:: DIY - Christmas Tags ::

I've been feeling extra crafty lately, so I channeled my creativity into making some super cute (and easy!) Christmas crafts. I decided to make some Christmas gift tags out of paint sample cards. I drew my inspiration from a pin I saw on Pinterest (by the way, how good is Pinterest?!).

I went to Bunnings and chose some cute coloured paint sample cards, then took out my stamps, corner cutters, Christmas hole punches, and got to work! This is some of what I created ...

You know what the best thing about these gift tags is? You don't even need stamps and cutters, all you need is a hole punch and a permanent marker to write your gift recipients name with. It'll still be super cute and everyone will love it!

Do you have any Christmas crafts you're working on at the moment? I've also made a wreath out of lollies and a shabby chic style star wreath out of fabric scraps and buttons.

PS. This is what my room looked like after the weekend!

:: Creative Photography ::

I remember when I was given my first digital camera. I went a little nuts, taking photos of everything I could ... including photos of a frangipani in our pool. This was actually one of the very first photos I took.

From there I discovered PhotoShop and went through a stage PhotoShopping every photo I took with poems, quotes and colour splashes.

And then I bought a DSLR and started taking even more photos than I did before (which I didn't think was possible!). I have realised lately that even when I am without my camera I am constantly spotting possible photographic opportunities.

A few weeks ago I went to a friend's wedding and took the above two photos - the driver had no idea I was taking his photo. I think the relaxed air about him really makes the photo. My favourite kind of photos are unposed and unexpected.

The next step is to learn more of my camera's functions. I'd like to take a photography course and then a PhotoShop course so I can get the most out of my photos. Have any of you taken a photography or PhotoShop course? What was it like? Did your photography or editing skills improve?

I'm just about to head off to a three-course dinner at my brother and sister-in-law's house. I can't wait!

If you're in the mood for a delicious recipe, head over to my other blog :: Mind Your Crumbs :: for a fantastic corn cake and tomato relish recipe!