Hello.

I am so sorry that I haven't been on any of your blogs for a while, nor put anything on this one, but I have been trying to organise a retreat. It has caused some headaches and sleepless nights but I think I am on the homeward stretch.

I managed to find the venue quite easily, as my grandaughter Natalie is Head Receptionist at the Chatsworth Hotel in Eastbourne. Finding teachers was more difficult. But after burning the midnight oil I think I have found some cracking tutors.

Firstly Karen Burniston has offered to design a class page for me. I love her work and as she is an engineer by profession her pages always involve some pop-up items. I am meeting up with her when she is over here in February to finalise the details, or brainstorm as she puts it, and she will then go home and finish the design.

Then I have Zoe Pierson. You may know her from Stamping Up. She will do some cards and show her products from Stamping Up.

Then there are two others, but at present they are contracted to someone and won't be free until February, but then I can reveal who they are. Two well known and published scrappers and I'm sure that you will be pleased when you hear who they are.

Then we have Shimelle. She needs no introduction. Its a bit like saying Madonna or Sting in entertainment, everyone in the scrapping world knows Shimelle.

Last but not least, and a very important part of the weekend, we have the lovely ladies who have agreed to do Make and Takes, and Demonstrations for me. They too are very talented and are bound to come up with some good ideas. Thank you Anita, Lynn and Linda.

So here are the preliminary details with prices in case you know of anyone who would liek to attend. Any plugs on your blogs will be gratefully accepted lol


Cardinal Colours is absolutely delighted to invite you to our very first retreat on the south coast. We are having a crafty weekend with something for both scrapbookers and cardmakers alike. In fact anyone fancying a relaxing time away with like minded, crafty individuals will have a great, fun break.

We will have the run of The Chatsworth Hotel, right on the seafront at Eastbourne, from 2.00 pm Friday, 17th September through to 4.00 pm Sunday 19th September.

What an ideal time to recharge your batteries if you’ve exhausted yourself looking after children in the school holidays. All meals and refreshments are included - full English breakfasts, buffet lunch on Saturday and roast lunch on Sunday, two 3 course dinners and teas/coffees mid-morning and mid-afternoon. There will be a vegetarian option available too.

We have a full timetable of classes, with separate ones for scrapbooking and cardmaking, demonstrations and make & takes running from the Friday afternoon right through to Sunday.

The fabulous Karen Burniston will be designing a class especially for us and you can get a feel for her work on her blog www.karenburniston.com

You will have the choice of 3 classes with kits being provided and there will be raffles and games throughout the weekend too, with the Grand Raffle Prize being a Cricut Die Cutting Machine. It’s a free draw so any guest will have the chance to win

The cost for all this is just £259 per person for a twin shared room and £289 for a single occupancy double room We do have a limited number of small single rooms at £239 per person . We also have 3 twin rooms with an extra bed so 3 people could share at £245 per person You can reserve your place on payment of a £39 non-refundable deposit and payment terms are available. Some places have already been taken so to express an interest and find out more about the classes and teachers, please contact me at jill@cardinalcolours.co.uk

We are really looking forward to seeing you.

Teachers and classes will be confirmed soon but we are proud to say that Zoe Pierson and will be amongst our talented teachers