Explosion Box with an Easel Card

While the Explosion Box has been around for some time…I decided to give it a new twist with an Easel Card setting on top for this Valentine’s Day gift.

You can watch the video on my FB page, Susan’s Garden Club, to see how easily this box goes together, but here are the measurements for cutting.

Large Box

For the Base –

You will need a 12″ x 12″ piece of either double-sided cardstock or, as I used a 100 lb. (230 gsm) white cardstock and added patterned cardstock panels.

Score 4″ for all four sides, then cut the corners out, using a paper trimmer. Burnish all the sides. This leaves you with a cross-looking unit.

For the Lid –

Trim the same double-sided or white cardstock to 6 1/8″ x 6 1/8″. Score 1″ for all four sides and burnish. Create the tabs and glue as I showed on my video.

Medium Box

For the Base –

Trim a 12″ x 12″ piece of double-sided cardstock to 11 1/4″ x 11 1/4″.

Score 3 3/4″ for all four sides, then cut the corners out, using a paper trimmer as above.

For the Lid –

Trim your cardstock to 5 7/8″ x 5 7/8″. Score 1″ on all four sides and burnish. Create the tabs and glue.

Small Box

For the Base –

Trim a 12″ x 12″ piece of double-sided cardstock to 10 1/2″ x 10 1/2″.

Score 3 1/2″ for all four sides, then cut the corners out, using a paper trimmer as above.

For the Lid –

Trim your cardstock to 5 5/8″ x 5 5/8″. Score 1″ on all four sides and burnish. Create the tabs and glue.

Finally, glue the Medium Box in the center of the Large Box and repeat with the Small Box in the center of the Medium Box.

Creating an Easel –

I cut a piece of cardstock 3 3/4″ x 7 1/2″. Score at 3 3/4″ and again at 5 7/8″. Burnish both folds. Adhere to your Box Lid. Trim a separate piece of cardstock to 3 3/4″ x 3 3/4″ and adhere to the smaller scored area. For the “brace” of the easel…I added a quote trimmed to 3/4″ x 3 1/2″, adhered it to a coordinating piece of cardstock that was trimmed 1″ x 3 3/4″ (see sample above.)

Simple and such a nice surprise for the recipient; especially when you filled that last box with treats!

Twisted Pop Up Card…made simple

This is a fun card to create and guaranteed to amaze the recipient–whether they’re young or old! I’ve stepped it out here, but you can also watch my LIVE on Susan’s Garden Club FB page for a video to accompany these directions.

Let’s Get Started

Step 1

For the base of the card, it is a 6″ x 6″ which means you need a 12″ x 6″ piece of cardstock. Score it along the 12″ side to divide in half at 6″. For the panels of patterned cardstock, you will need to cut three (3) 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ pieces.

Next, you will need to cut a piece of cardstock 11″ x 3 3/4″. Score on 2 3/4″ – 5 1/2″ – 8 1/4″ to create a 4-panel piece. For the panels of patterned cardstock, you will need to cut four (4) 2 1/2″ x 3 1/3″ pieces.

Add the panel pieces to this side. For construction, your piece should be in a “M” shape, but with the open side facing you and the panels on the inside.

Finally, for the “mechanism”, cut a piece of cardstock that is 8″ x 3 1/2″. Along the 8″-side, score at 4″ and notch at 2 1/4″ and 5 3/4″. Turn this piece 180-degrees and notch along the long side at the same ( 2 1/4″ and 5 3/4″). Lastly, turn the paper to the 3 1/2″ side and score down the center at 1 3/4″. You need to score the paper from the 2 1/4″ notch to the 5 3/4″ on the opposite side as shown. Burnish all score lines, making sure you do a “valley fold” for this last score line and connecting the notched measures with an X as shown.

Holding those short sides, push in so you get a piece that has two separate sections and a “roof!”

Step 2

Measure 1 1/4″ on one of the leg pieces and mark with a pencil. Use Red Tape to add to pieces to this area as shown as well as the “roof” area.

Flip this piece over and repeat, taping on the opposite side. Before you peel off the double-sided tape, place your 4-panel piece between the opening and center it.

Add a pencil mark, so you know where this goes once you pull the tape covering off. Press to securely adhere and flip the piece over to repeat on the opposite side.

Step 3

Open up your card base and mark the middle of the card at 3″. Peel away the tape on the “roof” and line it up on the 3-inch mark, away from the fold line of the base card, and adhere down. Finally, peel away the tape and close the card. Press down to adhere.

Open up the card and see the magic happen. I hope you enjoyed this card because I enjoyed creating it for you!

Pretty Paper Bouquet Holders

Bouquet holders have been around for years and years–mostly known as “Nosegays.” I have created a simple one for you to do and fill with your favorite flowers for special occasions or just to put a smile on someone’s face during this Pandemic!

All you need is a 4-inch circle–either die cut one, trace the one I have done here, or use a compass to draw one. Next, I have provided the “cone” shape that fits a 4-inch circle. Mark with a pencil and use a small ball stylus to score the lines. Fold and burnish the lines. Add a small piece of tape or you can glue where one piece overlaps the other. Place a piece a tape down the center of the underside that will adhere to your card and you’re ready to fill with flowers and foliage.

Have fun and create beautiful bouquets!

I used Suzanne Cannon’s Valentine Papers for my demonstration. You can find her created papers on the Silhouette site, along with some really creative pieces to use with your flowers.

http://bit.ly/2oAR9e6

Fold Flat Double Faceted Box

This unique box is perfect to give treats to children, grandchildren, or just that special someone in your life. It’s easy to construct, starting with a 12″ x 12″ piece of 100 lb. (270 gsm) cardstock and I know you’ll love these boxes as much as I do.

Step One

Trim the 12″ x 12″ cardstock to 12″ x 10 1/2″. Starting with the 12″ side, score as follows:

1″ – 1 1/4″ – 3″, then turn and have these score lines on your right hand side to repeat the same measurements on the left hand side.

Turn paper to have the 10 1/2″ side at the top of a score board and score the following:

1 1/2″ – 5″ – 6 1/2″ – 10″

You will also need to “notch” with your stylus at the 3/4″ and 5 3/4″ at the second score line (1 1/4″), turn the paper over and do the same on the other side. Use your stylus to draw a triangle from the notch to the score lines as shown.

Step Two

Use scissors, or a paper trimmer, to cut away from the second score line across. Also cut the small area at the 10″ mark as shown.

Step Three

Measurements for the decorative papers are as follows:

(2) 5 3/4″ x 3 1/4″

(2) 5 3/4″ x 1 1/4″

(4) 3 1/4″ x 1 1/2″

You can tape or glue these onto your box. Use a 1/2″ round punch to add a half-circle to one end for easy opening of the tab.

Step Four

Now, all you have to do is apply tape (I use Red-Line) on the tab and close up the box.

I’m sure you will enjoy making these as much as I have to fill with candies or small gifts to give!

Grand Piano Card

A beautiful card to inspire…thanks Melanie! So, this morning, I knew I could draw a template to share, because, after all, tis the season to share! I can’t wait to see what beautiful creations you make.

Step One

Trim an 8 1/2″ x 11″ piece of (glossy, if you have it) cardstock to 7″ x 10″ and score down the center of the 10″ side to create a 5″ by 7″ card.

Step Two

Place the template, reversed on the inside of the front section and trace around it.

Use scissors to cut away.

Step Three

For the white keys–trim white cardstock, I used a 100 lb. (300gsm) weight, to 2 1/2″ x 1/2″ and cut nine keys. Watch my video on Facebook, Susan’s Garden Club, to see how easy it was to trim these pieces.

For the black keys-trim the glossy black cardstock 1 3/4″ x 7/16″ and cut 6 keys. You need to make the width 1/16″ less so these keys set in between the white as shown.

I used a ruler set at the top, 1/4″ down from the top and hold it in place, to know where to glue the black keys.

That’s it! Have a very Merry Christmas and joyous New Year.

Little Gift Bags and Gift Card Holder

What to do with scraps? Well, for me that 4″ x 4″ square leftover from all the frames I’ve been making was calling to be used! I decided a little Gift Bag-Like box would be so cute to hold a little bouquet. Easy to construct and I know you’ll be adding a lot of these to your cards.

LET’S GET STARTED

1. Here’s my simple template for the Little Gift Bag/Box. I scored (the black lines) on three sides at 1/2-inch and 1-inch. Burnish the score lines and use scissors to cut away on the red lines.

2. Add a bit of glue on the “triangle” piece and fold in the side. You can use your reverse tweezers to hold. Repeat on the opposite side.

3. Finally, apply some glue and fold up the bottom flap.

4. If you’re adding ribbon, I cut a piece long enough to be able to tuck and use a sticky tab to hold it in place.

For the Gift Holder, I cut two pieces of card stock 3 1/2-inch x 5-inches and scored at 1/2″ – 1″ – 2″ -3″.

2. Apply some glue on one end and fold the piece over. Burnish with your bone folder.

Repeat with the second piece.

3. Next, apply a small amount of glue just to the outer edge and glue one tube on top of the other.

Hold them together, using the reverse tweezers.

4. Use double sided tape on the top and side so you can adhere it to the inside of your card.

It’s easy and will fold closed to mail!

Let There Be Music!

One of my favorite gifts to give, is a Music Box. I started making these years ago and each one I know brings a smile to the recipient! Easy to do when you start with the right materials as I showed on my FaceBook page, Susan’s Garden Club.

As requested here are the measurements for the Graphic 45 Mixed Media Box I used.

The music box movement is from a company I have ordered from:

National Artcraft Company, 300 Campus Drive, Aurora, OH 44202

http://www.nationalartcraft.com

Box Top: (1) 4 7/8″ x 4 7/8″ I used a 3-inch square die to cut an opening, centering the die on the paper. I had a 3-inch Inchie Square to close the opening and add a sentiment.

Front: (1) 1 7/8″ x 4 7/8″ and (1) 1 7/8″ x 4 7/8″

Sides: (2) 1 3/4″ x 4 3/4″

Back: (1) 1 7/8″ x 4 7/8″

Step One

Cut the cardstock to cover the box. I use a 6″ Pad to cut these pieces because the design has been scaled to fit the smaller size of paper as oppose to using a 12″ x 12″ piece.

Step Two

I use YES glue and a spatula to apply it to the paper. Fit the pieces on and use a bone folder or the Roller attachment from the Tool in One to burnish it to the box.

Mark the bottom of the music box movement with a white pen where the key will attach–mark the inside bottom of the box. I use a cordless drill with a bit that matches the diameter of the key to drill a hole. Use E6000 glue to adhere the movement, matching where the key will go to the hole you have drilled. You can go ahead and screw the key in. Prop it up to dry. (At this point you haven’t put the feet on the box.)

Step Three

Allow the box to dry a few hours, then adhere feet (I used Graphic 45’s Antique Brass Claw Feet #4501027) with the E6000 glue. Turn box upside down to do this. I use small pieces of “painter’s tape” to hold in place until they dry–they will tend to slide a bit if you don’t.

Now all you have to do is decorate the top of your box with a beautiful paper bouquet!

Adding an Inner Frame!

Last week, I showed how easy it was to make an 8″ x 8″ to highlight your beautiful bouquets. Well, this week, I took it one step further and added an inner frame so you could have a contrasting color and be able to do your larger frame in a beautiful pattern!

I’ll give you the measurements, but you can refer to my Facebook video on “Susan’s Garden Club” or look back on my post here entitled, Shadow Box Frame.

Step One

Trim a 12-inch piece of cardstock to 10″ x 10″. Next, use a scoreboard, and score 1/2-inch lines at 1/2″, 1″, 1 1/2″, and 2″ on all four sides.

Step Two

On two opposite sides, score at 2 1/2″ and 7 1/2″, coming down just to the second score line as shown above.

Using the “red lines” as a guide, cut away these pieces on the two sides. Finally, fold and burnish all score lines. Start with the straight sides to glue as describes in my previous post on Shadow Box Frame or go to the video and watch my technique.

That’s all there is to it! Adding this inner frame adds so much to your framed bouquets and it’s fun to do.

Frame It!

Creating a frame for our paper bouquets is easy and makes a beautiful gift! All you need is a paper trimmer to cut and score and a 12-inch piece of cardstock to create an 8-inch frame. However, if you want larger, just change the length and width (up to 12″).

Step One

I recommend creating a template so when you want to “lay out” the pieces on the 12-inch cardstock, it’s easier.

Mine is 4″ x 8″ to create the finished 8-inch frame.

Step Two

As you can see, I trace around the template and what I’ll have left is just a square in the middle.

It’s just that easy! Now score at 1″ 1/2″ 2 1/2″ and 3″. Fold and burnish these score lines. Measure down 1″ and draw a line across to the second score line, then draw a diagonal line up to the third score line as shown on the template. Cut away this piece.

Step Three

Fold up the short end, along the 1-inch score line and apply glue, then fold down the long end over top and burnish. Open up the “tube” and burnish inside both ends. Refer to my video on Susan’s Garden Club LIVE for September 30th to see how this is done. When all four pieces are done, apply glue and assemble.

Autumn Leaf Colors in Distress Inks:

Maple – Shabby Shutters, Mustard Seed, Barn Door

Oak – Aged Mahogany, Rusty Hinge

Birch & Poplar – Shabby Shutters, Mustard Seed

Hawthorne – Shabby Shutters, Crackling Campfire, Mustard Seed

Japanese Maple – Aged Mahogany, Barn Door

Add the stem line, on the wrong side of the leaf, then turn over and add vein lines using the Leaf Tool. You can accentuate these lines with an Arteza fine point pen in a light brown color. Shape, then brush with Crystal Glaze (or Glossy Accents).

Z-Fold Card with Poppies & Nandina

On The Garden Club LIVE, today, I showed a simple Z-Fold card embellished with Oriental Poppies, Nandina, and Daisy Chrysanthemums. A simple card to create, but another unique style to show off our paper bouquets.

Step 1

Begin with a 12″ x 12″ piece of cardstock, trimmed to 12″ x 6″. Score at 3-inches, then flip this piece and score at 6-inches.

Also, trim a piece 12″ x 2″ (you can actually change the width, but 2″ should be the smallest width you use.)

Likewise, score this piece at 3-inches, flip it and score at 6-inches.

Step Two

Cut patterned cardstock as follows:

(1) 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″

(2) 2 3/4″ x 5 3/4″

(1) 1 3/4″* x 5 3/4″

*If you cut a wider band, you’ll need to cut the contrasting paper 1/4″ smaller in the width.

As shown above, flip the band so the larger section will be glued to the 3″ front and as you fold the card, the smaller section of the band will be glued to the back portion. Refer to my video on Susan’s Garden Club on placement of the this band as well as if you choose to add a die cut square for the front and for a message. Keep in mind, the message piece should be slightly smaller than the front piece so it hides behind.

Have fun!