May 15, 2009, Newsletter Issue #299: Scrapbook-in-a Box

Tip of the Week

Scrapbook-in-a-box has become a popular trend for scrapbookers. This compact scrapbook makes a wonderful gift for special occasions such as Mother's/Father's Day, baby showers, weddings, etc.

Here is what you will need to get started:

5 sheets 12x12 cardstock (coordinating colors)
Scissors
Empressor guide (or quilter ruler)
Scoring tool
Stamps (desired images)
Inkpads (desired colors)
Adhesive
Paper trimmer

Simple Instructions:

Random stamp your cardstock with your choice of stamp images. It is helpful to have a theme in mind so you can focus your colors and stamps around a certain theme.

First you want to make the lid. Pick one of your pieces of stamped cardstock to use as the lid. Place it face down on your table. Using your ruler/Empressor guide, place a dot at the exact center of your paper. Now fold the corners in so that they touch the center dot. Be sure to make your creases nice and sharp - use a bone folder if you have one and fold all 4 sides. (If you don't have a bone folder you can use the edge of your fingernail, or the plastic handle of a pair of scissors). Next, fold in each side to the center and then unfold.
After folding up each side, unfold completely. Turn your paper so it is in front of you lying in a diamond shape. Draw four lines on the side creases (left and right sides). This is where you are going to fold into the center to make your lid. Cut on these 4 lines. Do NOT cut all the way to the center. Do NOT cut on all four sides, only two opposite sides. You will make a total of 4 cuts.

On the two sides you did not cut, fold them in, this will build up one side of the box. Put adhesive on the triangular flaps to hold them in place. Put a small amount of adhesive on the 2 remaining flaps. Fold them up and over to make the last two sides. Your corner with the adhesive will attach to the bottom of the lid. On the inside view of the lid you will see the corners of all the flaps lining up in the center so that your box is "decorated" inside and out. You can double mat a photo for the top of the lid if desired.

Making the box base part of your scrapbook starts with your remaining cardstock.

Cut the remaining cardstock into three sizes:

Bottom layer 12x12 - This will also be the base for your box.
Second layer 11 3/4 x 11 3/4
Third layer 11 1/2 x 11 1/2
Top layer 11 1/4 x 11 1/4 - this will be the first set of flaps you see when you open the box.

Using your Empressor guide or quilter's ruler, measure up four inches from the bottom of the cardstock. Score a line all the way across the paper. Turn the paper 90 degrees, and repeat. You will have 4 scoring lines all 4 inches from the edges of the paper. Repeat with all your pieces of cardstock. Cut out the four corner squares on each piece of cardstock.

This will give you 4 pieces of cardstock shaped like crosses (or an x). You will also have 16 squares (4x4). Save the extra squares to use for matting photos. Take your bottom (largest) cross and place your second largest cross on top and glue only in the middle of your box.

Make sure you center the cross so that a little of the edge of the bottom cross shows around all sides. Adhere the next smallest cross - remember to only put adhesive in the center box.

Finally, adhere the smallest cross to the top of the stack. Now you have your base completed and can add your photos, journaling, and scrapbooking embellishments. You may want to adhere your photos before you glue the flaps together. Remember not to put anything in the center of the box because it will be covered up.

These scrapbooks are versatile and easy to assemble. Give the gift of memories and tie them up in a box for the recipient to enjoy for a lifetime.

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