National Scrapbooking Day

Hey there!

Not only is May National Scrapbooking Month, but today marks it being National Scrapbooking Day! I've started to celebrate by indulging in one of my latest obsessions of creating a mini-album. My only problem so far is that I keep making so much, that I've started to give them away as gifts left and right because I don't have enough pictures of my own to fill them! A little tragic as a crafter, I know.

The project I wanted to learn and play with was creating an Exploding Box mini album. There are several tutorials about creating the pure plus-shaped or twirled outer layer boxes, but I decided to go with one that had the outermost layer wrap around the bulk of my box. Click on my brief description of the popular variations I just mentioned to see a good tutorial with pictures of each! However, feel free to search on your own (even for videos and entire galleries dedicated to this technique) and let me know how I can help!

I focused on making this a fun summer-y box to motivate myself to take more pictures in the coming months! Luckily, it was really easy grabbing DSP and card stock from the Brights Collection and using my Fabulous Florets (W123025, C123027, Summer 2011) stamp set from the new Summer Mini.

Here are the snapshots: (I may have gotten a little excited about using my cheapo corner-rounding punch!)

 The top of the lid. 

I kept the middle somewhat sparse because I'm planning to add more decor in the future.

My Exploding Box: All wrapped up and tight.

Unleashing the beast and showing how I decorated all around the edge.

A peek down into the center.

Its three layers begin to unfurl!

I did add layers to both sides of the layers- just in case!

View of both sides of the middle layer.

The outermost layer.

The whole she-bang opened. 

I just love the festive tropical color scheme. I cannot wait to figure out what pictures and journaling will be added to this project. Then I can really let loose and add more embellishments! Paper icing on the already delicious-looking cake. 

I hope that you try to catch up on a few pages of scrapbooking (I realize that most of us are probably a few years behind) or try something new such as making a much less intimidating mini album some time during this month. Plus, trying it out now is a great thing with all of the discounts you can find!

I'm going to go play with the Exploding box a little more,

so

- - - - -

The Recipe:

 - Stamping -

Fabulous Florets 

(W123025, C123027, Summer 2011)

- Paper -

Brights Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117155),

  Daffodil Delight (119683),

Melon Mambo (105130),

Old Olive (100702),

Pumpkin Pie (105117),

Rich Razzleberry (115316), &

Tangerine Tango (111349)

- Stampin’ Write Markers -

Brights Stampin’ Write Marker Assortment (119702)

- Adhesive -

  SNAIL Adhesive (104332) &

Sticky Strip (104294)

- Extra -

  Bone Folder (102300)