One of my favourite places to scrapbook, excluding my home, would have to be

at Autumn Escape Scrapbook Retreats. 

The atmosphere is energising and inspirational and hosts Nic Howard & Lucy Vanderloos really make you feel like one of the family.

The latest retreat was held last weekend and I was very busy! I did three classes (more are available for those who like to attend), my table mate did SIX!

But I also completed some layouts of my own.

Here are my layouts completed in classes:

Creative Grunge with Nic Howard:

This layout is very layered and as the name would suggest grungy. After layering the embellishments we added Gesso and Glimmermist to bring it to life and co-ordinate the colours.

This is a close up of the cluster of embellishments!

This is the layout using the tag we practiced on, I love it! Simple and it allows the photo to shine!

Black & White and Coloured All Over with Nic Howard:

This class was really fun and there were so many different layouts that came out. It has used stamping, Washi Tape, Transparencies, and Tim Holtz Distress Paint. Love that you can adapt it to what you have and what suits. I already have another one on the go!!

Gather and Glue by Rachel Tucker:

This class was a little different in that it isn't a layout, as such. The page has numerous pockets that can be filled and scrapped. It can also be added to on the other side, thus double-sided. A great way to scrap an event or occasion that you have heaps of photos for. I still need to add journalling and a title, but that will come. All the photos I have used were 3x4 but the top and bottom rows can fit 6x4 if you want a whole photo in there.

So those are the classes I did, AWESOME!!

As for what I did for myself here are a couple of them, the rest I am saving for later as they are going on other blogs first :)

This was based on a sketch challenge that was issued during the weekend. I didn't win, but loved the end result.

This layout is being entered into a monthly scrap challenge for my local store Scrapbook Cottage. The challenge was based on a sketch from Stuck Sketches and the criteria was to use Washi Tape. Lets see how I go!

A close up of the flower cluster.

I just want to add a huge thanks to everyone at the AE Retreat! You guys really make the weekend the fun that it is! I am so looking forward to seeing you all next year and gutted I can't be there for the Prima-ArtVenture-2013.