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.
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!)
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. It’s basically a fun and different version of a scrapbook album
Now, back to the barn!
For the tin roof, I scored some metallic silver paper.
I drew on a door and grunged up the corners of the barn with some distress ink.
Here is a look at the roof.
And here is the “explosion” when the roof is removed from thebox.
Here is a look at some of the “page” of the album I made.
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.
You 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?
>> See where I party! <<
Oh 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
I 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/
This is so cool. I’m going to have to remember this idea in the future. Thanks for the inspiration
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.
New 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).
This is the first time I have seen an exploding box, how cool! Thanks for sharing!
What a sweet family keepsake! Thanks for sharing!
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.
love 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
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…
Okay, what a DARLING scrapbooking idea!! I absolutely love this, Michele!!
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.
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. 🙂
Following 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
wow!
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!
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!
Incredible! What a charming, magical, and beautifully done box!
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!
I’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!
What a wonderful variation of a memory book – I love it! Thank you for sharing the instructions …