Exploding Barn Box Scrapbook Album

Our farm in East Tennessee has been in the our family since 1823, and as such means a lot to all of us. No one has lived there full time for a couple of generations, but the family makes sure it is kept up, and we all meet there every Christmas as a family. I like to make farm-related gifts for my mom's side of the family for the holidays.

IMG 3072
One of the projects I've made in the last few years is the Exploding Barn Box. It's based on the signature red barn at the front of the farm property.

But before I go on about the barn, first let me show you what I mean by an "exploding box". (Don't worry, nobody will get hurt!)

IMG 3069
This is the first exploding box I ever made (they are slightly addictive). Isn't it a cute little box? Well, take the lid off and you get...

IMG 3071
...an "explosion" of the paper walls!

Each "page" can be decorated with scrapbook/craft supplies as desired.

You can find a great tutorial here for making these boxes. It's basically a fun and different version of a scrapbook album

Now, back to the barn!

IMG 3074
For the tin roof, I scored some metallic silver paper.

IMG 3075
I drew on a door and grunged up the corners of the barn with some distress ink.

IMG 3076
Here is a look at the roof.

IMG 3089
And here is the "explosion" when the roof is removed from thebox.

IMG 3079

Here is a look at some of the "page" of the album I made.

IMG 3084
I used old family photos to decorate the pages as well as family oriented quotes. I also left places for each receiver to add their own written memories in the box.

IMG 3087
Any guesses who that little cutie on the porch swing is?

Yup, its me! That's 5 generations of women right there.


These are the dimensions I used to make each part of the barn box. Just cut each piece of cardstock as described above and follow the instructions to put it together from the blog I linked to at the beginning of the post.

You know, in case you feel the need to make an exploding barn of your own.

IMG 1537IMG 1686
Here are a couple of other exploding boxes I have made.

The one on the left was a gift for my sister-in-law when we found out she was pregnant with a girl!
The one on the right was for a patriotic exploding box swap.

Like I said... they are addicting! Do you think you would give one of these a try?

 

siggie
>> See where I party! <<

21 Comments

  1. This is so cool. I'm going to have to remember this idea in the future. Thanks for the inspiration

  2. Thanks so much for linking up to Bacon Time. Our first party was a big hit with over 300 links. I can't wait to see what you have for me next week. I have a special give away planned just for linkers at the party. I would love it if you would add my party button to your lovely collection. Thanks again.

  3. That is so cool Michele! Love it! I have never made one of those but now you got me thinking what CAN I make one for?! lol Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse party. I'll be featuring this tomorrow.

  4. What a fun way to share memories! Very inventive and cheerful! You have a lucky family!! Thanks for posting! I will have to try this...

  5. ADORABLE! I love this. I think the kids and I will make one when the book is done and put to bed! Great tutorial and great idea.

  6. Wow Michele!! I love the box - it's an amazing way to display photos and memories! It's such a fun, unique display.
    It's so cool that you have a place like that in your family. šŸ™‚

  7. Following you from Sugar Bee Crafts. That is so cool! šŸ™‚ Would love to have you link it up to my {wow me} wednesday link party going on right now on my blog. šŸ™‚

    Ginger
    gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com

  8. What a cool way to remember an event or save a bunch of photos! I am looking forward to making one of these... thanks for the inspiration!

  9. I have never seen one of these - they are wonderful! So glad this caught my eye at Made by You Monday! It's totally awesome. Your family's barn is beautiful. It reminds me of my grandmother's on her farm (which is, sadly, no longer in the family) What a wonderful gift for your family. Love the pix of five generations. Now that is priceless!

  10. Oh this really caught my eye as I love exploding boxes and the barn.....perfect!! Thanks for the dimensions. Think I'm going to have to try this one. It turned out beautiful!! Great job Sweetie!

  11. I've never seen an exploding box before! How cool! I love the barn version...what a special gift for your family. šŸ™‚

    Have a happy weekend!

  12. What a wonderful variation of a memory book - I love it! Thank you for sharing the instructions ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.