Newcastle Fundraiser

We are doing it again!!!!

2012-02-09T20:26:00.000+11:00

we are back and doing it all again

this year our fundraiser will be held on sunday 4 August 2012 at Edgeworth Bowling Club

we will be starting a 9am and finishing at 9pm......12 straght hours of scrapbooking, chatting, laughing and enjoying time with great friends.

this year we have a facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/236401473106529/ so pop over and check out whats happening and leave us a comment

THANK YOU

2011-02-20T11:20:00.000+11:00

THANK YOU ladies for a wonderful day

The money has been counted and the official amount raised for Child Wise was $2046.75. Thank you everyone for all your support.
I would like to thank a few people for their amazing effort to make the day possible:

Firstly a HUGE thank you to Melody from The Body Shop @ Home for working ALL day at The Beauty Bar and raising a massive $275.........I can not thank you enough Mel for all your hard work and generosity.

If you love Body Shop products (and seriously who doesn't?) then contact Melody on 0410668105 and book a party. Melody has told me that she will donate $30 to Child Wise for every party booked from the fundraiser, so make sure you tell Melody that you meet her at the fundraiser.

Secondly I would like to thank Michelle from Scrapbook Divas for doing a wonderful job with the shop again this year. If you enjoyed our fundraiser crop why not join us each month for a casual crop day @ Edgeworth Bowling Club? visit Michelle's website www.scrapbookdivas.com.au and sign up for the newsletter so you know when all the crop days are.....we would love to see you there.

Thirdly thanks to the ladies at Embelles for there amazing generosity in donating so many great prizes. Check out the girls blog here and see what they are up to......they always have something amazing happening http://embellees.blogspot.com/
finally i would like to thank my amazing helpers:

thanks Nat for helping us with the lolly bar and also running a very successful make and take

thank you to Reg for helping with everything and listening to me when it all became to much and i needed to whinge like a 2 year old

seriously she did work hard.....LOL
also a big thank you to Lauren for helping out with ticket sales and drawing the raffles and a big thank you to my mum for helping us get set up early in the morning.

Thanks again ladies for another successful day.

Keep checking our blog to find out when we will be back doing it all over again

Mandy

I am bursting with excitment

2011-02-05T10:27:00.001+11:00

Hi Ladies

the planning and preparation is now in full swing. Regina and I spent the day together planning and preparing yesterday and we have a fun surprise for you all but you will have to wait till the day to learn more

The lovely Natalie will be doing a make and take on the day for a gold coin donation. Nat will be teaching us all how to make those wonderful hat pins that seem to be popping up on projects everywhere at the moment. I for one will be first in line to take part. Thanks Nat for your time to make this happen

Yesterday i received a wonderful email from Miss Lizzy at Embellies. The girls at Embellies are donating seats in some of their up coming workshops this year for us to raffle. How amazingly generous is that? To see what the Embellies girls are up to go here http://embellees.blogspot.com/

This year we are going to try something new and exciting. We are going to have a Beauty Bar available on the day. The totally AWESOME Melody from The Body Shop @ Home will be doing mini facials for just $10 each, she will also be doing hand massage, soak, cleanse exfoliate and moisture massage (using something that soaks in well so that you can go straight back scrapping also for just $10. Now here is where it gets even more amazing, every cent raised from the Beauty Bar goes straight to Child Wise AND if you take part in a mini facial or hand massage you go in the draw to win an awesome Body Shop prize!!!

Michelle at Scrapbook Divas tell me she has some awesome prizes to donate and she will reveal all very soon

don't forget ladies payment is due before the day and can be done so by going here http://www.mycause.com.au/mycause/raise_money/fundraise.php?id=18069

looking forward to see you all in two very short weeks

Mandy

so much is happening right now

2011-01-29T10:14:00.000+11:00

Hi Ladies

this time in 3 weeks we will all be at Edgeworth Bowling Club, scrapping up a storm!!!!

there is so much happening behind the scenes at the moment, wish i could share more with you but i still have a few loose ends to tie up first
this is a hint for just one of the surprises i am planning

The lovely Natalie is working on a fun make and take which i am very excited about and I for one will be taking part in this. Hope to be able to reveal more very soon

The very generous Melody from The Body @ Home (yes that's right The Body Shop has party plan!!!!) has some very exciting ideas for us to help raise some money but most of all for you to spoil YOURSELF!!!! will be back in a day or two with the details.

I would like to thank all the ladies who have paid their $20 entry fee, it is so exciting to see our little counter going up and up and getting closer to our target of $1500.
The ladies who have not yet paid I would ask that you could make payment by 10.2.11. Payment can be made by going here http://www.mycause.com.au/mycause/raise_money/fundraise.php?id=18069
I currently have a waiting list so if you are unable to attend anymore please let me know so your seat can be given to someone on the wait list

Looking forward to seeing you all in three short weeks

Mandy

update

2011-01-20T10:49:00.000+11:00

well its not long now and i have to say i am very nervous and excited all at the same time

i just wanted to mention some very kind ladies who are helping out by making donations towards our raffles on the day. Alex is wanting to donate some stamp sets and you can learn more about Alex and the stamps by going here http://www.ippitywithalex.blogspot.com/ Thank you Alex :)

The Body Shop has been wonderful by agreeing to donate some baskets of goodness, who doesn't love body shop products??

And do not forget about Michelle at Scrapbook Divas who is coming back this year to be our shop...thank you Michelle for your continued support, you can find Michelle's website by going here www.scrapbookdivas.com.au

I have been asked a few times if we are having classes at this event and sadly the answer is NO. Our usual wonderful teachers deserve a day where they can come and scrap and enjoy the day along with the rest of us. I am planning on holding yet another Crop day later in the year and my fingers are crossed that the lovely Jen and Marion will teach classes at this event for us

Well it's back to planning for me right now, i hope to be back soon with some exciting news

5 weeks and 3 days

2011-01-05T18:50:00.000+11:00

Hi Ladies

not long now till the crop day, only 5 weeks and 3 days to go.....wholly cow!!!!!!

I only have 10 seats left, so you best get in quickly if you have not yet booked. Please email me to check if there are seats available before making payments via the My Cause website.

Those ladies who have booked, if you could please make payment here http://www.mycause.com.au/mycause/raise_money/fundraise.php?id=18069 also email me so i can check you off the list as having paid

looking forward to seeing you all in a just a few short weeks

updates

2010-12-28T10:08:00.000+11:00

hi ladies

hope you all had a great Christmas and now have the time to scrap all those photos you took on Christmas Day.

I have a some news about the big day which is not that far away....ahhhhhh!!!!

Seats are filling fast, we have the room more than half full already, so if you or your friends are thinking about joining us at Edgeworth Bowling Club on 19.2.11 you had better get in quick so as not to miss out. Numbers are limited.

Michelle from Scrapbook Divas is coming back as our shop. You should head on over to www.scrapbookdivas.com.au as Michelle has a big sale on at the moment, lots of great bargains to be found
Thanks Michelle for once again supporting our fundraising efforts

The Body Shop has pledged to donate 3 gift baskets for our raffles...how exciting cause who doesn't like The Body Shop??? In recent months i have become addicted to a few of The Body Shop products.
If you are interested in looking at what The Body Shop has in store the 2 Newcastle stores are located at Kotara and Charlestown. If you are anything like me you will not be able to leave the store empty handed.
Thank you to The Body Shop for their generous support.

this year will be receiving payments online, yes that's right no need to go out and get a cheque made out and then find the time to post it off to me. If you go here http://www.mycause.com.au/mycause/raise_money/fundraise.php?id=18069 you can pay your $20 entry fee. when you make the payment i ask you leave your name in the comments and the amount of people you will be paying for. If you could also email me to say payment has been made. How easy is that? Payments can be made anytime.

I will be back soon with more updates

Mandy

A little bit about Child Wise

2010-11-27T07:34:00.000+11:00

Child Wise is Australia’s leading international child protection charity committed to the prevention and reduction of sexual abuse and exploitation of children around the world. Child Wise was established in 1993 and is the only Australian based organisation committed to strengthening the capacity of individuals, communities, and governments to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. Child Wise’s primary focus is to prevent abuse before it happens. Our programs are child-focused, award-winning and informed by a fundamental belief that children have a right to physical and psychological safety. Child sexual abuse is a global problem that knows no borders. Child Wise works in Australia, Asia and the Pacific delivering programs to prevent such abuses against children

within the first 24 hours i have taken 25 bookings, so if you are thinking of joining us on the day i would suggest you getting in quickly and book as seats are limited

details:
where: Edgeworth Bowling Club
when: Saturday 19.2.2011
time: 9am till 9pm
cost: $20 (the whole amount goes to Child Wise)

looking forward to seeing everyone again :)

We are at it again

2010-11-25T18:12:00.000+11:00

Hi Ladies

well we are at it again, our next fundraiser will be on 19th Feb 2011......YES its only 3 months away

This time we will be raising money for Child Wise

bookings are open NOW!!! so email me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com to book your spot and arrange payment.

I will be back soon with more details about Child Wise and the big day

looking forward to seeing you all there

Mandy

$2505.00

2010-08-22T12:27:00.000+10:00

the final count is in and we raised $2505.00
we are so happy with the the total raised and The Hunter River Community School as just blown away by everyone's generosity.
THANK YOU to all the ladies who attended yesterday and purchased raffle tickets and took part in all our competitions
THANK YOU to all the companies who donated prizes and allowed us to raise all this money.

Hayley - the winner of the Jenerations Photography package - congrats Hayley

Stacey - the winner of Marion's beautiful creation -Congrats Stacey

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR AN AMAZING DAY

one more sleep

2010-08-20T07:36:00.000+10:00

OMG!!!!! we have just one more sleep.........yes i have gone into panic mode and yes I am stressed I will run out of time to get it all done......lol

Regina and I spent all day yesterday wrapping prizes for the raffles and competitions and we are just amazed at how much stuff has been donated.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! to everyone one who has donated prizes and there time to help us raise money for Hunter River Community School. We are blown away by your generosity.

speaking of being blown away, Michelle from Scrapbook Divas (www.scrapbookdivas.com.au) has donated a PINK cuttlebug as the major prize in our last raffle. THANK YOU Michelle

this is it from me until I see you all at the fundraiser tomorrow.

Do not forget to:

Vote

make you name tag for the competition

dig out your learning/education photos for the layout competition

book in for any classes you might like to do, there are not a great deal of seats left in the class so i would recommend booking .

see you all tomorrow

another update

2010-08-15T11:47:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies

only 6 more sleeps and I have officially hit panic mode.

lots of exciting things happening around her at the moment, the donations just keep rolling in.

Jen Hall has donated a $100 photography voucher for our raffle and we have something very special in store for this one......more details on the day
but in the mean time here is a sneak peak at some of Jens beautiful work

If you would like to see more of Jens work visit her blog (link in the side bar) or you can find her on Facebook by searching for Jenerations Photography

the cutest little parcel arrive the other day from Kittyrobot, it is wrapped so beautifully that I do not want to unwrap it......so its contents are going to be a wonderful surprise for Us and the winner

I drop by Scrappy Chic yesterday at Shop 3/24 Main Rd Boolaroo and Louise was very generous with her donations, 3 kits and 2 vouchers to go shopping in her store!!!!

Liz from Embellies contacted me the other day and not only are they hosting a make and take on the day (full details will be revealed on the day) they are also donating 2 seats on their upcoming workshops (x3) for the raffle, pop over here http://embellees.blogspot.com/ to see the amazing work these ladies are doing with their workshops

has everyone got their learning/education photos ready for the LO comp? we are really looking forward to seeing all your photos and then seeing the finished LO's

do not forget to make your name tags, there just might be a prize for the best name tag

also ladies do not forget to vote, there is a polling booth just a short walk from Edgeworth Bowling Club so if you need to make and absentee vote please see me and I will point you in the directions of the polling booth

Do not forget to check out the details in the last post for classes we will be holding on the day

well that's it from me for now......I am off to tackle my HUGE to do list ready for next Saturday

class up dates

2010-08-14T08:41:00.000+10:00

hi ladies

well i am back again with some updates on the classes

if you are taking Marion's class it will run from 11am-1pm

the cost of the kit is $12.00

EXTRA SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE LAYOUT:

Dictionary Page: Tear a page from an old dictionary to suit the theme of your layout eg: I have used the page with sports on it. These can be picked up really cheap at the supermarket
Circle Template: 7” Circle. If you do not have anything suitable i am sure someone will be more than willing to share with you
Embroidery Thread: Black and a Sewing Needle
Adhesive: Foam Mounting Tape
Ink: Blue
PHOTOS: 2 ½” x 3 ½” Colour Portrait (3)

if you are taking Jens class it will run from 2.30pm till 4.30pm

please see below in past posts for the sneak peaks of the other 2 LO's

the cost of the kit is $22.00

Photos:
Layout One - two 6x4 in landscape orientation
Layout Two - one 5x7 on landscape orientation
Layout Three - one 5x7 in landscape orientation
Also need:
black journaling pen, trimmer, scissors, double sided tape and foam tape, optional - ink.

if you have booked into a class and not yet paid your $12 class fee can we please ask that you pay for your classes on arrival.
The kits will be available on the day from The Scrapbook Divas shop who will be there

if you have not yet booked into a class but would love to take part please email me newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com as numbers are limited to just 18 ladies per class

I would like to thank Jen and Marion for their time and generosity. With out these ladies the classes would not be possible. It is so amazing that they donate their time and class fees to help us raise the money for Hunter River Community School

update

2010-08-10T11:02:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies

not long now, only 11 more sleeps.

please do not forget to read all the old posts below, especially the ones about the great classes we have on offer. We have a handful of spots left in each class so get in quick if you would like to take part.

Donations are starting to role in thick and fast, Kaisercraft have pledged to send a kit from one of their new ranges....how exciting!!!! I just love the new stuff coming out from Kaisercraft at the moment.
Aussie Scrap Source have donated a WRMK faux leather 4 ring binder album.....WOW!! I have a few of these albums and they are great.
Here is a sneak peak of some of the donations sent to us from Maxine's Melange

Yes you read correctly, this is just SOME of the prizes donated by Maxine, she has been extremely generous to us. Check out her website www.maxinesmelange.com she has so many great kits.

Julie and Emma at Scrap Needs have donated $100 in vouchers, this is so great, who doesn't like to go shopping for scrap supplies? why not drop in and say Hi to Julie and Emma at their store in the main street of Cardiff, they have everything you might need for scrapbooking or card making

Suzanne is donating 3 prizes two chipboard packs and one mdf album with chipboard. These are made by Suzanne, what a clever lady she is.....and the best news is that you will be able to by some of Suzanne's chipboard on the day at our shop

Speaking of shops, Michelle at Scrapbook Divas will be our shop on the day for any thing you may have forgotten or just simply MUST have. Drop over to Michelle's shop at www.scrapbookdivas.com.au and see what great stuff she has in stock and drop by the forum to say HI to the girls

OK that's it from me for now, i will be back with more before the big day. But in the mean time please read our old post as we have some information about what you might need to bring, competitions that you might want to prepare for at home, classes we will be running and just general info you might need to know

back soon

competitions

2010-08-08T12:04:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies

Regina and I have been very busy working out the raffle prizes and what competitions will run on the day to help raise a little extra money for Hunter River Community School. My spare rooms looks like a bomb went off in a scrapbook shop :)

so here is something you will need to prepare for at home before the crop day:

we are running a LO competition and the theme is "school/learning" so dig out all your school/learning related photos. now lets think outside the box when it comes to school/learning photos cause lets face it scrapping the annual school photos can be hard!!!! so here are a few tips to help you come up with some ideas:
school formal, sports carnivals, awards ceremonies, photos of the school bag/shoes etc, Uni photos or photos at a scrapbook class (i never said it had to be a primary or High school)

here are some photos to help you think what photos you might use for the LO comp

This is Laurens desk as she prepares for another semester at Uni

this is me getting ready to leave for my Year 10 formal in 1988!!!!!! - oh how i loved tulle in the 80's....LOL

This is Marion teaching a scrapbooking class - yes we are learning!!!!!

so what ideas have you come up with for the LO comp? we are not going to make it to easy on you as will will have a few small instructions/guideline's for you to follow on the day.

Back soon with some details on the amazing prizes that have been donated so far

Important Information

2010-07-31T09:19:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies

just wanted to pop by and answer a few questions that have been asked of me the last few days

what to bring:
most important your scrap supplies and lots of photos :)
you will need to bring your cutting mat to help us protect the tables
lots of gold coins to enter our competitions and buy our raffle tickets :)

meals:
the club has a yummy bistro and the staff are super organised. They will be planning our lunch breaks in 4 sittings, 12 noon, 12.30pm, 1pm and 1.30pm. This helps avoid any delays with lunch and doesn't take you away from precious scrapping time for too long. Dinner will run in a similar fashion.
As the club has a bistro you are unable to bring in your own meals and with it being a club you can not bring any of your own drinks. You can bring munchies such as lollies etc
we will be supplying a morning tea for everyone

voting:
yep that's right we all have to vote on the crop day.....PLEASE DO NOT FORGET. if you are unable to vote before arriving at the crop there is a polling booth just 5 minutes walk from the club.

classes:
there are still a few places left in each of the classes (can see sneak peaks in below posts) please email me on newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com if you would like to book your place. We are limited to just 18 ladies per class. Kits will also be available from the shop on the day.
the classes will run for 2 hours each. Marion's class from 11am-1pm and Jen's class from 2.30pm-4.30pm

what should I wear:
something comfortable!!!!!! in the past we have had a colour theme for the day and this year we have decided to go with BLUE, WHITE, GREY AND RED. now you do not have to wear all these colours or even any of these colours but we just might have a prize for the best dressed.
A lot of you will be seeing many new faces on the day and hopefully making lots of new friends, so why not make a name tag to make it easier to remember all your new friends names? we just might have a prize for the best name tag.

I will be back very soon with some important information about competitions on the day and show you some of the donations that have started to arrive.
but before i do go here are a few photos from last year

some of the ladies enjoying themselves at last years crop

Marion in action teaching her class

Me with my trusty sidekicks

Jen, Liz and Lisa (from Embellies) and Leanne

back soon

a total of 3

2010-07-29T20:08:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies

I am back with a sneak peek of the 3 Layouts you will be creating if you take part in Jen's class.....thats right i said 3 Layouts.

the papers are just amazing and I have already ordered my kit (since i will be to busy on the day to attend the class) While Jen has used photos of her beautiful girls I am sure you could adapt at least 2 of the layouts to suit a photo of the boys in your life.

So do not miss out, email me now if you want to book your place. Remember numbers are limited for the classes and we can only take 18 ladies into each class.

I will be back soon with some very exciting news and some very important information for the day

I can not believe we only have just over 3 weeks to go

8.

2010-07-21T19:28:00.000+10:00

just a quick update:

we have 8 seats available for the fundraiser, if you know of anyone who might like to come along please get them to email me, i do not expect these seats will last long

back soon with some exciting news

Sneak Peak

2010-06-26T09:08:00.000+10:00

OK ladies i can finally put up a sneak peak of Marion's LO that she will be teaching at the fundraiser, this is only a sneak peak it is not the whole LO. I have had the honour of seeing the whole LO and it is amazing!!! as usual Marion had done a wonderful job in creating this LO
Marion has done the LO on her grandson playing sport, but it would also work well for girls playing sport, school photos or even travel photos.......the possibilities are endless!!!!

if you would like to book in please email me at newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com the class is $12 and the WHOLE amount goes straight to the school....thanks Marion for allowing us to do this. Kits will be available on the day, i do not have a price as yet but once i do i will let you all know. Once you have booked in a list of photo sizes and any additional items you may need such as ink or sewing thread etc will be emailed to you

bookings have now closed for the fundraiser. We need to work out seating plans to make sure everyone will fit comfortably and if we find there is room to fit a few more ladies we will re open the bookings soon.

ladies please do not forget that payment is required before the day and if you have misplaced the payment details please email me and i will re send them on to you

back soon with more news

MORE!!!!

2010-06-20T17:13:00.000+10:00

we have MORE donations being pledged.....it is truly amazing how supportive people are being

first Suzanne (who will also be attending on the day) from Words or Whatever has pledged to donate some amazing things from her store....check it out www.wordsorwhatever.com.au there is some really great stuff on her site...but then again i am always a sucker for laser cuts....lol

Jodie who runs this cute Etzy store http://kittyrobot.etsy.com emailed me out of the blue the other day offering to donate a prize....talk about awesome. So i had to check out her store and was so thrilled when i found all these cute buttons and hand made rings etc......i am already working out what i want to purchase and will ordering very soon!!!!!!

to say Regina and I are thrilled with the kindness of others is an understatement!!!!

i also want to say a BIG thank you to some of my scrappy friends, firstly Nat and Karen from Scrapbook Divas who have offered to help me out with make morning tea for all you lovely ladies on the day. I have to warn you all that Karen makes THE best caramel slice.......thank you ladies for offering to help.

back soon to announce some more great news.........Jen and Marion are in the planning stages for their classes and i should know more soon :)

Mandy

15

2010-06-03T18:41:00.000+10:00

hi everyone

just a quick post to let you all know we only have 15 places left for the fundraiser. So if you are thinking of coming or have friends who are thinking of joining you on the day you need to get in quick with the bookings

back soon with more updates

Mandy

make and take

2010-05-30T11:27:00.000+10:00

Hi ladies

back with another exciting update on donations.

Some scrappy friends of mine have started this new etzy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/embellees and they have this great blog http://embellees.blogspot.com/ which has details about up coming workshops in the Newcastle area, so pop over and say HI to the girls.

The girls from Embellees will be donating their time on the day at the fundraiser to help us raise some extra cash by hosting a make and take. Here is a little bit the girls have said about the make and take:

The Embellees Team are going to offer a 'quickie make and take' on the day and dazzle you with some fabulous flowers to add to a special little project you will complete.

Anyone who participates in our 'quickie make and take' will also be spoilt with some lovely Embellees to take back to their scrap table. It will be first in to register on the day for a small donation to join in our 'quickie'!

Registration for this will not open until the day of the crop and we will announce details of the cost, time etc on the day. It all sounds very exciting and something you would not want to miss, but places will be limited.

so in the mean time pop over to the girls blog and store and see what is happening.

do not forget about classes with Jen Hall and Marion Werren on the day for a fee of $12 each, bookings are open now but the girls have not yet designed their LO's for the classes. I do know some of you girls like to book sight unseen cause you love the Jen and Marion's classes so much.

Scrapbook Divas

2010-05-27T08:15:00.000+10:00

just a quick update

as you all know my friend Michelle from Scrapbook Divas is going to be the shop at the fundraiser. She will also be supplying the kits for the classes Marion and Jen will be teaching (do not forget to book in).
This month on her website Michelle has an amazing kit using Websters, I feel in love the minute i saw it and have had so much fun creating the LO's, you see it comes with easy to follow instructions for 3 LO's and 3 cards by the fabulous Marion Werren. check out the kit here http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4473

back soon with some more new about donations

Mandy

More Donations

2010-05-23T20:02:00.001+10:00

Hi Ladies

the donations are really starting to roll in now......its getting very EXCITING!!!!!!

these are the new pledges I received this week!!!!!!

Louise Lukasik/ Scrappy Chic Scrapbooking

Shop 3/24 Main Rd Boolaroo
NSW 2284
ph: 49530880
Email: scrappy.chic@bigpond.com

www.scrapneeds.com.au
you can find SN online or in the Main st of Cardiff so why not pop in and say HI to Julie and Emma? One of our teachers Marion teaches classes every Thursday night @ Scrap Needs, so why not check it out?

our final pledge has come from
www.maxinesmelange.com.au
Maxine's specialises in kits and trust me she does and awesome job!!!! she also has lots of other goodies on her site, so pop on over and check the site out you will not be disappointed.

THANK YOU TO THESE AMAZING LADIES FOR THEIR SUPPORT

Don't for get to book you spots ladies, places are filling quickly.

back soon with more updates

donations

2010-05-05T18:22:00.001+10:00

hi everyone

places are filling up fast, so if you have not booked yet do not leave it to late!!!

we have a few donations rolling in, which is GREAT!!

so far the following have made pledges for donations: Allen & Unwin books, Cassie McCumstie who is a Stampin up demonstrator, Jody Emerton also a stampin up demonstrator and Peta McBeth from http://www.scrapbookingfromscratch.com/

will keep you updated as more pledges roll in.

Drum roll please

2010-04-18T12:41:00.000+10:00

I am pleased to annouce that Michelle from Scrapbook Diva's will be our shop at the fundraiser this year

http://www.scrapbookdivas.com.au/

Also these lovely ladies have agreed to come back again this year and teach a class each

http://marionspassionforscrappin.blogspot.com/

http://www.jenhall.typepad.com/

if you would like to book in or have already booked and want to do a class please email me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

classes will be $12 each with the WHOLE amount going straight to the school.

looking forward to hearing from you when you make your booking and then seeing you at the crop day

The Reason Why

2010-04-05T14:47:00.000+10:00

Hunter River Community School is a Special Needs School for children ranging from Kindergarten to Year 12 with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Many students also have secondary disabilities including physical disability, sensory impairment, autism and conduct disorders.

Students are not only from the Maitland Region, but also the regions of Port Stephens, Singleton and Cessnock.
Connor has Autism and Global Development Delay

Email from Marion

2010-04-02T18:02:00.000+11:00

this is a lovely email i recieved from Marion Werren this morning and i just wanted to share with you

Marion has also confirmed she will be teaching a class on the day..........THANK YOU so much Marion.

Hi Mandy & everyone.

This is a cause we really all need to get behind 100%. Being a Grandmother of an Autistic & Special Needs Grandchild, and of course a very special and forever loving little boy. This is something that is very dear to my heart.

I am hoping that Regina & Mandy recieve a lot of great support through fundraising. The Teachers & Special Educators who work so loving and supportively with these very specail children are believe me, worth more than money and any words can express, they are truly in themselves very very Special People.

But they are only Human and can do only so much, so lets get behind and help with this Fundraising Event, and raise an extroadinary amount to help them with the special equipment, they need. Place the advertisement for the Fundraiser on your Blogs, and send out as many emails as you can. Contact Companies & organisations.

And for all you lovely and creative scrapbookers out there who would love to donate your beautiful and creative designs, to raffle off, and believe me, in past events, the Ohhhhing and ahhhhing of these is so humbling and appreciative.

I look forward to everyone joining in with Mandy & Regina to make this best Fundrasier ever.

Marion xxxxx

The Date has been set

2010-04-01T16:20:00.000+11:00

hi Ladies

the date has been set for this years fundraiser:

21st August 2010

it is a little later than normal but it is still going ahead and will be the same format as past years, 12 straight hours of scrapping and classes for those who are interested.

There is a change this year to our charity, we will be raising money for Hunter River Community School. A school for children with special needs. Some of you may know my friend Regina, her eldest Son, Connor attends this school.

The cost is $20 per person with the whole $20 going directly to the school. The $20 will gain you entry to the 12 hour scrapping day, morning tea and tickets in the lucky door prizes.

It will be held once again at Edgeworth Bowling Club from 9am-9pm

Booking are now open and can be made by emailing me at newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

will be back soon with some more information about the school and what we will be raising the money for.

hope to see you all there

Mandy

all the details

2009-08-21T14:45:00.002+10:00

OK i might have been a bit vague with some of the details for the Cancer fundraiser being run by my friend Michelle, so here they are

What: 12 Hour Scrapbooking fundraiser

Where: Edgeworth Bowling Club

When: Saturday 24th October 2009 - 9am till 9pm

How much: $20 per person, will the whole amount going directly to cancer research

what is happening: Scrap all day OR attend classes run by Marion Werren and Jen Hall (details not yet available) and there will be some raffles

Who will be there: ME!!!!! :) and hopefully you :)

How do i book and pay: http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=976&products_id=3994

if you have any questions please email me at newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com or contact Michelle via the Scrapbook Divas website

looking forward to seeing you all there

filling up fast

2009-08-14T10:37:00.003+10:00

Hi Ladies

Michelle who is running the Cancer fundraiser wanted me to let you all know places are filling up fast...there is only 20 seats left!!!!
to book go to www.scrapbookdivas.com.au and follow the link on the right hand side of the shop.
Hope to see you all there
Back soon with some MD photos......we got some great shots from the crazy booth

Shop and Crop

2009-07-30T08:31:00.002+10:00

I just want to say a big thank you to Sasha from Shop and Crop for her donation of $220 to MD.
As most of you know Sasha was selling kits for the classes on the day and then donating a % to MD....this amount to an amazing $220.
Thank you to all the girls who purchased a kit and thank you to Sasha for making this possible.
this takes our total to 3154.00

Cancer fundraiser

2009-07-27T13:37:00.003+10:00

hi girls if you are interested in attending the Cancer 12 hour crop day, follow this link http://scrapbookdivas.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=976&products_id=3994

the numbers are limited to 50...so get in quick!!!!!!

i will be there, but this time i will be scrapping...YAY!!!!!

thank you

2009-07-27T13:26:00.002+10:00

thank you to everyone who came along to the crop day.

i am still waiting on the official word from MD NSW but it looks like we have raised $2934....woohoo!!!!!!!!

i hope everyone had a great day

I will be back soon with information about the crop day in October for Breast Cancer and also some fun photos from the MD day

not long now

2009-07-24T15:45:00.002+10:00

not long now ladies :)
things are coming together rather well on this end....THINK i might just be organised. Only have to load the car up with all the prizes and I am good to go.
Hope you are all excited and ready for a day of scrappin fun

See you all in a few hours

working again

2009-07-19T17:29:00.001+10:00

hi ladies

the email is now workign again so please email me at newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com if you need anything or want to book into classes

see you all on Saturday

IMPORTANT!!!!!!

2009-07-18T12:51:00.002+10:00

Hi girls

experiencing a few email problems at the moment. I am unable to access the email account so if you have emailed me in the last 48 hours or need to email me before next Saturday please use this email mandygai@hotmail.com sorry for any inconvenience.

Also could Jodie E please email me urgently....sorry i have lost your email address due to the email problems i am experiencing

and finally i have 6 spots left for next Saturday is anyone new is interested...the catch is that they are not all together i have 3 spots of 2 seats.....email me if you are interested

thanks

email

2009-07-13T21:53:00.002+10:00

this is an email i sent out tonight to all the contacts i have, thought i would paste it here incase i have missed anyone

Hi Ladies

not long now...hope you are all getting excited....me I am starting to panic....lol

this email is just a reminder of a few things you will need to bring on the day

1. your own tools and supplies and of course plenty of photos
2. a cutting mat - it is important we leave the tables in the exact same condition we found them in
3. a bin of some sort to place all your rubbish (we will have garbage bags and do the rounds regularly to empty these table bins)
4. your name tag - so everyone knows who you are and to also enter the name tag competion for a chance to win a $20 Scrap Needs Voucher
5. do not forget to dress in your black and white for another chance to win a prize.

Sasha from Shop and Crop will be there on the day with lots of new stock for your to buy, please remember it is CASH ONLY (details on the blog about where to find an ATM if needed)

the ladies taking part in Jen and Marion's classes, kits will be available from Sasha from Shop and Crop on the day at $26 each. For each kit sold $3 will be donated to MDNSW. There is no need to order the kits Sasha will have plenty for everyone.

those taking part in the blind scrapping challenge I will email you soon with a list of supplies.

there are still a couple of places left in Jen class and the blind scrapping challenge so email if you are interested in taking part.

there are still a couple of places left open for the Crazy booth, again please email me if you would like to make a booking.

the blog is being updated regularly so please make sure you keep checking it prior to the day so that you do not miss any important information http://www.newcastlefundraiser.blogspot.com/

see you all in 12 more sleeps

Mandy

Texture paste

2009-07-13T19:13:00.003+10:00

ever wanted to know how to use texture paste? i know i have...i can never seem to get it right.

Well Marion will be doing a demo after all the classes have finished at the fundraiser on how to get the effect on the cover of this beautiful folder.

A gold coin donation is all it takes to watch the demo and take away some easy to follow notes.

No need to book, we will take as many ladies as we can fit in the room and it will happen at approx 7.30pm

thanks Marion for all your hard work

Shop and Crop

2009-07-10T08:03:00.002+10:00

Hi ladies

not long now....only 2 more weeks and yes it is safe to say i have gone into panic mode!!!!!

i have a few important things to let you all know, so please make sure everyone is in your group is aware.

Shop and Crop @ Lambton will have available to purchase at the event new BasicGrey, Kaisercraft, Fancy Pants, My Minds Eye, co-ordinated kits and lots more. And we take cash only for purchases. Sasha has some great new stuff and I know i am looking forward to seeing it and yes buying it...lol. Please be aware that it is cash only however there is and EFT machine at the club and also 2 at a near by shopping centre.

Those ladies doing Marion and Jen's classes the cost of the kits have been confirmed at $26 each and you Can purchase these on the day, there will be plenty for everyone and maybe even a few extras if anyone is looking to purchase the kit and notes if you were unable to get into the class. Class notes an additional $5

I hope everyone is busy making their name tags. Scrap Needs @ Cardiff will be sponsoring the Best Name Tag comp and the winner will receive a $20 voucher. So if you have not already made your name tag maybe now is the time to get busy.

Do not forget Lauren will be available on the day to take group photos at a cost of just $10 per group (see post below for more details) bookings are essential and limited. Email me if you are interested in making a booking

Still have a few places left in Jen's class and also the blind scrapping classes. Get in quick and email me if you are interested

have a great weekend everyone

Jen's class

2009-07-08T10:27:00.003+10:00

ok girls here is a sneak peek of the class Jen will be teaching.

you will create two LO's in 2 hours using the beautiful Scenic Route papers

email me if you would like to take part in the class newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

something new

2009-07-04T08:25:00.006+10:00

Hi everyone

This year we are going to try something new to make the day more memorable for you and to help raise more money for MD

So what is it you ask?
It’s a Crazy Booth
What’s a crazy booth you ask?
A Crazy Booth is a chance for you and your scrap buddies have some fun and crazy photos taken to remember the day by.

Lauren will be there at the ready with her camera and some rather funky walls as a back drop wanting to take some rather goofy photos for you and your buddies.

Each group will get 10 mins with Lauren and she will have a few fun props at the ready to help make the photos all that more goofy and feel free to bring your own if you like. For a bigger donation Lauren might be available for an extended sitting

Bookings will be essential and limited

Donation is only $10 for all groups (you can also book in to have photos taken of just you) this will get you 3-5 photos, if you want more photos it will be at a cost of $1 each. We ask that you bring with you your own disc for Lauren to burn the photos onto or if you do not have one or forget it there will be a small charge of $1 per disc. The idea is that one person in the group gets a copy of the photos to then pass onto everyone else BUT if everyone in the group has their own disc we are happy to burn the photos for you.

what a great way to remember this day with your friends and to also help raise much needed money for MD.

Here are a few photos we took last year at the club to give you some kind of idea what I am talking about.

Bookings can be taken now or on the day if spots are still available. email me at newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

Please remember every $$ made from the Crazy Booth goes straight to MD NSW.

Sneak Peek

2009-07-04T08:07:00.004+10:00

For those ladies signed up to do Marions class here are a couple of sneak peeks so you have an idea of what you might be in for.

The LO is STUNNING as Marion's work always is.

I will be back as soon as i can with sneak peeks fromt he other classes.

Point Form

2009-06-16T19:01:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone

its not long now till the big day.
here are a few things you may need to know

1. Firstly and most importantly, those of you who have not yet paid can you please arrange to do so ASAP. Payment is required by July 1st, after this date I can no longer hold your spot. Thank you very much to those ladies who have already paid.

2. There are still a few places left in the classes with Marion Werren (who is teaching a girly LO that includes the use of fabric...sounds stunning as Marions work always is) Jen Hall (will have details soon) and Peta MacBeth (who is teaching a blind scrapping class....sounds like lots of fun) So email me ASAP if you were wanting to book in. There will also be kits available again this year, will keep you updated when I have an approx price per kit. I will also email those who have booked in soon with photo requirements.

3. Doors open at 9am and close at 9pm, you are free to come and go at any time during the day. Classes will be: Marion 10am-12noon - Peta 1pm-3pm and Jen 4pm-6pm

4. For those of you who have not been to the club in a long while, there is a new chef and the food at the bistro is very yummy and they are highly organised. I do not expect any problems like we had last year.

5. come dressed in black, white and red, the colours of MD NSW and who knows you just might win yourself the best dressed prize

6. Create a name tag so everyone knows who you are and also to be in the running to win a prize for the best name tag (it does not have to be in red, black and white)

7. and finally ENJOY THE DAY!!!!

looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting a few new people. I can not believe the crop day is almost here

thanks everyone for your continued support, it means a lot to me, Lisa and those living with MD

Mandy

an update

2009-06-05T19:30:00.003+10:00

Donations are starting to roll in and I just wanted to give a big thank you to the following stores

Scrap Needs have donated $100 in store vouchers...talk about amazing!!! you can find the store here www.scrapneeds.com.au or by visiting their store in the main st @ Cardiff
Blue Bazaar, Scraploot and Sugarsnapps have all pledged donations as well, i will let you know more when the donations arrive.

These 4 stores have been great sponsors in the past, so please show them your support by visiting their online stores (links in the side bar)

I also want to thank our major sponsor Shop and Crop at Lambton, Sasha's ongoing support and assistance in making this day what it is, is greatly appreciated.

Class spots are filling quick, email me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com if you want o book your spot. Remember each class can only hold 18 students.

I will be back soon with some important information about the crop day

Classes

2009-05-15T10:12:00.002+10:00

I can now announce what the 3rd class is
Blind Scrapping....
A class with a difference - step by step instructions with measurements and placements but without seeing a sample page for guidance...
Challenge yourself and come and join in on this creative fun class. The class is $12 per person with the WHOLE amount going to MD.
This class will be taught by Peta McBeth from http://www.scrapbookingfromscratch.com/index.html
Now a few very clever ladies guessed that the 3rd class would be blind scrapping and have booked in already, so if this is something that would interest you do not leave it to long to book.

Do not forget that we have two other classes available on the day taught by Marion Werren http://marionspassionforscrappin.blogspot.com/ and Jen Hall http://www.jenhall.typepad.com/ if you are unfamiliar with their work check out their blogs, you will be amazed by their talents. Both these classes are at least 1/2 full so do not leave it much longer to book.

None of the teachers have planned out their classes at this stage, i would not expect this for at least another month or so and as soon as i know more i will post information on the blog.

I will be back soon to announce some exciting information about some recent pledges i have received for donations

its all happening

2009-05-05T10:05:00.002+10:00

Hi Girls

just popping in quickly to let you know that i am still here and am really busy with all the fundraiser planning.
Last night i emailed all the ladies who have been in touch with me about booking tables, if you did not receive an email from me please contact me ASAP on newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com
If your table is fully paid for I did not send an email.
On the class front, places are filling up very quickly for Marion and Jen's classes. I also confirmed a 3rd class last night and will be back with more details very soon, just waiting to hear back from the teacher, but i can say this class is a little different from the normal class.
Pledges for donations are starting to roll and i will have more detail very soon.

At the moment new bookings are on hold until i can confirm that all the ladies who are booked are still attending. However I have started up a waiting list, so please email me if you are interested.

update

2009-03-14T07:37:00.002+11:00

Hi Ladies

sorry for being a bit slack on the updates this year. A lot has been on going both for me and for the fundraiser.
On Fundraiser news: there are not many seats left so please get in quick so you do not miss out. We are limited to 75 people so when i reach this number i do have to stop bookings.
I have donations rolling in already, two companies that have pledged prizes already for this year are www.scrapbookingfromscratch.com and www.scrapboutique.com.au both are local stores so please show your support. Thank you to both these stores for showing their support it means a lot to MD, myself and all my little helpers.
Sasha at www.shopandcrop.com.au is also lending her support again this year as the shop on the day. If you live in Newcastle you can find Shop and Crop in Elder St Lambton.
Unfortunately i am unable to announce any information about the 3rd class, but i can say their will be a 3rd class again this year.
Jen and Marion have not made their plans for their classes, i would not expect this to happen for another couple of months yet. But if you are a fan of either of these ladies and would like to do the class without seeing a sample bookings are open (and also filling fast)

As of next weekend i will be away for 3 weeks, so if you email me and do not get a response please do not panic or get upset with me. I promise to reply as soon as i return home.

Bookings

2009-02-22T20:06:00.002+11:00

Hi ladies

in the last week bookings have been coming in thick and fast, we are already 1/2 full!!!!
So if you are still thinking about coming along do not leave it to long to book

when booking can you please include the names of ALL ladies attending in your group?

I hope to have more information about a 3rd workshop soon

2009

2009-01-31T09:08:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year everyone.....i can not believe that the fist month of 2009 is almost over.
That means it is only 6 months till the fundraiser!!!
Ladies i am taking bookings NOW so get in early so that you do not miss out. Numbers are limited to 75. You can book by emailing me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com
Cost of the day is $20 per person, this includes entry for a whole day of scrapping, some raffle tickets, morning tea and lots of fun.
As mentioned Marion and Jen will be returning as the teachers again....thanks ladies!! As yet classes have not been worked out and i will post more details as the day gets closer. BUT you are free to book now if you like. Classes will be $12 each.
hope to see you all there

Mandy

great response

2008-11-29T07:26:00.002+11:00

Well ladies i am blown away by the response so far.
I already have 14 ladies booked in.....i seriously didn't expect anyone to start booking till next year.

Marion Werren and Jen Hall have confirmed that they will be returning as teachers again next year.........thanks ladies your support is amazing (check out the side bar for links to their blogs.) But if you would like to take one of their class now you can find a great online Xmas class by Marion here www.scrapbookdivas.com.au Jen teaches once a week @ www.shopandcrop.com.au

Shop and Crop have agreed to return as our shop.....thanks Sasha, your support really means a lot. visit the shop in Elders St Lambton or visit on line www.shopandcrop.com.au

Michelle from www.scrapbookdivas.com.au has something big planned to help us raise money before the fundraiser even gets here. Will post more information in the new year.

Once again Edgeworth Bowling club as generously donated the room hire for FREE. Last year a few people (ok maybe more than a few) experience bad service and food while dining at Edgeworth bowling club, I can assure you that will not be the case next year. There is a new bistro at the club, the staff are extremely organised and the food is good.

25th July 2009

2008-11-25T17:42:00.002+11:00

The date has been set for Saturday 25th July 2009....i know its ages away:( BUT there is a lot of planning to be done so I needed to be organised and for those of you who know me know that's no easy task.
The day will run from 9am-9pm @ Edgeworth Bowling Club. The cost is $20 per person and this will include some raffle tickets. Bookings can be made any time from now by emailing me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com i will then inform you about how payments can be made.
There will be classes again this year and details will be posted as soon as i know more.

looking forward to seeing you all again and hopefully some new faces as well

email me if you have any questions

planning

2008-09-27T08:21:00.003+10:00

Hi Ladies

lots of planning happening here at the moment.

Back soon with more information

more crops

2008-08-26T10:10:00.003+10:00

Hi Ladies

I sadly have to say that I will not be able to host another crop day this year. Due to health reasons and work commitments i just will not have the time.

BUT the good news is that I am already planning TWO events for next year.....yes i did say TWO.

When i have more information I will be back, so please keep checking back.
thanks for all your support ladies and thanks for all the interest you have shown in coming along to future events

photos

2008-08-09T09:58:00.006+10:00

As promised some photos

1. a cool pic of the room taken by Lauren

2. thanks to the Jen, Janine and Marion for all their help and talent

3. Sasha and Suzette hard at work....lol

4. Lisa and Gail the 2 girls i could not have managed to get through the day without

thanks to Regina for taking the other photos for me

keep checking the blog for the announcement of the dates for the next crop

its official

2008-08-01T12:29:00.002+10:00

the official count of money raised is:

$3261.90

thanks ladies for all your support I am totally blown away by the amount we raised.

I have been asked to host another 12 hour crop day before Xmas and many of you may have heard me talking about it last Saturday. At this stage i am still unsure if i will have the time to organise things in time, but i will be back soon to let you know if it can be done.
One thing is for certain, i will be back next July with a 12 hour crop, i will announce the date very soon.

I will also post photos very soon so keep an eye out for them. They might even pop up in a scrapbooking mag or two :)

THANK YOU

2008-07-27T19:51:00.002+10:00

THANK YOU to everyone for coming along yesterday and supporting MDA. I do not have the "official" amount raised BUT i can say it is over $3000. Once i have been to the bank i will post the "official" amount raised. I am blown away by the amount raised and can not thank you all enough for showing your support.
I have a few individual thank yous to make:
Firstly a huge thank you to LISA and GAIL. They worked non stop all day selling tickets and making sure everyone had everything they needed....thanks girls :)
Secondly I want to thank the teachers, Jen, Janine and Marion (links to the blogs in the side bar) from the feedback i have heard your classes were heaps of fun. Thank you for your hard work in making the classes happen.
Thirdly thanks to Sasha www.shopandcrop.com.au for being the shop, organising the kits for the classes and the amazing donations of: 6 vouchers for classes at shop and crop, a monthly kit, The Cropadile and $216 from the sale of the class kits. Thanks Sasha!
I also want to thank my mum, Auntie Jennie, Auntie Lorna for all your wonderful cooking and hard work on the day. Also a big thanks to my "barrel dudes" Jake and Emma you did a wonderful job of drawing the raffles. Thanks to Sharon for selling fruity faces and donating $70 from the sales. Finally thanks to Reg, Lauren and Jane for helping with photos, judging competitions for me and keeping me sane!
Please keep checking the blog i will be back soon to announce the date for the next crop day. I have a few things in mind and the next day just might be sooner than you think :)

THANKS EVERYONE!

2 more sleeps

2008-07-24T07:50:00.001+10:00

only 2 more sleeps to go :)
hope everyone is all organised....i know I'm not.....lol
please email me if you need any further information

it's getting closer!

2008-07-20T18:13:00.002+10:00

Not long now, so much is happening around here ready for the big day.
The raffles and competitions have been sorted. So to give you all a heads up, we will have 4 different raffles, a name tag competition (so get making those name tags), a LO competition (the only condition is that the LO is done at the crop and not be part of the classes), a guessing competition (i am sick of the site of M&M's...lol) and a lucky numbers competition. So there are plenty of chances to win something!
I have been busy wrapping the prizes and can not believe how many I have to give away in the raffles and different competitions, i am truly blown away by the support I have received.
Sasha from www.shopandcrop.com.au has donated a bucket load of prizes! A Paper Gator as the main prizes in the big raffle, a Shop and Crop Cropaholics Kit, 3 Crop Kits and 5 vouchers to attend classes at Shop and Crop.
Michelle at www.scrapbookdivas.com.au has also donated an awesome prize pack, a clear album, the whole range of Basic Grey 2 Scoops papers, BG alphabet, Kaiser rubons, bling, flet and heaps more!
I had to work this morning :( and this afternoon needed some time out from planning the fundraiser so i took myself off to The Scrapbook Diva's crop day and I had so much fun, all the ladies are really friendly and Michelle has her shop there so you can buy all this have to have items....lol. So if you are looking for a local monthly crop pop over to www.scrapbookdivas.com.au and find out more.
See you all on Saturday

Things you may need to know........

2008-07-17T13:11:00.003+10:00

well here i am blogging from work again in my lunch break :)

Just thought i would pop in and fill you in on a few things you may need to know for the day. A few ladies have been emailing me to see what they need to bring along so here is a list:
*All your scrapping supplies and tools :)
*a bin of some sort that can be used on your table for scraps and rubbish....we will have garbage bags so that the bins can be emptied during the day
*your cutting matt, we will have paper table clothes on the table but you might want to bring your matt for a better working surface
* a good sense of humour
* a pocket full of gold coins to buy raffle tickets etc with
* and do not forget your name tag and to dress in black, red and white

back soon with more updates

see you all in 9 more sleeps :)

more places available

2008-07-14T17:22:00.003+10:00

Hi ladies

only 12 more sleeps :)

i have a few more places available for the day if anyone knows of anyone wanting to attend please email me ASAP, it will be first in first served

i also have 2 places left in Jen Hall's class from 5pm-7pm, email me if you are interested in attending this class.

newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

Magazine Article

2008-07-10T12:56:00.003+10:00

The article has finally come out in Get Creative Magazine so next time you are in the newsagents check it out we are on page 74!
I also found out that Scrapbooking Memories has a little spot in the last magazine about us as well.

hope everyone has enough information for the classes, if you need to know something please email me i am only to happy to help out where i can.

well i have black, red and white outfit under control....well ok i am wearing blue jeans but i swear everything else is black, red and white. I even have one back and one red shoe :) Now all i have to do is work on a name tag.

can you believe its only 2 weeks and 2 days? it is becoming so exciting and so very nerve racking all at the same time.

thanks for the feedback so far ladies, looking forward to meeting you or seeing you again

well that's the end of my lunch break so i must get back to work

THE BIG DAY!

2008-07-06T12:03:00.002+10:00

well the big day is getting closer and closer....2 weeks and 6 days to be exact...but hey who is counting?.....lol

There are a couple of things you will need to be aware of on the day to help things go smoothly
1. When checking in please be patient, we will need tick you off the list, inform you of your table number and ask you to sign into the club.
2. if you are taking part in any classes you will then be required to check into these also and pay any money owing
3. if you are wishing to buy the kits for classes we ask that you make your way to the shop and purchase your kit to avoid any holds up at the start of the class. If you are not purchasing the kits please have all your products ready to go. As the classroom area is only a small space we ask that you only take with you what you need....there is no room for carts etc in the class room.
4. once everyone is seated i will do a quick welcome and thank you
5. there will be raffles tickets being sold all day, along with different competitions...so please bring plenty of golds coins....remember its all going to a great cause.
6. The colours of MD are red, black and white, so why not get into the spirit of things and wear these colours? there just might be a prize in it for the best dressed. Do not forget your name tags either.
7. the most important thing of the day is to have a lot of fun and meet some new friends

For those of you wondering about lunch and dinner, there is a bistro in the club which has cheap and yummy meals. Also please remember we are in a club so drinks can not be brought into the club with you. Tea and Coffee will be available for a gold coin donation and afternoon will also be supplied.

Wow i rambled on for longer than i expected...sorry girls!
looking forward to seeing you there on the day, all dressed in black, white and red with some amazing name tags :)
if anyone has any questions please email me newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

more updates

2008-06-26T13:12:00.002+10:00

Another donation arrived today from www.scrapboutique.com.au - Chelsea was kind enough to donate a 12x12 album, paints, paper packs and stamps...talk about AWESOME!

I have emailed everyone i have contact details for about the classes on the day, if you have not received an email from for all the classes you are booked into please email me newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

Sasha has just confirmed that the price of the kits will be Marion's class $23, Janine's class $20 and Jen's class $20. Sasha will donate $4 from each kit to MD....thanks Sasha!

Hope you are all busy making your name tags, looking forward to see what everyone comes up with

update

2008-06-24T20:17:00.002+10:00

Hi Ladies

well a lot is happening around here with only 4 1/2 weeks till the big event. I Can not believe how quickly it has come around.
Firstly i want to say a HUGE thank you to Joanne @ www.sugarsnapps.com.au Joanne has donated a prize for every lady who attends on the day, so keep an eye out for your prize ladies. But in the mean time pop over to Joannes great new site and have a look around, i promise you will not be disappointed.
Secondly i want to thank Jenni for sending me some great donations. For those of you who attended last year Jenni is the lucky winner of the cuttlebug.
Thirdly i have emailed all the ladies taking part in Marion's class at 11am, if you did not receive an email from me please email me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com and i will resend the details. I will send details for Jen and Janine's class soon.
And lastly for tonight i want to announce the first competition will be holding on the day. I want you to all create a name tag for yourself to wear on the day, to help your new friends remember your name. For a gold coin donation you can enter your name tag in for judging and the winner will receive a free meal in the Bistro @ Edgeworth Bowling Club. So get creating ladies and help us raise much needed funds for MD

Back soon with more information

CLASSES!

2008-06-17T17:04:00.002+10:00

Hi Ladies

finally i can share some information with you about the classes. Firstly the classes will run @ 11am-1pm with Marion then 2pm-4pm with Janine and finally 5pm-7pm with Jen.
The girls have all sent through samples of their classes and no i can not share the pics with you just yet....sorry! but i can tell you the themes:
Marion will be teaching a single LO The Layout is a 12" x12" Layout using 3 photos, you will be making 3 dimensional flowers using felt, die-cut flowers & Acrylic Acetate stamped with white Staz-on ink.You will also create a hidden photo tag behind a photo. We will also be using lots of buttons for embellishments. This classes will have you working hard and learning so much, it looks like a great deal of fun
Janine will be teaching not one but three LO's, talk about a bargain! Janine has mentioned that if all LO's are not completed within the classes that there is plenty of time at the crop to finish them. However she will have you well on your way before the end of the classes if not completed. All 3 LO are yummy and hard to choose a favourite.
Jen: is teaching a double LO class using 5 photos. I do not know about you but i always struggle with double LO's so if you are like me this classes is for you, Jen makes it look so easy. Jen will also show you fun ways to include lots of journaling on a page.

I will be emailing all the girls who have booked classes soon with a list of everything you will need for the classes. But remember kits will be available on the day and % of the sales will be donated to MD.

Classes are almost booked out with only a couple of seats left in each one so get in quick if you want a seat.

MORE!

2008-06-01T13:06:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone, sorry I have not posted for some time.
More and more donations are pouring in, it is amazing! I have received a 12mth Subscription from Get Creative Magazine and also Scrapbook Creations.
A massive parcel arrived last week from Xyron which included a 5" creative station and refills and also 4 create a sticker makers...talk about AWESOME!
Kaisercraft also sent a great prizes full of paper, paint, bling, pearls, flowers, rubons and a ribbon box ready to be decorated.
I also have to send out a huge thank you to 2 friends who have made donations also, first of all thanks to Carol who left a parcel on my doorstep a while back, it was awesome to come home from work and find this very generous parcel. Carol donated alphabets (lots of alphabets) and also some very cool photo frames. Check out Carols blog here http://www.caroldillon.blogspot.com/ Secondly i want to say a HUGE thank you to Regina for donating some inspiration books by Ali Edwards, Cathy Z etc etc. Thanks Reg i really can not thank you enough you are super generous!
Edgeworth Bowling Club have also donated bottles of Champagne and one lucky person will get a free lunch in the bistro.

Classes are filling up very quickly with only about 3 spots left in each class, so get in quick if are wanting to take part in the classes. Also if you are doing the classes do not forget we will have kits for sale and a % of the sales from the kits will go to MD, thanks to Sasha @ www.shopandcrop.com.au

I will be back soon to announce a few competitions we will be holding on the day and you might want to prepare for.

happy scrappin everyone

It is like Xmas around here

2008-05-15T16:55:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone
hope everyone is having a great week.
I came home today to fine FOUR parcels waiting for me all of them donations...how exciting! I had so much fun opening all the parcels and looking at all the amazing stuff.
Parcel 1: from http://www.thescrapbookinghut.com.au/ in this parcel is double sided tape, button, brads, heaps and heaps of zig writers and heaps more amazing stuff.
Parcel 2: http://www.scraploot.com.au/ in this parcel is heaps of paper and we are memory keepers page topers
Parcel 3: http://www.123scrapbook.com.au/ in this parcel HEAPS of rubons, lazer cuts, licence plate album, ribbon, mini book kits, Heidi bling and HEAPS of paper
Parcel 4: this parcel was from a friend I made online through a scrapbooking forum. Jan sent an ink pad, paper, ribbon, rubons, mini book kit and chipboard embellishments...thanks Jan this is AWESOME

I just want to thank all the stores who sent donations, your support is truly amazing and we could not do it without your support.

Just a reminder that class places are filling fast.
Also the crop is SOLD OUT! I am taking names for a waiting list, so if you are still interested please send me an email and I will add you to the waiting list.

update

2008-05-06T11:43:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone
just popping in for a very quick update.
Classes are filling up quick, I am blown away by the response as the teachers are still planning the classes and trying to work out kits. So THANK YOU to the ladies who have already booked into the classes. If you are thinking about doing one or more of the classes please email me to book your place.

On another note donations are still coming in.
I have received donations from Melly and Me, check out the girls amazing work http://mellyandme.typepad.com/melly_me/ The girls have sent us 6 very cute patterns.
Kathy @ Remember When has created lazer cuts especially for the fundraiser, talk about amazing! they are so cool, i have contacted Kathy to see about buying some for myself, if anyone is interested please email me and I will contact Kathy or you can visit at http://www.rememberwhen.com.au/
The last donation i have to talk about today is from Craft Queen, Nicole has sent some of the most amazing ribbons, she has put together 3 packs and one is black, red and white...the colours of MD! Craft Queen has an exclusive Ribbon Club, with new ribbons being released each month find out more here http://www.craftqueen.com.au/

that's if for me today, will be back soon to share more updates

BIG NEWS

2008-04-29T20:13:00.002+10:00

Finally I can announce my big news.
As many of you remember from last year we held 2 classes taught by the very talented Marion Werren and Jen Hall, well this year both of these ladies will be donating their time and talent again to teach a class each. As the classes last year were so popular we have added a 3rd class this year and it will be taught by the amazing Janine Kaye.
So here is the deal, class numbers are limited to just 18 per class, they will cost $10 each per person, with the whole $10 going directly to MD.
At this stage we are uncertain about what classes these amazing ladies will be teaching as they all still have their thinking caps on trying to come up with some amazing ideas to teach you. I will post more information as it comes to me.
There will be kits available for all classes and a % of the sales from these kits will be donated to MD (thanks Sasha @ shopandcrop.com.au)
Bookings are open now and remember numbers are strickly limited, email me if you wish to book a place. Payment will be needed to secure your place.
Check out the links in my side bar if you would like to see some of these ladies amazing creations on their blogs.
Back soon to update you all on what is happening with prize donations

Photos

2008-04-16T19:43:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone

hope you are all having a good week and getting lots of scrapping done...its perfect scrapping weather here in Newcastle, it has not stopped raining for days.

I have sent off my interview (done via email) to Get Creative Magazine so keep an eye our for it around June. I was asked to send off some photos from last years event and thoughtI would share them here. The first is a photo of the room last year and the second is a photo of Lisa (the reason i became involved with MD) Lauren (a fantastic help with planning last year) and myself all decked out in out MD gear.

Bookings are going really well and there are only TEN seats left. Thanks to all the ladies who have shown their support and booked their seats, I look forward to seeing you again this year or meeting you for the first time.

Update

2008-04-12T18:57:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone
just stopping by to give you all a bit of an update as to how things are going with the planning of the fundraiser.
I have been busily emailing online scrapbooking stores and asking very nicely if they can make a donation to help with our raffles and so far I have received gift vouchers from: www.scrapneeds.com.au - Scrap Needs is also a store front in Cardiff so if you live local pop in and say Hi to Julie and Emma. Other prizes are magazine subscriptions to Scrapbooking Memories and a paper pack from www.bluebazaar.com.au. I have had another 5 stores pledge donations and as soon as they arrive I will post details here on the blog.
Also I have had pledges for handmade gifts from Kim Archer, Janelle Wind, Janine Kaye and Suz Doyle (links in my side bar)...thank you ladies for your support
I have had my interview with Get Creative magazine and that should be out in newsagents June/July.
Bookings are going through the roof, so get in quick if you have not already done so.
Well that's it for tonight, i do have some big news coming soon

Why?

2008-04-02T19:56:00.004+11:00

A lot of people have been asking me why I choose MD as my charity for the scrapbooking day...well the answer to that is very easy. These ladies are the reason why. These ladies either have MD or have a child with MD, they have all shared their stories with me, some funny and most very touching. It is their stories that inspire me to do as much as I can to support MD. I got to met all these ladies through my friend Lisa (sitting on the end @ the right of the photo) who has MD, the ladies all come together every 3 months at Ladies Group, it gives them all a chance to catch up, share stories and do what ladies do best....chat and eat cake! thanks for welcoming me with open arms ladies.

My inbox is starting to fill up with online stores wanting to help out with donations and the donations should start arriving on my doorstep any day now. As prizes come in I will take sneak peak photos to tease you and keep you waiting in suspense for big day...hehe

Thanks to everyone who has booked in already for the scrap day, the response has been overwhelming. I do not have many spots left so tell all your friends to get in quick if they thinking of coming along.

I will be back to announce some BIG news in a few days

enjoy the rest of your week

50

2008-03-28T19:55:00.002+11:00

hope everyone had a great Easter

I recieved my 50th booking tonight, I am so blown away by the response I have had so early on. So if you are thinking about coming along and still have not booked you better get in quick so you do not miss out as I can only take another 25 bookings.

I had some more exciting news last week, I received an email from Get Creative Magazine and they want to do an interview with me about the fundraiser. They have emailed me a whole bunch of questions and have asked for some photos from last year, so i will be busy this weekend getting everything organised. So keep an eye out for the July edition of Get Creative, if you attened last year you just might see a photo of yourself in the magazine :)

Check out the side bar for the amazing people who are lending their support to this great casue.

I will be back soon with some great news

Exciting News!

2008-03-22T11:09:00.002+11:00

Hope everyone is having a very Happy Easter. The weather is terrible here in Newcastle so it is making for a great weekend of scrapbooking.

I am very excited to announce that Sasha from Shop and Crop www.shopandcrop.com.au has agreed to be our shop at the fundraiser. If you are from the Newcastle area you can pop in and shop in person @ Shop and Crop, you can find the store @ Elder St Lambton. If you are not local or just can not into the store you can also shop online @ www.shopandcrop.com.au
Sasha has some GREAT new products in at the moment, the new Basic Grey ranges, SEI, Love Elsie to name just a few, so pop on over to Shop and Crop and check out what is there.
Sasha also runs regular class taught by the very talented Jen Hall, so if you are looking for some great classes I suggest you pop into the store and find out more.
Sasha is also helping us get the word out about the fundraiser by mentioning us in the stores regular newsletter so keep an eye out for it. If you do not already get the newsletter pop on over to www.shopandcrop.com.au and sign up, the newsletter is always jammed packed with information and great scrapbooking ideas.

Bookings are filling fast so if you want to book your spot email me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

Ok well the rain does not sound like it is going to stop any time soon so i am off to scrap for the rest of the day. what ever you are doing this weekend, i hope you are having a safe and Happy Easter

WOW!

2008-03-19T06:58:00.003+11:00

WOW! my inbox is overflowing with people wanting to book and also make donations. I have been totally blown away by the response so far....thank you ladies.
Already I have 35 bookings...meaning i have reached the half way mark already...can you believe it? I am so excited :)
Sorry this is just a short post, but i will back over the weekend with some EXCITING news, so make sure you check back in.
Don't forget to check out the links off to the side
Have a great day everyone

26th July 2008

2008-03-17T19:14:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone

i'm back again with a new fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy NSW, and yes its a scrapbooking fundraiser.

I have been doing a lot of planning and sending off a lot of emails, I can not tell you everything just yet...there would be no fun in telling you everything straight away now would there? But i can tell you the date and venue.

Saturday 26th July 2008 @ Edgeworth Bowling Club from 10am till 10pm. Cost $15 per person

Yep 12 straight hours of scrapbooking, lots of laughs, good friends and raising money for a wonderful cause.

If you want to know more about Muscular Dystrophy NSW there is a link in my side bar.

A Huge thank you goes out to Edgeworth Bowling Club who are opening their doors to us again for another year. Without their support this day would be not be possible. I have heard that they have a new Bistro at the club and that the food is very yummy, so if you are in the area and looking for a nice meal call into Edgeworth Bowling Club.

bookings are now open so if you wish to book email me @ newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com. Numbers are limited so book early to make sure you do not miss out. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there again this year and a few new faces as well.

Keep checking back for my first lot of exciting news which i hope to reveal in a couple of days.

Leave me a comment to say Hi

back soon

Mandy

Thank you EVERYONE!

2007-07-17T09:44:00.000+10:00

Hi all,

We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us and supported us in the organisation of our fundraiser. We raised approximately $2980. I can't tell you the exact number as I am posting this away from my own computer.

This was an amazing effort considering we had originally been hoping to clear $1000 and 30 people in attendance. In the end we had 75 people and we cleared almost $3000.

Thanks to everyone who came along for the day, listened to us talk, bought raffle tickets, lucky numbers, gave us gold coins for morning tea, attended our two exciting workshops and generally made the day an exciting and fun one.

Thanks again to Edgeworth Bowling Club, Wallsend Crafter's World, Jen Hall and Marion Werren for all of your support. We are so glad to hear that despite the storms last month that Wallsend Crafter's World is back on track and ready to deliver a better than ever scrapbooking experience.

If you ever get the chance, please help us support everyone who has supported us.

Edgeworth Bowling Club – Park Street Edgeworth
Wallsend Crafter’s World – Nelson St Wallsend
Kate Mason – http://katemason.blogs.com/kate/
Kim Archer - http://www.kimarcher.com.au/
Jen Hall - http://www.jenhall.typepad.com/
Marion Werren - http://marionspassionforscrappin.blogspot.com/
Carol-Lea Morgan - http://mrsmorgs.typepad.com/
Roz James - http://rozjames.squarespace.com/

Fiskars – www.fiskars.com.au
Fireside Crafts – www.firesidecrafts.com.au
Craft Queen www.craftqueen.com.au
123 Scrapbook www.123scrapbook.com.au
Urban Lily www.urbanlily.com.au
Scrap Apple – www.scrapapple.com.au
Scrapbook Megastore – Hunter Street Newcastle
Blue Bazaar – www.bluebazaar.com.au
Scrapper’s Delight www.scrappersdelight.com.au
Chris Millar - http://www.chrismillar.typepad.com/
Kellie Cavenett - http://www.kelliec.typepad.com/ www.scrapneeds.com.au
Jane Butler - http://www.janebutler.blogspot.com/
Shop and Crop – www.shopandcrop.com.au - Elder St Lambton
Scrap Apple – www.scrapapple.com.au
Carol Dillion - Regina Murdoch - Jennie Rose
Lorna Burns - Jennie Burns - Lisa Bramble
Stacey Pollak - Jan Gilchrist
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – www.bridgeclimb.com
Express Publications - Scrapbooking memories
Creative Living Media – For Keeps magazine
Universal Magazines – Scrapbook Creations
Michael Hill Jewellers Glendale
Woolworths Glendale
B&B Suppliers Cardiff
Scrapbookdivas – www.scrapbookdiva.com.au
Scrapsidaisy - www.scrapsidaisy.typepad.com
Cyber Scraps – www.cyberscraps.com.au

Until next time.....thanks.

A girl can never have too many places to shop!

2007-07-05T15:48:00.001+10:00

Hi there,

Me again. I have another update for you all. This time its to introduce you to a totally new place to shop. Because a girl can NEVER have too many reasons to shop.

We have recieved another wonderful donation from a new and exciting site called 'Fireside Crafts'

Please go take a look at the gorgeous new site full of awesome scrapbooking kits to help you get creative. http://www.firesidecrafts.com.au/

They have some beautiful stuff over there and a talented design team to offer you all the inspiration you could possibly need.

I love kits....it's nice to have someone pick all the elements you need and then all you have to do is turn it into a work of art.

Thanks Pauline for your support.

cheers

Lauren.

So are you ready for a sneak peak?

2007-07-04T19:03:00.000+10:00

So here it is girls. A sneaky peaky of Jen's class for the fundraiser.
This class is available for bookings now so please email us if you are interested.

There won't be any kits for the class due to the floods, but we will let you know soon what you need to bring if you are booked into the class.

Don't forget to book in for this class and also Marion's Paper Bag album by emailing us at newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com

cheers
Lauren

All Booked Out!

2007-07-03T14:50:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

We have confirmed our available numbers for the day and everyone has officially paid their money so we are now BOOKED OUT.
We are unable to take any more standbys or bookings.

Thank you all for your interest in attending our event and for your support so far.
This day is going to be huge and we are really looking forward to it.

We have tonnes of surprises for you all on the day so we will see you there.

ELEVEN MORE SLEEPS!

See you all then.
Oh...and stay tuned for a sneek peak of Jen's class tonight!

cheers
Lauren.

Here's the Latest.

2007-06-30T17:56:00.000+10:00

Hi Ladies.

Just a couple of small things now that we are almost at the fundraiser.

Firstly, some exciting news. We may have told you before that the store that is supporting us on the day is Wallsend Crafter's World. The girls at Wallsend got swept away in Newcastle's wild weather a few weeks back but we are now happy to announce that they are back up and running and open for business. Please go and say hi to the girls, they are such wonderful girls and we are glad that they were able to make it through the floods and get back on their feet. And of course we are extremely thankful for all of their support.

Our next piece of news!!
We are now totally booked out.
We have been amazed at the huge response to our little shindig. And we have far exceeded our hopes for how many people we would have with us on the day.
If you were still wanting to come we apologise that we cannot take any more numbers but please email us and we will place your name on a standby list. If any seats become available before the day we will let you know. Please if you are emailing to be on the standby list leave us your phone number with your email so that we can reach you easliy.

As we have mentioned before we have two classes happening on the day. A paper bag class with Scrapbooking Memories Master Marion Werren & a layout class with Scrapbooking Memories Master Jen Hall.

If you would like to do either of these classes please send us an email, but remember to be quick. We have limited spaces for the class and they are being snatched up quickly.

For those of you who have been wanting to know what the timetable is for the day, we are working on it and it will be available on the day. If you are wondering what time you need to be there, the day is wide open for people to arrive whenever it suits them. Our first class for the day doesn't start until 11 so if you are there before then you will be right. If we have the final timetable finished before the day we will let you know, however there is a lot to be squeezed in and we are working flat out to make sure it is all done.

There will be raffles and prizes going on all throughout the day. There is no set time to give away all the prizes. We have many prizes and we are pretty sure you wont be dissapointed.

If you have booked a seat and have not yet paid please contact us to arrange payment as soon as possible. We have quite a few people who are asking to make bookings and we are turning them away as we have no seats left. If you still haven't paid you will need to do so by the close of business on Friday the 6th of July, after this date the seats will be made available to others who are on our standby list.

Ok...thats all from me for now.
I hope you are all getting excited. We have so much stuff happening on the day that you wont believe it.

stay tuned.

Lauren.

Shop Online and Help Us Raise Money!

2007-06-03T12:30:00.000+10:00

So when I said stay tuned because I would be back with more stuff soon......I meant really soon.
And we have some really exciting news.

D and M Scrapbooking are very kindly and generously helping us to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New South Wales by donating a percentage of their sales directly to the Association.

And here's what you can do to help us......

Shop online anytime from now until August 31st, 2007 at http://www.dandmscrapbooking.com.au/
and when asked for a fundraising code select Muscular Dystrophy NSW from the drop down box and D and M Scrapbooking will donate 10% of your order amount (not including postage) to MDA NSW.

So you can start Scrapping, Shopping and raising funds online at http://www.dandmscrapbooking.com.au/

They also offer free postage on Australian Orders over $75.

So please please please.....go over and check out their wonderful site.
I was just taking a look around over there and they have something called a Mystery Scrap Box where they send you random products so you can be totally surprised. How cool is that?

So head on over there and see what they have......

Until next time....
cheers
Lauren.

A Layout From Our Two Winners

2007-06-03T12:01:00.001+10:00

Hi All.....I have finally managed to get Blogger to behave itself and thought you might all like to see a layout from each of our two Challenge Winners.....Melanie Harris & Jenny Robertson.

Melanie HarrisJenny Robertson

Thanks for entering girls.....we hope you enjoy your prizes.

Now stay tuned.....cause I will be back very soon to announce something new.....

cheers
Lauren.

And the winner is....or should I say winners?

2007-05-22T14:54:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Our scrapbooking challenge has finally come to an end and we are ready to announce our winners. Although we originally intended to award only one prize, we have decided that due to the number of layouts we received that we would award 2 prizes.

So.....wanna know who won? Of course you do.

Our first prize - A layout scrapped for the winner by the talented Kate Mason goes to Melanie Harris. Congratulations Melanie.....we will let you know soon about making contact with Kate.

And our second prize - A layout scrapped for the winner by Roz James goes to Jenny Robertson. Congratulations Jenny.....we will also let you know soon how to make contact with Roz.

At this point I am unable to upload pictures of the winners layouts but I promise that I will do that as soon as possible.

Thanks to everyone who participated and who made donations.

Today's next piece of information is all about the fundraising day. We have had a great response for bookings so far. So if you were thinking about coming along for the day please contact us soon. We have only a limited number of seats available and they are filling quite fast. YAY!

Next up is a little bit of information about scrapbooking for beginners at the fundraiser. We have been working on putting together a workshop for beginners as we have mentioned before. The workshop will be a mini paper bag album and there will be kits available for purchase on the day. We will also have tools available for use on the day. So if you know of a friend or two who would like to give it a go while supporting a worthwhile cause please point them in our direction. And for those established scrapbookers on the day who would like to make a mini paper bag album, there will also be a limited number of kits with instructions available for separate purchase.

next time you hear from us hopefully I will have sorted out my computer issues and I will be able to post the layout pictures....until then. Thanks for stopping by.

cheers
Lauren.

Get ready for an Update!!!

2007-05-10T19:22:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone.

Sorry it's been a while since I stopped by to let you know what is happening. But I promise I have been saving up some cool news for this post.

Ready....GO!

1. We have had a fantastic response so far with bookings for the day. If you were planning on booking a seat or two....or bringing a whole group don't miss out as numbers are limited.
The only way to guarantee a place is to book through our email and make your payment by cheque, money order or in person at Wallsend Craft World. Without the deposit we can't guarantee a seat.

2. We have been asked by a few people what scrapbooking is all about and if there is any way that non-scrapbookers can still come along and support us on the day. Absolutely, we have been working hard to arrange a workshop and kit for people who are new to the craft. With the generous help of Marion Werren we are working on a mini paper bag album to give all those non-scrapbookers a place to start. If you are interested please let us know and prior to the day we will give you all the details of what to bring along and what you will be able to purchase on the day.

Also, if you are a non-scrapbooker and would like to bring along another craft to work on throughout the day please do. Knitting, crochet, embroidery.....absolutely anything. Please join us, we'd love to see you there.

3. There is only a few days left for our challenge and then we will be announcing the winner. We can't wait to see everyones work and how they have put their own spin on the different projects. Thanks once again to Kim, Carol-Lea and Roz for creating the challenges for us.

4. We are still receiving some awesome donations. The latest ones to arrive are from For Keeps, Scrapbook Creations, The Craft Queen, 123 Scrapbook, Urban Lily & Fiskars.
Thanks for all of your support, it appears that we will have some really exciting prizes to give away on the day.

So there you have it.....cool prizes, fun workshops and lots of awesome girls joing us on the day to raise money for MDA NSW.

Thats all from me today. I hope you all have a great weekend and a fantastice Mothers Day to all you hard working mum's out there.

cheers
Lauren and Mandy

Janene's Story

2007-04-21T16:53:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Even though I am a bit late I have finally made it back here with another MD story as promised.

This month we would like to introduce you to Janene. Janene's son has MD and she has been kind enough to share her thoughts and feelings with us to help the wider community understand what MD is all about and why we are raising money for this cause.

Thanks so much Janene.

My Son’s FSH MD: A Diary Extract – by Janene

My son was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy in April 2004 – he was aged 16.

At this time we were told there was no treatment and that whatever muscle loss had been experienced over the past 5 years would occur in the next 5 years! To say the least we were extremely concerned.

We approached a personal friend who is also a strength and conditioning coach with an in-depth knowledge of the muscular system (we had absolutely none!). We were desperate to do something that may at least slow down the progress of the condition. Together, we carried out research on the Internet, obtained a copy of the physiotherapist strength test results and devised a plan, which I also discussed with our GP.

Our Goals:
1. To keep my son functional in his day to day activities, and
2. If possible to stop any more deterioration of his muscles in the hope that is condition would plateau.

Our Plan:
1. Two 1 hour strength and conditioning sessions per week to include:
a) One session of massaging and stretching exercise
b) One session to do a controlled weights programme including aerobic exercise

Great care is taken to ensure plenty of recovery time between exercise/weight sessions.
He is weighed every week to monitor any change in his body mass.

2. Creatine supplement daily, together with a protein supplement taken from time to time if needed (especially when working).

3. High protein and low fat diet (he was overweight at the time of the diagnosis).

After only a few weeks we began to see some small improvements in his strength as well as noticeable fat loss.

It has now been over two years since my son was diagnosed and he continues with his strength and conditioning program. His strength has improved significantly and he is virtually symptom free.

The significant improvement has prompted me to write this diary. The memory of his early systems has begun to fade and those who did not know him at the time of diagnosis find it difficult to believe that his loss of strength could have been as bad as it was.

Whilst we are aware he will have to continue his therapy programme always, and that there will probably be further hurdles in years to come, we are heartened to have made such incredible progress and improvement.

One of my great concerns is that at the time of diagnosis, when most of us are shocked and grieving, we were unable to find any guidance or direction towards any therapy program. I feel that there is a great need for help and assistance in this area.

Timeline:

April 2003: First symptoms began to appear
April 2004: Diagnosis – moderate FSH MD
May 2004: Program starts
Feb 2005: Significant strength improvement – diagnosis downgraded to “mild”

Oct 2006: Continuing to remain strong and as always, positive.

Janelle's Layout scrapped by Kellie Cavenett from Scrapneeds.

Don't forget, you can also read Lisa's Story HERE!

Happy Easter and a new update!

2007-04-16T12:47:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful easter break. I certainly enjoyed a little time away from the working world. I tried not to eat too many easter eggs but really, who am I kidding?

I know there seems to be a fair few people battling the computer gremlins at the moment, and of course it had to make it's way over to me. So I'm sorry for the extended absence in posting new info. And also to the girls who are waiting for their challenges to come out, I will be sending that information to you all individually any minute now.

Today we thought we would let you take a peek at all the cool stuff that has been coming our way for prizes from so many cool people and companies. So here goes...

4 Pylon Passes to the Pylon Lookout - Bridge Climb Sydney
Heidi Swapp Stamps & Making Memories coaster making kit and album - Scrap Needs
Full set of acrylic nails - Hair at home by Kelly. Call 0411380738 for an appointment with Kell - She does beautiful nails and hair.
4 x 6 month Subscriptions from Scrapboking Memories - Thanks to Marrion Werren for contacting SM on our behalf.
Chatterbox papers, ribbons, make an album kit and a T-shirt from Scrap Apple - don't forget to check out their retreat! (You can find their link in the side bar ---->)
Papers, Prima ribbon, letters and flowers along with some embellishments from The Scrapbook Mega Store in Newcastle
Handmade prizes from Kim Archer, Carol-lea Morgan, Roz James, Steph Caskey-Devlin and Lu Griffin, not to mention the wonderful LO donated by Kate Mason that is the prize for our challenge competition.
Bottles of wine from Edgeworth Bowling Club who are our kind hosts for the fundraiser.

So there you have it! Mandy is just itching to play with all this stuff, it probably doesn't help that it sits there and teases her every day when she gets home. Make sure you come along to the fundraiser for a chance to win some of these wonderful prizes.

Also....if you still wanted to join in our challenge competition to win a layout scrapped for you by Kate Mason there is still time to join in. Even though the challenges are being sent out today there is a month to complete them so you can still donate to MDA NSW and we will send you out the challenges.

All it takes is a donation to MDA NSW, there is no minimum or maximum, you can even purchase MDA merchandise from their website to enter.

Stay tuned to the site tomorrow and we will be posting our next MD story for you to read. We have had some wonderful people share their stories with us so that we can spread the word a little further.

Now I will be off....if you have stayed with me all the way to the end, THANKS!

cheers
Lauren.

Just a quick...late night update!

2007-04-02T23:31:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by. We have been up to some interesting things this week. Donations are rolling in from all over the place. We have been overwhelmed by the amount of generosity that is out there in this wonderful world of scrapbooking.

We will be revealing details of some of these fabulous donations further down the track, but lets just say.....there will be some awesome prizes on the day and we hope to have more cool things happening here on the web so that we can give more of you an opportunity to win some cool stuff!

But for now, don't forget the online challenge to win a layout scrapped by Kate Mason. All you need to do is donate to MDA NSW and show us your receipt. There is no minimum amount, just donate what you can, send us an email with your receipt and we will be sending out the challenges in mid April. Not long to go now!! And don't forget that the challenges will be designed by three very talented ladies, Kim Archer, Roz James and Carol-Lea Morgan. Thanks girls.

A huge thanks goes out to the girls over at Aussie Pub Calls who have kindly agreed to spread the word via their fantastic new blog! They are doing a great job over there so go check out their site. They also helped me solve the mystery of how to get my banner up the top of this page. Thanks from saving me from pulling out all of my hair.

Also another thank you to the lovely ladies over at Scrapapple. They are holding a retreat in September, so if you are looking to take a relaxing break and you are in the North Sydney area go check out their forum.

For a list of some wonderful scrapbooking websites who have kindly supported us please take a look over to the right.....you will find links over in the sidebar. Please stop by their sites and say hello.....

anyhow.....it's rather late, work tomorrow (oh joy!)

catch you all later
cheers
Lauren.
(wasn't really so quick was it?)

Don't forget to challenge yourself....

2007-03-29T22:25:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone.

Firstly I'd just like to say....Check out the counter.......OMG! 600+ hits. Can you tell I am a new blogger? I am getting all giddy about 600 hits to our little site. But seriously. Thanks for stopping by again and again and continuing to check whats happening over here. We are very grateful. We still have more to come....donations are pouring in for our raffles and prizes. We are very excited.

We will not only be holding raffles on the day of the fundraiser, but also in the weeks leading up to it. So if you are unable to make it on the day, then stay tuned because there will be other opportunities to win some great prizes.

So now.....just a bit of a competition plug.
Thank you to the girls who have made donations directly to MDA for their chance to win a LO scrapped by the wonderfully talented Kate Mason. There is still plenty of time to enter this fun competition, all you need to do is make a donation (no matter how small or big) directly to MDA NSW before April 13th and then email us your receipt. If you can't donate directly through the website then please email us for alternate donation options (cheques/money orders).

On April 15th we will email all those generous girls 3 fun challenges to complete by May 15th. Remember you don't need to complete all 3 challenges for a chance to win this amazing prize. You will recieve one entry in the draw just by making a donation, another entry for every challenge you complete and a bonus entry if you complete all 3 challenges. Its easy, its fun and its making a difference to those people living with MD.

So come on girls enter this fun comp, help make a difference and go in the draw to win an awesome layout created by Kate Mason. Kate was a member of the For Keeps Elite team in 2005 and then joined their design team through 2006. Kate runs her own business - Scraps Flea Market and is also on the design team at Blue Bazaar. She has also recently released her own book "The Heart of Design". How awesome would it be to have a layout created especially for you by Kate?

One more thing, thanks to two wonderful girls who have supported us by adding us to their blogs. Jane Butler and Chris Millar Thanks for sending traffic our way, you both rock!

Ok.....so thats all from me tonight. Please stop by again soon. You never know when we will have more exciting news for you.

cheers
Lauren

Latest Update!

2007-03-23T19:46:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone,

Another update to let you know how things are going.

Our ticket sales have started and are going well. If you would like to book tickets you can email us here and we will take your details and arrange a payment method with you or you can buy them in person at Wallsend Crafters World - 96 Nelson St, Wallsend.

If you stop by the shop to buy a ticket, say hi to Karen, Trish and all the Girls. And don't forget to check out their new stock.....they have some really yummy products that have only just arrived. They also host classes for almost every craft you can think of. Karen is very generously supporting us at the fundraiser. Thanks Karen

Don't forget about our upcoming challenge, and if you have any friends who you think might like to join in, please let them know all about it. The more the merrier right? To enter the challenges all you need to do is make a donation to MDA NSW through their donation website or by contacting Mandy and Lauren so you can send a money order. There will be 3 fabulous challenges starting in mid-April, each one set by a very talented scrapbooker. Thank you to the girls who have already sent through their receipts. Keep an eye out next month, we will be sending through an email to everyone registered.

We have already received some really cool donations for our raffles too, but I will let you know more about that later.

Have a good weekend.....
cheers
Lauren.

Challenge News.

2007-03-21T23:08:00.000+11:00

Hey Girls.....

Today's little update is cool....and rather exciting. So here it is.

We mentioned that we will be running a challenge for anyone who donates to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.....well, while I can't announce the actual challenges I am excited to let you all know that three lovely ladies will be creating the challenges for us.

There will be a challenge designed by Kim Archer, Carol-Lea Morgan and Roz James!!!!

How cool is that?
I think its groovy....shame I can't enter myself.

And don't forget that the wonderful prize for this challenge is a layout scrapped by the super talented Kate Mason - YAY!

So that's my news for today. There is so much more to tell you.....but I don't want to overload you all at once. But please stop by again soon....Have a good Thursday.

cheers
Lauren.

Thanks for the support!

2007-03-20T21:50:00.000+11:00

Just a quick note.....thanks so much for all the support girls. We are so excited that our little counter over there has registered over 300 hits so far. Please keep dropping by to see what we are up to. We have so much more planned that we want to share......

Also....hopefully now the new banner is visible on everyones screens. The true test will be my work computer tomorrow....seeing as it is the one that keeps having the problems.

cheers
Lauren.

More news....and a little bit of a competition.

2007-03-16T21:16:00.000+11:00

Well its official 2006 scrapbooking master Marion Werren will be at the fundraiser. She will be there joining in all the fun and games and helping out anyone who has a questions or needs some help. Marion has also made us a STUNNING prize to raffle via this blog, (so keep an eye out for it) We were blown away by her generosity and support. Thank you Marion we look forward to seeing you at the fundraiser.

So its now time to start booking your place for the fundraiser. The cost is $15 per person which includes entry and lots of fun prizes and games on the day. At the fundraiser we will be running raffles and competions to help raise extra money for MDA NSW. If you want to book in, email us at newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com we will then be in touch about payment and tickets. Remember book early as seats are limited. There is a bistro at the club where you can purchase lunch and dinner, that way you can get in maximum scarpbooking time (wink wink) an Mandy says the food is very yummy! We look forward to seeing you all there. Remember spread the word and invite all your friends.

We are also running a challenge via this blog to help kick start the fundraising. So this is what you have to do to win a LO scrapped by the very talented KATE MASON. (Click here to find Kate) Make a donation to MDA here (Visit their website) no matter how big or small and then email your proof of donation to newcastlefundraiser@hotmail.com by the13th April and on the 15th of April we will email you the challenges. You will then have a month to complete as many as you like. We will not be judging this competion on talent, you will receive one entry into the draw for making a donation, and another entry for every challenge completed, PLUS a bonus entry if you complete all challenges.

We will then draw out a name from all of our entries and the winner will win a fantastic layout from Kate Mason. Thanks again Kate!

So there you have it.
Drop us a line, book your seat at the fundraiser, book a seat for a friend or two.....or even more. And don't forget to donate to MDA for a chance to be challenged and win a fantastic prize.

cheers
Lauren and Mandy

Edited to add....my apologies if the banner up the top is still not showing itself correctly on everyone's screens. This one thing is my pet peeve that just won't play nice. :) Lauren.

Lisa's Story

2007-03-16T18:45:00.000+11:00

We would like to introduce you to a friend of ours......Lisa is our inspiration for this fundraiser. So we thought you might like to hear her story.

As I sit to write about my life as an adult with MD I have to think hard about how I am different to any other working wife and mother I know. After all, what is normal and what is the right and wrong way to go about your every day tasks?

My story starts as a young 24 year old. A life of working, partying and back packing around the world. My crazy hectic working week was normal and as my recent journey of a working holiday on one of our most beautiful islands had just come to an end, I decided to come back to my hometown and settle down.

With the exciting news that we were about to embark on the biggest adventure of our lives – A BABY my husband and I decided to settle our lives and prepare for our precious little boy.
Jake entered the world and boy did I know that I was alive!! As all mothers know, giving birth is certainly something that you will never forget and after what seemed like forever my baby was delivered emergency caesarean after an unexplained reason.

Our son grew and life went on. Although I was feeling exhausted I was kept busy learning how to be a mum and eventually went back to work a couple of days a week to have a little adult conversation.

If there was a time that I could pin point as the beginning of something being wrong with me it was at this time. My mind would be in “Go fast mode” but my body could not seem to keep up. This was frustrating, as I did not feel unwell. In my head I put it down to just being tired and kept on going to the best of my ability.

After the birth of our princess Emma and at the age of 26 I was starting to wonder what was happening to me. My family showed concern and I was developing and unusual “gait” when walking. I was always tired and found it difficult to lift my newborn. I developed my own way of picking up my kids, I also developed a quick and effective way of picking up things with my feet and flicking them into my hands.

My daughter was just a few months old when I was tested for MD and to this day I do not know what type of dystrophy I have. It took me a long time to admit to myself that I had a problem and no one I knew had even heard of muscular dystrophy before.

I live my life quite normal and have a lot of support from my family and friends and I don’t call my neurologist weekly anymore trying to find out answers or a diagnosis. I have good days and bad days just like everybody else. I think that my peace of mind comes with my acceptance of my disability.

My husband and children are wonderful helpers around the house and we are kept busy with activities such as sports, music lessons and work. Jake and Emma show no signs of MD and are full of energy and life.

I don’t fight the things that I cannot do any more and although I will never give into the impossible tasks I am able to comfortably ask for help from my family.I look at MD as the next challenge in my life and although it has been one of the biggest challenges yet I am ready to embrace it with a positive attitude and an open mind. You never know what cure is waiting just around the corner………….

Lisa's layout....scrapped by Mandy.

It's about that time!

2007-03-12T19:13:00.000+11:00

Okie dokie girls.....so I told you that we had some kinda cool announcements to make today, and I thought it was about time to let you know what they were.

Mandy has been one busy little lady again this past week. She's a woman on a mission.....don't mess with her. She might run you over she's going that fast. Seriously!

We have secured our location for the fundraiser. We are extremely pleased to officially announce that Edgeworth Bowling Club have opened their doors for us on July 14th, 2007 for a 12 hour non-stop crop. (he he he that rhymes)

To help us kick start our fundraising efforts Edgeworth Bowling Club has already donated prizes for our raffle on the day. Thanks guys, we are very thankful for your support!

We are planning more than one raffle for this event. There will be raffles and lucky door prizes on the day. But the exciting news is that we are also planning some exciting online raffles for those of you who aren't close by.

And for all of the scrapbookers out there, starting next week, we will be issuing a few challenges. For the cost of a donation to MDA NSW we will send out an email challenge, you complete the challenge, send us a picture of the completed project, the projects will be featured in an online gallery and we'll pick a winner.

We would also like to announce the support of some wonderful women from the scrapbooking community. We have been very fortunate so far in our search for support and we are overwhelmed by the people who have without question, offered their support to us.

So now I'd like to tell you that two wonderful women have put forward their talents in support of this wonderful cause.

Thank you so much to Kate Mason and Carol-Lea Morgan, who are both generously giving of their time and talent to help us out. We cannot thank you enough. Though I will certainly try....THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

So, thats it from me today. I think I have given you enough information for a fundraiser overload. Please stop by again soon to see what we have in store for you next.

thanks again
cheers
Lauren.

Edited to add: Mandy has just let me know that three more well known scrapbookers out there who are currently planning ways in which they can help us out. I'll let you know more about that when I am allowed to.

ALSO: I forgot to mention that on the day of the fundraiser we will have a shop there supporting us. The lovely ladies from Wallsend Crafters World will be there with all sorts of scrapbooking gear in tow so that you can pick up those bits and pieces that you forgot to bring along....or other stuff you just HAVE to have.
I will fill you in on the finer details when it's all been arranged.

Exciting News COMING SOON

2007-03-08T23:41:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone,

I know I keep telling you all that we will be announcing some news soon.....but this time I really do mean it.

Mandy and I have been busy little chooks trying to get the main requirements for the fundraiser all set up so that we can pay closer attention to the finer details. And I am happy to say that the foundations for the whole thing are now almost finished.

We have also been getting stuck into the finer points which include prizes for our raffle and other fun bits and pieces.

Keep your eyes on this blog on Monday night and I will be uploading our first exciting news sometime in the evening. We have to finalise details but we should be ready to tell you all by then.

I promise you won't be dissapointed! But without giving anything away we were totally flawed to say the least at the fantastic support that has been coming our way over the last couple of days.

I wish I could let you all know what the secret is before monday, however I am off to Camp Quality for the weekend so alas I will be keeping you all in suspense till then.

chat soon
cheers
Lauren.

Quick Edit: I have noticed on other computers that our banner way up there doesn't always appear complete. I am hoping to fix this soon. But if anyone can tell me how to get it up the very top where it belongs I would be forever grateful. Blogspot just seems to have an attitude when it comes to my banner. :) bye

Thanks for the Support

2007-03-03T13:47:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone,

I have added a couple of links to our sidebar.
We have some lovely ladies supporting us through their blogs.

Mel Harris, Karen Latham and Kellie Cavenett.

Please drop by their websites and say hello.

We will hopefully be announcing a first piece of news in the next week.....keep a lookout for it.

cheers
Lauren and Mandy

Why are we here?

2007-02-25T10:16:00.000+11:00

You may well ask why we have chosen the Muscular Dystrophy Association as our charity of choice. So today we are here to let you know what Muscular Dystrophy is and why we are raising money for them.

What are the muscular dystrophies?

MD takes on many different forms but the way I always explain it to people is that it is a muscle wasting disease. It affects some more than others. If you would like to learn more about the condition you can find a link to the Muscular Dystrophy website in the sidebar on the right. Please go and take a look.

So why did we choose MD to fundraise for? That's an easy question to answer. This charity s very close to our heart and became so about 6 years ago when a very close friend of ours was diagnosed with MD at the age of 26. We decided that we would like to help out and so we find ourselves here, with the aim to raise funds to assist MDA in their research to find a cure and also to help bring a bigger awareness to MD. We hope that with a little help from all of you that we can do that.

Over the next few months we will be asking some friends who are living with MD to tell us their stories so we can share them with you to bring about a greater awareness of how this disease affects those in our community.

I hope this has helped to show you why we are here and how much this cause means to us. If there is anything that you would like to know please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Stay tuned for what exciting things we have planned to help raise money for this great cause.

Welcome to the Newcastle MD Fundraiser Blog

2007-02-17T15:25:00.000+11:00

Hello and welcome.

You have found the blog for the Newcastle Muscular Dystrophy Fundraiser.
Here you will find updates on all of our plans and progress for our 2007 creative fundraiser.

This fundraiser, while primarily a scrapbooking event, is open to all people who enjoy being creative, no matter what their craft may be.

We believe that the creative community of scrapbookers, stampers & and crafters in general is a very powerful and generous community and we hope that you will all be willing to share your craft with us to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

Please stop by again and see what we are up to. We are hoping to have some very exciting ideas and news for you in the coming weeks.

cheers
Lauren and Mandy