Explosion Album

I love these cute little explosion albums. I had a hard time finding a really good tutorial to make them. Finally I combined a couple and gave it my own twist.

Here are the instructions for the smaller album 3x3
Materials Needed:
All cardstock should be double sided:
1 9x9" that coordinates with 1 6x6" as this will be the outside of the box and the lid
1 8 5/8" x 8 5/8"
1 8 1/4 x 8 1/4"

Adhesive
Scoring & cutting tools
Corner Rounder
Bone Folder
Clamps or paper clips

Scoring:
9x9" score 3" in from each edge
8 5/8 x 8 5/8 score 2 7/8 in from each edge
8 1/4" x 8 1/4" score 2 3/4" in from each edge

6x6 score 1 1/2 " in from each edge

Cut outer squares away from each sheet of card stock (not the lid). They should all look like a plus sign (+). Using your bone folder crease each scoreline.

Adhere the bottoms down working from the largest sheet to the smallest. The largest sheet should not have any adhesive on it's back (outside). Embellish as desired and adhere photographs to flaps.

Lid: In addition to scoring 1 1/2" in from each edge, score from each outer square from the inside corner to the outside corner. Pinch the square so that the diagonal scoreline is inside, fold flap over to the side and glue into place. I recommend wet/tacky glue so it is sure to stay secure.

Large Box (4x4")

Use same procedures with the following cardstock:
12x12" scored at 4" in from each edge
11 5/8x 11 5/8" scored at 3 7/8" in from edge edge
11 1/4" x 11 1/4" scored at 3 3/4" in from each edge
Lid: 8x8" square scored at 2" in from each edge.

Homemade Laundry Soap and Dishwasher Soap

I have always had trouble finding laundry soaps without scent. I have found I have a sensitivity to fragrance in soaps. I decided to try some recipes I found on the internet and I finally found two that I think work very well and I continue to use them to this day. With this economy we're all trying to save money and this is one little way I do...

Powdered Laundry Detergent
Use face mask and place a wet towel over food processor as process creates fine dust
We have soft water and I use approximately 1/4 cup per large load
2 bars grated soap such as Ivory (Must be pure soap... Grate it in food processor)
1/2 cup Washing Soda (This can be found in the laundry aisle, by Arm and Hammer)
1/2 cup Borax (This can be found in the laundry aisle also by 20 Mule Team)

Powdered Dishwasher Soap
(If you use Jet Dry, instead fill rinse agent reservoir with white vinegar)
I use approximately 1/4 cup per load, depending on soil

1 1/2 cups Borax
1 1/2 cups Baking Soda
1 cup Salt (This can be increased for more scrubbing power)

I'd love to hear how this works for you or how you modify it to make it work better. That's my little money saving tid bit for this time!

ATC/Photo Carousel

Do you love the 7 Gypsie's carousels? I certainly do, but they are a bit pricey if you need more than one. Those of us into ATC know there is no such thing as too many!! I have put together by my own original design for once, a similar type of carousel made with easily found items. If you want to make your clay from scratch, here are some recipes.

You can download and print the instructions here.

Coupon Caddy