Dot & Whimsy

The box measures 10"X7"X5.5" and I did remove the flaps on the top.  Next, I covered the sides and back of the box with Bonbon cardstock and lined the inside of the box with the gingham print paper found in the collection.  

For the front of the box I cut 1" strips of paper from two different patterns and then wove them into a basketweave design.  To embellish I simply layered a journal card with a larger swatch of paper and then added a couple of buttons.

For the handles: I cut a sheet of the Bonbon cardstock into fourths and then folded each section to measure 1.5" wide.  Two strips were attached together at the ends to form a long strip.  The handles seem to curve better when they've been machine stitched, so I did that as well.  Finally, they were attached to the inside of the box with hot glue.  

I made a trip to my local Dollar General and picked up a few things to tuck into the basket!

  Of course, I made tags for the ketchup and mustard bottles and added the cute matching stickers to the fronts. 

The set of plastic bowls' lids were embellished with a disc of layered papers, a die-cut and stickers! 

 I also found the wooden sign holders for $1 each!  I covered them with paper and a Doodle Pop.

Also from my trip to the store, I found...lemon napkins and plates!  

I crafted a little box for the napkins from a sheet of patterned paper...it can stand on the table and provide protection for the napkins too.  Finally, I tied the plates and napkins together with some chunky twine and topped off with a simple journal card :)

Enjoy a Happy Summer!

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Doodlebug Design Product:

Bar-B-Cute Collection

Bonbon Cardstock

Ladybug Chunky Twine

Large Tags Doodle Cuts

Mini Clothespins

Boutique Buttons

Use any tray that you have on hand and fill with paper food trays, flag topped straws, sparklers, treat cups, wooden spoons, etc.  

From my local dollar store, I purchased these food tray/boats.  I re-constructed the boats by turning them into more of a square shape.  Next, I simply wrapped strips of scrapbook paper around the sides. Embellish even further, if you'd like, with die-cuts and stickers...or have those out so guests can decorate their own trays!

Paper treat cups, wooden or plastic utensils are easy things to embellish. For the tops of the wooden spoons, I cut the small hearts (from scrapbook paper sheets) and attached to the handles.

I used the scallop tag die and the new Sunshine alpha stickers to create a little signage.

I picked up a package of these metallic straws at The Dollar Tree!  To embellish, I glued a 2X2 card to the side.  You could also punch holes or cut slits and slide the straws through.

And every tray needs a cute 'lil centerpiece!  Again, another find from The Dollar Tree is this blue glittered star.  I added an easel by hot-gluing a sturdy piece of chipboard to the back. Chunky Twine was added around the star and then I used various die-cuts and stickers to embellish.

Add various washi tapes to the tray so that guests can mark their cups!

There are so many other possibilities and ways to incorporate the cute designs found in this adorable patriotic collections...thanks for joining!

I'm jumping ahead a bit in the process, but you'll see above that I machine-stitched all of the papers/pages together.  If you have a sewing machine: I used a heavy-duty needle and set the zig-zag stitch to 2.0 and 4.0 (length/width) with a tension of 04.  I do recommend testing your machine by layering several thicknesses of scrap paper to see how much your machine can easily sew through.

No machine? No problem! Use an elastic cording and thread through two holes that you punch along the top and bottom (as you would a TN).

To prepare the inner pages: start layering journal cards, scraps of paper, full pieces of paper (6"X10" or whatever the size your album cover is), large doilies, cards, etc....truly if it can be folded in half, it can be added!

Decorate the pages with smaller journal cards, die-cuts and stickers.  Clip on your favorite Doodlebug mini or shaped paper clips too.

I love the longer journal cards, so to solve the issue of it being too long for my album, I folded

the bottom end up.  Secure the end with a paper clip, or as I did with a button attached along the edge of the card.

Pockets are another fun and easy addition to your smash book! I took a 6X12 strip of paper and folded the two long ends in to form the pockets.  

I love the look of the die-cuts hanging over the edge of the page...it gives it dimension and design interest.  I used a tiny stapler to attach to the page instead of glue; this allows photos to be tucked under if needed.

In finishing, I wanted a different style of closure for the album.  After die-cutting two tags (thin chipboard and the covered in patterned paper), I attached one to the front cover and (inner) back cover with hot glue.  Next, I threaded through a piece of ribbon and tied it into a loose knot for closure.  So simple!

I hope that you'll give this style of mini album a try...they're a whole lotta fun to make :)

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Doodlebug Product:

Party Time Collection Kit

Party Time Mini Icon Stickers

Party Time 6X6 Paper Pad

Party Time Chit Chat Die-Cuts

Party Time Odd & Ends Die-Cuts

Flowers Cute Clips

Denim Chunky Twine

Sprinkles

Doodle Pops

To begin: I started with an assortment of Doodlebug cardstock and the tag die from the "Large Tags" Doodle Cuts set.  After die-cutting the 26 tags, I chose to add a coordinating oval of color to each using the die from the "Mini Tags" set.  

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Doodlebug Products:

Alex Alphabet Doodle Cuts

Mini Tags Doodle Cuts

Large Tags Doodle Cuts

Hey Cupcake Mini Jewels

Hey Cupcake 6X6 Paper Pad

Party Time Paper Pad

Skinny Alphabet Stickers

Doodlebug Cardstock

Mini Icon Stickers