Some more details about Escape2Create 2015 ...

For new scrappers interested in attending ...

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

The wait list...

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

While many despair at not getting the initial congratulation 'you are in' email, in the past we have worked through our wait lists as time goes by and other commitments crop up. Last year we had someone fill a vacancy one night before the actual retreat date and we had NO ONE LEFT ON OUR WAIT LIST. Everyone who had sent a registration email in had a chance to attend.

So if you get a 'oh no' email - please don't feel like it's the end of the world. There are always cancellations and there is EVERY chance your name will come up and you will get the opportunity to come along too.

Reminder ... not long now :-)

Not long now until registration for E2C 2015 ...

information about proxy registrations

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

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

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

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

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

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

For those who do need to use the proxy rule, please only ask one person to do it for you. 

The person that submits your proxy will need your name, postal and email address to include on the initial registration email. The proxy registration will be null and void without this info.

We are trying to be fair to everyone.

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

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

Good luck!

E2C 2015 reminder ...

Our fourth teacher for 2015 ...

Check out Leanne's blog

Our third teacher for 2015 ...

Check out Kim's blog

Our second teacher for 2015 ...

Check out Fiona's blog

Our first teacher for 2015 ...

Check out Chantalle's blog 

e2c 2015… dates

Hi there!

Once again we are full tilt into organising our scrapbooking retreat escape2create!

As usual, the retreat will take place at North Shields, South Australia on Friday March 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd. As the extra day was such a hit last year we have decided to do it again - YIPEE!  This time it is not a public holiday though….just an e2c holiday!

The cost of the retreat is $280 and includes all meals, accommodation, goodie bags and a massive prize table raffle. There will be a variety of scrap shops open and we will offer classes from 4 amazingly inspiring and well known Australian scrappers. These ladies will be revealed soon. Classes and kits will be at an extra cost. 

Registrations to attend will take place very soon! Please mark SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER in your diaries. Email registrations - no texts or phone calls - will be accepted on this date from 2pm. The email address to contact is john.treloar@bigpond.com 

Please include your name and contact details (including email, mobile and postal address)  in your email. You may submit 1 proxy registration if needed for someone else who cannot register that day themselves. Please ensure your proxy registration is aware that you will be submitting their name and that they are not able to register for themselves. 

For those unfamiliar with e2c registrations :

• we have 80 available seats (due to venue restrictions on space)
• no seats (apart from teachers, shops and ourselves) are reserved. 
• it is strictly a 'first in, first served' basis. This is dependant on the time your email is received at above email address. No attendee is 'handpicked' over another. We pride ourselves on a very fair system.
• those 80 seats are taken up quickly. Waiting 5 minutes may mean you miss out!!
• We normally have a long waiting list of those who did not register in time. Every year we get many, many cancellations. The message is : if you don't get in originally - don't despair!
• After our registration list is complete you will receive a reply email stating : yes - your registration was successful  OR  no - sorry you missed out on registration but are on the waiting list.
• Full payment must be made by December 1st 2014 (details will be given in the successful registration email)
• There is a strict no refund policy after 30th January 2015.

We have our fingers crossed for everyone and hope to hear from you on September the 7th.

Meredith and Amanda

e2c retreats.

introducing...

our 2015 e2c logo

Incorporating lots of delicious triangles, navy, baby blue, petal pink and gold.

We hope you love it as much as we do!

e2c mini retreat

teacher testimonial - Natalie Elphinstone

e2c lolly table printables

As you can see from our last post, e2c 2014 had a lolly table that was laden with all things yummy. In fact we went though 3 times the amount of lollies in 2014 than any other previous year. Why?

I'm not 100% sure but maybe it had something to do with our little framed signs… HA!

I've been asked to upload them for you to print off at home and use for project life cards etc. So here they are. I've left a few out that i don't have permission to re-gift.

If you click on the image you should then be able to download a full sized copy… a lot of these were found via pinterest and a couple i made or altered myself to fit in with our colour scheme.

(they look dark on my computer screen here but actually print off quite minty - well on mine they do anyway!)

*minty and fresh added as special request.

The black and white striped JOY poster can be found here…. a free printable.


and i was also inspired by this print from society6.

Hope this help with documenting your time at e2c with your PL.

e2c2014

It's so hard to believe, but this time last week we were heading back to the Lion's Hostel after a meal out with our teachers and retailers. Our decorations were 95% done and the main jobs left to do were a million little ones.

They say time flies when you are having fun, but sometimes it feels that the e2c weekend just goes by in a blink of an eye… even with an extra day thrown in.

The whole e2c weekend kicked off for us last Thursday. After giving the kids a little hug goodbye and seeing them onto the buses, Meredith, John, Greg and I drove to North Shields. We had a super team behind us this year, knowing that i was a bit limited in the lifting department. Sandra W and Trish S were also heading over the hill to meet us there and were the most amazing, instrumental help in getting set up.

The first job was a bit of a clean up, then onto construction of our decorations. Usually the trestles are the first thing to get put up, but knowing that we had to do some elaborate ceiling bizzo they were going to be one of the very last jobs this year. I think this added a bit of a panicky feeling as Meredith and I felt behind in the setup all day… even though we were really right on track, just doing some things in different order.

via meredithtrel on Instagram

Before long we had some more amazing helpers arrive - Kim M, Kathryn D, Sue and Lauren. We all fluffed pom poms and constructed lanterns and fans and then took a very long time trying to work out how to tie them all together!! (insert slight 'running out of time' panic at this stage by Meredith).

via auntylauren on Instagram

 via bronzewing on Instagram

Our retailers had arrived by now and had started the HUGE task of setting up their shops. We cannot thank them enough for coming along and making such a massive effort of bringing all their wares for our shopping delight.

Then it was time to meet our teachers!! Meredith and I met Natalie Elphinstone and Gina Rodgersat the airport and even though we were all nervous, it was brilliant to meet these wonderfully inspiring ladies in person. We just love how our teachers are always so down to earth and humble of their talents. E2C is definitely a diva free zone.

Later we picked up Celeste Vermeend and Mardi Winen from the plane - more beautiful, down to earth  people, and arrived back from the airport to meet Kim Archer in the car park. And just like that all our teachers were here, all excited and looking forward to seeing what e2c was all about.

via bronzewing on Instagram

via natalieelph on Instagram

A little more fiddling with the decorations and then out to tea at the Marina. It was wonderful to sit and relax, eat and drink and get to know our teachers a little more.

Before long we headed back to the hostel to pack goodie bags and do some of the small fiddly last minute type jobs. (and hang some last minute decorations that i had actually forgotten - the hot air balloons that had taken me all day to make, and the table allocations that were a nightmare to print!)

Finally it was time to hit the sack and get a bit of rest before e2c really kicked off.

Friday was THE day and I woke and got ready for the day with butterflies in my tummy. Friday is always my most favourite day of the retreat… seeing everyone arrive, and watching their faces as they walk into the shed is just so rewarding and exciting. The teachers put the finishing touches on their kits

via kim__archer on Instagram

via celestejanev on Instagram

via natalieelph on Instagram

via kim__archer on Instagram

while Meredith and I put the finishing touches on other areas. Sandra and Trish were busy little bees chauffeuring people to and from the airport to the central meeting spot of the Port Lincoln Hotel.

Last minute jobs included filling the lolly table :

via natalieelph on Instagram

via meredithtrel on Instagram

via raquelp on Instagram

It seemed like no time at all and it was 12.50pm. Cars had been arriving since 12.15 (as usual) and the crowd was getting anxious to come in. We opened the door and it had begun!!

The rest of the long weekend passed in a blur - a good blur but way too fast. There were tears, laughter, creativeness, new skills and just a general *sigh* of ladies having time to themselves to do something that they love with some like minded women.

Every single class was amazing - in fact there were so many compliments on the classes it was crazy! All 4 of our teachers were brilliant - stepping us through their layouts and projects with ease. It's so good to see everyone with their heads down, really embracing the guest teachers techniques and learning something new. It's also really rewarding seeing the attendees coming up and thanking the teachers personally for the class.

The QR readers made it so much easier to view the step by step classes and we received many positive comments in our feedback forms on this.

Saturday flew by - with a VERY long winded prize table thrown in the mix (however where else does everyone EVERYONE win a prize!), and then it was Sunday… and next minute it was Monday.

4pm seemed to roll around very quickly and before we knew it people were hugging goodbye, with a few teary thank yous. Our families arrived, ready to help with the dismantling of the decorations, tables and general (but very large)  tidy up. Again Sandra and Trish were amazing helpers. Absolutely amazing right to the very last thing put in the car they were there. Many other ladies also pitched in this year and we feel so very grateful to each and everyone of you. I'm sure you can imagine that it's a huge job to tackle with only our family to help. Every single person who helped us was brilliant and we appreciate it so much.

Crazy to think that all that planning is all done - all gone for another year. Yes it is a lot of work, that can often be overwhelming but our reward is seeing 78 other ladies have the time of their life during the e2c experience. When people say goodbye to us and get emotional about how much this time out means to them - THAT is our reward and reason for doing it.

A beautiful thank you card made for us by the attendees via meredithtrel on Instagram

In the past two days I have had someone say to me that e2c has created a 'community' which actually made me cry - it felt so true! There is such a warm-ness, a togetherness and yes, a sense of community.

it's almost here!

Well it's really 1.5 days to go but omg woohoo YAY!!

Behind the scenes we have our wonderfully generous setup helpers on standby. Sandra's chauffeur uniform is pressed and hanging, waiting for her first airport pick up. Our teachers are all packed and ready waiting to catch their flights tomorrow. Kim Archer's mighty road trip to get to us has already started. Our cars are packed to the roof racks and tomorrow after we kiss our kidlets goodbye, give them a wave on the school bus and ensure all our last minute items are packed…. we are on the way. We have 2 wonderful husbands who will be also there, pitching in as they do every year to help in any way. Hanging, climbing, constructing. It's such a team effort!

This is one of the most exciting bits. Seeing all the ideas that Meredith and i have been thinking, and planning, and buying and receiving in box loads, come together to transform a mundane old shed into e2c central!

Can't wait! In fact I'm tossing up going to bed now (8pm) just so tomorrow gets here faster!!

2014 classes, hot spotting and the QR Reader

• there will only be one screen for a powerpoint 'step by step' type presentation.
• sorry but there will NOT be individual printouts of the steps.
• there is no wifi available at the venue... you will need to have your own access to the internet. If you don't have internet access on your iPad / tablet you may be able to hotspot your phone. Instruction on how to do this - it's very easy - here.
• the QR reader app i have used with success is this one.
•   It is free from the app shop. It will need the internet to work and direct you to the class instructions. The code to scan will be given prior to the class while at the retreat.
• if you are unfamiliar with how QR readers work you can practise with the QR reader at home before the retreat. Any QR code will give you a result and it should direct you and open a web page.

•  If you do not have a device to look at the instructions online DO NOT DESPAIR. As said above there is one screen with the instruction projected on, or you can share a device with someone else and we will also have the teachers circulating discussing the step by steps walking us through the whole process in person.

Gina Rodgers class - photo requirement change

Please note following changes to photo requirements for Gina Rodgers class:

need - 2 identical portrait photos approx. 8 x 7 cm  or one landscape photo approx. 11 x 8 cm

Thank you and apologies.

Amanda and Meredith

Printing Instagram photos ...

We have been having a little discussion over on my Facebook page about ordering Instagam photos online.

I have used Origrami before
http://www.origrami.com/ and was happy with them.



One of our other attendees, Amy, has used Photify 
https://photify.com.au/ 


So have a look and maybe try something different 

Check if they will be delivered in time too.

This is NOT a sponsored post  just something groovy to try 

Let us know if you have used any other sites.

e2c 2014 update

It's almost impossible to believe but our 2014 e2c retreat is almost upon us.

 

We have been very busy behind the scenes organising the most fun, exciting, inspirational weekend that you can imagine. It's said every single year but we think it may be the best ever retreat! Meredith and I cannot wait to see you walking in the door, getting ready to enjoy a long weekend with 80 other excited ladies. 

 Sandra Wallace has been kind enough to volunteer to organise the bedding buddy system where a local supplies linen for one e2c guest to save their luggage space. Kathryn Doudle is helping coordinate the teachers linen packs. We are so grateful to these ladies (and everyone who has already put their hands up for the job). There is more detail regarding that here if you feel you can help or would like a linen pack. Sandra is also helping with airport pickups on the Friday of the retreat. If you would like a special e2c pickup from the airport please let Sandra know : sandy5.5@hotmail.com

If you are new to the area, the airport is very close to our accommodation which is on the outskirts of Port Lincoln in a township called North Shields. There is more info on the Port Lincoln area here and info on our accommodation here. 

We feel very fortunate to have FOUR very big names in the Australian scrapbook industry attend as our teachers : Kim Archer, Gina Rodgers, Celeste Vermeend and Natalie Elphinstone. We know that you will join us in making them feel welcome and help them settle in in any way we can. If you are not familiar with their work, clicking on their name will direct you to their blogs. Do yourself a creative favour and check them out.

 

If you haven't already sorted out your class requirements, time is running out! Please check here for details on what you need to bring. As with last year, our class sizes are HUGE and we would appreciate you being super organised with your class requirements.  (maybe a zip lock bag with each of the class needs in separate ones?). As there will be almost all eyes and ears on the class teachers during the classes it would be polite and very much appreciated to keep laughter and loud chat down to a dull roar. Everyone can turn up the volume on good times as soon as the classes are over :)

The classes will be run a little differently this year. If you have a smart phone, an ipad or tablet that connects to the internet, please bring it along and ensure you have a QR reader installed so you will be able to access the class step by step instructions. There are many, many QR readers available on the app store (and android equivalent). Most are free and work just as well as the bought versions. We will also have one overhead screen set up for a powerpoint version, but if you are able, accessing it on your device will give you the best view. Our apologies but printouts of the instructions will not be available due to the volume of printing required per person. 

The classes will be held on Saturday and Sunday (two classes per day - morning and afternoon). Friday night will be free to scrap, socialise and utilise our photo booth. Nic Aspinall has once again offered her fabulous photographic services. There will be a small cost to cover photo printing if you would like copies.

We seem to say the same thing each year but for the newbies and the forgetful :) we will re- enforce some points :

 
1.  There will be 5 retailers attending our retreat and they will be 'onsite' for the entire weekend.  DON'T FORGET YOUR MONEY / PURSE / CARD / CHEQUE BOOK!  Nat May will again attend with items to buy which are not sourced by our local shops. Nat will only be able to accept cash.
 
2. If you would like an iron on transfer for your t-shirt please remember to bring a black t-shirt. Transfers will be given to all in 2014.
 
3. The group photo last year looked fantastic with everyone in their black t-shirts. We are hoping most people will join in and bring a black shirt so we can have a similar 'group' appearance this year -  even if you don't want a transfer. This group photo has been planned for 10.30 am on Sunday.
 
4. Our e2c Masseuse Mandy has confirmed that she is able to attend this year! She will be bringing a team to pamper you with manicures, pedicures (both with shellac), facials and massages. They will be available for bookings Saturday, Sunday and Monday at an extra cost. Details on pricing will be passed on to you as soon as we know more. Booking sheets will be circulating on Friday.
 
5. You will need to BYO esky and ice for your own BYO drinks (alcoholic or non) for the entire weekend. Ice will be available at the Nt Shields service station across the road to top up eskies as needed. Please note that there is no spare fridge space so personal drinks will be your own responsibility.  You will also need to bring your own wine glass / cocktail glass / cocktail ingredients. Blenders will be supplied. There will be a special 'eskie cubby' for all eskies which is near to your scrap area. If you are a 'traveller' there will be plenty of local eskies you may share.
 
6. As always : make sure you have plenty of photos and projects to keep you busy for 3.5 entire days. (woohoo take note of that extra day!!) Take much more than you think you could ever scrap and hopefully your creative mojo will floweth over!
 
7. Tea and coffee facilities will be available all day, evening and until the wee hours. A scrummy afternoon tea will also be supplied on Friday afternoon at 3pm thanks to Carrie Speed.
 
8. A small selection of nibbles will also be available. If you have particular eating desires or special needs - bring them along for yourself to nibble on over the weekend.
 
9. Don't forget to pack bath towel, bedding and toiletries!!
 
10. There are 6 - 8 beds per room - 3 or 4 bunks. The bedding situation has again been allocated in 2014. Requests were asked for months ago and we have tried very hard to please  everyone. Please be aware that all rooms are full due to our attending numbers.
 
11. Arrival time is from 1pm on Friday the 7th.  No early callers please. 
 
12. The retreat will wrap up around 4pm on Monday. This is to ensure we have enough time to finalize retailer accounts, give us time to clean rooms and remove ourselves!
 
13. There will be a cuttlebug and some folders, punches and plenty of sewing machines set up at the retreat to borrow. If you would like to print journalling there will also be a printer / laptop. Please supply own paper/cardstock.
 
14. Please do not bring individual blow heaters / fans. We do not think our power will cope. PLEASE DO NOT BRING EXTRA FURNITURE. IF YOU WISH TO BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR PLEASE CONFIRM WITH US PRIOR TO THE RETREAT. EXTRA TRESTLES BROUGHT IN BY ATTENDEES WILL BE REMOVED.
 
15. If you would like to bring a pillow or cushion for your bottoms please do - the seats can become very hard after sitting for so long being extremely creative!

16. We will have a prize table again in 2014 which is full to the brim of amazing gifts and donations from around the world! We have worked very hard to bring you the best selection of prizes ever. If you see a donor at the retreat - take the time to thank them. It's their generosity that have enabled us to have such a great range. A simple 'thank you' goes a long way :)

 Please don't hesitate to contact us if there is any questions or concerns. We would be pleased to help in any way possible and strive to make this a great, fun time for everyone.

 

Meredith and Amanda