Tinsel Time Christmas Explosion Box

Hi crafters! There's still time to create some handmade Christmas gifts and today, I have a great idea for one. I'm sharing a wonderful little explosion box for my latest Doodlebug Design Team Project that is packed with layered pocket pages, cute papers, and 5 ... yep, FIVE Doodle-pops from the Tinsel Time Collection!

The 5x5 inch box is by Scrapbook.com and made of thick, heavy-duty cardstock. It comes already made so all you have to do is decorate it. I started by covering the outside in colorful 12x12 pattern papers, then added a white scalloped adhesive ribbon from MayArts around the bottom edge of the lid (product links below).

On the top of the lid, I used a 3" scalloped circle punch and a 2.5" circle punch by Marvy Uchida to create a mat, then added the pretty Merry Christmas Doodle-pops. The enamel candy cane & dots add a little shine.

When you lift the lid, the sides drop down and the box's layers unfold to reveal ...

... tadaaa!!! ... all of these amazing little pocket pages and embellies! Because I can be a Doodle-pops hoarder, I'm super proud of myself for using 4 inside, lol! 

In between each set of pages is a heart shape that connects one section to the next. Below, I've added some tips for cutting the pattern paper for these.

In the center, I added a beautiful wreath die cut from the Odds & Ends and some glitter dots for sparkle. Since it's flat, there's room in the center for a small gift once the box is closed. You could add:

• jewelry
• a gift card
• tickets to an event
• candy
• a key chain, or a key to something!
  
• a small toy
• or a love note

Each of the 4 sections has 3 built-in POCKET pages, giving the box 12 in total. If you count the front and back of each ... that's 24 little scrapbook pages to fill with photos and stickers. And isn't the So Endeering Doodle-pops adorable with her little pink collar?

Lift up the pages and you'll see where the opening for each pocket is. I covered the pages with more 12x12 pattern papers, added some pretty die cuts from the Odd & Ends, and created different shaped photo mats.

All the circular mats were created with the same 3" and 2.5" punches that I used for the lid. The square mats are the same size but I cut them out. Oh! And do you see the Jolly St. Nick Doodle-pops above? So cute.

Here, you can also spot the Christmas Cottage and the Christmas Candy Doodle-pops. ~ Dear Santa, I want a pink house just like that one, please. 

So, I just counted. If you add a photo on each page and in each pocket, this sweet box could hold 40 photos, plus the small gift in the center!  Whoa ... that's a lot of Christmas cheer packed into a 5x5 inch space.😉

Now for the tips on cutting those heart shaped pieces ...

I cut out four squares, each measuring 4.5 inches. Then, I folded the squares in half corner to corner. Next, I traced the shape of the heart onto the paper and cut the curve out.

Unfold it, and ... voila! You'll have a perfect little heart shape to layer on the box.

So what do you think? Wouldn't this be a GREAT surprise to give someone this Christmas? It has so many fun pages tucked inside, and ... I didn't even use all the little interactive elements that come with the box! 

I had a great time making this with the cute and colorful Tinsel Time Collection. I hope today's project inspires you to create something wonderful. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

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