Kim Archer | Mindful Living

{a workshop}

Well it's late and I've had computer problems all day!

I wanted to have this information posted days ago but of course have had things going on here with the room being built, the gardening, back to school and home stuff etc etc!

Annnyway, I am really excited about all the positive comments, feedback and emails I have received about the online classes. *thank you*

The trial class was a fun night! So I am going to see how I go with a few more online classes. This is all still in it's infancy so bear with me as I get things up and running effectively.

Sooooo, basically this is what it's all about!

The next class will be held:

MONDAY 6 FEBRUARY 7-9PM (AEST)

WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 10-12NOON (AEST)

• this workshop will be $10 per person.
• it will be run through my private blog as a 'live' class. Once registered you will receive a username and password.
• class numbers will be capped at 15 participants
• this workshop will be offered twice in two different timeslots and days to accomodate more people.
• register by emailing me at [email protected]
• payment for the class can be made by direct deposit (details given on registration)

I have no idea what the response will be but if I need to offer a third timeslot I will:)

Please feel free to ask questions here and I will answer them. Alternatively, drop me an email:)

I know one of the questions will be why are the class numbers capped? I have decided to cap the numbers after discussing it with those who attended the trial workshop, because the part I enjoyed the most about that class was being able to interact with those doing the workshop. We were all able to post comments and chat together as we worked step by step through the class.

In saying all that though - you DON'T HAVE to interact with the other girls during the 'live' class.

You can take as much from the class as you want and participate as much as you want. For some, that will mean chatting, scrapping, posting comments as we work our way through the step by step posts and sharing our layouts at the end of the class in the WORKSHOP ALBUM.

Others may be happy to do the layout quietly without the interactive part of the class. My main goal is to provide a fun atmosphere that enocurages you to create a layout/project in the comfort of your own home:) and for me to be accessible via the blog to answer any questions and guide everyone through each step.

So what's the next step if you are interested in participating?

Book into the class!

Let me know you would like to do the class by emailing me at [email protected] and I will send you an info email with further details.

It's too dark tonight to photograph some sneak peeks of the class project but basically here's the class description:

Our workshop theme is "GET HAPPY".

Do you have a certain photo that just makes you happy. Or certain colours, products, patterned papers that make you smile and just love using it in your projects? Join me as we create a single 8.5x11 layout (which can easily be converted to 12x12 if desired) using all the things that make you happy! The layout uses a single 4x6 photo and includes patterned paper, machine stitching and hidden journaling with fabric/ribbon hinges.

Any questions please ask:)

KIM

{back to school}

My house is quiet.

REALLY quiet.

Little people are enjoying their first day back at school today. Just like Julie's Jordan, Jamison was up, showered and dressed in full school uniform by about 7.35am! Hope that continues throughout the term!

Here we are first thing this morning. Capri's new school bag is so big! It looks HUGE on her back!!!!

 

While I was downloading the school photos this morning I came across these bird photos!

Jamison asked me late yesterday could he borrow the camera to take photos of birds in our tree out the front.

So off he went.

He did show me while I was cooking dinner but I was distracted and didn't really take that much notice!! But now I am! He's done a great job. Check out the little green one peeking out from the leaves!

And he even captured the green one as it flapped away - straight at Jamison by the look of this shot!

{the room}

I was without my computer today due to the building work and I also minded my sister's two kids Jake & Chelsea so I couldn't do my building progress photos/report throughout the day as planned!

So here's the update now...

The room is looking FANTASTIC! Thanks Nigel!!!!!

It's made such a difference already. We have a formal living/dining open plan area at the front of the house which really doesn't get used much. It's got all our mismatched (U G L Y) furniture in it. Old sofas, crappy dining table etc but it also houses my computer and another tele for the kids etc.

So we decided to divide the room and create a study in the dining area. This means I get a scrap room, Jamison can move into my former scrap room/study which was the 4th bedroom and Brandt can have his own room.

So this new room means more than just me getting a scraproom - it means hopefully Jamison & Brandt will stop arguing and bickering EVERY NIGHT BEFORE BED! So they will each have their own rooms. Especially now with Brandt entering year 10 (OMG how did that happen???) he needs his own space and room to study and do his homework without having to worry about Jamison being in there.

Here's the room this morning before any building work began. And yes, note the EMPTY garden beds you can see through the doors! But they do have soil in there now...plants are due tomorrow:)

Work started! The framework goes up - dividing the two rooms. Um, that removeable cover USUALLY sits ok on that sofa in the loungeroom you can see, inside of riding up like that! Kids must have been jumping on it:)

And this shot is blurry but you get the idea. The walls are done! Our builder (thanks Nigel) is coming back to finish skirting boards and cornices etc tomorrow afternoon and the next! And then its done! YAY!

It's hard to visualise how big the room is - it's not massive but as a study/scrap room it's a great size space and does look bigger than I thought it would.

I'm hoping to have storage all along one wall and a work space along the opposite wall with shelving above and drawers below - well thats my vision:)

{ok, sorry again - being away from the computer today has thrown my schedule out so I have a free day tomorrow and will be finalising the next online class then. I need to work out some details first:O}

{bowling, bags and action sunday}

So today is a busy one here in the Archer household. We have been in a working bee frenzy! All of the soil for our garden beds arrived this morning so Ken has been shovelling dirt all day and doing lots of digging and some drainage work! Our plants arrive this week - hopefully Tuesday.

Last year I created a layout about my New Years resolution of finally doing our garden! Well, I didn't quite make it with my resolution in 2005 but it will all be done early 2006 so that's good! We have had a pergola built throughout last year but the garden beds remained sad and empty!

I have taken photos of our progress and will share later when they are downloaded.

Annnyway, we bought an outdoor setting yesterday - finally. I have been searching for just the right one for ages. And I assembled it myself - which was quite a feat! We also laybyed a BBQ yesterday - very flash!! And I bought some annuals to plant into pots which is my job this afternoon.

So the outside is all coming together very nicely indeed.

My sisters kids are here to visit for a few hours so the kids are all occupied thankfully!

Tomorrow the building work starts on my room - fingers crossed. I have a set of timber stained french doors in this room and I want to paint them antique white. So I have been very much the Handy Woman this morning with the electric sander.

And I discovered I could NEVER be a builder, carpenter or renovator. Too hard. My muscles (well, I don't really have any) are aching and the job is only half done. And I've hurt my back:O(

So, other news...

We spent Wednesday morning with Jen Hall and her kids at ten pin bowling. Jen has already shared one pic of the girls but I thought I would share a few more.

The bowling place was PACKED. And it was noisy. And Jamison was in a mood which was very unpleasant - late night, early morning and he was just being DIFFICULT!!!!

BUT everyone seemed to have a fun time - although in hindsight we should have only booked ONE game for them all as they were all over it by half way through the second game.

The bowling shoes are really attractive hey! Such a fashion statement!

And I love this action shot of Capri - she looks so professional and believe me SHE WASN'T -  lucky for the lane bumpers or she would have had a score of zero!!

I love how you can catch a glimpse of the kids scores on the board in the corner of the shot! Shame Capri is a little blurry but it's an action shot!!! Well that's my excuse anyway.

And in other EXCITING NEWS - I called into Paper & Stuff on Friday to choose supplies for another upcoming workshop I am doing on February 19 (more about that later) and Janelle was there.

Firstly, she now has her own blog which you can check out here.

And secondly I was totally shocked and thrilled to receive this from her for my birthday..

It's my very own FRILLY DILLY BAG!!!! And I totally LOVE it. Isn't it gorgeous. I love the colours and the patterns Janelle has chosen and I feel so spoilt! I was totally shocked!!!! THANK YOU AGAIN SO MUCH JANELLE.

(PS. like my little bag model!!)

Also, THANKYOU TO Miss Rachel Greig for her beautiful handmade card and parcel of her own papers and film strips which arrived here Friday!!!

Thank you Rach! I was admiring those cards you have been busily creating and sharing on your blog and then one jumps into my mail box:O)))))

So, I'm off now - time for more sanding. I am hoping to put together details for the next online workshop to post by tonight but don't hold me to that as I have a bit of a to do list today. I will be trying very hard though:)

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

KIM

{farewell, hello, new blogs and online workshop news}

Sad news at the Boxx - Mel Goodsell has left us :O( I thought the tribute in the last newsletter was such a lovely thing for Maria to do and we were able to see again some of the wonderful creations Mel completed for the Boxx during her time with us..BUT we can still see Mel's work regularly as she has joined the beautiful Tarisota Design Team!

Happy news! Zina Wright has joined us now on the DT at the Boxx and already she is creating the most gorgeous things for upcoming newsletters. I have never met Zina in real life but have always admired her work in For Keeps. Her style is innovative and individual and I look forward to getting to know her a bit better through the DT. Plus she has a blog!

Another new blog to check out!! Renata Watt has a blog. Yay. And it's looking fab! I love her banner and the colours she has used. Check it out here.. Plus, make sure you check out Renata's gallery!

The building of my scraproom is being delayed until Monday. So sad:O( but it can't be helped. I will be posting progress pics so stay tuned!

And finally.

There has been lots of interest and emails and comments about the online workshop I ran a little while ago (thank you)! I would really love to design and teach some more online workshops, so I am. I'll be posting details here in a few days so watch this space.

KIM

{birthday pics as promised}

Ok, here's a few photos of my birthday pressies. I haven't included everything but you get the idea:) These are mostly from my scrapping friends.

I ordered a pile of stuff from the Boxx as my present from Ken and the kids(which is due any day! Hopefully tomorrow) and they also gave me some little bits and pieces to go with it all. PLUS I am getting my scrap room built this Friday!! I CANNOT wait!

So, all the pink stuff - storage box, magazine holders and the cute flower print are from my parents. Plus check out the great high heel shoe card my mum found! From my best friend Margaret, a Friends Desktop calendar box and a necklace which came packaged in that great striped handbag gift bag in the centre of the photo!

Lots of handmade cards! Thanks Kathryn, Robyn, Renata, Julie & Mishell's daughter Lily!!!

From Rozzie - a prosperity crystal to hang from my car mirror!! Plus the cutest little packet of mini paper bags!

Julie's beautiful handcrafted card and an All My Memories mini album (which I have always looked at but never ordered!!) Love the pink colour! AND wrapped in a sheet of KI paper! She SO loves that brand and so do I.

And from Renata - check out this groovy flower thong photo frame! AND the Designing With Greetings book!!!!!!!!!! LOVE it and it was totally unexpected and she was VERY generous!! Plus a handmade card and a little pack of Lip Smackers for Capri from Renata's girls.

                                                             

And from Mishell, a beautiful perfume decanter!!

And from my aunty, a really special and unexpected gift (we don't exchange gifts at birthdays anymore so this was really special!) - a God Daughter angel! I love this!!

And lastly - a TOTAL surprise from Jen. A gorgeously decorated little desktop noteblock!

I was certainly NOT expecting so many presents and cards and email wishes, text messages and phone calls for my birthday. It was very overwhelming! So again THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!

{catch up}

Happy birthday today to my hubby Ken:O)

He's been home on holidays and we have been doing 'house' things! Things we have put off forever!! Today we went to lunch to celebrate Ken's birthday. MMMM. APK - LOVE their pizzas! The garlic prawn pizza with mango salsa is MY FAVOURITE!

We gave him a ticket to U2 which he organised with friends himself (I'm not a big U2 fan so I was happy for him to go with others!!) and the usual socks and dvds etc!

Brandt has been in Forster for the past week. It's his first time away on holidays without us (he went with his best mate and their family who we know really well). I really miss him. I didn't realise I would miss him as much as I have. He's home again on Sunday. I do like to have all my chickens at home safe and sound under the one roof! So it's been a big deal to let him go on this holiday!

The new Scrapbooking Memories came out today. A really impressive issue! Congrats to Nic on her cover featuring a gorgeous photo of her daughter Georgia!!Huge congrats to the Boxx girls Janelle, Megan and Karen who all had their first published layouts in this issue. And check out this layout on Julie's blog. It was a HUGE thrill when Julie first approached me about doing this layout! I was VERY flattered and excited about it and it's been MONTHS since she created it! Finally, it was in this months issue. Well done Julie.

Lastly, here's my rejected Masters double layout. It's of Capri and her friend Kate. I love these photos of the girls! They were both very co operative. Journaling is about Capri's tough year at school last year without her very best friend Bridie who had changed schools. After being rather lost at the start of the year and some nastiness from some of the girls in her class, Capri found Kate - a gorgeous, lovely friend. the main photo flips open to reveal more photos of the girls which you can see here:

And lastly, again:O) I have photographed all my beautiful gifts and cards from my birthday but haven't downloaded and resized yet! Will share I promise!

Final thing - the online gallery is now complete with the addition of the last few layouts today! Thanks again girls for joining me in the workshop!

Happy Friday everyone.

{what a day}

I had a great day! THANK YOU for all the messages and emails for my birthday!

Thankyou to all my wonderful friends who rang me today and sent me such generous, beautiful presents. I want to share a photo of my pressies but the light's too bad tonight so I will do that and post it here in the morning. Everyone was SO generous and I felt really overwhelmed at the attention actually.

We've just finished a delicious BBQ seafood dinner with my parents. The kids are in bed and I am all set to watch the finale of The Bachelor! Can't wait.

THANKYOU everyone as well for all your thoughts and opinions on the movies. We saw the Heaven one with Reese Witherspoon. One of my friends absolutely LOVED it, laughed uproariously all the way through, had a cry and became thoroughly absorbed in the movie which is always funny to watch cause she ALWAYS does that!!

My thoughts? I liked it. Storyline was rather far fetched but who cares! it was a fun movie, fun night and we talked for ages afterwards over coffee!

{help please}

I need some opinons on some movies.

My friends are taking me to the movies tonight for my birthday and it's my choice. But I can't decide. I REALLY wanted to see that The Family Stone whatever?? (hopeless with movie names) with Sarah Jessica Parker but it seems to have finished which is odd as I feel like it was only on for like a WEEK!

Anyway, the two I have narrowed it down to is Rumor Has it with Jennifer Aniston or the other one is Just Like Heaven with Reese Witherspoon. Anyone seen either of these! Both on at a similar time tonight so I said I would decide once we got there. Any opinions, reviews, thoughts would be most appreciated:O)

{more layouts}

More layouts from last night have come in and I've uploaded them in the gallery :O) ALL so impressive! Check them out.

And, look, Bridget Jones is on tonight! And I didn't even know. So I am off to enjoy, for like the 50th time!

Thank you to Janelle for a great day today. Capri & I visited Janelle and her two beautiful kids Emily and Jasper for a lovely lunch and get together. The kids had fun dressing up and dancing around and running around outside in the rain!!!! And I got to see all of Janelle's beautiful handiwork. She makes THE best fabric bags! Check them out on Julie's blog here. (ok, sorry, can't get the link to work...click on Julie's name in the side bar!!)

I always try so hard to answer all the posts you guys leave here and I am ALWAYS behind so I am trying to answer ON the blog rather than in separate reply emails to everyone. I'll see if that works a little better!

I wanted to also say thankyou to everyone for their interest in the classes. I haven't made any decisions yet. Any news or updates will be posted here on this blog!!

Off to watch Bridget and those ginormous undies - reminds me of Mishell ;o)