Master your Machine Weekend
Is this you?
- You have an electric cutting machine but don't know where to start?
- Its still sitting in the box?
- You can do the basics but want to do more?
- You'd like an expert to be around as backup when trying things out?
- You get started & then something goes wrong?
- You'd like to make titles and change design sizes?
- SVG files sound like a foreign language....?
- You want to use pens but need expert help?
- You've heard about cutting vinyl and using foil but you don't know where to start?
You need this weekend!
- Two days of teaching with industry experts
- All materials supplied for each class
- Using your own machine, so you can get it set up perfectly to take home
- Free time to craft or practice in the evening
- Meet other machine owners and see what they're working on
- Option to book an extra (no teaching) crafting day
- 5 ft work table
- All food included, ensuite bedroom, free wifi, free parking, pool and spa facilities, unlimited tea, coffee and snacks
- Craft room open Friday** evening and all weekend until departure
- Purpose Built conference centre, close to Milton Keynes, M1 Junc 13
**Thursday evening if you've booked the extra day
Here's what you'll learn
The weekend is value packed with classes to teach you about your machine.
You'll also have access to not one, but two industry experts, on hand both days to sort our any problems you may have with your machine.
You'll create 6 projects over the weekend, and during these you'll learn:
- Setting up your machine, pressure, blade and mat settings and care
- Using the in built shapes to create embellishments
- Using a memory stick with your machine
- Using pens, different pen types, holders and foiling
- Making titles, journalling, and characters and offsetting to make drop shadows
- How to add cutting outlines and perforations
- Using layers, building colour designs
- How to use your machine software to weld designs together, rotate and and add shadows to designs and text
- Making designs and saving them
- How to use purchased SVG files, and how to combine two designs
- Heat embossing
- Using vinyl (demo)
- Creating your own stickers (demo)
Note: Courses are tailored for machines being taught and attendees, so content varies slightly
Whats included
Its just £365 per person sharing a twin room with a friend, or £395 for a single room**
You can book now for just £50 deposit.
This is an all inclusive price for the whole weekend; teaching, materials for classes, your ensuite bedroom, all food, freeflow beverages and snacks, pool access, parking and wifi.
You'll need to bring your cutting machine, tools, mats, and extra supplies or projects for the free time outside of classes
**This is an introductory price for our new course. You get a great deal in return!
It will not be this low in price again
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Your Organiser and Retreat Host Linda
Hello! I'm an experienced teacher and founder of Memories and Photos, My speciality is providing simple solutions to allow busy people to enjoy their craft time.
I’ve been running craft retreats for time starved crafters for over 20 years.
I design ‘The Weekly Sketch' creating simple scrapbook layouts and page examples.
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Your Cutting Machine Expert Natalie
I trained as a graphic designer, and specialises in teaching machine cutting, working within the papercraft industry for over 25 years.
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I have demonstrated on Hochanda and Hobbymaker, and worked behind the scenes in many design teams
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Your IT Wiz and Tech Expert Ian
I'm an IT specialist who loves to work with a variety of cutting machines. I'm your go-to expert for design software.
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Your guru on machine problems and cutting issues, and how to get the most out of your materials.
FAQ's
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes!
Once you've paid the deposit, reply to the booking email & let me know.
There's no extra charge for this service.
What do I need to bring?
You'll get a full list when you book. Obviously you'll need to bring your cutting machine, and your normal crafting tools and supplies.
(oh... don't forget to pack clothes - I nearly did that one retreat!)
Do I need to bring my laptop/tablet?
Everything we cover can be done on your machine, or with a memory stick, which will be provided.
You are, of course, welcome to bring your tech with you as backup.
What if I get stuck in the lessons?
Our group will be limited size, so our experts will have plenty of time to help you if you get stuck.
What is provided in the classes?
All the materials you need to complete each project will be provided.
Bring your favourite tools, craft supplies and a project or two for your free time - don't be shy, we have plenty of room!
Are there formal classes?
This is a teaching weekend, so there will be 3 teaching sessions during the daytime each day.
Evenings are free for you to practice or work on your own projects.
(If you've booked the extra day, this is an informal workshop style day for you to work on whatever you choose)
When is the craft room open?
You can check in to your bedroom from 2.30pm, and use the facilities, including the wellness centre and pool.
The Craft room will be open from 7:30pm on arrival day, and then all day each day, and evenings until 11pm
Departure time on Sunday is 4.30pm
Can you cater for my dietary requirements
Yes.
The restaurant is very experienced at catering for all dietary needs.
Ensure you complete your requirements on the delegate details form you'll receive after booking
Is the venue fully accessible?
Yes.
There is accessible parking, ramps and lifts to all areas.
If you require an accessible room, please select this option when booking.
There is some walking between bedroom, restaurant and craft rooms.
I might need help carrying my supplies
Fret not....
There will be facilities staff on hand to help you unload your supplies, and to help you back to your car at the end of the weekend.
Are there any extra costs I need to budget for?
The weekend includes:
- Your ensuite bedroom
All meals, snacks and drinks - All teaching sessions
- 5ft table all weekend - no need to clear up!
- Materials needed for the sessions
- Evening craft workshop
- Pool and wellness centre access
- Wifi
- Parking
Extras
- Drinks from the bar are extra
- Purchases from our craft shop are extra
Will you arrange my room mate if I book a twin room?
No, logistically and for safety this isnt possible,
If you want to book a twin room, you need to arrange with your friend and book together.
I'm coming alone and worried no one will talk to me
I always strive to make every person welcome and included.
My retreats are very social where we all craft together, eat together, and enjoy chatting and meeting new friends.
No one is left out unless they want some quiet space, and that's ok too
How much room will I have?
Everyone gets a 5ft table to themselves, and plenty of space underneath the table and at the sides of the room.
You keep the same table all weekend, no need to pack up.
Where is the venue?
The venue is at Kents Hill in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.
Its very central for driving, the M1 Junc 13 is a couple of miles away.
The Milton Keynes Coachway for National Express busses is within a couple of miles too.
Milton Keynes Central Railway Station is about 15 mins by taxi
The nearest airport is London Luton, about 45 mins by taxi.
Memories and Photos Retreats Win Gold
I am proud to say Memories and Photos Craft retreats have received a bronze, silver and gold students choice award
Craftcourses base these awards on reviews and votes they have received from delegates about my events.
Thank you to everyone that took the time to send such lovely feedback