OK, there are some days where I feel supremely lucky in my life, the opportunities I've had and things I've been able to do - last weekend was one of those times.  Copic markers have been my obsession this year,

• I started out collecting them (many thanks to Mad for Markers and Oozak)
• then I started learning how to use them (thanks go to Copic Musketeer's and Suzanne Dean)
• then I began teaching classes on using them (thank you to A Craft Affair)
• then also thanks to the fabulous Leanne who owns A Craft Affair, I was able to enroll in the Copic Standard Certification course & the Copic Project Course in Sydney over the weekend (12 & 13th March 2011) and there I was blown away by the fabulous Mandi-Lee Klinger who was the Copic Instructor for the course.  Can I just say Mandi was amazing, not only is she totally talented, knows her stuff and is so much fun - but she's a girl who is willing to deface her DIAMOND ring is the name of teaching!!!!!   So to anyone to is thinking about taking the Standard Copic Certification - I say what are you waiting for, you will learn some alternative ways of doing things, info on what works and what doesn't, plus meet some other like minded people who totally understand WHY you are willing to pay $6 for a 'fancy texta colour' (as I heard someone call them!).  The classes were fabulous, the other ladies (and a few brave blokes) who enrolled were a wonderful bunch - a mix of teachers, store owners, designers and enthusiasts - I had a brilliant lunch on the first day (waves and hugs, thanks ladies).  Basically I had a ball!

Here are a few happy snaps from my weekend, you can tell from my goofy smile that I was having a wonderful time.

I sat down in the Copic Standard Certification class (didn't know anyone who was going), looked to my left and there was Rachel Greig (on the right) for those who don't know her, Rachel is the talented lady behind the Darkroom Door range!  I've met Rachel a few times before at Papercraft shows and she is always wonderful company - so talk about make my day.

Then there was the fabulous Mandi-Lee Klinger (on the right), who was the Copic Instructor for the Certification Course - she was amazing!

and then to top it off, in the Westfield shopping complex was a store called 'San Churro' where they had the biggest, juciest, yummiest chocolate coated strawberries I've ever eaten. 

Sorry I only bought 2 and there was NO sharing!

So in short, I am now a Copic Certified Designer and had a great time, thanks to Copic and X-Press Graph-X (who are the Aussie Copic Distributors).  I hope to see some of the wonderful ladies at the next class I am able to attend!