Botanic Blooms make a lovely couple!

I'm tired today and only have myself to blame! Last night we had a scrap nights at Trudy's house and with a lot of talking, I managed to get two pages laid out. I stamped my shapes, did the letters and chose the photos. That is amazing progress for me. I find scrapbooking very difficult to do (probably why I have set it as my challenge for the year!). This afternoon, I started to stick all the pieces down (trust me there are quite a few of them) but when I post the photos this week - you'll see what I mean. And if you ever wonder if stampers are scrappers, well I am going to prove the theory, right or wrong! I want to see how far I can mix my stamping with my scrapbooking!

I also wanted to you a gift set I made with the Botanical Blooms stamp set. In the times of financial tightening and stress, it's a great time to turn back to handmade presents which show how much you care. I went to Dusk and bought a beautiful pillar candle and then added my own touch to it. The best part is, when you decide to light the candles, the decoration I made can be easily taken off and put onto another candle. Clever!

Stamps: Botanic Blooms

Inks: Stampin' Up! Classic Rose Red & Old Olive

Papers: Stampin' Up! Whisper White & Chocolate Chip (textured)

Other: White eyelet, Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched Ribbon & Cotton thread

Tip: Distress the edge of the Whisper White cardstock to give interest

So when you put the card and candle together - they made a lovely couple! And a lovely present :) You can even take the theme further by stamping your own wrapping paper. There are just so many ways you can make a present special!

So what else have I been up to you might ask? Well, finalising details for the Priceless Workshop, sending out the monthly Stamp with Me newsletter, family life, picking out kitchen and bathroom tiles for the house, I started a new book :) Among other things! I tend to live life fairly busy - but I love it!

I also wanted to let you know that so far all Stampin' Up! Demonstrators and Customers have raised over $15,700 for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Isn't that great! This has only been going for just over a week and we already have amazing results. It's so heart-warming and restores your faith in fellow humans!