All Things Vintage and Blog Candy

Over at Late Night Stampers this week's challenge has been Vintage. This is right up my alley ... LOVE vintage items. Come in my home and you will see what I mean. LOL

Earlier in the week I made this card. Where did the inspiration come from? I had one of many long days this past week. To unwind and get a refreshing perspective I was reading one of my favorite authors - Epictetus. He was a Greek Philosopher from 60 a.d to 120 a.d. Great insights into why people are who they are and how to interact with them without losing yourself.

Well I had been mulling over several designs; some even ended in the recycle bin. Yes, they were that bad! But then it hit me, make a card with a book on it! They're out there, some gorgeous ones in fact! So in honor of Epictetus, I made a card.

"From my garden ... From my heart" is such an appropriate title for this. Don't we all plant seeds through life and watch them blossom into wonderful things/beings - family, friends, pets, etc. Hey what can I say, this author is exceptionally uplifting!

Onto a lighter note - I was traveling along reading blogs yesterday and saw a wonderful idea. Dare I say it? Yes I read lots of non-Stampin' Up blogs! The inspiration is astounding and I love converting the ideas using Stampin' Up products. Jane Johnson and Camilla, this one's for both of you!

I love making gift items along with packaging. The hat is from "Garden From the Heart" set. I colored the stamp with markers, stamped on tissue paper, and heat set it to the candle.

The packaging is clear transparency around the candle with a top and bottom made. Taking two strips of coordinating card stock, use the Eyelet Border punch. Layer them and sponge ink on top layer. I adhered the lower trim right to the transparency to stabilize the bottom.

Using the new Jumbo Flower punch, I created this gorgeous flower. There are five layers to it! I made the flower using Blush Blossom cardstock but I wanted a two-toned flower. To create the Rose Red accents, I made my own Glimmer Mist using Stampin' Up's Glimmer Mist Paint. Mixing it with alcohol and a drop of reinker, I made the perfect shade to match the flowers on the candle. Spritz the flower and while it is still damp, you can add more shape to your flower. I finished it off by using a flat back pearl from the Pretties Kit.

The gift card is made using the same items, Shimmer Mist and Garden From the Heart stamp.

Now for the Blog Candy, I am giving this candle set away! I'll be drawing the winner using Random.org on February 7th at noontime EST. Leave me a comment telling me what inspires you when you've had a particularly stressful day. Please make sure your email address is included so I may notify the winner immediately. Until then, have a wonderful week. Spring is getting closer!