seeing it grow from a hobby into a small business. Teaching. Running scrapbook events. Selling kits.

I have grown so much over the years and have even more to share as this year I sell kits on a regular basis and have a stand at SENZ also selling kits.

On top of this, I continue to teach and am looking forward to some wonderful events coming up in the next 6-12 months. Including a fabulous cruise next year. I hope you can join me at one or more of these events!

As part of this, I've rebranded and will be adding a website under my new name "Trina McClune Designs" or TMD for short.

Over the next little while you can also watch out for a new facebook craft page and a regular newsletter which will tell you what I'm up to and what kits I'm releasing.

It's going to take me a bit to set everything up, and what a fun time I'm going to have following through on this extended journey. But in the meantime, I'd love to include you in my newsletter. To do this, just flick me an email with the subject "Newsletter" and I'll add your email address to my database and thus the newsletter which will come out at regular intervals telling you what kits I have for sale, when/where I'll be teaching and of course if there are any events like SENZ where I'll be selling my kits.

Just up the top of this page to the right hand side is a link to my email. Click on that and you're half way there (I've since been advised my link only works with outlook. If you have another programme apart from outlook, just copy and paste the link there).

I can't wait to hear from you.

 

Prima Art Venture Anaheim 2015

At the beginning of January, I was lucky enough to be in Anaheim, USA to teach for Prima at their biggest event. Art Venture Anaheim.

It was held at the Hilton, just next to the Anaheim Convention Centre which is where CHA is held. It made it really simple for all of us Scrapaholics to do both!

When I got there, I had a wee holiday first with some friends (must do a post on that! We had so much fun!), and so it was quite surreal to walk in after a day of fun and see the announcement board with details of the Prima event on it. 

You know that feeling when you know something's happening, but then you SEE it and it all becomes so much more real? That was this for me. Although to be honest,  it happened a number of times over the event! LOL!

Another one of those times was when I went downstairs to help set up and Denny pulled out the huge posters to show people what room each teacher was in.

Uh huh! That's little ole me on that there poster! I had to bring it home with me. It's going in my scrapbook room! And that's a story for another day!

And yes, we had a lot to set up and prepare for. I was lucky to have my friends help me later in the day.

Lucky for two reasons. One, we got finished so much quicker and two, they kept me laughing! Check this out!

There are just rows and rows of boxes! I think there was something like 150+ students at the event, and we had to repack the kits for each one of them.

I know we like to keep all the nitty gritty behind the scenes, but so much work goes into an event like this I thought it would be nice to see some of that!

And this is just what happens right before. Months before you're creating classes and writing instructions. Mine were 10 pages long!

Uh huh! Lots of tips and tricks as part of what I do.

Aren't the boxes delish?!

And yes, I did do some work too.... in my old smelly work out clothes.

I like to set up each class so it looks inviting and pretty. Welcoming my students.

Who spots one of my hand made goodie/prize bags? I love to give things away. So when I have stock left over, I put it aside, then when I have classes coming up, I make a bag, decorate it and do a prize draw in class.

And we all know what a prize draw in class means right? Oh yeah! Lots of shouting and whooping and clapping and fun! As usual when I teach somewhere new everyone was wondering what all the noise was about. Making it all the more fun when they finally joined the class and learnt the secret!

I also like to treat my students with home baking or when I'm overseas, NZ lollies/candy/chocolate.

So once the classroom was set up, it was time to teach. I created my projects with lots of little tips in mind. The idea being that people here in NZ/Aussie like to get a lot of layouts done in one class. Plus I was trying to give the students a point of difference, in that I knew no one else was doing layouts.  Due to the time frame, it made each individual layout quite 'simple', but you get a lot done in a short time and more importantly, you get lots and lots and lots of tips to help you as you continue to create.

This class was not planned as a big indepth project. But as lots of little bits to have fun with. 

This was by far my favourite layout. I loved how I used a stencil, glue and beads to create an amazing pattern across the page.

This one was all about design placement. Groups of items, design triangles etc.

This one was great in learning how to get more from your paper stash.

And this one was a bonus because I didn't think three layouts was enough! Gotta love a freebie.

Of course no event is complete without the people. Here's a few photos of the 'people'...

The organizer extraordinare...from Prima. Denny!

My friends Michelle and Pip with me.....

And checking in at registration....

During class.....

 

This clever lady on the right was worried about her language skills so brought an interpreter along to help out. I think we have another scrapbooking convert!

Lovely ladies.

This group of amazing ladies, traveled from all over the globe to meet at Art Venture and have some wonderful times together. Just LOVE it!

The very last class of the event. This is the 'brown' group (each group was a colour). I have to confess I was a little worried about the last class of the event. We'd all been working so hard, that I wasn't sure how it would go. People were tired! But we had a WONDERFUL class. We had many laughs and while I don't think we got a lot of the class done, it was fun and the learning continued.

And that was my event. It was a lot of fun and I met some wonderful people. Thanks everyone for making it so much fun!  I'm so pleased to have been given this opportunity. And hope that one day I will get a chance to go back and teach again.

 

A christmas card class

A few months ago I met a lovely lady who asked if I would come and teach at her craft groups meeting. I was thrilled to accept and went along. 6 months later, this has become a regular outing.

Every couple of months teaching an amazing group of ladies who are fun and keen and willing to try new and old ideas. We have made cards and tags so far but this time around, coming up to Christmas we did Christmas cards. And for the first time in what feels like forever I used product other than Prima. Teresa Collins has the most amazing glittery gold Christmas range and I just couldn't go past it for something extra special.

Let's take a look at the cards

The first card was an exploding box. I have seen these designs around for years, but have never made one myself. I thought it would be a great way to show how you can do something extra special as a card, or even make it into a mini album or similar for another reason.

Inside I created a cascading series of glitter balls. So so so much fun!

and attached the sentiment to the front of them.

In the layers was room for some photos, journaling, or more embellishments.

I particularly liked the lid with the stamped images and little christmas tree charm...

The next card was so sweet, it's a screen card. And is super easy to make. Just use a Stampin' Up tag punch to create the ornamental 'legs' of a screen.

 Inside, we created a 3D version of  a Xmas tree....

For this I used an Impression Obsession Xmas tree die (for more examples of IO dies and stamps take a look at their blog), I cut 3 of the ornamental version. One of the solid base, then glued it all together for this cute little embellishment.

The deer are also from IO. They are so cute! I just adore them!

The next card was a shaker card. I first learnt to make these when I first started scrapbooking. That would be around 11 years ago. Wow! This year I've made a few more of them. They are just so much fun and actually quite easy to make.

That cut out 'Seasons Greetings' was also from IO. Gosh, they make some beautiful dies!

And of course, the roses are guess who....Prima! Of course!

The last card is pretty quick and easy. I die cut all the letters and it was just a matter of scoring and gluing the rest together.

Again, like the others, this card is quite simple, but it's all about showing an idea and then you can grow your own embellishing from there.

Cute huh?!

I do have some spare bits of paper lying around that I could make up some extra kits (including all the die cuts etc) if anyone would like some. Just flick me a message via email: [email protected]

And that's it for now. Have a wonderful day!

Classes in Wellington - a review

So my time in Wellington has come and gone. Just like that. Isn't it funny how time just marches right on. I used to know someone who never used to worry about exams. He would say, but it's just time. They'll come and they'll go. Interesting way to think about it. Anyway.....

Here's a look at the classes we completed...

Cards:

A step card.

And the ladies favourite card of the day....

We made a shadowbox for this card and put some beautiful shiny sequins inside. They were sooooo pretty!

We also did a layout class. The idea was to complete two layouts in class, and take away product to complete the third...

We did a ton of fussy cutting, die cutting, working with texture paste and the papers. Making them work for us, not the other way around.

And finally I did my first Project Life Class. It was great fun. Lots of different techniques and ideas on how to build layers in your PL styled album, without all the bulk of flowers (that I normally use). We used stamps, punches, embossing powder, tags, transparencies, etc

It was a fabulous day of teaching with a great group of ladies! And I have some tips for bringing extra things to use for next time (if there is a next time) right Trina M?  

Thanks to everyone who made the day so much fun. Who took time out of their busy lives to arrange and organise everything and especially to those who came along! You guys rock!

Just one of the work stations we had around the hall.

Card class bring list

I'm sure Jodi has already sent this to you, but as a back up, here is the 'bring list' needed for Saturdays card class at Scrapaholics.

Standard scrapbook kit
Scissors/craft knife for fussy cutting
Corner rounder (if you have one, it will make life a lot easier!) I will bring 2-3.
Foam tape
Good adhesive, recommendation is Helmar 450 quick dry.
Scoring tool / Scoring blade
Distressing tool (optional)

In case you'd forgotten what cards we're going to be making, here's another look....

Looking forward to seeing you there.... Sat 23rd Aug, 1.30pm.

Classes at Scrapaholics - join me on the 23rd

Did you know I'll be teaching at Scrapaholics next weekend?

That's right! August 23rd I'll be at Scrapaholics teaching not only scrapbooking, but cupcake decorating techniques too.

So here's the run down....

10am is the first class "Fondant Flowers". We're going to be making roses, daisies, and lilies. Working with fondant is really easy and alot of fun, we'll be looking at how to make the flowers you love to see on cakes and cupcakes around the internet. You'll be amazed at how easy it is. Just get in touch with Scrapaholics to book in.

1.30pm is a card class called "Elegent Cards". Its a fun filled class with lots and lots and lots of different techniques involved. Everything from die cutting to layering, to folding and scoring....it's a 2.5-3 hour class and you will have a kit filled with product and colour instructions to complete 4 beautiful cards. Plus of course me there to guide you along the way as we work through each card.

I taught this class to a private group recently and they loved it. The cards are such that you go away with ideas to use over and over again....

The product I've used in the photos above is of course from the beautiful Prima Stationers Desk. And while we will be using this product, there may be a few other collections thrown in for good measure.

This is likely to be my last teaching 'gig' in Auckland this year. With so much happening on the moving / building front and not knowing what the rental will look like for my creative space I just don't know what the next few months brings.

So if you're coming along, I will look forward to seeing you there!

A new card class

This weekend past, I had the pleasure of teaching a group of friends in a private setting. It was wonderful. A few of the women hadn't done any kind of card making, so it meant a very quick learning curve, but I was sooooo proud of what they achieved. 

Plus, I had a jolly good time! It is a lovely group, and I'm looking forward to going back again in September with some new ideas....

I decided as I didn't know many of the group to use the beautiful Stationers Desk range of papers to create our cards. I thought that this range has a lovely vintage look to it which most people love.

Here's a look at what we made.....

Card number 1 -  a tall card with lots of folds to give extra space to write in

Card number 2 - simple on the outside......

Special on the inside...

I brought the die to make the pop up bits from Artfull Crafts at SENZ a couple of weekends ago. I just knew I'd make good use of it. I know you can cut your own pop up bits, but this die really does make it so easy. 

Don't ya  just love the chooks?! What a wonderful die that I brought a looooong time ago and finally used! Some people used the chooks, others ducks, pigs, or a mixture. The cards looked amazing!

Card 3 - A good ole box card

I LOVE these cards. They are sooooo easy to make, yet look incredibly special. 

Card 4 - an easel card

This was probably the most simple of the cards, yet again, looks really special because of the way it's put together and stands up. Easel cards are just delightful.

Most people got through three cards and had everything done for the fourth card to just be put together. 

It was a fabulous day and I thank my new friend Denise for asking me to come and teach! 

SENZ A review by Trina

Well, this time last week I was getting ready to take part in some last final classes with Limor. They were put together at the last minute and were aimed at showing people what they could do with sprays & stamps, basically a quick induction into mixed media. I loved it. Learnt lots and am so pleased Limor and I could work together on these mini classes. 

The ladies loved it too. For $25 you got to take away a bottle of spray and the tags you made, and there were 3-4 in 45mins! A great answer for learning quickly. 

It was lovely to hang out with Limor. A real treat as we did some tourist things before SENZ and then shared a wall during SENZ so had a bit of fun banter between the classes. Grin.

The rest of SENZ went in a whirl for me. I set up mostly on Thursday evening, then popped in early on Friday morning and had help from Trina and Liz to set up the remainder (thank you so much ladies!!!). It was full on from there. 6 Prima classes over the Friday and Sat. We had so much fun!

I had a wonderful room to work in. Big, warm (sometimes too warm, sometimes too cold!), with storage behind those big curtains. 

In each class we had two tables set up (sometimes three) just for all the techniques we worked on. Painting, stencils, texture paste, die cutting, punching. So many opportunities to learn new things.

This year the class rooms were open, so people wandering past could see what was going on. At first I was a little intimidated by this, but think it was a wonderful way for people to see what was going on as they meandered between classes.

My 3in1 class was once again a huge success. I had full classes for both sessions I taught it. And boy did everyone work hard! It was always a hard ask with these particular layouts to get them all done, but it was fabulous to have so many things to do to get them finished and try something new out.

And yep, there was lots of my work on display, both in the classroom, around the walls and downstairs in the Create Booth.

I have been tragic at taking group shots of classes lately, but did get this fabulous one over the weekend.

And as for SENZ shopping..... what can I say?

 

These two shots show SENZ as you come down the escalator from the Cake display / cafe area.

So many amazing shops for everyone to drool over.....

Liz - Artfull Crafts

Jodi - Scrapaholics

Lowri (and her washi wall) - Papervine

Jo - Imagine If

 

Tanya Leigh designs had a stall as part of the Scrapaholics booth. Well worth a look at! Beautiful items.

And of course the Create booth as manned by Suz!

Of course there were so many more amazing wonderful stalls than this and the cake area had a huge impact on SENZ this year. Lots of amazing stalls and cakes. Some of them defying gravity!

Would love to hear what you thought about the event - being at a new venue was a little bit new to all of us, and there were a few teething problems, like the lighting, but the feedback from people in my classes was that they loved it.

And as always I did too. Was wonderful to meet up with friends old and new.

Thanks to those who took my classes. I couldn't do it without you and I appreciate the faith you put in me when you choose one of my classes! Thank you.

Trina.

PS: here is the link to the recipe for the fabulous Oaty Ginger Crunch you all got in class.

 

 

Live with Prima - a Mini album - Giveaway

Hi. Today on Live with Prima I'll be making this gorgeous mini album from Julie Nuttings tag pad...

....and the stunning SeaShore collection. I love this collection as it can be used for all those fun beach times, or with the blues/greens, a fabulous masculine theme.

We'll make the album from scratch, including a couple of pocket pages, and a great fold out page for extra photos/journaling.

I'll be making the album live, but if you miss it, you can see the video anytime in the Live with Prima Archives.

At the end of the show, I'll give away the album I've created to one lucky commenter here. Internationals welcome to enter.

See you soon!

**SOLD OUT** Kits for sale from Brisbane "3in1" with an option.....

I've found them! I have just a few of my "3in1" class ready for sale and would love to share them with you here in NZ, or overseas.

I know that one of the layouts in this kit has been in another class I taught in Timaru. So what I've done is created another layout using the same product that was used in the original layout. So you get one kit, with products for 3 layouts yet 4 sets of instructions so you get to choose out of two layouts for the last layout you create....... 

Here are the two layouts that have not been taught in NZ....

and 

(Just quietly, I LOVE that layout above. So simple, but really effective. Looks nothing like it does in real life, here).

Ok, and the next two layouts, you choose which one you want to create and then let me know (if you want to do the circular one I'll need to punch the paper for you).

and the new one....

Unfortunately the lighting is shocking today, but I hope you get a good idea of what it will look like once finished.

To complete the layouts, you will need a stencil and some modeling paste (or please ask and I will do for you). Die cuts and punches will be done for you. Templates if necessary will be included in the kit.

To confirm, the kit has enough product for 3 layouts, one of which can be chosen when you purchase so I can punch the paper (or not). And will have instructions for 4 layouts (so you could create 4 layouts with leftovers/your own paper too!

Kit cost is $50 plus P&P - South Island $8.50 and North Island $7.50. International please ask and I will confirm. I'm happy to add other kits into a package for no extra cost in postage, so please feel free to get a couple of friends together and ship together.

So please flick me an email (click on the link above right), and I'll get your kit out to you asap. 

Trina.

The Brisbane Scrapbook and Papercraft Expo wrap up

Wow! I can't believe it's over. Things like this always go way too fast right?! You prepare for months, organising, negotiating, buying product, creating classes and kits, writing instructions, teaching, meeting amazing people, having fun and then it's all over. I have to admit I'm feeling more than a little sad today! 

It was a fabulous event and very well organised. The event organisers were more than helpful in giving me details of my classroom and getting the extra tables etc that I needed. There were tons of amazing shops! Oh my goodness! I needed time to shop! And the range of classes and tutors was fantastic!

I decided while there I would do a little video to give you an even better insight into what it's all about. Movement always makes things more real right? Yeah! So take a look at this.....

 

PS: Oh yeah! Love my exageration.... billions of tutors! LOL! Anyway, here's another look at things too......

All classes were the same size and around the outside of the show. They had walls between them, but no back and no roof. It meant that things could get quite noisy. Grin. Oh yeah! You kiwi ladies know how I love to give out prizes, and you can't do that without a bit of a whooohooo! Well, we had them whooohoooing all over the place. And as each new set of participants came through, and we did the whoohoooing, they would say....'so YOU'RE the one making all this noise!' LOL. Of course the other classes soon caught on and it was fabulous!

The classes were capped at 20 and I had full classes Sat/Sun and Monday was pretty good too. Over the weekend I taught more than 150 students. Over 9 classes. Wowzers! No wonder I'm feeling a little tired today. Grin.

I felt going over, incredibly lucky and spoilt to be asked to teach here and coming home the feeling is the same. I had a ton of people asking me if I'd be going back. The short answer is I don't know. Yes, I'd love to, so here's hoping! If you enjoyed my classes or would like a chance to take one of my classes in the future, get in touch with the 'powers that be' at Scrapbook and Papercraft expo and let them know you'd like me back.

In class we did a ton of different techniques. Lots of stencil use, texture paste, punches, some die cutting and gesso use. And of course my trademark fussy cutting amongst other things. 

As you see in the video above, there is a fabulous display of tutors work as you walk in the main door. Each tutor getting a place to showcase their work. I LOVED going around looking at all the detail. All the little bits and pieces. All the love put into each persons work. Just amazing.

There was also a display of the Australian card makers winners from this year. I was so proud to see a couple of wonderful kiwis work there.... Miss Betsy Clark and Michelle Frisby...

And even more spooky, meeting up with one of my uncles and Dad's friends, Paul. An amazing story....

Paul is very good friends with Andrew and Sophie the owners of Scrapmatts. And when I went in on Saturday morning to set up and teach, Andrew said I've got someone who wants to meet you. I turn around and Paul is standing there. I'm thinking who do I know in Brisbane? And he asks me if I'm 'Don's daughter'. Why yes! It turns out he and Dad became good friends while Dad was over looking after his brother who was dying. Paul and my uncle were good friends and as my uncle got sicker Dad and Paul got to know each other and help each other through those difficult times. I then got to meet Paul in NZ when he and some other friends of my uncles came across to the ash scattering ceremony here in NZ. Talk about a small world!

I was already feeling incredibly looked after by the team at Scrapmatts. I knew Angela Peardon and Sonia Thomason (we were on a DT together many years ago!) and met the rest of the team there. I have to say how incredibly nice they all are! If you are after some chipboard..... you know where to go now..... Scrapmatts! They treated me as part of their scrapbooking family, and I got to hang out with the ladies and team and Tracey Fowler even helped when I got stuck in class. Thank you so much all of you!

You know those times when you just feel like you connect with someone? Well, that's how I felt with these guys. After breakfast yesterday morning, leaving them I felt really sad. But the good news is I did bring some of their gorgeous chipboard back with me, so keep an eye out for it being shown here in the future!

Here's a pic of Sophie and I.

One thing I realise now is that I didn't take many photos while I was away. I got to meet so many people! But hardly any photographic evidence! Nevermind.

So that's about it. A fabulous fun weekend. Just across the ditch! For those thinking of going next year, don't think too hard. It's well worth it!

I do have a couple of spare kits left over, so will put them up in the next couple of days in case anyone would like to buy them.

Have a wonderful Wed all!

Creative Adventure Downunder - some photos

This time last weekend, we were all having a blast at the 70's inspired fun night! Isn't it amazing how time just keeps moving along?!

So Creative Adventure Downunder (CAD) was a fabulous weekend and I thought I'd share a few pictures from my camera. I have more on my phone, but hmmmm decided to leave them there for the moment. The one of me poking out my tongue while Joey (from Bazill) was being very professional is a particular favourite. Not. LOL!

Let's start with this amazing cake that was made from a couple of attendees... Isn't is just brilliant?! It was made and shared with everyone. Looks fabulous!

Dinner from Friday night. Alot of people in their 70's gear! Just check out these two special lads!

Or what about the Abbaettes?!

So much fun had by all..... perhaps a bit too much fun?

Oh yeah. Check out those flares I found?! I can see lots more fun adventures with Miss Michelle and Miss Pip in the future! 

I got to meet the coolest people. Many of whom I haven't met before. And the international tutors were incredible! So down to earth and genuine people. It was great!

However I felt so 'not worthy' standing beside these amazing women.....And then me. Eeeek! 

The lovely owners from G45.

And my classes.....

Friday night....

I felt so sorry for this class. I was so sick!

But Saturday morning I was back to myself and that was good as we had another full on class...

CAD is quite different to other events held here in NZ. You pay for the weekend and take every class. This way you are taking class after class all in a row and get a TON of projects done. The crop time is on Saturday night. The rest of the time is class time. Fun!!!!

 Here's a close look at my layouts taught in class...

I don't know if there are any left, but if you're interested, then get in touch with Jodi at Scrapaholics. She may have some????

Next year CAD will be on again (and I even hear rumours about Fiji????!!!), as will Autumn Escape, now owned and operated by Jodi and Michele. If you're interested, make sure you book in. So much fun!

 

SENZ classes that I'll be taking.....

Classes are released for VIP holders at SENZ 2014 today (later this week for 3 day pass holders and single day holders) and as usual there will be a TON of amazing scrapbook classes (and cake decorating etc) ready for you to take. This year the line up of teachers is better than ever with great artists from all over NZ and even Canada. I will be there for I think my 5th or 6th SENZ? Here's a look at what I'll be teaching......

 

Terrific Tags Double Class

Terrific Tags Part one

Have you wanted to create your own embellishments but aren’t sure where to start?
You’d love to make the most of Prima’s gorgeous new product range? Then let’s do that!

In Trina’s typical layered, textured, detailed style, you’ll create 4 beautiful tags to be used as embellishments on future projects….. One of which will be used in Terrific Tags part 2……. This class involves stenciling (yes, there is a full 12x12 Prima stencil for you to keep!), die cutting, chipboard, liquid pearls, inking, stamping, fussy cutting, using packaging as well as including Julie Nutting’s Prima tags as the base of your tags. This class is a great chance to try tons of different techniques in a relaxed and fun atmosphere…..especially knowing that there is more to come in part two……

You can look forward to using Prima’s stunning “Something Blue” Collection. Spellbinders dies. Prima flowers and stamps.

No photos necessary in part 1.

Terrific Tags part two

Using your favourite tag from Terrific Tags part 1 as your inspiration, you’ll create a stunning single layout around your handmade embellishment from Prima’s new “Something Blue” collection.

Building from the base, up through to your photo, you will learn about using paper as another embellishment through the use of punches and fussy cutting.

Prima’s “Something Blue” is a very romantic, shabby chic styled product range, and Trina doesn’t disappoint in the way it is used. This is a very pretty layout, particularly for the special girl in your life (perhaps even yourself?!).

Texture paste, stencil work, flowers, punches, fussy cutting, flowers, bakers twine, flair buttons and more flowers will be the main focus of this sweet layout.

Terrific Tags Bring to class:

Your standard tool kit plus: brown ink, scissors, craft knife, foam tape, liquid glue with a long nozzle (Helmar 450 or Glossy Accents),

Optional: corner rounder, large hole punch, acrylic block, wire cutter, awl (sharp pointy tool), water pen, favourite border punch (named). Liquid Pearls Petal Pink and Platinum Pearl (bringing your own will help you get through class quicker, but Trina will have shared tools to use as well).

Photos:

2 photos that can be cut down to 3x4cm & 4x5cm portrait

 

"3in1"

3in1

In today’s busy world, there is never enough time, yet always so many photos (haven’t the amount of photos we take, grown so much now they’re all digital?!). So why not make the most of your time at SENZ and complete three layouts in one class?

Trina’s 3in1 classes are famous throughout NZ, and the world. Pulling together the best products and ideas to come up with 3 layouts in one class means you get to walk away with a flurry of layouts. Plus enough product left over to keep creating when you get home.

The 3 layouts in this class are newly designed and feature 3 different design techniques meaning you get to go away with layouts that look totally different to each other, but still able to be put into an album on opposing pages so they ‘match’. Plus their design basis will give you plenty of inspiration to keep you creating your own projects at home.

The class features Prima’s gorgeous Cartographer collection which can be used for either masculine or feminine themes. Some of the other new Prima products you’ll be using in class are Prima’s lace stickers, tiny tags, resin angels, resin clocks plus one of their brand new stencils.

The class is fast paced, but filled with fabulous tips and techniques that will have you inspired to keep creating once you’ve finished.

3in1 Bring to class:

Your standard tool kit plus: Foam tape, Liquid Glue, Distressing tool, Brown ink (I used Prima chalk ink Rusty Bucket).

Optional items: Liquid Pearls Buttercup colour, 2” circle punch, corner rounder (bringing your own will help you get through class quicker, but Trina will have shared tools to use as well).

Photo/s:

1x 5x7” Sepia coloured landscape photo
1x 6x4” landscape photo (I’ve used a bright coloured photo)
2-3 photos that can be punched into 2” circles.

 

 

Texture Throughout

Texture Throughout

Building texture and dimension into a layout isn’t always easy, Trina knows. She started off creating very simple flat layouts when she first started to scrapbook, but over time and finding gorgeous product to work with from around the home as well as from her favourite manufacturers she developed a love of texture in her work.

In this brand new class, Trina shares this love with you. Creating a single layout, building from the base up to the photo, delving into what layers to put where, what fits best on top of what, building subtle layers and not so subtle layers, adding dimension with ink, and how to use items from home while still enjoying the latest “Princess” collection from Prima.

You will finish with a beautiful layout ready for your album or perhaps even a frame?!

Products used in Texture Throughout include paper, muslin, cardboard, stencils, texture paste, doilies, punches, cabochons, metal trinkets, flair buttons and more.

Texture Throughout Bring to class:

Your standard tool kit plus: Liquid glue, craft knife, brown ink, foam tape

Photo/s:

1 6x4” landscape photo

 

 

Trina's Fabulous Prima Frame

In the last product release from Prima, they introduced brand new metal frames, which can be altered and decorated to showcase a special photo or quote. Trina has procured one of her favourites (a lovely tall piece) to share in this special class.

Another new release is Prima’s fabulous new Colour Bloom Sprays. They are easy to use, give fabulous colour, can be used on just about anything and above all…. look pretty!

Trina is very excited to be showcasing both of these brand new products in this class!

Using the wonderful new ‘Stationers Desk’ range, matching the metal frame you are using, you will create a unique piece of art to keep or giveaway to someone special.

Winding vines around the base, creating  leaves, fussy cutting roses, hiding angels, layering flowers, and colouring Prima’s new flower ribbon, are all parts of what you’ll experience when building this “OTP” (Off the page) piece for your home.

Products used in this class include, Primas new metal frames (worth approx. $40), paper galore! Flowers galore, Primas fabulous vines and crystals, resin angels, chipboard pieces, and the fabulous new Colour Bloom sprays!

Trina’s Fabulous Frame Bring to class:

Your standard tool kit plus: Foam tape (TONS!), dark grey/black ink (I used Prima’s old road chalk ink), Helmar 450 & Glossy accents, craft knife/scissors

Optional: Water Pen, Awl (sharp pointy tool)… (bringing your own will help you get through class quicker, but Trina will have shared tools to use as well).

Photo/s:

1 x 2.5x2.5”
OR a quote to fill the same sort of size.

Photo/quote can easily be added to this project after class. 

 Looking forward to seeing you there!