Autumn Escape New Zealand

Reporting in today on my trip to New Zealand to teach at the Autumn Escape Event.  After much preparation getting ready, I was finally off to the airport with two 50 pound bags...the majority being Ranger product for the classes.  Thank you to Mario for the extra suitcase that showed up at my door!

I arrived via Air New Zealand to the most beautiful sunrise.  I was on my way down the long hallway to customs, but had to stop at the window to snap this photo.  I knew it would be gone by the time I was done, and I was right.

After a quick stop in town to load everything up, we were on our way to the Wairakei Resort in Taupo, a mere three hours away.  Plenty of blue sky, lush landscapes and good company (Nic, Lucy and Shelly) to make the trip seem quick.  I was pretty proud of myself that I only fell asleep for about 20 minutes after my all night flight.

 Nic and Lucy and their team did a wonderful job setting everything up.

Friday was the first of 3 days of classes given by myself, Nic Howard and Natalie May.
These photos were taken during the Worn Cover Journal class where everyone chooses their own colors of Distress Stains to color cards for the pocket pages in the book.

 Kim and Kathy working away...

 Some of the completed cards.

Now on to the cover of the book...you know we all love stencils!

and Remnant Rubs...

And Distress Ink.

I know these girls do!

Janelle did not have enough room on her table, so she left her cards to dry in the potted plant near by.  I think they make the plant look better!

 In another class the students worked with Distress markers and water brushes.

A few attendees were asked to create cards for the sponsors of the event.  LeeAnn Thoresen had the task to create one for Tim, which I will hand deliver to him next week at Quilt Market in Philadelphia.  She did it up just right! Really awesome work LeeAnn!

The Ranger card was created by one of my favorite classroom helpers (two events running) - Tania Sansom.  She is as hardworking, as she is nice...couldn't be happier to call her my friend.

Not sure with I like better, the card or the envelope??  Both created by an amazingly talented Kim Ravenscroft.  Both are stunning in person.

  And for Mario...created by very talented Leslie French.

In fact here's Lesley, with a really nice layout she completed.  Love it.

 And one very goofy picture of Kim, Lesly and myself...just being silly after a long day.

 I walked by one table at the crop and spied my friend Vicki Boutin's book!

 Ann and Janelle (hope Janelle got her cards out of the potted plant).

These lovely ladies put on the event each year- Lucy, Lynda, Lianne, Nic, Tania, Kate, and Rachel.  An amazing amount of work goes into each and every event.  They really treat the ladies like family.

What a great group of women!!  Thanks to all who came and took my classes - I taught 204 students over the 3 days and had a blast doing it.  I love it when someone gets to try a new product or technique.  You can almost see the light bulb go on in their head!  Again, what a great time in the classroom and in the crop room.  Love you girls!

At the end of the event, this quilt created by Melissa Brooks, was presented to Nic Howard.  All the fabrics are from Tim's first fabric collection and beautifully quilted by Melissa.  All I can say is wow!!

Also a shout out to anyone traveling to or through Auckland.  I stayed my last night in NZ at the Novotel (at the airport) and despite being almost on top of the airport property, it was super quite.  They must have some kind of special soundproofing because you could see the cars and planes, you just couldn't hear them.  Pretty swanky too.  I mean how many hotels have a headboard that lights up? (outside of Vegas that is).  Don't think I didn't try out all the light switches!

Just to show you how close it it.  I am standing at the entrance to Departure gates and that is the hotel across the street.  Talk about convenient.

Well, off to a stay with friends in Sydney.  I'll be back with a short post about that tomorrow.
Like the sign says, RELAX.

carry on,
paula