Thursday, June 25, 2015

escape2create mini retreat 2015



more details (how to register, when to register, dates, price etc) released in a month or so. Stay tuned.

Location : Trinity Haven - near Tumby Bay, South Australia.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

e2c 2015

It's hard to believe that so much time has whizzed by and our retreat is now just a memory. How the heck does that happen!?

We were so blessed to have our wonderful 4 teachers - Leanne Allinson, Fiona Paltridge, Kim Price and Chantalle McDaniel this year. We had been in communication with these ladies from around May last year so both Meredith and myself felt like we had known them *forever* by the time we welcomed them off the plane. And they were just as fantastic IRL as they were in their emails. Within minutes of arriving to our retreat location they were pitching in, asking for any jobs and fitting in like they had always been a part of e2c. We loved that.

Chantalle McDaniel, Fiona Paltridge, Kim Price, Meredith Treloar, Amanda Hall and Leanne Allinson

Our decorations i think were probably my favourites from any year we had ever had... which is kind of nice considering that we had a lot of headache trying to think up something different, something new, not too pricey and incorporating the triangles and the gold. Luckily we had some wonderful helpers to do this and before long the boring old 'shed' was magically transformed into a golden glow of balloons.
before set up

during set up - photo by Sandra Wallace
Thursday passed in a blur - setup and then out for tea with our teachers and shop keepers as we do every year - and all of a sudden it seemed to be 2pm on Friday and there were people lining up to get in the door. We were possibly the most organised and relaxed that we had ever been this year which was so lovely - i think probably the hour later start time helped with that.

our wonderful shop keepers (minus Ally) - photo Sandra Wallace
The best part of the retreat (and believe me it's tricky to pick the best BEST bit) is when everyone first comes in the shed. The noise level explodes and there are squeals of delight and sometimes even some tears of joy (i am not exaggerating!) It's so fulfilling to hear everyone enjoying the experience after so much anticipation and all our work getting everything just right.



the lolly table
personalised mugs by Petch Printing

After everyone settled in and we ate our first deluxe meal by Tony and the team (my goodness that man excelled this year!), we had the fun of Crystal and her Photo Booth. This was a great success and we were thrilled it was supported so well and Crystal was run off her little feet for the entire time we had hired her. Some of the photos are absolute doozies!






A late night was had by a few that evening as we settled into the pace of the weekend and were perhaps a bit too excited to sleep when there was socialising and scrapping to do. I know personally i just loved our little table so much - and the funny conversations that we had that i am still giggling on the inside- that most nights i felt sad when one by one they moved off to bed. Dramatic i know, but i enjoy those girls and their company so much.




Saturday dawned and we were off! Our first class by Fiona Paltridge. And WHAT a great class it was too. A little challenging for some of us cleaner scrappers ( a lot of eek moments for me) but when it all came together in the end there were peals of oohs and ahhs from around the shed. It looked incredible.

After lunch we had Leanne Allinson's class which then challenged those messier, mixed media types (haha!) but the simple scrappers had a field day, whipping up clean pages and trimming like a boss. Just a fantastic class and i enjoyed every single minute of it. It felt so liberating to cut and stick without thinking too much, without stressing about placement and balance. It just flowed. And ohmylordy those products... LOVE.

On Saturday we had our prize table, thanks to many donations that e2c had received. It was wonderful to see so many varied prizes on that table, and everyone who's lucky number was called was grateful to pick from such abundance.

our helpers, chauffeurs and bed buddy coordinators - Trish and Sandra

Sunday morning we had the wildly talented Kim Price. Her backgrounds have been wowing me for years now, and i've tied myself in knots wondering how she does it. How mind-blowing it was to see her create it in real life, right in front of my eyes and the whole technique be so simple!? I know everyone loved their pops of yellow on their page and it was wonderful to see so many pages look so incredibly different.

Our last teacher to step up to the plate was Chantalle McDaniel. Wow what a pocket rocket this woman is! He page was incredibly detailed in parts, and seeing it come to being with a few fancy folds and a bit of washi was so cool. Being a Heidi Swapp lover i just adored this whole kit - especially the set of stamps that every class kit got. So very lucky. Chantalle's puffy stickers were a very clever little process too!


The rest of the time really was free scrap time and boy did it fly by. As Sunday merged into Monday i felt like yelling out 'STOP THE CLOCK' which was ironic as the previous week seemed to drag by. It doesn't seem fair that you can plan for something for so long and then blink and it is gone by. Done. Finished. I always feel like standing up and calling out  'DONT PACK UP YET' when everyone starts to make that final move. (Luckily i restrain myself from all yelling out to avoid looking like a totally nut job)

And then just like that - it's over.

I think that feeling in the shed is something that i love. It's 80 odd women creating and being inspired by others in the shed, which is pretty special in itself but it's more than that. We are ALL pleased to be there. We seemed to be just DELIGHTING in the fact that we were there. It's a rare thing to be able to sit and laugh / eat / scrap / socialise without added pressures of life. Without thinking about the washing, or the kids, other commitments, or our jobs, putting out the garbage or what to cook for tea. Which sounds a bit like a 1950s housewife but for many of us mums and wives - that is what our lives are about. We lose a bit of who we are in all of that busy-ness, day to day living.

And here's the kicker - we get to do this whole lot of nothing for 4 whole days. Four. Whole. Days. What bliss.

My opinion is that the special feeling in the shed is us getting OURSELVES back a little bit. Time for us. Mental health for mums, workers, wives, carers and granmas.

And that is what makes the whole thing worth it to me.




Thursday, March 12, 2015

e2c 2015 newsletter

Hello e2c attendees- 

Not too long now until we see you again.. we can hardly wait and hope you are starting to get yourselves organised. We thought we would drop a few lines to you to go over a few points. 

Apologies to those who have attended e2c before and have seen our reminders, but we encourage everyone to please take a few minutes and go over the info in case anything has changed or altered in any way. 

Every year we tweak and change a few things in the way e2c is run and would hate anyone to disregard important info. 

For those who are newbies to the whole e2c experience - please also read carefully, but be aware that our retreat is incredibly laid back, friendly and we know you will have an amazing time. 

Some points to remember  :

CLASSES
  • there will only be one screen for a powerpoint 'step by step' type presentation.
  • sorry but there will NOT be individual printouts of the steps.
  • wifi is not available at the venue... you will need to have your own access to the internet. If you don't have internet access on your iPad / tablet you may be able to hotspot your phone. 
  • the QR reader app i have used with success is this one : It is free from the app shop. It will need the internet to work and direct you to the class instructions. The code to scan will be given prior to the class while at the retreat.
  • codes to only be used by those who have paid for the classes. Class organisation takes time, effort and considerable costs and we appreciate those who understand and pay for the privilege of being taught by some of the best in Australia.
  • if you are unfamiliar with how QR readers work you can practise with the QR reader at home before the retreat. Any QR code will give you a result and it should direct you and open a web page.
  •  If you do not have a device to look at the instructions online DO NOT DESPAIR. As said above there is one screen with the instruction projected on, or you can share a device with someone else and we will also have the teachers circulating discussing the step by steps walking us through the whole process in person.
If you haven't already sorted out your class requirements, time is running out! Please check here for details on what you need to bring. 

Being organised for the classes is very important (maybe a ziplock bag for each class) before the retreat and we would also ask for quieter, respectful chatter during the classes due to the number of people who will be trying hard to hear each and every detail the teachers have to offer.

The classes and workshops are scheduled as following (at this stage)

Saturday morning - Fiona Paltridge's class
Saturday afternoon - Leanne Allinson’s class
Sunday morning - Kim Price's class
Sunday afternoon - Chantalle McDaniel's class

Other times will be free scrap time!


E2C PROVIDES FOR YOU TO BORROW :

  • computer and printer for journaling (no photos please). Please supply your own paper or card stock.
  • sewing machines with some coloured cottons
  • cuttlebug
  • punches
  • blender for drink preparation
  • typewriter
OTHER REMINDERS :

  • Remember that you do not have the table space to bring EVERYTHING! With 80 ladies attending we are sure that there will be plenty of items that can be borrowed. Our local ladies are very generous and certainly don't mind sharing.
  • Please pack a navy t-shirt (or black if you have an e2c collection!) for your t-shirt transfer and group photo. An e2c logo transfer will be given to each attendee in 2015.
  • A photo booth will be in operation again over the weekend. If you wish to participate there will be a one off, small cost.
  • Our e2c masseuse, Mandy has confirmed that she is able to attend this year and will be bringing a team to pamper you with manicures, pedicures (both with shellac), facials, and massages. There may also be sessions for energy reiki sharing and guidance readings from manawellbeing.com. They will be available for bookings over the weekend at an extra cost. Prices will be passed on to you as soon as we know more. The booking sheet will be circulating on Friday
  • You will need to BYO esky and ice for your own BYO drinks (alcoholic or non). If you are a traveller, there will be plenty of local eskies that you may share. You will also need to bring your own wine glass / cocktail glass / cocktail ingredients. A blender or two will be available to use. There will be an extra special esky space for them all which is near to the scrap space.
  • Tea and coffee facilities will be available all day, evening and until the wee hours. A scrummy afternoon tea will also be supplied on the Friday afternoon (around 3.30pm)
  • A small selection of nibbles will also be available during the retreat. If you have particular eating desires or needs, please bring them along yourself.
  • Don’t forget to pack a bath towel, bedding and toiletries.
  • Thank you very much to those bedding buddies who have volunteered to bring extra supplies to our travellers. If you are unsure about what to bring or who you are paired with please contact Sandra - sandy5.5@hotmail.com
  • If you need airport pickup and transfer to the retreat on Friday also please contact Sandra - sandy5.5@hotmail.com Please note there is no transfers to the airport on the Monday. Taxi’s will be available at your own cost.
  • There are 4, 6 or 8 beds per room, in bunk configuration. As previously emailed to you, bedding (and seating) has again been allocated at your requests in 2015. We have tried very hard with both seating and sleeping arrangements to please everyone. If you are a light sleeper we recommend bringing ear plugs or other tools to enable you get a good night’s sleep despite shared (and possibly noisy) accommodation.
  • Arrival time is from 2pm on Friday the 20th. ABSOLUTELY NO EARLY ARRIVALS PLEASE.
  • The retreat will end around 4pm on Monday. This is to ensure we have enough time to finalise retailer accounts, give us time to clean the rooms and remove ourselves.
  • any items that you bring to the retreat and have in the shed or bedrooms are your own responsibility. In the past we have spent CONSIDERABLE time finding lost or misplaced property. Please keep track of your own items. Lost, misplaced, or broken items are not the responsibility of e2c.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING :

  • excessive amounts of stash. Please be fair to all attending. Space is at a premium.
  • blow heaters or fans
  • extension cords, power boards or electrical devices for the main shed. Phones can be charged in your rooms.
  • extra furniture, desks, trestle tables, card tables. Raskog trolleys are fine!

PLEASE BRING :

  • enthusiasm and smile
  • mojo, desire to learn something new and make new friends.
  • lots and lots of photos to scrap and projects to keep you busy for all of your days at the retreat. Take much more that you think you could ever scrap and hopefully some mojo magic happens and your creativity will go berserk!

Wishing you all safe travels and we hope to see you all very very soon.

Meredith and Amanda

Monday, February 16, 2015

A few notes about cancelling.

We have had a few enquiries lately about cancelling attendance at e2c and what it involves.

  •  You will be refunded all the cost to attend - except the $80 which is non refundable. HOWEVER if notice is given extremely late, and we are not able to fill your spot, NO REFUND will be given.

  •  Depending on timing (if it has been ordered and printed), you are able to receive your own e2c personalised mug. You may need to pay for postage if it needs to be sent via mail.

  •  Our class kits are reserved for attendees of e2c. If you have paid for the classes, you will be refunded 100% of this cost. IF there are left over kits after the retreat (rare) you may have the opportunity to re-purchase.



We always feel sad that someone cannot attend, however to be fair on those on our wait list the sooner notice is given the better and we appreciate those who let us know in good time.

Thank you to those who understand that there is quite a bit of behind the scenes juggling to do with any cancellation, another reason why we appreciate those who contact us as soon as there may be issues.

With less than 5 weeks until the big weekend it feels like it will be here before we know it!



Tuesday, December 30, 2014

e2c 2015 chauffeur service - airport pickup

Sandra Wallace and Trish Stevens have volunteered to coordinate this very valuable service to e2c in 2015. It has certainly been appreciated in the past, and although the airport is not far from our retreat accommodation, it's one less thing to worry about  on arrival.

There were many comments of loving the friendly faces greeting them at the airport and certainly adds to the 'country hospitality' feel of our retreat. Thanks Sandra and Trish.

Here's a message from them: 

For those of you flying in.. The friendly e2c Chauffeur Service will be available again in 2015. 
Available from (very) early Friday morning.
If you would like to be picked up from the airport please send your name, flight and arrival time to 


sandy5.5@hotmail.com



 Please note that there is strictly NO ADMITTANCE to the e2c shed PRIOR to the arranged 'opening times', however luggage may be dropped off with the accompaniment of Trish and Sandra.

e2c 2015 bedding - can you help?

As in previous years, e2c is offering to organise bedding for those who are flying in to lessen the luggage load. Many thanks to Sandra Wallace who has volunteered to coordinate this big job. What a champion!

(for those who are newbies to e2c, our accommodation requires all linen to be BYO)

Of course we can only do this with the amazing, country hospitality and generosity of our local girls.

Here is a message from Sandra: 

Hello!! 
BEDDING! 
Local girls .. Can you help out again?
For the 2015 retreat we have a lot of retreat goers flying in and baggage restrictions is always a BIG problem .. And we can help these girls by providing them with bedding and towels . Since last years Bedding Buddy system worked so well and those travelling in appreciated it so much , I thought I might help by organising it again for the 2015 retreat . 
Here is how it works 
I ask local girls to please supply bedding, which will include:
A quilt or blankets
Pillow and pillowcase.
Sheets
Bath Towel
And a
Plastic bag to put the dirty linen in at the end of the retreat.
Each local will be buddied with someone flying in
If you could supply more than one set of linen that would be awesome!
So if you can help please email me (see address below) with your name and also how many sets you are able to supply.
Let's wow the travellers again with our country hospitality again girls 
Thanks in advance. 



and a message to those flying in :

FOR THOSE OF YOU FLYING IN ... 
We will be having a bedding buddy system happening at the 2015 retreat ... 
This is where some local girls help you out with baggage restrictions by providing you with bedding and a towel for the weekend ( leaving more room for your scrap supplies  ) 




If you are flying in and need bedding or a local who can bring extra linen supplies please contact Sandra on : 
sandy5.5@hotmail.com


Saturday, September 6, 2014

Some more details about Escape2Create 2015 ...


For new scrappers interested in attending ...

For those newbies wondering why registration is a big deal. We only have space at our accommodation for a set number of scrapbookers. In the first few years we had to beg people to attend- i think we may have had 40 or so come along… over time and reputation, the numbers crept up until about three years ago when we reached 80 and felt we were at absolute capacity. I can hear people wondering "why not hold it somewhere else where there is room for everyone who wants to come?". We live rurally and hold the retreat in our nearby local 'city' which is still pretty small. There are no other accommodation options locally that would hold that many, have the space and freedom that we currently do. Plus holding the retreat where we do is what helps us keep our e2c costs down. Many have said that e2c would lose 'something' if we went to the more expensive venue or moved the whole shebang to Adelaide. We love how friendly and 'country-fied' our retreat is, and it is most definitely an ego free zone. We want to keep that special feeling. While limiting numbers is incredibly frustrating (for attendees and for us) hopefully you can understand why it is so.

The wait list...

The registration emails received tomorrow are processed in a strict 'time in inbox' method. We have always taken pride in our fair system. Once our spots get filled, and there are no seats left, your name will be placed on the 'wait list'.

While many despair at not getting the initial congratulation 'you are in' email, in the past we have worked through our wait lists as time goes by and other commitments crop up. Last year we had someone fill a vacancy one night before the actual retreat date and we had NO ONE LEFT ON OUR WAIT LIST. Everyone who had sent a registration email in had a chance to attend.
So if you get a 'oh no' email - please don't feel like it's the end of the world. There are always cancellations and there is EVERY chance your name will come up and you will get the opportunity to come along too.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

information about proxy registrations


With the e2c registration day only a few sleeps away i thought it would be a good idea to discuss our 'proxy' rules.

If you don't need to proxy - don't.


We developed this idea for people who may not have internet access, if they are at work or have other commitments at the time of registration. It was NOT for people thinking that they are doubling their chances of getting a spot. In fact it's quite the opposite.

The past few years there has been a lot of 'doubling' up of registrations ie. Jasmine emails her registration in and also has Shirley as a proxy. Shirley sends in her own registration and has Cindy as a proxy. Cindy sends her own email in.

As you can see it can get quite convoluted. The whole thing is time consuming for us trying to process everyone fairly and also completely pointless. It clogs the e2c inbox up, is frustrating to sort through and does not increase your chance of getting through in time at all.


If there is a need - please use it… but we need names and email addresses.


For those who do need to use the proxy rule, please only ask one person to do it for you. 
The person that submits your proxy will need your name, postal and email address to include on the initial registration email. The proxy registration will be null and void without this info.


We are trying to be fair to everyone.


We understand how coveted the seats are at e2c. We get that. We totally do.

 Please rest assured that we have a strict 'first in, first served' policy and hold great importance to truth, fairness, and the integrity of our system. With only 80 spots up for grabs and such a high demand, plus 7 years of retreat planning under our belt we believe we have a great registration process which gives everyone an equal opportunity to attend.


Good luck!