The Crafty Cat Classroom

Remember Me??

2010-08-05T17:41:00.004+09:30

I seem to be making these kinds of post quite a bit, remember my intentions are always good!

I have many ideas and a vision for where I would like to see the store and blog go in the future, and bit by bit I hope to make that a reality. The store now has a new storefront and a little bit of a "freshen up", and over the course of the next few weeks I will be uploading some more items.

I have finally learnt after all this time, that the only way I can achieve these goals is to take it little by little instead of wanting to fulfill the urge to have it all done in an instant. As that always results in nothing being done.

Unfortunately, due to sometimes experiencing poor health and running another business with my husband, I find that all I can manage is to stay on top of orders, and getting them packed and sent out as quickly as possible, which is one of the most important parts of running an ebay store. That is what my number one priority is. Getting the product in your hands as quickly as possible, because I know there is nothing worse than having to wait forever for something to come in the mail.
It all boils down to doing what is realistic, not what our hearts desire may be (as that usually, in my case anyway, seems to be out of reach).

So with all that said, the excitement of seeing new releases from CHA in the US has inspired me.....

Holiday Notice

2010-01-08T21:12:00.002+10:30

The store will still be available for purchasing next week, but I won't be here. I have limited access to emails during that time, and may be able to answer questions.

So official holiday period is from Monday 11th Jan - Friday 15th Jan. If you would like to purchase something and have it sent prior to Monday, it must be paid for (only Paypal for it to be posted Monday) by Sunday evening so I can package it and post it first thing Monday morning.

Otherwise, happy shopping and I will be back to normal turnaround time on Monday 18th Jan.

New release Martha Stewart

2009-11-16T16:39:00.004+10:30

Exciting news....I have been able to secure some of the first shipment of new release punches from Martha Stewart. They are currently in transit. Not 100% sure on delivery time, which is dependent on customs clearance.

They look like some "must haves", so I am anticipating them to be sold out quickly like the other Martha Stewart punches have! Better be quick :D

I'll put a notice on our Facebook page when they are in stock. Become a fan to get the update.

Strong US $ = Cheaper prices

2009-11-16T16:33:00.002+10:30

With such a good exchange rate at the moment that means even better prices!

I always review the prices of products each time I upload them, particularly if it is a restock of an item that has already been in the store. So you may notice at times that prices may fluctuate a little. That is because I am giving you the best possible price I can at the time I upload the items.

I'm a bit slow at times....

2009-11-16T16:03:00.003+10:30

Hello blog readers :D

Just wanted to update on things a little. As some of you may know, my husband and I have a small building company and that is our primary business, and also our first priority. Which means that at certain times I can't devote the time I wish I could, to the maintenance of the store and blog. If only there were more hours in the day!

My priority is always getting purchases out quickly, and I am doing that. It is time consuming sourcing pictures and listing products, but I am doing my best at present to source images for all the new stock I have sitting here, so that I can upload it and make all these new (and very cool!) products available to you.

So, if you could please be patient with me, and keep checking the store for updates, you won't be disappointed with the range of products.

Thanks to those of you who are return customers to the store. I have always tried to offer a fast turnaround and great service, and you are obviously happy with that or you wouldn't come back!

In conclusion, I have some ideas I am hoping to follow through with over the next few months, so do keep checking back, you never know what you might find!

Martha Stewart Punch

2009-09-29T19:24:00.002+09:30

The first shipment of Martha Stewart punches flew out the door, and I have now restocked and added a few new designs.

Still working at uploading item to the store, but have been busy packing existing orders. (It's also school holidays :D)Hope to have more items up this week though.

Making Memories Pink Slice - LIMITED EDITION

2009-09-10T17:26:00.005+09:30

Making Memories are releasing a pink edition of the Slice machine. It is to support breast cancer. It is a limited edition, once the pink model is sold out it will revert back to the current model. The new pink model will be available at the end September/ early October. I have some on order, and if anyone is interested in securing one of these limited edition machines I will have some available.

The pink limited edition includes....as outlined on the Making Memories site...

SLICE™ Think Pink™ Cordless Digital Designer is available for a limited time only. This kit includes a Pink Slice™ (of course!) and 2 design cards! Users will enjoy the fresh and feminine shapes on the new Think Pink™ Design Card and will go back to the updated Basic Elements card time and time again.

And that's not all...Making Memories will donate a portion of the proceeds from each sale of the Pink SLICE™ to help aid in the fight against breast cancer.

* Kit includes:
* SLICE™ Cordless Design Cutter
* Basic Elements design card
* Think Pink™design card
* 6" x 6" glass cutting mat
* 5 blades
* Blade replacement tool
* Blade adjustment wrench
* Power Cord
* Repositionable adhesive
* Basic Elements and Think Pink™ design guides
* User manual
* Foam applicator brush

RRP = $379.00

Cat's Whiskers Price = $329.00

As a special offer, for those who would like to preorder the Pink Slice, I will be including as a bonus a Making Memories Pink spatula valued at $14.95 for those who preorder before Saturday 19th September.

Preorders will require a 30% deposit. Postage for the Slice will be capped at $10. They will be sent via registered post.

If you are interested please send me an email

Forgot to mention.....Just A Little Bit

2009-08-27T15:43:00.003+09:30

I forgot to add in the last post I will be adding a new category to the store.

*Just A Little Bit*

Have you ever been put off buying a whole paper pad because you don't want 6 sheets of the same paper? I will be adding some items like K & Co paper pads, Basic Grey 6 x 6 paper pads, and basically any items I get into the store that have multiples in the pack, and breaking them down into single sets.

That will allow you to purchase sometimes exclusive designs or sizes and not be stuck with an excess amount that you know you just won't use.

It won't be limited to just papers, I will also add embellishments and anything else that comes in a multipack.

Hopefully that will help you to get more variety for your dollar.

Store Update....busy, busy

2009-08-27T07:06:00.007+09:30

I am busy working on updating the store. I had a box of goodies arrive yesterday (includes the CHA Cuttlebug releases) and I am working as fast as I can to get the store up and running again.

Jenni Bowlin CHA release have arrived today, and will be up in the store as I work through relisting and adding new listings.

When ebay changed over to the new beta format, it caused all sorts of inventory problems for me, so I have had to do a stocktake and now I am giving the store a bit of a new look, and relisting the stock that was in the store plus LOTS of new products!

Relisting everything is a time consuming process, but I hope that towards the end of next week things are back up and running.

Pictures of some of the new releases I will have available in the store....

Lots of scrapping goodness! The Jenni Bowlin products are divine!

CHA....New stuff!

2009-07-24T18:22:00.003+09:30

CHA time is nearly here, which means we will see lots of new releases from different brands. I have already preordered some new release, which i expect to arrive (all going according to plan, by what I am told by the companies) I should start receiving some of these new releases by mid August. I have some of the beautiful new items from Jenni Bowlin, which should arrive first. I will update the blog with pics soon.

I will have more news on products I have ordered next week, once CHA has actually finished.

Stampers Anonymous

2009-06-14T17:49:00.000+09:30

New in store is some of the beautiful range of single cling stamps and stamp sets from Tim Holtz, as well as two designs from the Teresa Collins range. These have been quite hard to get hold of within Australia, and stock is reasonably limited.

Available in the store now.

New stuff

2009-06-14T17:40:00.002+09:30

Hello blog readers

Sorry for the lengthy delays between posts. It's been a busy year in other areas of my life and unfortunately being "only human" means I have limitations! But I have a bit of relief from the "crazies", so I hope to post more regularly and have some new projects up on the blog soon. In the meantime, I will be updating the shop. For starters there is some new Tim Holtz stamps. I have just uploaded them to the store so they should be available shortly. I will post details and pics in another post.

Check back soon for a giveaway.......

Where Does The Time GO??

2009-02-04T18:33:00.005+10:30

I swear that a day goes faster now than it ever has before! Here we are in February already!

Well January involved moving house for me, which meant transferring phone connections and internet. Of course, nothing can ever go smoothly, and due to stuff ups I was left with no internet connection for 2 1/2 weeks! So this has put me a little behind in my original plans for 2009, but oh well....there is nothing I can do about it now!

There will be some new products arriving at The Cat's Whiskers over the next few months. In the next couple of weeks I will have some new Kaisercraft products arriving. There are seven new colours in the Original rhinestone range. Also arriving are Rhinestone & Pearl Strips.

I am still in the process of pre ordering some of the new releases from different brands, which we should see over the next 4 months or so. Most companies have now adopted a staggered release system. (They tease us, and then make us wait for months :P )

Keep an eye on the store and blog, as new products will be listed in the weeks ahead.

Kit by Kate Mason - Using Heather Bailey "Freshcuts" - ONLY 2 LEFT

2008-12-19T17:33:00.006+10:30

Kate has created this gorgeous mini album using mainly products from the Autumn Leaves release - Freshcuts by Heather Bailey. This range of papers is vibrant and full of beautiful bright, bold patterns and colours.

Each kit includes:

6 sheets double sided Heather Bailey "Freshcuts" Patterned Paper
2 sheets Core'dinations "Snowflake" Cardstock
1 pack Heather Bailey "Freshcuts" Die Cut Chipboard Tags
1 pack Heather Bailey "Freshcuts" Flourish Rub ons
1 pack American Crafts Vinyl Alphabet stickers - Poolside "cricket"
1 pack Kaiser self adhesive Pearls - Teal
2 Heidi Swapp "O" rings
4 sheets 6" x 6" black chipboard
Full instructions - including pictures

Kit Price = $26.95 + $7.00 postage

*The postage cost covers any other purchases made from The Cat's Whiskers as well. So if you would like to add items to your kit order, just purchase as normal through the store and drop me an email saying you would like to combine with your kit purchase, so I can match up your ebay id.

Due to the number or preorders for this kit, there are only 2 more kits available. Please email me if you would like one.

Payment can be made by Paypal or direct deposit. Any kits that are still available next week will be added to the store.

Those who have preordered I will be contacting you over the next few days to confirm and process your orders.

Have a great weekend :D

Getting Back On Track

2008-12-09T19:29:00.002+10:30

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all being so patient, I have been wanting to post some more projects on the blog, but due to some health issues I haven't been in a position to do so. I have only been able to keep up with the store. I hope you can understand, and that you will be back to visit us again soon.

Now that some of those issues are starting to be resolved, I am going to be putting all my energy into the classroom blog and getting the store updated. Starting in late Jan of 2009 I will be doing some serious "heads down, bums up"!!!! (I have the pleasure (not) of moving house between now & then).

I also have a beautiful mini album kit designed by the gorgeous Kate Mason, which will be available soon. If you would like to reserve one feel free to email me.

Back next week with Kate's album kits & details.

Heartkids Fundraiser

2008-11-05T21:06:00.002+10:30

Thoughts & Thanks

2008-10-15T16:02:00.003+10:30

Thanks so much to Kelly Ingram for her beautiful layout. So much appreciated. I have now solved my camera problem, it was battery related (thank goodness!) and has now been sorted. So a new project will be up later this week.

Would just like to send well wishes to Kate Mason and her family as they go through a challenging time with their brave little girl Chelsea. We hope she makes a speedy recovery and that you will be back to normal life and creating your beautiful work again soon.

"Something So Sweet" - 3 Photo Layout - Designed by Kelly Ingram

2008-09-30T16:01:00.007+09:30

A quick, fun layout using 3 photos, that can be adapted to most themes and events.

1. Crop your 3 photos to 12.5cm X 8cm.

2. Pick out 1 patterned paper, which will be your base, and one co-ordinating plain paper/cardstock, for your photo mat. I have used two papers from the Basic Grey 'Urban Prairie' range.

3. Crop your plain paper/card to 28cm X 20cm. Attach to your patterned paper base, with a space of approximately 4cm from the top edge.

4. Arrange the 3 photos across the page, from the left side, but make them each slightly off-centre. Cut two straight edged brackets from felt and use these to frame the end photo on the right.

5. Add your title. Here I've used a mixture of an American Crafts Vinyl Thickers, Collections Chipboard Alphabet painted in Making Memories paint and a Heidi Swapp Chipboard Alphabet.

6. Embellish with ribbons, trims, doodling, rub-ons, stamping, jewels, brads or whatever you like, making sure that you leave a space for your journaling.

7. Add your journaling and the date and you are finished!

I hope you like it :-) Have fun!

New @ The Cat's Whiskers

2008-09-20T14:45:00.002+09:30

There has been a few new products added to the store. I will be uploading more this coming week as well. A few different styles of American Crafts Thickers have been added

Also a restock of some of the popular Autumn Leaves single clear stamps.

The Winner Is....

2008-09-20T14:34:00.003+09:30

Thanks to Amy Brown for submitting this layout. Unfortunately hers was the only entry....Please don't be shy! We would love to see your work. I try to keep the challenges simple and open to any level of scrapper.

So Amy, I will be in touch to get your postage details to send out your prize.

I haven't been able to photograph the project for this week. I have something wrong with my camera, and may need to borrow one so it will be uploaded next week. I swear the universe is against me :P

Extension

2008-09-14T08:29:00.002+09:30

I am just announcing a short extension on our competition. You now have until Wednesday 17th September at 12pm to get your entries in for our great stamping prize. (see post below)

This week I will be posting another "quick class" and also adding more products to the store.

Time For A Competition!

2008-09-08T15:56:00.005+09:30

Is anyone else having trouble with Blogger?? I have had enormous trouble trying to publish a post the last day and a half (hence the delay). It seems I have become technologically illiterate!

Anyway fingers crossed this one works.....

Giveaways are fun, but competitions are much more interesting. For me at least, and it might also help inspire lots of you :P I have another great prize on offer today, but for this one you have to put in a little effort!

I love the colours that represent both The Cat's Whiskers and The Crafty Cat Classroom. Turqouise and red are a happy, vibrant combo. So my challenge for this competitioin is....

-> Create a layout, card, stamped project, mini album, basically anything crafty that includes turquoise and red.

Would love to see lots of entries, so I have made it easy, easy, easy!

Then email your entries by midnight Sunday 14th September.

I will pick a winner on Monday, and send out this great prize.....

And the winner is....

2008-09-05T07:22:00.003+09:30

Ok, a few hours late but the winner of our first giveaway courtesy of the trusty random number generator is number 3...goddessjodi..WOO HOO!
Please email me your details so I can put it in the post for you.

I will be announcing a competition over the weekend with a FAB prize, so check back.

Chandelier Card

2008-09-04T16:36:00.011+09:30

This easy card design is one of my favourites when you need a card in a hurry, as it suits quite a lot of occasions. It is also adaptable to different size cards.

Start with a basic piece of cardstock for your card. You can cut one yourself to the desired size or use a precut one like I did. Then rip a page from an old book that has that wonderful aged look. I keep a straight edge on the left side and hand tear the other sides to suit the size of the card.

Adhere the book paper onto the card using double sided tape. Keeping it towards the left side.

Then I used the Heidi Swapp Chandelier clear stamp with "black cherry" stazon ink. Place a scrap piece of paper underneath the card and stamp the design so it is slightly over the right edge of the card and the top of the chandelier touches the top of the card (when folded).

Then add Kaiser pearls in Chocolate, to the chandelier.

Add Making Memories Tiny Alpha Stickers for whatever occasion you need the card for.

All done...

Lost Mojo?

2008-09-03T19:54:00.004+09:30

If you're anything like me, day to day life is fairly hectic and finding time to scrap can be difficult. I have good intentions and lots of ideas spinning around but making it all come together to equal a finished project can be difficult. So to help others like myself (I know there are lots of you out there!) I am going to start off with a small project. I will be back tomorrow with a card design, which doesn't take much time, but may help to get your mojo jumpstarted! In the meantime, don't forget to enter our giveaway in the post below.

Woo Hoo......Our First Giveaway

2008-09-02T19:47:00.004+09:30

Alright then, let's see what we have....hmmm, how about some new release Heather Bailey Freshcut Ribbons & a sheet of Doodlebug Loopy Lou Alphabet Stickers!

Just leave a comment and tell me what your favourite brands are at the moment. Easy :D ! I will draw a winner on Thursday night (to give you a chance to spread the word that there will be freebies and comps over the next 2 weeks, because I love to give things away, and make someone smile :P).

I'll be back tomorrow (after installing my new modem!) with more....

The Time Has Arrived!

2008-09-02T13:58:00.004+09:30

Hello all you wonderfully patient people!

I believe there is a technological vendetta against me! How so? I was set yesterday to offically launch this new project, until for no apparent reason, my internet connection kept disconnecting from my ISP. Fuming, I rang their tech hotline....the response, "Everything is working fine at our end". Hmmm, what came afterwards was a few frustrating hours of reseting modems and anything I could think of to stabilise it to be able to post to the blog, to no avail!

Anyhow, here we are a day late, but we are here, slightly frustrated and waiting for everything to crash again. I will be back shortly with our first giveaway......ya'll come back now!

Apologies.....again

2008-08-18T19:34:00.002+09:30

Hello there

My apologies once again. Things aren't going according to plan, and we will be delaying the official launch of the blog till the 1st September. Due to illness and a few other unforseen circumstances, things have been put on hold. PLEASE come and visit us in September for some giveaways and fun, as we start our creative journey.

Thanks so much...hope to see you in "the spring" :D

Only A Few.....

2008-07-23T11:41:00.004+09:30

A few of these kits designed by Kate Mason have been added to the store.

Payment & Postage

2008-07-23T11:25:00.002+09:30

Postage
All purchases for kits will be available through our eBay store The Cat's Whiskers Scrapbooking. We have decided that this is the easiest and most convenient way.

Postage is a flat rate of $7.00. Combine it with other products from our store and still only pay $7.00 postage for goods up to $75. Postage for purchases over $75 is FREE anywhere within Australia. Please see details in our store.

Registered Post is available for an additional $2.70. Pay $9.70 for registered parcels of goods totalling $75 or less. Pay $2.70 for registered parcels of goods totalling over $75.

Payment
Accepted payment methods are:

Bank Deposit
Paypal
Money Order
Payment upon Local Pickup

Apologies

2008-07-11T21:13:00.002+09:30

Hi there,
My apologies for the delays...I am having some technical issues with blogger and the layout of my post. (I think it's more my lack of HTML knowledge) I am getting there :D

New @ The Cat's Whiskers - June

2008-06-23T11:13:00.002+09:30

Hello everyone...apologies for the delay in launching the blog. Unfortunately due to sickness, there has been a few delays. We plan to be in action later this week!

Until then, why not take a look at some of the new products we have at The Cat's Whiskers

2008-05-03T19:11:00.004+09:30

We will be online soon, we are just doing some fine tuning.....Please come back and visit us again.