Volterra

**If you're here for the SOS Christmas in July blog hop, see the post below =) **

Volterra is famous for their alabaster - and it's absolutely gorgeous. We bought some alabaster eggs and their currently showcased on our bar. I have a picture of all of the eggs that I'll post later when my camera battery is charged.





This layout was created for the following challenges:
Studio Calico's travel themed challenge
Creative Scrapper's Sketch 112
Bluemoon Scrapbooking's Blue Contest


Studio Calico's July kit

Scrap Our Stash "Christmas in July" blog hop!

Welcome to the next stop in the Scrap Our Stash Christmas in July blog hop! If you've just happened to stumble across my blog, go back to the start so you can join in on all of the fun! Today I'm going to show a quick little tutorial on how to make a simple, but cute gift card holder.

First, you cut a piece of cardstock slightly larger than the gift card. I really don't like to measure, so I just eyed this. I used my Tonic Studios scoring tool to get perfect creases!


Second, you cut some patterend paper to add to the front of your piece of cardstock. Again, I don't like to measure, so I cut this out larger than I needed and then cut it down again. I also used a corner punch on both the cardstock and the patterend paper.


Here, I folded the creased cardstock and added another small strip of patterened paper to the bottom flap.


Now we need to make the paper "band" that goes around the gift card holder to keep it closed. I folder the holder and again roughly measured a strip of paper for the outside. I made it slightly larger than the folded holder.


I then wrapped the paper strip around the holder and then I folded the excess bit of paper over and glued it down.


Here I used my Martha Stewart border punch to make a scalloped edge for my paper band. Once I had the strip, I glued the outter edge of the scalloped pieces and inserted them into the inside of the band. Everything sticks so well with the ATG gun! I also added a gingerbread sticker to the front of the band.


On the inside I put a "Merry Christmas" sticker and a place to put the sender and receiver's names.


And here's the final outcome! It's so simple!


Now, here's the good part! If you decide to make one of these gift card holders, then link your project back here, and you'll be entered to win a small surprise RAK from me =)

Rules:

a) The project must be new as of July 22, 2010;
b) Projects need to be linked back here by July 25, 2010 (winner announced shortly after); and
c) You need to become a follower of my blog

So, the word that everyone has been waiting for is "family" and the next stop on the blog hop is Stephanie!

Colosseum Details

I consider myself truly lucky to have had the numerous opportunities to head abroad. These photos are from our trip to Rome this past June. Once again it was fabulous, and I definitely suggest you check out the Eternal City if you get the chance!

This layout was done for sketch #20 over at the Sketchabilities blog. Come and join us!




Jillibean Soup patterned papers, American Crafts Thickers and brads and and Lilly Bee flower

Sneak Peek!

Ah, where has the time gone?! It has been a while since my last post. If only I could scrap and blog from work - now, that'd be perfect!

Here's a sneak peek of my layout that was done for the sketch that will be revealed on Thursday at Sketchabilities. It's such a fabulous sketch, and I hope you come and play along!

Mt. Vesuvius

I finished my first week at work - who knew it'd be so time consuming and there'd be little time left for scrapping! Anywho, here's a layout that I completed for this week's Sketchy Thursdays Challenge.


October Afternoon's "Thrift Shop" and American Crafts Thickers (Giggles)

Our Italian Dinner

Created for the following challenge:
June Stitch Challenge at Scrap Our Stash

Sorrento's Lemon Grove

Created for the Scraplift Challenge at XOXO, and I lifted Emma Ruth Fonda's super cute page. This month's sponsor is "Divine Design Kits", so you should check it out!


Jillibean Soup Papers, Prima accents, American Crafts Thickers and Doodlebug Designs rub-ons

My Dad Rocks

First off, I want to share some exciting news with everyone. I've been selected for the new design team at Sketchabilities! I'm super pumped, and I can't wait to play with their sketches. Speaking of which, you should come and play along. The first sketch that I'll be playing with will be revealed on July 15th, so I hope you come and check it out!

Now on to a Father's Day card. This card was inspired by one that I found on 2peas.


Created for the Dear Ol' Dad Challenge at Scrap it Forward

Bo Bunny's "U Bug Me" papers and stickers, Maya Road chipboard and American Crafts Thickers

Bliss

They're engaged! Josh's sister and her (now) fiance, Nathan, have decided to tie the knot! This isn't a suprise though, because I think everyone knew (but Michela). Nathan propsed on April 30 - 1 day before his 30th birthday. He always said that his goal was to propose before he was 30...

Created for the following challenges:
American Crafts: Create a layout about an important man
Page Maps Sketch


American Crafts "Dear Lizzy" papers, ribbon and accents

I'm back!

I've just arrived home after my Italian vacation, which means the next week that I have off before I start work, I'll be able to start scrapping my trip!

Happy Monday!