Live Big. That was on a pin attached to my welcome pack in our room for Autumn Escape. Live Big. A button from Big Picture Classes. I thought it was extremely appropriate as I’ve been living big for a few months now. Planning, packing and making everything about my classes for Autumn Escape BIG.
(BTW this photo does not include the boxes of class kits that I took with me. This is all the product from Nic and Lucy).
It’s just what I do and it has become the mantra of Autumn Escape for me. Creating the WOW factor!! I think we do it well. I did hear a couple of WOW’s from a few of the ladies as they entered the room for the apron class. This year is the last year we are doing an apron so we had to make it extra special. I think we did.
Toadstool pincushions, handmade fabric flower pins, scissors with velvet strawberries and Prima Vintage Trinkets … yep WOW!!
I don’t even know how to put into words how much I enjoy Autumn Escape every year. Three years running Nic and Lucy create something more spectacular than the last. The sponsors are always generous and this year we made sure that they know how much they are appreciated. Some of the girls made cards that were on display throughout the event to sign. You can see a full list of the sponsor’s here. I made the one for Prima
and the one for Fancy Pants Designs
Fancy Pants Designs were a major sponsor of my layout class - Fancy That. Thanks so much Fancy Pants we love you!!!!
My Mini Album class was so much fun to teach and I loved looking at all the old books that were brought along to alter. If you are looking for extra binders Janet Hopkins has some in her etsy store. You can find them here.
I hit the ground running when I came back from Autumn Escape. I had three days to get a number of deadlines complete and then pack for a waterskiing / wakeboarding holiday (our last of the season) over Easter. Yes I’m still running, more deadlines. This week our nieces are down from Auckland for a few days over the school holidays. I hope to charge the camera battery and get some great photos of all the girls. I have my fingers crossed that this rain stops long enough for that to happen.
Before I left for Autumn Escape I had the best of intentions to do a blog post and a giveaway. I kept back a fabric flower, a toadstool pincushion and a velvet strawberry scissor kit. Since that didn’t happen before Autumn Escape I am offering it up now. Just comment on this post to be in to win a little pack of handmade goodies. I’ll make a random draw next Monday 2nd of May.
xxx
It was my first year at Autumn escape this year and I hope to be back next year. Had such a great time. Thanks to You, Nic and Lucy and the other tutors for all your hard work. Loved your Fancy that class. Learnt heaps of new techniques.
Posted by: Judith | April 27, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Wow that's alot of boxes! Looks like you had an amazing time, and as always your work is beautiful.
Posted by: Jayne Taylor | April 27, 2011 at 02:27 PM
Im so coming to Autumn Escape next year - love the thanks you cards and your layout and those toadstools are to die for
Posted by: Dallas | April 27, 2011 at 03:32 PM
It certainly was a WOW weekend. Lots of fun, laughter & beautiful classes you created, Hope you enjoyed your relaxing time after being soooo busy. :-)
Posted by: Carol Argyle | April 27, 2011 at 04:45 PM
Had the best time at my first AE. Ventured down on my own and had a ball. Loved my 5 classes, all were WOW, including Fancy That. Loved looking at the ladies aprons, pure delight. Still cannot believe a lady did 100 LO's. Great to see you again Rachel :)
Posted by: Teryl McKenzie | April 27, 2011 at 07:38 PM
So sorry I couldn't make AE this year - loved it last year especially all your little extras (ie pin cushions) and details. Your altered books look gorgeous - hope I might get the chance to do that class of yours in the future. Your thank you cards are gorgeous. Enjoy the rest of the holidays.
Posted by: Dianne H | April 27, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Was a little sad that I wasn't part of the 'AE' crew this year - last year's one went all too fast. I too enjoyed all the extra little treats that you put into your classes - they make it so much more special. You are a sweetie! Becks x PS: You'll have to email me a pic of what your finished apron looks like!!!
Posted by: Beck C | April 28, 2011 at 04:03 PM
That is a lot of boxes!!! AE looks awesome and will have to go on the list of 'retreats I want to attend'.
Posted by: Kim Lietze | April 28, 2011 at 06:53 PM
I love that page of your daughter, awesome! PS: I'm Beck's Mum :)
Posted by: Rosie | April 28, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Looks like I seriously missed out ... wish I could have been there ... you certainly know how to do the WOW factor extremely well!
Posted by: Beverley | April 28, 2011 at 10:21 PM
I'm another one that missed out on the real life 'WOW' factor ... might have to go on my 'to do list' as well ...
Flowers, toadstools and pin cushions - sounds like a Tim Holtz configurations box in the making!
Posted by: Mrs Frizz | April 30, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Sounds just so wonderful. Your creations are always soooo beautiful. Adore that little wee toadstool. Hope you can have some quiet time now. :)
Posted by: Sally | May 01, 2011 at 07:06 AM
Wow ... your creations always look so awesome!
Posted by: Lianne | May 01, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Your classes were just gorgous. I especially loved the binder you made from the book. So so clever! I would love to win the handmade goodies. I really wanted to get the strawberry pin cushion, but just didn't quite get it in the budget!!
Posted by: Megan Renfree | May 02, 2011 at 02:10 PM
Tracey and I missed you - we were heartbroken we couldn't make it to Autumn Escape this year BUT we will be coming in 2012 - can't wait.
Posted by: Jane | May 02, 2011 at 11:37 PM
Gorgeous projects as always, dying to see your apron...♥
Posted by: Sophia Allison | May 03, 2011 at 11:39 PM