'Scrapping on the Orient Express...'
For our two fall retreats in Branson, we're borrowing the graceful, colorful, and slightly mysterious designs of the Far East to bring to life the theme "Scrapping on the Orient Express." We're knee deep in paper lanterns, Chinese dragons, take-out boxes, and fortune cookies. Once we got started planning our decorations and activities, we found out just how much fun this theme is going to be!

We're officially full for both retreat weekends (Oct. 15-17 and Oct. 22-24), but could take groups of 1-3 in both weekends. (And if you've always wanted to go to a weekend get-a-way but don't have a scrapbooking buddy, the weekend of Oct. 22 would be perfect for you. We already have eight ladies who are attending as "singles," and Karin does a wonderful job of matching everyone up with congenial people. We've seen many friendships get a start at our retreats and crops!)

Letters and emails have been sent to those of you who are registered, but I'm going to repeat some information here in case it's needed. Both retreats start at 3 pm on Friday afternoon.

'Orient Express' Classes

· School Spirit Layout:
Most everyone has a favorite student, and this two-page layout is just waiting for photos of school fun. Crate Paper's new School Spirit collection features red, gold, aqua, orange, and green, and the bright designs will work for both boys and girls. The coordinating sheet of stickers you'll use even has a mini-grade card you can use for real grades or for journaling.
(Teacher - Allison Davis; fee - $15)

· 'Tis The Season Layout:
With the holidays just around the corner, having a completed layout ready for family photos can be one thing you check off your to-do list. Traditional Christmas colors of red, pine green and creamy white take center stage in My Mind's Eye's Holly Jolly collection, and adds a touch of festive charm to this two-page layout. Handstitching adds homey accents, and a 12x12 sheet of die-cuts provides embellishments like a Christmas countdown, reindeer, and holly.
(Teacher - Allison Davis; fee - $15)

· My Friends Trio of Layouts:
This collection of pages is perfect to showcase special moments with friends, both past and present. You'll use BasicGrey's Origins collection in greens, yellows, cream, brown and black to make one 2-page layout and two 1-page layouts. Materials include designer cardstock, coordinating die-cuts, rub-ons, and printed chipboard. Best of all, you'll have lots of treats left over to use on other projects.
(Teacher - Debbie Sanders; fee - $22)
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· Queen Bee Card Set:
Designed by Stacey Atchley, author of the popular Sketches for Cardmaking book, this set of five cards is fit for a queen. Pink Paislee's Queen Bee paper collection in yellow, gray, black, green, and cream provides a regal touch, and special accents include Prima mini-roses, Maya Road pearl stick pins, American Crafts pearl brads, and more. The cards have a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used for a variety of occasions.
(Teacher - Debbie Sanders; fee - $20)

Contests:
Entries are limited to three per person, one per category. The page, or components of the page, (or mini-album) must not have been made in a class, or from a kit. It is acceptable for some features of the project (like computer titles or journaling), to have been made prior to the retreat.

All contests will be judged by a vote of the people attending the retreat...
· "Moo Goo Gai Pan" -- (a food or recipe-themed layout)
· "Jade Dynasty" -- (a layout featuring a family)
· "Happy Garden" -- (a special event or celebration layout)
· "Golden Dragon" -- (creative, clever, innovative use of ribbons and trims and hand-stitching on a layout)
· "Fortune Cookie" -- (a mini-album of any topic)
· Sketch Challenge -- Everyone will receive a computer sketch. Use papers and embellishments of your choice to produce the most creative interpretation of the sketch. Any subject, any theme!
· Best Overall -- any subject, your best original work