Interview with a … customer! Diane Brewer

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while since I did an interview here on NZ Scrapbook Newz so I got thinking who I would like to feature. So many people play important roles in our business – this is definitely not a one man band! When it comes down to it though there is one role we can’t do without and that is YOU our valued customer.

Many of you have shared your stories, milestones and daily lives with us and in turn have become part of our story here at NZ Scrapbook. So as I introduce to you one customer-come-‘family’ member know that you too are honoured as you wear the role customer-come-friend.

Diane with her book from the Language of Flowers class

Interview with a customer... Diane Brewer!

Diane, tell us a little about yourself.

My work is in the area of office administration and has been most of my life. I really enjoy arts and craft, photography, travel, the outdoors, Ceroc dancing, good movies and have recently started Pilates.

What are your main interests in craft? I like to scrapbook and I have a keen interest in learning new techniques especially in the area of altered arts, collage and lately really enjoying journal art.

Right now, journals are where it’s at for me. Doing your journals class got me started and it feels just like me. I get to include lots of things that I like – photography, drawing, writing. It makes every day look great!

There are so many more crafts I would like to try, its just the time that holds me back.

One of Diane's travel Scrapbook layouts - Coins stuck on the page is a neat idea

What sparks you to start a layout or journal spread? Where do you look for ideas?

I start with photos I am using, the colours they have and inspiration from that day. I find pages evolve as I go.

How would you describe your style?

In scrapbooking I like bold colours and straight lines especially mosaic style pages and lots of photos. In my journal it is similar but I enjoy a freer experience trying different things. If I muck it up I can tear it out, a bit more anything goes.

What do you find most challenging in your craft work?

Creating layers in my work. Getting ideas and then translating them onto a page.

Pages from Diane's journal

Do you have a dedicated creative space?

Yes, several actually. I have a spare room with my sewing machine, computer and the bulk of my supplies – this is where I mostly used to work until I got some inspiration from a friend (nudge nudge) and have started working from a table in my lounge. The environment there is nicer, lighter and where I feel the most happy. Plus I can have the TV on at night when I work.

What project is currently on your work table?

Yesterdays journal page.

A Lord of the Rings spread from Diane's New Zealand dedicated Altered Book

Detail from the same New Zealand book

Do you share your creative interests with any family members?

Yes my Mum and two sisters are into craft/scrapbooking, we meet once a week to create together.

How did you come to find New Zealand Scrapbook and what has been your involvement?

I discovered scrapbooking nine years ago and soon after a store opened (NZ Scrapbook) near my work. I started working on scrapbook pages and before long was coming along to all kinds of classes to expand my skills. I worked part time at the Paul Matthew store for about a year and continue to share friendship, attend classes and crops and shop for supplies.

What advice would you offer someone just starting scrapbooking?

Just to jump in and give it a go. Attend classes to learn techniques. Also Crop Nights are a definite – I’ve found when I’m stuck for inspiration or motivation just physically coming along helps you get going again.

Texture heaven in Diane's Pink Altered Book

Time for the mandatory NZ Scrapbook Questions!

Stuck on a desert island with five things what would they be?

Camera, Journal, Supplies, my current novel I’m reading which would have to be a big one and my i-pod.

Favourite TV Show?

Outrageous Fortune

If you could have lunch with anybody past, future or present who would it be?

I don’t know, I haven’t met him yet!

Breakfast this morning?

A mince savory from the bakery

Five facts about Diane:

1. I’ve been to the Great Wall twice
2. I had my first ride in a fire engine when I was 35
3. I like boogie boarding
4. I’ve parachuted behind a jet boat
5. I spent 3 days on a train in the Gobi Desert

Diane has fascinating full albums of fab travel layouts

Finally what would you like others to know about Diane?

That I am a nice person who loves to travel, gives things a go and enjoys meaningful relationships with friends and family.

Thank you Diane for giving your time with this interview and even more so for your continued patronage and dear friendship!

~Kathleen

Interested meeting some of the other people involved with our business? Past interviews from our Interview With series:

Interview with a NZ Scrapbook Design Team member... Sarah Groen

Interview with a Scrapbook Sales Rep... Craig Leckner

Interview with a Shop.gurl... Ann McLachlan

School Holiday Program Highlights

Hi all,
School is back and we are into Term Two! Our school holiday program was a great lot of fun. As you will see from the following photos there was lots of creativity, heaps of bright crafting product, Barbara's amazing home baking and a whole bunch of Grandmothers involved...very cool!

So if you like the look of this and have school aged children who might enjoy a morning or two of paper craft fun then keep an eye out for an even more extensive program next school holidays.


Here are some photo highlights:

New Stampington Magazines now in stock

Artful Blogging - May/June/July 09

Every page a visual feast of some of the net's tastiest art blogs. I enjoyed their last issue (review HERE) and am expecting good things from this issue too.


Excerpt from Artful Blogging


Art Doll Quarterly - May/June/July 09

There is no other magazine quite like Art Doll Quarterly. Soft dolls, paper sculptures, wire articulated dolls, boxed dolls, 5" pin dolls, felt, woven, clay, bird dolls, beaded, net... the list goes on and on. You would be hard pressed to find so many techniques and materials in any other publication. While doll making is not my own primary interest I adore Art Doll Quarterly for the intricacy and inspiration that can be translated into many other mediums from paper crafts to altered artwork. Well worth adding to your library.

Excerpt from Art Doll Quarterly.


Somerset Studio - May/June 09

In this issue, artwork expresses the beauty and magic of stage musicals.


Excerpt from Somerset Studio



Stampers Sampler Catch Up Issue
Vol - 13

For all the stampers out there, no other magazine comes close with the sheer number of stamped card samples as Stampers Sampler Magazine. In this Catch Up Issue you will find almost 400 card ideas! Pure card making eye candy.


Where Women Create - May/June/July 09

Curious about Marie Osmond's craft room? All I can say is wowsers. The by-line of this magazine is: Inspiring work spaces of extraordinary women. Flicking through the pages I would be more inclined to say Extraordinary work spaces of inspiring women... these aren't your ordinary 'scrap rooms'. Prepare to be wowed.

My review of the last issue of Where Women Create can be found HERE.


Excerpt from Where Women Create May/June/July 09

All magazines in stock now. Phone 09 912 0665 if you would like to reserve a copy of any of these issues.

~ Kathleen

Open Saturday

Yes we are open ANZAC Day afternoon from 1pm - 9pm for all your scrapbooking and paper crafts requirements!

Kids classes are on today.
1pm Parent and Child Class
3pm Kids Class

Phone 09 912 0665 for bookings and enquiries.

Clock Class highlights and New Date!

Hi all,
Its been a fun week here at NZ Scrapbook with the School Holiday Program happening each day plus the Book of Me class, Cuttlebug Class and Scrapbooking 102 on as I write. I DID have my camera handy during the Creative Collage Clock workshop on Monday night. Check out the class and lovely art clocks produced...

Busy at work

Applying the two step crackle medium

Clinton drying his second coat

Clinton with his completed 'boy' clock!

Beautiful vintage floral

French inspired

Jemima's clock is funky vintage

Jennifer goes with an Elephant theme

Beautiful crackle detail

Fantastic clocks and workshop participants

This workshop was such fun! If you would like to create your own Collaged Clock I have booked another date for Wednesday 27th May at 7pm. Limited numbers available so book in quick on 09 912 0665

~Kathleen

Fun and easy classes to expand your scrapbooking skills

Hi folks,
We have a great lineup of classes over the next couple of weeks.

Barbara and kids for School Holiday fun

School Holiday Program
Monday 20th April
Tuesday 21st April
Wednesday 22nd April
9.30am - 1.30pm
Tutor: Barbara
Fee: $28.50 Per session including morning tea and materials.

Join us for our fantastic school holiday program. Each day Barbara will be teaching a selection of scrapbooking, papercraft and cardmaking projects. Join us for one session or all three. A full Blog post about the schedule of projects available each day can be found HERE.


Book of Me: Series Two
Monday 20th April at 7pm (and every Monday for the next six weeks)
Tutor: Michelle W.
Class fee $15 or $75 for six sessions

It's not to late to join in this crop series of classes. Each week we examine a different Book of Me theme. In our first week for Series Two we will be talking about colour and what it means to you. Perhaps you have a favourite colour or colours, that you consistently wear. Come along and make a page that creatively expresses your own unique approach to colour.

Book of Me workshops are available on a session by session basis or reserve your space for all six and get one free! All welcome. More info on what Book of Me classes are all about can be found HERE.

Creative Collaged Clock - Make your own clock with your choice of colours and designs

Creative Clock Workshop
Monday 20th April at 7pm
Tutor: Kathleen
Class fee is $55 and includes clock and all materials.

Technique full this Creative Clock class will teach you collage techniques, use texture paste embellishments and is sealed with an exquisite crackle finish.

Colours and patterns are your choice. Kathleen will help you select co-ordinating designs from the hundreds of paper designs available in store. Bright or subtle, match with your decor - its up to you!

No craft experience necessary - all welcome!

Beautiful lace designs from your Cuttlebug dies

Fold it, Flip it, Cut it Cuttlebug Class
Tuesday 21st April at 7pm
Tutor: Wendy
Class Fee $25 includes materials

Want more uses and neat effects with your Cuttlebug dies? In this clever Fold it, Flip it, Cut it Cuttlebug Class Wendy will show you how to create all kinds of pretty and lacy backgrounds and die cut shapes that you can use in your cards and scrapbooking projects. Please bring your Cuttlebug machine, mats, basic kit and adhesives.

Scrapbooking 102 Layout - Colours and shapes can be adapted for your photos.

Scrapbooking 102
Wednesday 22nd April. Two time slots available 10.30am & 7pm
Tutor: Michelle W
Class fee $20 including materials.

Great for the Beginner and Intermediate Scrapbooker. Featured techniques include: stamping, Cricut, doodling, matting, Cuttlebug.


Crop Night
Thursday 23rd April 6pm
Tutor: Michelle R
Fee: $10

Our creative social night. Work on your own pages and make new friends. All welcome!

Creative productivity at the Mega Crop

Mega Crop
Friday 24th April 6pm - Midnight
Tutor: Michelle R
Fee: $10

From 6pm till Midnight you can work on your pages, have fun with friends, participate in a crop game, enjoy a light supper and be in to win some great prizes. All welcome!


ANZAC Day
Opening Hours 1pm - 9pm

Kids love scrapbooking!

Parent & Child Class
Saturday 25th April at 1pm
Tutor: Linda
Fee:$20 including materials.

Always a popular class, create three 8" x 8" pages with your child participant.


Kids Class
Saturday 25th April at 3pm
Tutor: Paula
Fee: $12 and includes materials.

Scrapbooking for children ages 8years and up. Bring photos to scrapbook.


Beginners Scrapbooking
Tuesday 28th April. Two time slots available: 10.30am and 7pm
Tutor: Mary and Michelle W
Special price of just $10 including materials.

Want to try Scrapbooking for the first time? This is the class for you. Basic techniques for creating a page will be covered. We will help you create a page and are happy to answer any questions.

The Scrapbooking 103 is a great layout - and colours can be adapted for your photo.

Scrapbooking 103
Wednesday29th April. Two time slots available 10.30am and 7pm
Tutor: Michelle W
Class fee is $20 including class kit.

This class is designed for the beginner-intermediate scrapbooker who wants to develop their range of skills.

This weeks Scrapbooking 103 layout includes the techniques of inking, fussy cutting, Accu-cut diecutting, layering, doodling and paper weaving



Tag Background workshops
Thursday 30th April at 7pm
Class fee: $20 including materials.

Totally technique based, learn background methods that you can then apply to your scrapbooking, card making, altered book or general art projects. This session is number two of three sessions. You can choose to do one class or all three. At the end of three classes you will have a jam packed tag book that you can use for reference to create fantastic backgrounds.



Wow! All these fantastic classes within the next two weeks!
If you have any questions about our classes feel free to give us a call. For bookings and enquiries Phone 09 912 0665


~Kathleen, Linda and the team at NZ Scrapbook.