I recently  challenged myself recently to find a Pinterest pin and learn a new technique.

Here is my inspiration – a super fun mini album in a box.

I loved this mini-album in a box and here is how I interpreted it.

The completed box measures 6” by 8”.  You will need chipboard, cardstock, some patterned paper, embellishments, ColorBox Chestnut Roan stamp pad, ribbon, a scoreboard, and a Cricut in order to create one for you or a friend.

1) To begin, cut the chipboard as follows:

• Box back – 6” by 8”
• Outside flaps – cut two 6” x 5” flaps

Next cut the “hinge” pieces.  I used Papertrey Ink cardstock (my favorite strong cardstock).  You will need to cut:

• Top and bottom hinges – cut two at 6” x 2”, score a 1/4” and 1 3/4”
• Side hinges – cut two at 8” by 2”, score at 1/4” and 1 3/4”

This photo is my prototype.  You can see the hinges are all of the inside of the framework.  You will cover all of the scored margins of the hinges with patterned paper.

If you are inking the edges of your project, you will want to ink the chipboard and the chipboard now.

2) Next, cut the patterned papers for the outside of the box and the inner flaps.

• Box back – 6” x 8”
• Outside flaps – cut two 6” x 5” flaps (I added some texture with the Cuttlebug Honeycomb embossing folder)
• Inside flaps – cut two 6” x 5” flaps

If inking, do it now.

Begin box assembly.

• Apply 1/4” ScorPal or other strong adhesive to the 1/4” scored edges of the top and box hinges and fold edges inward so the adhesive is on the outside.  It will look like a “U”.
• Attach one edge of the first hinge to the inside of the chipboard top flap.
• Cover front of the top flap with patterned or embossed paper.
• Attach hinge to bottom flap and cover front with patterned or embossed paper.

Attach top flap and bottom flap to box back.  Determine how you will close the box (I used a ribbon loop over a large Graphic 45 metal button brad).  Mark centers on flap.  When closed, your box angles should be at 90 degrees and your bottom flap should extend beyond the top flap by 2”.  Make sure you attach your brad in the appropriate location.  If attaching brad, attach brad first before adhering patterned paper to the inside the flap.  If you are using eyelets, you will want to adhere the patterned paper to the inside flaps before you break out the Crop-A-Dile.

• Adhere inside top and bottom flap patterned paper.  Check for pattern direction before adhering.
• Attach side hinges to box back.

Cut two side doors in patterned paper at 3” x 8”.  If you want your pattern to align perfectly, cut a 6” x 8” piece of patterned paper and then cut that in half lengthwise. Use a substantial cardstock like My Mind’s Eye or Authentique.  If your patterned paper is lighter weight, you could cut the panels from chipboard and cover them.

Attach outside side doors to the hinge.  Check and make sure you have the pattern aligned correctly (not upside down) before adhering.  Open doors, and attach inside side doors to the back.  Your patterned paper will cover the hinge.

You will also need to cut two side door panels 3” x 8” in patterned paper for the inside of the side doors.

Cut a 6” by 8” patterned paper for the outside of the box back and adhere.

Add patterned paper on the exposed 1.5” sides (the depth of the box).  You will need  to cut the paper at 1” wide.

Decorate top flap with embellishments.  I used the bee from “Every Day Pop Up Cards” to accent the label.  The labels are from Spellbinders, and the smaller one is layered on thin chipboard cut with the same die.

I repeated the same label to adhere make a closure for the side doors.  This label set has a small and a large chipboard layer.  One half of the label is adhered to the right side door and I used velcro on the left hand side to keep the side door closed.  The flowers and leaves are from “Flower Shoppe”

I cut two pockets from patterned paper to create pockets and used Close to My Heart “Art Philosophy” to make 4” tall tags.  I cut two layers – one from blue and one from black and adhered.  I think the little envelope is from “Artiste.”

I will be back tomorrow to share some ideas on making the book inside the box.  I hope you will come back to visit then.  You can see the front cover in the final picture above.

In the meantime, please leave a comment for a drawing for a $25 gift card to Simon Says Stamps.

Several of us have joined together to share in the fun of National Scrapbook Day (Weekend).  Please stop by their blogs to see more.

With Glittering Eyes – 8AM EDT Saturday, May 4, 2013 “It’s All About Perspective” Tutorial and Blog Prize – $20 Hobby Lobby Gift Card!
Around the Block with Scrapalette  – 11AM EDT Saturday, May 4, 2013 “Tic Tac Toe Challenge and Blog Prize!
Col’s Creative Corner – 1PM EDT Saturday, May 4, 2013  “Ease on Down the Road” Blog Prize- $15 Michael’s Crafts Gift Card!
Stamp, Cut, Create! blog – 4PM EDT Saturday, May 4, 2013. “Tin Is In” theme and Blog Prize!
All Scrapped Out – 6PM EDT Saturday, May 4, 2013  “What’s It Owl About” theme and Blog Prize!
The Non-Crafty Crafter  – 8PM EDT Saturday, May 4, 2013 “Let’s Split- CCR Tutorial” (Learn to create a split letter monogram) and Blog Prize!
Scrappin With The Bug blog – 10PM EDT Saturday, May 4, 2013 “The Crazy B’s Challenge”  and Blog Prize!
Sara W. Andrews blog – 9AM EDT Sunday, May 5, 2013 “Go Big or Go Home” theme and Blog Prize – $20 Hobby Lobby Gift Card!
Scrappin With the Bug blog – 11AM EDT Sunday, May 5, 2013 “Tropical Sunset Color Challenge” and Blog Prize!
I Came, I Saw, I Created blog – 6:30PM EDT Sunday, May 5, 2013 “Did-I-MENSION???” Challenge and Blog Prize!