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