tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304479322012-02-11T09:31:13.599+08:00Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.comBlogger2111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-83632722377417649612012-02-06T11:48:00.000+08:002012-02-06T11:48:00.210+08:00

Just a quick post hoping you are all getting creative out there! Now that the kids are back at school you can start getting all those projects that you put aside for the holidays out and start working on them. Thank goodness it's cooled down a bit here in Perth, those 40C+ temps and high overnight minimums were not great for creating! Right now I am designing some new items for Collections

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-54953459207241766372012-01-26T11:43:00.001+08:002012-01-26T11:43:42.233+08:00

Happy Australia Day to everyone across this fine nation and to those who are travelling or living abroad! I hope you celebrate this day, 26th January 2012 with all your friends and family! Wherever you are stay safe and if you are in Perth - stay cool. It was a scorcher yesterday with 41.5C and today and the next few days will be the same. I am hoping to see the wonderful Skyworks tonight with

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-72345052632416233672012-01-20T12:42:00.001+08:002012-01-20T12:42:29.323+08:00

This coming June I will be sponsored by Nicole from Craft Queen to teach classes at the June show Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo in Brisbane. So note down the dates in your diary as I have some wonderful classes lined up to teach later in the year. The sneak peeks will be revealed later on the website in due course, so keep checking for updates! Right now I am working on new product for

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-6256580870402300102011-12-26T12:44:00.001+08:002011-12-26T13:24:32.557+08:00

I trust you all had a wonderful and happy Christmas Day. We all had an amazing day with lots of fun an laughter, good company and tons of yummy food. There were lots of thoughtful gifts - some really practical and some just plain good fun! Thanks to my beautiful daughters, Danielle and Lauren for making it so special. To my lovely and most beautiful niece and her sweetie of a husband,

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-87560808669083298192011-12-23T14:29:00.000+08:002011-12-23T14:29:00.720+08:00

I wish all my family and friends a safe and happy Christmas, wherever you are - I hope you share the day with people you love and join in the spirit of giving, love and happiness! This project below I made last year to adorn the walls of my house and the complete project details on how to make this wall hanging are here: Collections will be trading after the 26th December and will be

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-71409210749485842182011-12-23T13:56:00.001+08:002011-12-23T13:58:43.340+08:00

A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year when the Sun's apparent position in the sky, as viewed from Earth, reaches its northernmost or southernmost extremes. These pictures taken at Hillary's Boat Harbour in Perth. The sun set at 7.22pm. It was such a beautiful evening and the sky was so bright! 

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-27282080571817179292011-12-13T12:36:00.003+08:002011-12-23T13:59:54.753+08:00

Last month I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Bali for my niece's wedding. It was the perfect venue for a wedding in paradise. The whole family attended and Danielle & Lauren were the bridesmaids along with their cousin Kendall. All three girls are the same age. My niece Brooke and her sweetheart Demain were married in the most beautiful setting by the beach at the Oasis Resort

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-30356514030786969642011-10-19T12:59:00.018+08:002011-10-19T13:56:39.978+08:00

Next month my sweet niece Brooke is getting married to a lovely guy, Demian. The wedding is in Nusa Dua in Bali, a perfect setting for the start of a wonderful life together for two sweethearts! Danielle & Lauren are to be the bridesmaids along with Brooke's sister Kendall. I offered to make them a little guest book for all their family and friends to sign, and to be something to remember

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-76347995900085948592011-10-19T11:06:00.002+08:002011-10-19T11:22:56.894+08:00

A lovely Collections Printers/Letterpress Tray by Teresa Abajo, who taught this class recently in Melbourne and does create the most amazing work with Collections. It was really sweet of Teresa to share this and you can check it out on her blog: The Tamarisk to read all about it. Now that we are nearing Christmas I can see one with the family photographs and a tiny Christmas tree and stars in a

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-47923976940761317072011-10-08T12:07:00.011+08:002011-10-08T13:34:03.690+08:00

Canon 60D 55-250mm f/5 1/200sec ISO 200Yesterday I had the good fortune to attend a full day DSLR Camera Course in Fremantle at Image Tree with my good friend Jenny to learn more about how to use my camera. Being totally new to this world only a few weeks ago I didn't know what aperture or shutter speed or ISO was, a total noob you might say. I have only ever used a point and shoot camera on "

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-84644039810192534602011-09-24T18:06:00.005+08:002011-09-24T18:18:16.713+08:00

Lovely to get out this afternoon and take some photos from around the house and the local area, most of these were taken in one small area of bush about to be cleared at the end of my street. Well just out to test out my camera before I go do my little course! Hope you are having a fantastic weekend!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-47985185565005473492011-09-15T10:29:00.016+08:002011-09-15T11:50:25.896+08:00

Last weekend I headed off to Stamp Camp in the lovely Hunter Valley region about an hours drive from Newcastle, NSW to meet up with 50 ladies and one gent for a fun filled weekend! I had to travel up to Brisbane first then another flight down to Newcastle (in between Brisbane and Sydney). Of course I always see the Krispy Cremes at the airport and they always have a line for them, they look

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-82562700699831388602011-09-07T12:43:00.003+08:002011-09-07T12:52:52.956+08:00

The sun is out and shining, loving the warmth of the sun and getting into the small garden (what I have so far) and getting some seedlings sewn for the vege patch. Other tasks at hand some tea staining tissue paper 1020 Antique Victorian & 1021 Antique Melange in readiness for the retreat in the Hunter Valley. I love that you can stain or dye your tissue in any colour. I particularly love tea

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-14095189263053418362011-09-04T17:06:00.006+08:002011-09-04T17:47:31.052+08:00

How was your weekend? I hope it was a good one and it was nice and sunny here in Perth today. Last night I had a little play with the newer (released in May) the "Embellished Spool Kit" and was totally amused for a few hours. Last year I brought out a larger spool kit that has much bigger spools that had just the basic elements, the card and the ends only. The spools for the Embellished Spool Kit

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-87037470504150481042011-08-25T12:31:00.004+08:002011-08-27T12:49:58.087+08:00

As promised a little look at the class for the ladies/gents attending the Hunter Valley Retreat in September (click on the picture to enlarge). We will get to play with the much loved printers tray, and Collections has a very tiny one just waiting to be filled with lots of lovely ephemera and technique's. It's going to be ALL Collections and we will be using some of the newest products released

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-33440353854882988142011-08-24T18:01:00.005+08:002011-08-24T18:10:12.866+08:00

The Hunter Valley, it looks so serene and an ideal place to be! This past week I have been preparing for my trip to the Hunter Valley for a retreat/camp. I am really looking forward to heading up to Newcastle and then onto the Hunter Valley to meet up with more than 50 attendees! It's a great opportunity to be teaching and demoing "Collections" to everyone. Today I shipped all the kits and

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-32795608167751861402011-08-20T17:08:00.002+08:002011-08-20T17:16:24.317+08:00

What a lovely day it's been so far. Pictured a little bee humming away on the new lavender plants I have put in in my backyard. Just testing out the new lens on my camera 60D and I haven't taken my DSLR course in Fremantle yet but I am practicing taking photos at every opportunity I get, weather permitting. Yesterday I drove to Rockingham, south of Perth to catch up with some family I hadn't

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-55786051717005469612011-08-01T13:03:00.009+08:002011-08-01T13:30:21.042+08:00

Well it's been so wintery here in Perth, well I guess it's the middle of winter but we have had lots of stormy weather and lots of rain. I don't like being locked up at home I love getting outside and at the very least tinkering in the garden (what little I have of it at the moment). I have planned all year to go to the Mundaring Truffle Festival as I wanted to get to try the "Aussie" truffle so

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-77247125015792883272011-07-13T15:56:00.004+08:002011-07-13T16:10:04.376+08:00

It's been a bit chilly here in Perth the past week. Thank goodness the sun came out today! I know it's winter but I love to get outside and poke around in the garden. When it's wet it's a good time to get out the card making supplies and get some made for "a rainy day". Saturday a bunch of gals are popping over for a day of card making and generally get together for laughs and some yummy food.

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-45070163076416011012011-07-06T17:14:00.003+08:002011-07-06T17:28:14.988+08:00

Bonjour, I hope you are having a lovely day. My mind is on paris today, I am taking a little trip in my mind to a place I'd like to be and visit sometime in the future, possibly next year. With that in mind I have created a project for a class I am teaching for Scrapbook Central here in Perth. The class will be at a retreat in Middle Swan a delightful area filled with wineries and plenty of

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-47124221808742276762011-06-23T13:31:00.002+08:002011-06-23T13:36:48.282+08:00

......without a biscuit is a missed opportunity! Was on my way to Bicton today to pick up some supplies and, popped into the Choux Cafe to pick up some really yummy macaroons. And yes they taste as good as they look. Wouldn't mind having a go to make these little darlings. I tried my first one in Melbourne a few weeks ago in the Globe Arcade in the city and they were so amazing..... yum, thanks

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-81392291360450187422011-06-22T00:10:00.006+08:002011-06-22T00:22:42.040+08:00

Today the 21st June, 2011 at 5.17pm, marks the winter solstice here in Australia. It was a great opportunity to take a photograph of the sunset at Hillarys Boat Harbour late this afternoon. I would have preferred a shot with the lighthouse in view but the sun was far north west from my position. With the rocks framing the photo I took this photo at 5.11pm today. The other is of the light house

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-3606776511008234742011-06-16T04:59:00.011+08:002011-06-16T05:53:07.483+08:00

I stayed up really late (early??) to get this photo of the lunar eclipse taken at 4.40am. Perth had some cloud cover so I was lucky even to get this photo in the early hours with my new camera. I don't really know how to use it properly so this is the best I could get with the lens I was using EF-S 55-250mm, (I really need to read the manual). This is the longest eclipse this decade and WA had

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-37691798274630065362011-06-13T13:08:00.009+08:002011-06-13T14:12:10.449+08:00

Hope you had a relaxing weekend - I did and spent my time doing my own thing. I spent my time making three batches of soap, Lime Coconut Cream, Rose Gerainum Coconut Cream, both made with real coconut cream milk, enriched with shea and cocoa butters, olive, palm and coconut oils for soft lathery bubbles, my favorite soap to use in the shower. The third batch was a lovely Black Raspberry which

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-69243566476587646322011-06-07T16:51:00.002+08:002011-06-07T17:14:21.124+08:00

Next weekend is the Brisbane Scrapbook & Papercraft Convention (see link for details) for one thing to do if you live in Brisbane, it's a great show! One of the exhibitors is Nicole from Craft Queen who will have some of the Collections Products at the show and will be doing a special talk on the tissue paper and the wonderful things your can do with it. It's so much fun to use and apply to your

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-27597568775641122192011-06-03T18:58:00.005+08:002011-06-03T19:26:18.718+08:00

Holy Cow it's been ages and ages since my last post! That doesn't mean I have been doing nothing, on the contrary I haven't stopped working for the past 7-8 weeks. With the new launch of product, designing and manufacturing and 2 interstate trips last month I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel soon, possibly next week and I hope to get a day off real soon. It's been such an

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-3302924529348580632011-05-14T09:39:00.009+08:002011-05-14T15:59:06.773+08:00

Wow it's been a whirlwind two weeks with a class last week in Brisbane and next weekend 3 in Melbourne at Scraptacular. There are still a few places in the classes (please check with Julie at the store which ones) so if you are wanting to learn some new styles, some new techniques, pop on over to the website and book in for a class or call the store, number below. It will be fun filled and very

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-53169756916848019232011-04-28T19:16:00.003+08:002011-04-28T19:31:22.811+08:00

I am off teaching in Queensland at Daisy Chain Scrapbooks on the 7th May. I am very excited to go to the store and meet all the wonderful people on the Sunshine Coast! Here is a sneak of the class and here are the details below from the store owner Barbi (she says the loveliest things!):The following Saturday May 7 we're very excited to be the only Queensland store hosting the very talented

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-80319393949253433552011-04-28T00:18:00.011+08:002011-04-28T17:41:15.047+08:00

Sorry I didn't get to post yesterday, my work load was so crazy! Getting a new catalogue ready for the printers is top priority for today and it took me forever to finish it. I have also been loading the website with all the new product and again it took ages, not sure if it's me but I must be slow at it! Now onto more interesting things you can do with tissue paper. Did you know that you can

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-87456764184403882842011-04-26T15:14:00.004+08:002011-04-26T15:52:16.281+08:00

Grabbing five minutes (okay maybe ten) to do a little sneak peak of Collections "Antiquing Tissue". Comes in two styles, Victorian and Melange. I have always wanted to manufacture tissue for the last several years, particularly because I like to use dress makers patterns in my creations. The ease of applying it to odd shapes and "inside" areas of boxes and the like make tissue a really fun thing

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-76522036406510806722011-04-19T12:07:00.006+08:002011-04-19T13:55:54.326+08:00

Hi, and sorry it's been such a long time between posts! As time gets closer to my launch of all things new here at Collections my time for doing posts gets shorter and shorter, however it is really important to me to keep you posted about this lovely new paper, called Merchant. A cross between dark lime and olive greens is my interpretation of this colour range of 6 x 6 papers. Green is an all

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-2568123210088781142011-04-07T19:56:00.006+08:002011-04-07T20:22:44.243+08:00

Hi there! finally as promised a sneak peek of the new 6 x 6 paper to be released at the end of the month. Hot of the press yesterday afternoon, introducing "Vintage Rose Collection" will be available soon for your creations cards and off the page projects. Six very different designs with collage elements and this time a picture from Paris in the wonderful tones of sepia (photo by Carol Trim).

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-28071813309780585082011-03-31T12:57:00.005+08:002011-04-06T19:08:36.970+08:00

Can you guess what this chipboard is? I'm talking about the painted cream item not the little reo at the top. Leave a comment on my blog with the correct answer and you can win this product for free along with the previous product shown in the earlier post. You will receive the items BEFORE I release them! I will pick out all of the correct answers and pop them in a jar and draw a winner. I will

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-1450739465591233442011-03-22T10:08:00.003+08:002011-03-22T11:18:29.306+08:00

Another little peek of something you are going to love. It's soft, it's flexible, it's adaptable and most of all versatile to apply to your creations in an artistic way. You can tear it, collage with it, cover large areas with it, use it like masking tape, bind with it and sew with it! The best part is being able to colour it to match your creations in what ever colour you like! Also you can

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-77403239718533567572011-03-03T15:50:00.005+08:002011-03-03T16:07:56.956+08:00

Well is that time of year when I am busy designing new product and I am excited to share some sneak peeks of some of the latest items I have been working on. I made a little card with some of the new transparencies and there will be four new ones coming soon, all in the style of "Collections" that you know and love about the product. (yikes I hope you do!) I hope you don't mind but it's a really

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-75429352446756123482011-02-26T18:15:00.003+08:002011-02-26T18:36:04.650+08:00

Sign up and show your support this year for Earth Hour, pop over to http://www.earthhour.org.au/ and click on the link sign up and join in with over 100 other countries to help the planet. It doesn't cost anything, in fact you will save money by switching off your lights on March 26th (Saturday)at 8.30pm for one hour. Next week I am doing my bit to go greener - installing solar panels to my home

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-69766357283862624182011-02-23T11:59:00.006+08:002011-02-23T12:40:38.255+08:00

Yikes! morning drama at the office! Went to open this cupboard and noticed a snake lying there, so I called my daughter Danielle to come and get it! (she is a bit of a farm girl and has seen more snakes than I have). So I got a container and kitchen mitten and Dani put on her wellingtons and I said if she gets bitten I would take her straight to the hospital. (good to plan ahead! LOL) As she

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-71306080501078534092011-02-21T12:39:00.013+08:002011-02-21T13:24:18.209+08:00

How time flies! I have been a naughty blogger and not doing to many posts of late, oops! Well I have been doing some creating and designing the past few weeks and have some lovely new items in the works for my next release. I am excited to bring you some new products so you can create those gorgeous projects and keep you busy creating. All though I haven't got any sneaks as yet I will promise to

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-69718475510119416742011-01-28T18:10:00.003+08:002011-02-01T10:07:36.921+08:00

Looks like we are in for some wild weather on the weekend here in Perth. The weather bureau has forcast 120km winds to hit us on Sunday morning. So batten down the hatches and lets hope that it does not do any damage and does not cross the coast. The last cyclone was in the 70's and we had lots of roof damage and major flooding in the south west. Will keep you posted with it's progress! Sounds

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-32409066410538889912011-01-26T10:14:00.004+08:002011-01-26T10:20:38.980+08:00

Wishing you all a very "Happy Australia Day". Hope you day is filled with lots of fun and family at the beach, river or perhaps at the foreshore here in Perth for Skyworks tonight and commemorate the arrival of the first fleet in Sydney Cove in 1788! Have a good one!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-20030509691045638382011-01-13T08:37:00.006+08:002011-01-13T09:08:01.708+08:00

Just hoping that you are all having a fantastic New Year so far and cranking up your craft after the Christmas and New Year break. I am in design mode right now with new papers, ephemera, transparencies and die cuts and other new things for Collections for 2011. Although it will be a little while before you see the newest additions to Collections Elements range, I will pop some previews here on

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-85086225185700038572010-12-25T13:00:00.003+08:002010-12-25T13:04:35.690+08:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and hope that the festive season is filled with love and joy and that your day may be special where ever you are, on holiday or with your family and friends. To all my family and my customers here in Australia and around the world, "Season's Greetings" from myself and staff at Collections........... CHEERS Julie xxxxxx

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-91626738388585119742010-12-08T15:52:00.002+08:002010-12-08T15:57:06.984+08:00

I do hope you are getting into the Christmas Spirit! Here at Collections we are shipping out our Christmas orders for the month of December with a little Christmas present. Everyone loves to get a gift, especially a Christmas present so if you are thinking about placing your order (sorry trade customers only!) we will send you a gift with every order that ships before Christmas Day!So... hop on

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-68684829875363312282010-11-26T16:06:00.009+08:002010-11-26T18:07:48.748+08:00

It's getting closer to Christmas! Can you feel the festive time calling you? Thinking about making something with your craft to decorate your home? Feeling a bit vintagy? (yep that's a new word!). I love the look of the white vintage style - and Collections has the perfect items to make that come true. Join me in this mini tutorial making this small wall hanging or decoration for your home. You

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-90537452040412598472010-11-23T15:23:00.003+08:002010-11-23T15:27:14.313+08:00

How beautiful is this stationery by Portia, just simple elegant style using Collections bluebirds painted black. It really looks so lovely for wedding stationery or even just a lovely card. I think the photography is also beautiful. Thanks for sharing your wonderful work Portia!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-88128919423772913332010-11-13T16:46:00.009+08:002010-11-13T17:29:36.315+08:00

Sharon's beautiful store at the Bangsar Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Last weekend I had a lovely trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to teach two classes at Scrappingville for store owner Sharon. What an amazing opportunity to teach overseas. Lauren my daughter came along for the trip to do a bit of shopping. We left Perth in the wee hours for a 5.5 hour flight. We were met by Sharon and

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-30807618797908475882010-11-11T12:10:00.002+08:002010-11-11T12:26:51.887+08:00

Well it's been a mighty busy month for me, so that's why I haven't had time to post, so here is some catch up posting!At the end of last month I had the wonderful opportunity to drive to Hyden in WA to teach a class to the fantastic girls that came together for a retreat organised by Karen Smith of Scrappin Outback. Hence the name it was really in the outback of WA. There were ladies from all

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-10537813554752028732010-10-14T10:56:00.003+08:002010-10-14T11:08:40.128+08:00

If I have been a bit quiet lately, it's because I am moving. I am moving house and warehouse. Debbie and I had what seems like a trillion boxes of stock to move, some shelving etc. We are not completely moved yet but hopefully within the next two weeks time. Heres a pic of the move so far, but we have more shelves to come yet! Thanks for looking!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-70495118703534202552010-10-14T10:52:00.002+08:002010-10-14T10:55:57.849+08:00

Oops sorry I posted that I will be teaching at the Scrappin Outback Retreat at Hyden on the Saturday morning. It's actually SUNDAY morning 24th Oct, that I will be teaching the class. I am really looking forward to meeting you all and seeing your wonderful tourist town get some cool photos and generally have fun at the retreat!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-65675732683768605312010-10-09T12:30:00.003+08:002010-10-09T13:03:09.553+08:00

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. It's really lovely here in Perth and we hope to get to 30c, yesterday was 31c, not bad for spring weather. I thought I would post a preview of one of my classes that I am teaching next month in Kuala Lumpur, for Scrappingville. I do hope that you can come and explore some of the interesting techniques I will be teaching in this class. It's jam packed with lots

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-79983578477646499142010-10-04T10:43:00.004+08:002010-10-04T11:08:45.518+08:00

Next month I get a wonderful opportunity to travel to Kuala Lumpur to Scrappingville. I have been invited by the lovely Sharon who owns Scrappingville store in KL. I will be teaching two classes for there special retreat and will get to meet some of Scrappingville's wonderful customers. I am so excited to be teaching Collections style and techniques on November 5th and November 6th 2010. You can

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-55469754094345267422010-10-03T12:21:00.003+08:002010-10-03T12:33:57.199+08:00

Hope you are all enjoying your spring weather in Perth. I am loving the warm sunny days, mild evenings and catching up with friends. I did get the chance to catch up with Audrey on Friday and have a wonderful meal at the Han Cafe in Joondalup. The food there is really delicious, especially the beef satay and tom yum soup, not to mention the green curries! It was so nice to see Audrey and catch

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-76351745906272601092010-09-17T23:59:00.004+08:002010-09-18T00:15:42.653+08:00

I had a wonderful group of ladies watch my demo tonight at Made with Memories in Rockingham. They we so attentive and sat through quite a long demo. Thanks to store owner Anne-Marie for having me and it was so nice to see some of the local and not local girls out and about. The video shows a tiny bit of a beautiful and inspirational store - you must go and visit sometime, you will love it!! There

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-73977014380625640772010-09-17T14:07:00.004+08:002010-09-17T14:19:46.636+08:00

Sometimes you want to make a special card for someone who you really appreciate and you want to also add pizazz to your gift giving. Grab hold of your talent and your crafty skills and, just do it. There is something about receiving a handmade card and for those who do not make them, they are not less appreciative. It might make their day a special one, because someone took the time to make them

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-83459220543615799292010-09-12T11:28:00.002+08:002010-09-12T11:43:24.709+08:00

Next month I get the pleasure of teaching in Hyden which is about 3.5 hours from Perth. It's known for it's famous landmark called "Wave Rock" pictured above. Apparently formed 60 million years ago shaped in the form of a wave, hence it's name.Scrappin' Outback is having their annual retreat, this being the 11th! on 22nd – 24th October 2010 "WAVE ROCK SCRAPPIN RETREAT" for a fantastic weekend of

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-57602791363727322272010-09-04T10:06:00.014+08:002010-09-04T11:59:44.643+08:00

(watch in you tube to see annotations, click on video) Phew and phew! it's been a busy week for me. Time to catch up from last weekend in Melbourne and I have made a little video of the highlights of the show at the Collections booth. It was so lovely to meet so many new people, lots of new faces. Especially the gals who flew all the way from New Zealand to come to the show! A big thanks to Jen

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-47992774808702931682010-08-28T21:58:00.002+08:002010-08-28T22:12:03.661+08:00

Hi from Melbourne Paperific! This happy snap taken in Melbourne at the showgrounds by Kirsty from Scraptacular snapped the shot on Nickys camera, thanks Nicky! Back row, left to right Jenny (Crozza) Joanne, Gail, Greta, Teresa, front row left to right, Nicky an myself. The show has been great and we have just finished day 2. The show was really busy and I hope everyone enjoyed the demo's and

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-34167347868021558322010-08-24T12:41:00.003+08:002010-08-24T12:56:47.102+08:00

I just thought I would do a quick post to let you know if you are going to Melbourne Paperific on Friday this week I will have a few kits available. Here is one little kit that I have for you to purchase, called Angel Girl 3D. She is so much fun to make and really easy. All you need is a hole punch (or you can use your scissors) some warm white paint, a frayed burlap ink pad and the general

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-6768418961534083532010-08-17T09:41:00.004+08:002010-08-17T10:03:18.124+08:00

Phew and phew! finally got that pallet packed and shipped out yesterday for Melbourne Paperific. I always find it such a big task getting everything together and working out how it's going to fit onto the booth. We have chosen a smaller booth this year due to costs and shipping, fares and accomodation, wages etc. But that doesn't mean we won't be inspiring you! Lots of nice samples and ideas

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-36448716863386418432010-08-06T09:14:00.003+08:002010-08-06T09:37:21.853+08:00

It's been a little busy around here as I am packing for Melbourne Paperific. I hope you are going to the show. Jen, Audrey and I are very excited to show you all the lovely samples and fantastic ideas on how to use Collections products. As you can see from the pic above we are bringing some kits which will make it easy to make a small project with just a few items that you will require to

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-29653090911423875662010-07-24T11:59:00.002+08:002010-07-24T12:12:22.591+08:00

Next month I get the opportunity to pop over to Melbourne for Paperific on the 27th -29th August 2010. I missed going last year, so I hope to make up for it this year. I will be selling retail at this show and it's at the show grounds so looks to be pretty central to everything. I am hoping to see my customers from past shows and catch up with friends. This show I hope to bring you a selection of

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-64857254642491153332010-07-14T14:02:00.001+08:002010-07-14T14:05:14.173+08:00

Thank you to Sam Marshall for this award! It's always nice to know that people enjoy your blog and read it each day! So thanks for the award Sam!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-31649099129571749692010-07-11T12:58:00.007+08:002010-07-11T13:18:19.350+08:00

Did you know that you can use super sponges (which come in handy 2 per pack 0942) as painting brushes? Audrey Underwood was kind enough to give me this handy tip recently when we needed to cover large areas quickly. Not only do they make your paint go much further they also allow your piece to dry faster. On further inspection of the sponges I noticed that the paint stays wet inside the sponge

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-85062729693480794182010-07-04T08:07:00.003+08:002010-07-04T08:16:28.871+08:00

It's been a really cold winter so far here in the west. We don't get zero's or minus very often. So on average it normally gets down to 5c at night, but we have been experiencing some cold air flowing from the south that's bringing these really cold mornings. I know it's not snow but I took some photos of icy frost on the lawn which was a bit white out the back. The clover looks really pretty

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-26250001605823448462010-06-23T16:13:00.003+08:002010-06-23T16:21:12.408+08:00

Just because I needed it and wanted it, I had to make it of course. You know when I saw some really nice candles in a little crate the other day when I was at the Dusk outlet in Perth shopping, it was only the crate they were in that I wanted. Thinking it would be nice to have a few little mini crates to display some small items in. Well you know the saying "necessity is the mother of all

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-69311725094204148462010-06-21T23:08:00.003+08:002010-06-21T23:17:55.853+08:00

What can you do with those left over threads braids or ribbon? They might be too nice to throw out but not enough to use on a project. Even though when I made this sample I used whatever I could get my hands on that suited a colour theme, sepia tones of course. But it does make a nice sampler of thread and braids. I have lots of product that I don't always get to use, so I need to use it on

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-22176130028870688972010-06-12T13:20:00.004+08:002010-06-12T13:31:28.707+08:00

How nice to get the opportunity to take Friday and turn it into a day at Yanchep National Park. About 50km north of Perth lies Yanchep National Park, a short drive leads you to the Old Yanchep Inn nestled within the park and lake, brings back child memories of rowboats in the lake and playing on the foreshore area. The inn was cosy with an open fireplace where the classes were held. I taught 2

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-54137671234502731872010-06-06T14:07:00.005+08:002010-06-06T15:19:50.785+08:00

Got together yesterday afternoon with a lovely bunch of ladies to create samples, share ideas and have a great time playing with Collections. Thanks to Ruth, Scrapbook Central who kindly shared her wonderful large classroom for all of us to create in. We were joined by Tomorrows Memories, store owners Jo, Vicki, and some of their very talented design team, Evana, Mistra, Kathy, Anne-Marie & Sonia

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-91474406730646293122010-06-04T15:43:00.007+08:002010-06-04T17:14:10.381+08:00

You can have a lot of fun with flat spools, not just the round ones. You can make something lovely with a range of all three sizes, large, medium and the smallest ones. Audrey made me this "swatch" of spools so I could take with me some of my most common pieces of haberdashery, like cream DMC, tiny ric rac, and some wonderful cotton braid and my very favourite Prima braid which I use on a lot of

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-16390767976696585272010-06-03T23:24:00.003+08:002010-06-03T23:29:14.111+08:00

Another lovely evening with Audrey popping in for a little creating work, and staying too long! This Saturday I get to have a play day with 5 stores, their staff to do sample making and spend time doing something creative with Collections in this particular theme pictured above. So shortly there after you may see something like this in your favourite Perth store! Gotta run get to bed! Thanks for

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-10795313351667278732010-05-31T10:15:00.004+08:002010-05-31T13:20:12.252+08:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that "Collections" is coming to Melbourne Paperific in August. Click on the link to see the dates and details of the show. I will be bringing lots of goodies to the show and Jenny Crossley will be my right hand woman! We are so excited to be coming over as we missed last year. So August is not too far away, and we will be bringing the most inspirational

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-87979862465857572962010-05-25T15:21:00.004+08:002010-05-25T15:48:03.276+08:00

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. I spent some time with the lovely ladies at Tomorrows Memories here in Perth as they were celebrating their 6th Birthday!!! Congratulations!And in the morning they had the yummiest, sweetest cupcakes hot cups of tea and lots of fundraising for the Biggest Morning Tea, supporting the cancer council (research) and raised more than $1,000.00! wow what a huge effort

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-24878913189012421882010-05-20T14:50:00.013+08:002010-05-21T02:07:30.908+08:00

Spools, lots of little spools! Big ones and small ones and even tiny weenie ones! You may have noticed by now I have this new product on my site. Unfortunately there are no instructions in the kit, mainly because they are so straight forward you really don't need them. You just glue up a roll of card cover it and glue on the reel ends (discs). They are so adorable to make and incredibly easy to

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-66834728885915807882010-05-16T22:16:00.004+08:002010-05-16T22:24:03.515+08:00

I thought I might show you a picture of the new 3D Angel wings sitting on a spool that's been decorated with fabric trim. The new mannequin shape has been padded out with tissue paper and covered with white muslin and embellished with carpenters ruler and some tiny words.As you can see there are some tiny spools scattered around the base of the angel and shortly I will have a video on how to

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-71167546351907175442010-05-16T18:38:00.007+08:002010-05-21T02:06:11.705+08:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending "WA Create" be inspired, the inaugural event here in Perth, at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club. It is the group effort of 4 Perth stores, Scrapbook Central, Scrapbooks from the Heart, Scrapbook Secrets and the winner of best retailer, Scrappy Cow in Margaret River. It was an awesome day with over 80 attendees completing several classes, two with

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-33577746029244700752010-05-15T21:18:00.005+08:002010-05-15T22:20:36.263+08:00

I've been flat out the past week since returning from SIA Sydney, filling retailer's orders with the new products from Collections and I have been busting to tell you my news! Each year at SIA they have industry awards for "Wholesaler of the Year", "Retailer of the Year", "Best Booth at SIA", "Best Design Team" and so on.I still can't believe it, but I won the award for "Wholesaler of the Year

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-3317316227642045212010-05-08T00:32:00.003+08:002010-05-21T02:08:20.837+08:00

Just home from SIA, we had a great time! Will share some photos tomorrow but for now here is a short video from the booth!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-77974492849825804172010-05-02T09:04:00.004+08:002010-05-02T09:33:26.971+08:00

I'm packing today to fly to SIA in Sydney in the morning at the "crack of dawn" with Audrey to set up for the show in Sydney. We are really excited to go and catch up with lots of friends and customers. Tuesday evening after the trade show we are all joining in the "crop night" at homebush. Not sure what we are going to make there but I am sure it will be a wonderful social night to meet new

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-33743059069871924962010-04-30T09:55:00.004+08:002010-04-30T10:02:45.542+08:00

If you are going to SIA on Tuesday next week I will be teaching a class at 10.30am -12.30pm. I still have a few places left, so if you are interested in the class here is a little sneak peek! We are using all new collections products and it is a 3D project! Hope to see you there.... not long now.

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-35001440598577910512010-04-29T09:46:00.002+08:002010-04-29T10:29:54.651+08:00

Wow I have this amazing sneak peek from Audrey Underwood to share, you may have already seen it on her blog. It's on a wonderful frame, a frame that you construct that's new. In the pic above are the new "Elegant Labels", they come in light kraft (which is nicer than the old kraft) and white with black print. All you do is cut them out and add words or chipboard to them. It's been created with

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-54179624890511955602010-04-27T00:32:00.009+08:002010-04-27T01:33:33.402+08:00

Today I took time out in Freo to relax and spend quality time with the twins. We headed to the markets first and it didn't take the girls long to spot delicious hot bread at the famous bakehouse Lawley's. A sour dough and some flat herb bread under arm we wandered through and found some wonderful freshly popped honey-coated popcorn and some spicy roasted sunflower seeds at the hot nut stall. The

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-71326253214852856362010-04-25T09:32:00.004+08:002010-04-25T18:01:43.423+08:00

Another sneak peak from the new range of Collections. In this sneak we are using the new Transparency called Old Text. Its designed so you can cut it up to insert behind window frames, (like the new small Classic Window Frame) and for it to act like broken glass. I particularly like this one as there are several other elements to cut out and place among your creative pieces. There is a hint of

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-83099268944380677672010-04-22T05:54:00.004+08:002010-04-22T06:06:56.365+08:00

Here is a couple of sneak peeks, the first one is of a new chipboard book, small but sweet, embellish it and make it your own. The cover has a cutout the same as the shape of the book which make a simple frame, lovely to embellish. There is a peek of one of the new flourishes but this is only part of it shown. On to the next peek, this one is of the mixed labels and will give you a bit of a hint

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-91456193897436868132010-04-20T08:29:00.002+08:002010-04-20T08:36:33.313+08:00

Today is a special day, a day to remember my sweet mum. It's from my mum I get my values, my creativity, my love for cooking, but most of all my love for life an how much I appreciate certain things in life. Mum was the most wonderful lady, kind, sweet and always giving. Thanks mum! for being the "best mum" a daughter could ever have.......

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-44719404575202076112010-04-18T14:52:00.005+08:002010-04-19T17:21:07.194+08:00

Things often get small around here. I like to take something big and make it small. It's something I have had all my life even when I was little I had dolls like most girls, but not big dollies little ones. I still have my tiny doll (somewhere amongst the junk) called GiGi. Even until this day I remember how she came in a small plastic box, so tiny, so cute. So if I see something I like and they

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-80039281089717437482010-04-18T01:23:00.004+08:002010-04-18T01:45:44.410+08:00

A little sneak peak of the new "classic window" with a hint of new transparency called "old text". The window is actually on the transparency and displayed on a stand so the window looks like it's floating. I've been creating all day with Audrey Underwood and getting ready for the big launch soon. There is a message in the window that will be revealed at SIA. It's a bit cryptic I know but I have

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-12191699023141765642010-04-12T17:04:00.004+08:002010-04-12T17:21:29.339+08:00

Mmm I see there is something going on over here in WA, something very special is going on! Check it out here at WA CREATE scroll down once you open the link to see all the details! Becky Fleck from the US will be teaching some amazing classes. I have been privileged to teach a mini class using the newest Collections products soon to be released. It's on Saturday 15th May 2010, one day only and

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-51703444168164191592010-04-12T09:59:00.002+08:002010-04-12T10:07:33.422+08:00

Next Tuesday (week tomorrow) evening at 7pm on the 20th April, Perth Stores (retailers only that are local to Perth and down south) please save the date for Collections night in Osborne Park. If you are a retailer and want to attend please email me at collections@westnet.com.au your details so I can email you the information tomorrow. You will need to bring your tool kit with you and the evening

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-51366391919183257732010-04-04T17:07:00.003+08:002010-04-06T16:35:07.585+08:00

Managed to get a nice shot of the twins and their cousin Kendall. How handy that Kendall had an SLR on her person! The girls are roughly all the same age born within a month of each other. How sweet to be 22! Now back to the mummys work - cooking a lamb roast with all the trimmings and some nice cauliflower cheese to feed these growing hardworking ladies!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-14415697783569020432010-04-02T15:56:00.007+08:002010-04-02T18:02:29.651+08:00

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you get lots and lots of easter eggs on Sunday. I give them out on Friday so my girls get plenty of time to eat them over the weekend break. Now that they are 22 years old that doesn't matter so much but they still managed to get a carton of a dozen eggs!Danielle had a driving lesson this morning, and while I was waiting Lauren and I went and did some test shots for a

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-85964713123029685712010-03-25T12:29:00.004+08:002010-03-25T12:48:04.597+08:00

I am really excited as I have just received the new paper ranges for Collections. Been hiding the last few weeks getting lots of new products manufactured and some samples have been made. It's funny how you get really inspired when you have new things to play with. Yesterday I got that thing you get when you start making something and you do more and more and then you don't know when to stop!

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-57575105422539288232010-03-23T11:14:00.006+08:002010-03-23T11:49:08.624+08:00

Everybody was wishing for rain in Perth I'm sure! We haven't had really any rain for 122 days and it's been a long hot dry summer. Yesterday everyones wish came true. It was an amazing storm front that passed over the city at about 4pm yesterday. We had a big thunderstorm pass over where I live in Tuart Hill. As you can see by the size of the golf ball hail, you can imagine the damage that was

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-79871637393276394822010-03-02T12:29:00.004+08:002010-03-02T12:43:14.275+08:00

Would you like to try out some Collections for free? You can if you are attending Melbourne Paperific on the weekend. Friday and Saturday, only whilst stocks last you can get a free make and take using Collections products at Scraptacular's Booth at the show!So head on down to the show and spend some time with your make and take hostess, the lovely Jenny Crossley, at Scraptacular's booth.

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-39515716305928027002010-02-26T09:52:00.004+08:002010-02-26T10:11:25.752+08:00

Well it's been a long time coming, so on Monday morning Western Australian time you may enter and view the Collections website. Primarily a wholesale website, so ordering and viewing prices are only for those customers who are retailers, however everybody will be able to see products and codes and be up-to-date with new products as they are released. The site will include a blog, which will be

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-76700548100187746582010-02-25T15:01:00.005+08:002010-02-25T16:26:25.671+08:00

I've just signed up for earth hour a great cause, for the planet and people. Just turn off your lights on the 27th March 2010 8.30pm (if you are home!) Not only do you help out the planet you save money on electricity. I plan to burn candles, soy candles as they are from a renewable source, and just relax for the hour, so there's really nothing to it! So how about it sign up on their site, get

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-21913636560834918792010-02-16T17:32:00.006+08:002010-02-16T17:45:40.843+08:00

Well, I am back now from Adelaide, and I can say I had a wonderful time! Thanks to Charlotte and her husband Adam, for their kind hospitality. I taught four classes over two days and met some really amazing girls! The store was delightful and just like Charlotte, very "her". On the Sunday I demoed at the Papercrafts Roadshow which was fun. Thanks to all those who patiently watched while I created

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-80350510625275446292010-02-10T13:13:00.003+08:002010-02-10T13:28:10.673+08:00

As you may know I am heading off to SIA but it's not until May 4th & 5th in Sydney at homebush. I have a link to their blog. SIA 2010 Apparently we are having some wonderful instructors like Ngaire Bartlam and Nic Howard a few USA girls, so name a few. Of course Audrey Underwood will be winging her way over with me to do the make and take on the booth (she's everyones favourite girl) as she

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-78145105822512534192010-01-31T14:49:00.003+08:002010-01-31T15:03:15.278+08:00

Just packing kits today for my classes in Adelaide in about 12 days. I am looking forward to seeing Charlotte's new classroom and getting my hands dirty doing demos at the Papercraft Roadshow.In the meantime I have been designing new products for SIA, which seems a long way off to be waiting until May to do a release, so I might release a few products before then. Had a wonderful day and evening

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-25614717475665486292010-01-14T14:00:00.005+08:002010-01-14T14:10:26.679+08:00

It's that time of year again when we need to get all inspired and create after the holidays. Happy New Year to all of you! I have been busy creating, not only classes but working on all the new releases for SIA in May.More importantly I have 4 classes on offer in Adelaide next month (12th & 13th Feb, Friday & Saturday) at CHARLOTTE'S WEB. Here are 3 of the classes and their descriptions: Please

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30447932.post-23299829389666484982009-12-22T13:25:00.003+08:002009-12-22T13:39:20.127+08:00

It's the season to be jolly! Nothing like mummas shortbread biscuits filling the kitchen with buttery aromas. This morning I baked a batch of shortbreads for giving and eating on christmas day. The star shaped ones have a little cranberry in the middle and the other have almonds. I made this batch with vanilla as I picked up the most divine vanilla powder in Bali recently. I hope your christmas

Julie van Oostenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10481287284002967364noreply@blogger.com6