Yesterday I told you I spent Memorial Day weekend at the family farmhouse in East Tennessee. Our farm has been in the family since 1823, and as such means a lot to all of us. Thus during the holidays I like to make farm-related gifts for my mom’s side of the family.
Onc of the projects I’ve made in the last few years is the
Exploding Barn Box
Its based on the signature red barn at the front of the 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!)
🙂
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…
…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.
Now, back to the barn!
For the tin roof, I scored some metallic silver paper.
Drew on a door and grunged up the corners of the barn with some distress ink.
A look at the roof…
And the “explosion!”
The pages…
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.
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.
Ya know, in case you feel the need to make an exploding barn of your own. 😉
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?
I have started truncating my posts to avoid having my content stolen. I hope you’ll click over to finish reading the post. Thank you for understanding!
Jen says
June 17, 2011 at 7:38 PMOh man, that is just so cool! Wouldn’t it be fun to fill with treats as a housewarming gift? I’m definitely going to try this out sometime! Jen @ http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com says
June 17, 2011 at 10:35 AMI still love this so much Michele!! I just had to feature you today! 🙂 http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/06/crush-of-the-week-think-pink-features-10/
Bethany @ A Fish Who Likes Flowers says
June 13, 2011 at 1:39 PMThis is so cool. I’m going to have to remember this idea in the future. Thanks for the inspiration
Mindie Hilton says
June 13, 2011 at 12:43 PMThanks 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.
Denise says
June 11, 2011 at 3:49 PMNew follower here. I saw your post on Fingerprints on the Fridge. I love crafty people since I cannot make a thing. This is really cute. I hope you will follow me back http://talesfrommyjournal.blogspot.com I can be found in facebook too http://www.facebook.com/DeniseMartin.LillaRose and twitter @DeniseLillaRose If you like/follow me there I will do the same for you. When you stop by my blog, please check out my kind of fashion (hair jewelry).
CreationsbyJune says
June 10, 2011 at 1:16 PMThis is the first time I have seen an exploding box, how cool! Thanks for sharing!
Tanya @ Greetings From the Asylum says
June 9, 2011 at 11:11 PMWhat a sweet family keepsake! Thanks for sharing!
Allison {A Glimpse Inside} says
June 9, 2011 at 9:47 PMThat 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.
shopannies says
June 9, 2011 at 7:49 PMlove it we are from a background of farming and this was really appealing to me come see what I shared at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Cheryl says
June 9, 2011 at 11:20 AMWhat a fun way to share memories! Very inventive and cheerful! You have a lucky family!! Thanks for posting! I will have to try this…
[email protected] Daisy says
June 9, 2011 at 12:00 AMOkay, what a DARLING scrapbooking idea!! I absolutely love this, Michele!!
Holly says
June 8, 2011 at 11:00 PMADORABLE! 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.
Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com says
June 8, 2011 at 10:31 PMWow 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. 🙂
Ginger says
June 8, 2011 at 3:05 PMFollowing you from Sugar Bee Crafts. That is so cool! 🙂 Would love to have you link it up to my {wow me} wednesday link party going on right now on my blog. 🙂
Ginger
gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com
idesign says
June 7, 2011 at 1:43 PMwow!
Christie, Describe Happy says
June 6, 2011 at 12:45 PMWhat 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!
Mimi says
June 6, 2011 at 11:43 AMI 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!
Jenn Erickson says
June 5, 2011 at 3:15 PMIncredible! What a charming, magical, and beautifully done box!
Nana's Fun Stuff says
June 5, 2011 at 11:46 AMOh 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!
Erin says
June 5, 2011 at 10:50 AMI’ve never seen an exploding box before! How cool! I love the barn version…what a special gift for your family. 🙂
Have a happy weekend!
DogBreedz - Pet Photography by Peggy Mundell says
June 5, 2011 at 10:49 AMWhat a wonderful variation of a memory book – I love it! Thank you for sharing the instructions …