Bar Coaster Mini Album

Mike "Esquire" turned 31 two days ago and so of course a Friday night Happy Hour was imminent! Gracie took some photos at McMullan's, our favorite pub - its our Cheers. Not everyone nows our name, but most do! Lauren happened to find a couple of stowaway beer coasters in her purse this morning, so today I made him a little album out of them.

It's super easy - I think it actually looks better when you let as much of the coaster show through as possible so - you don't need a lot of paper. Just punch 2 holes along the sides of as many coasters as you want to join together, I used 5. Then attach them with ribbon or string.

Add all your photos, stickers, embellishments, etc. and you're good to go.

This is a great project for all those embarrassing or out of focus pictures you can't use in more traditional projects. Have fun kids!

Thinking Inside the Box... KABOOM!

Greetings from the Paper Dolls Sweatshop! One project that I've been cranking out this week are "Exploding Boxes". It was such a treat to receive one for my birthday this year, and I just had to learn how to make one myself! The first time was a little daunting... measuring, scoring, folding, cutting, measuring, cutting on the WRONG lines (whoops), starting over, scoring, folding, cutting... and 4 hours later -(not kidding)... I was pleased with the prototype! Now that I understand the assembly process, and have a father who is retired and willing to do all the scoring, folding, and cutting, it only takes me 2 hours to embellish and fold up the box! ha!

This one is my favorite of the 7 boxes I made this week:

"Love" Exploding Box

(the lid)

BOOM! the inside of the box :)

(a view of one side with pockets for notes, pictures, keepsakes...)

(another side)

(another side)

(the last side)

Can you picture a special person who would love this as gift? Especially with all the weddings this summer? I can, too! :) Here is a simple tutorial if you'd like to try one on your own. I promise that if you give this as a gift, you'll get an "explosive" reaction. Happy crafting!