the imagination factory

INGVILD BOLME IS COMING TO BALLARAT

You may have heard whispers on the grapevine about PRIMA coming to Ballarat. Well, now we can officially announce the details.

As you have probably heard, PRIMA U.S.A. are sending 4 of their amazingly talented Design Team girls to Australia to teach classes at Local Scrap Stores in November of this year. We put our hand up to host a DT gal, so that Ballarat would have the unique opportunity to learn from one of the best scrapbookers in the industry.

We are thrilled to announce that the internationally renowned INGVILD BOLME is coming all the way from NORWAY to teach a Prima workshop at none other than THE IMAGINATION FACTORY.  Lucky us!

To see some of Ingvild's amazing work, check out her blog  http://www.ingvildbolme.com/  She will be teaching with Prima products, including a hands on play with her new tool kit that has just been released by Prima. Prima have the most gorgeous papers, flowers, ribbons, gems and embellishments you have ever seen. Visit the Prima blog http://prima.typepad.com/ to check out their products. You can also see lots of their design team work on their blog too.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from someone of this calibre right here in Ballarat.

 

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS

Ingvild's 3 hour workshop will be held at the Imagination Factory, Ballarat on Tuesday the 8th of November from 10am until 1pm.

Class fee is $150 per person.

To book and secure your place, you must pay a $50 non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. No places will be held without this, and you may pay over the phone if that suits.

We will also be running a payment system for those preferring to pay the balance off in installments. 

All payments MUST be finalized by 1st October 2011. No exceptions.

We will notify all workshop attendees of project details and class requirements as soon as we have that information ourselves.

I am sure it will be a fabulous day, and look forward to hosting INGVILD at The Imagination Factory in November.

Extra happy scrapping,

Tracey and the team.

PRIMA NEWS

Some of you may have heard already that four of the PRIMA design team are heading downunder to teach at stores across Australia. It's not official yet, but it looks like we will be hosting one of the amazing international teachers for a workshop at THE IMAGINATION FACTORY, at a date to be confirmed in November!

Hopefully all will be able to be revealed within the next day or so, as we receive further information ourselves. Needless to say, the excitement is mounting already.

MORE NEW STOCK

Since my last post, yet more new stock has arrived. We are literally bursting at the seams.

Today saw the much anticipated arrival of MINI MAGNOLIA stamps, and LALA LAND stamps. They are both such beautiful images, quite different to each other, but both lovely to color.

The new Stampavie range arrived last week too, and here is a baby girl card i made with one of the stamps.

The stamped image has been colored in with COPIC MARKERS. There is still one place left in tomorrow evenings COPIC class, where we will color 3 stamped images and make them into cards.

CLASSES

We are finalising APRIL/MAY class calendars over the next few days, so look out for the class news on the blog later this week.

Julie's second card class for the month is on this Saturday the 19th of March, so if you're interested in making the 3 gorgeous cards featured below, then phone the store ASAP to book your spot.

Thats all for now.

Thanks for stopping by,

Tracey and the team.

NEW STOCK!!!

Newsflash, newsflash.......new stock has arrived! Where to begin. We have received two shipments already, with a third due to arrive late next week.

Our design team have been busy playing with all the new product, so there are lots of ideas in the store to get you started.

The list of new arrivals is very long, and includes

- My Minds Eye (all 4 ranges)

- American Crafts

- Pebbles Inc

- Prima- Lots of papers, flowers, embellishments, and stamps.

- Sassafrass ( Ellies Tale and Sweetly Smitten)

- Echo Park (all new ranges)

- Karen Foster (themed papers)

- Magnolia stamps

- The Greeting Farm stamps

- Best Creation- glitter paper and baby ranges.


And lots more arriving late next week, including Reminisce, Lawn Fawn stamps, Little Yellow Bicycle, Bo Bunny, Teresa Collins, SRM stickers, and lots of new border punches.

The new Sizzix ECLIPSE, electronic diecut machine has arrived. It is a fabulous machine, with its own cartridges, mats, blades, etc.

In order to make room for all the lovely new stock, we have added hundreds of items to our clearance table. Up to 50% savings. (loyalty card stamps are given for full priced product only) Pop in to grab a bargain.

 

Happy scrapping,

Tracey and the team.

COPIC DEMO DAY TODAY

Just a very quick post to let you know that today i will be in the store all day (10-4) doing demo's with the fabulous COPIC markers.

So for those of you who would like to know a little more, or if you're thinking of getting started with copics, or thinking of attending a copic class here soon, then drop in and have a look.

Here's a little sample of what you can do with the copics. Hope to see you today. Oh, and even better, it's free!

I'll be back tomorrow with lots of new product news. And don't forget to look in the design team gallery for some inspiration.

Happy scrapping,

Tracey and the team.

SNEAK PEEKS

It's hard to believe that i have just spent four entire days and nights looking at many many thousands of brand new scrapbooking products. I think there were over 500 exhibitors at CHA, all with something different to show.

There were all the old favorites, which did not fail to impress, there were some of the "oldies", which have had a revamp and are now amazing, and of course some new companies that we can't wait to stock.

As promised, here are a few happy snaps from the show....

The first one is the Graphic 45 booth. They always decorate it amazingly, as you can see. There is so much inspiration to be found looking at their sample work.

 

Next is me with Heidi Johnson, owner of Stampavie stamps. She is an absolutely gorgeous lady, and has lots of beautiful new stamps.

 

Last but not least, one of my favourite companies, October Afternoon, has three new releases and they are all simply stunning as always.

 

So from sunny Singapore, en route to beautiful Ballarat, happy scrapping, and if you're attending our February crop tonight, have a great night.

Tracey and the team. 

CHA HERE WE COME

Hi everyone, and a belated Happy new Year to all. My new years resolution is to blog more often, what's yours? I know it's been way too long again, but hopefully my resolution will work, and you will hear from us at The Imagination Factory a little more regularly this year.

We took a short break over the holiday period, and are back, refreshed, and ready for a great year of scrapping. Classes, crops and birthday parties all start up again next week, so check out the details below.

I am actually writing this entire post for the second time! Grrrrrr! Whilst passing time in the transit lounge at Singapore en route to CHA in Los Angeles, i spent over an hour typing with one finger (as i do) the best blog post ever. And wouldn't you know it, even though i hit save, it didn't! So here it is for the second time, this time all the way from downtown L.A., the home of this years American Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) trade show. This is where all of the companies show their new releases of scrapbooking, craft and art products twice a year. The L.A. convention centre is enormous, and i am very much looking forward to 10am tomorrow when the doors finally open.

I will keep you updated, and hopefuly post a few sneak peeks if i can get the whole phone/camera/laptop/blog thing happening. As most of you know, i am very computer technology phobic, so just lucky i have brought along my very able assistant in the form of my darling husband.

I would love to hear from anyone who has any special requests from CHA. Just leave a comment on this post and i will do my best to source what you are looking for.

Now on to store news......

CROPS

As most of our customers are already aware, crops will be held monthly commencing February 4th 2011. Crops are held on a Friday evening and run from 6pm until midnight. The new crop night fee of $14 includes use of workshop equipment, gift or make and take, lucky door prize, tea, coffee, supper, expert advice, and 10% off all purchases made at the crop.

Bookings are essential, as are cancellations if you have booked and are unable to attend. Most crops have a waiting list, and it is very disappointing to have empty seats when others are on a waiting list.

MARCH MADNESS CROP

As well as our monthly March crop on Friday 4th of March, we are holding a fabulous crop on the Labor Day long weekend. Set aside Saturday March 12th from midday to midnight for the March Madness 12 hour crop. The crop will include use of workshop equipment, gift, lots of random prizes, tea, coffee, light morning and afternoon tea,10% off all store purchases, and hopefully a challenge or two. Lunch & Dinner is BYO.

Bookings essential. Cost $20.

CLASSES

Class calendars for February and March are available now to view and/or download here. Download Febuary 2011 Download March 2011 Please phone the store or call in to see samples or book in. Bookings essential. A deposit must be paid at time of booking to secure your place.

DESIGN TEAM

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the super-talented Karen Shady, who joins us as a guest Design team member for the next few months. Karen is also on the Kaiser DT and you can see her work on her blog here.Karen Shady

She joins the equally-talented Bernie Dodd, Jo Boak, Lorraine Widdison, and Ebony van der Starre on the Imagination Factory DT. You'll be seeing lots more of these lovely ladies work as i return from CHA with lots of new products for them to play with.

 

Unfortunately, thats all for now. This post is definitely not as good as the first, but CHA beckons.

Happy scrapping,

Tracey and the team.

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 Only four more sleeps until the man in red comes. Yikes! So much to do, and so little time. Shopping to do, gifts to wrap, food to bake. But it's all worth the effort to see everyone happy on Christmas day.

The Imagination Factory is bursting with Christmas gift giving goodies. Why not even treat yourself to something special this Christmas.

Our classes have finished for 2010, and we are busy planning the class calendar for the first few months of next year. Several customers have asked for Copic marker classes, (Copic markers have been used on both of the cards in this post) which we will be sure to include, but please feel free to make a request if there is a particular class you would like to do in 2011.

CHRISTMAS TRADING

The Imagination Factory will close on Christmas Eve at 1.30 pm, so be sure to visit prior to 1.30 if you're planning to shop on Christmas Eve. We will then take a short break. The store will reopen on Tuesday the 4th of January at 9.30am.

Our regular trading hours will then apply.

Mon - Fri  9.30 until 5.30

Sat - 10 am until 4 pm

Sun -  closed

We thank you, all of our loyal customers who have continued to support us throughout the tough economic year of 2010, and wish you all a very merry, safe and happy Christmas and new year.

Merry Christmas, from Tracey, Sue and Fiona.

NOVEMBER NEWS

Two posts in one week! There must be something wrong, i hear you say. No, just trying extra hard to post more often. I've actually started my own little blog, for my personal craft stuff, so if i don't post here more often, the guilt will overcome me.

So, back to November News. 

CLASSES

November class calendar was published in the LATE SEPTEMBER NEWS post a couple of posts back. I now have photos of class samples to go with this.

Julie's Card Class. YES, for all you regulars, Julie is back from her adventure and has resumed her ever so popular card classes.

 

Tracey's ALL WRAPT UP class. Make a gift box, a card, and a special post-it note folder in one class, all ready for Christmas.

 

Childrens Christmas class. Make a cute advent calendar to keep track of the countdown to Christmas.

 

CHRISTMAS CROP

With less than 4 weeks to go until the Christmas break-up crop, it is shaping up to be a fun night. It is fully booked, so if you would like to add your name to the waiting list then just call the store or pop in.

We will be organizing a SECRET SANTA , and will let everyone know soon whose name they have drawn.

Everyone will need to bring a plate to share for dinner please. It would be helpful if we could know prior whether you are planning to bring a sweet or savoury plate.

CROPS IN 2011 

2011 will see some changes happening to crop nights. Firstly, we will be trialling monthly crop nights when we resume in February. This will not necessarily be a permanent change and we will definitely be listening to customer feedback when planning any changes.

There will also be a slight increase in the cost of crop nights starting in February 2011. Unfortunately, the current $12 crop night fee doesn't cover our costs, including supper, lollies, gift, lucky door prize, wages, and other costs. You will receive notification in coming weeks of the new crop night fee for 2011.

ARTISTS TRADING CARDS

We have just completed our second month of ATC's at The Imagination Factory. It's amazing how many different ideas are born out of one theme. A selection of cards from "butterflies" and "Australia" are shown in the pics below.

We only need a few more interested ladies to make up a second group. No cost is involved, it's all about sharing our passion for craft. So if you would like to know more then just let us know.

NEW STOCK

As always, we have lots of new stock in store, including the entire new range of Websters Pages, more Prima, Echo Park, and lots more. Stampavie stamps are due later this week from France too. Can't wait.

Until next time, happy scrapping,

Tracey and the Team. 

RETREAT NEWS

Has it really been 2 weeks since the 3rd annual Imagination Factory Retreat? How time flies. From all reports, it seems as though the weekend was a resounding success with a fun and creative time had by all. It was great to see such a large group (40) of like minded ladies get together to share in their passion for scrapbooking. Many new friendships were made, and old ones rekindled.

Thank you once again ladies for all of you helping to make the weekend so enjoyable, because without you all there would be no retreat. And a very special thank you to Ebony Van Der Starre, and Julie Miles, who shared their amazing knowledge with us in two fantastic scrapbooking and cardmaking classes.

One last thank you to NOVA PHARMACY Doveton St for their generous donation of a perfume and skin care gift basket. It was raffled at the retreat, and we were able to donate the proceeds (252) to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

If would like a copy of the photos below, please let us know.

And i guess you'd all like to have a laugh at the fancy dress. For those who didn't attend, it was a "P" party!

There's more to share on Sue's camera, but that will have to wait for another day.

There's lots of store news too, so i will post again very soon.

Happy scrapping,

Tracey and the team.

RETREAT NEWS

Only THREE sleeps to go until the third annual Imagination Factory scrapbooking and craft retreat.YAY!

Whilst making up the gorgeous kits for Ebony's master class i realized that i had forgotten to show her layouts, so here they are, albeit a bit late!

and the second one...

 

Aren't they just stunning. There are only two spots left, so if you haven't booked but would like to, then phone the store to secure your spot!

Hopefully i will post some pics of Julie's card class tomorrow too. Her four cards are just gorgeous, you will not be disappointed.( She only has a couple of spots left too!)

We also have a fabulous treat in store for you too. Most of you are aware of our PIZZA BOXES that Fiona designs. They are a kit that comes packaged in a pizza box and comes with all the product and instructions to make 4 layouts, with lots of extras to make more. Well, this month we are lucky enough to have had the super-talented Bernie Dodd design our kit, using one of Prima's new ranges. Her layouts are absolutely stunning, and over half have already presold, so get in quick to secure your PIZZA BOX.

Anyway, just a quick post. Lots to do to prepare for the retreat. If you're not joining us for the weekend, don't despair, the store will remain open for the usual trading hours over the weekend.

 

Bye for now,

Tracey.