3.75 x 6" Keepsake Box Tutorial and Coordinating Cards and the Happiness Project

Hello Friends! Do you know ...when I post a card or project, it's a good indicator of my level of happiness? When I first started paper crafting and stamping, I found it was a great stress reliever and when I was unhappy or feeling a little down, I would step into my craft room and create something and it made me feel better.

Fast forward to about 2 years ago, I've noticed a change in my behavior when it came to crafting. Rather than crafting to feel happier, it changed to my having to feel happy in order to craft. As time went on, it became more pronounced. I don't know why the shift occurred. One of the factors could be that the "novelty" wore off

I'm sure you're thinking that I'm taking this all too seriously but the truth is, I'm the type of person that comes alive when I'm doing something new and different. I love the feeling of starting on an adventure, starting a new project, anything new and different. . .I've always been this way. Well, the past week or so, I've been wanting to start on a new hobby which is crazy. I already have too many of them already.

Recently, I've been fascinated by the subject of happiness. I found this interesting website a few days ago. It's called "The Happiness Project". The author of this website/blog post happiness challenges each week and after reading a few of her articles, it got me really excited. I thought "what a brilliant idea!!". Well, I signed up immediately and I'm excited to get started. Why don't you check out the website and tell me what you think about it. If you decide to join in, let me know. . . .I'd love to go on this journey with you.


I created this card to match my coordinating "Keepsake Box". I posted a tutorial for the keepsake box if you're interested in trying it out. The box measures 3.75 x 6" inches. You can use it as a true keepsake box or it can be used as a treat box. Scroll down to the bottom of this post to check out the tutorial.

I was wondering, would you like tutorials on only "more involved" projects and techniques or would you like that I add tutorials for simple techniques as well. The reason I ask is that I always feel that I need to create tutorials that are a bit more involved but I know there's a lot of new stampers out there that are just learning the basics of paper crafting and stamping and probably find the complicated projects a bit overwhelming. Do you think I should post tutorials that are less involved along with the more complicated projects? Let me know. . .

To create the punched border on both the box and card, I used a large Martha Stewart punch and layered the border so it looks the way it does on my card. I'll create a quick tutorial tomorrow on how I did it. I heat embossed the sentiment and layered it on to the Nestabilities Scallop Circle.

I found this decorative pin at the bead aisle at JoAnns. I added the white beads to decorate it a bit.

Here is the "3.75 x 6" Keepsake Box" that I created. It's a very simple box to create. This box in particular stays in the closed position using a ribbon. I created a second box which I posted below using Velcro to keep the box in a closed position.

Here is the box opened up. You can decorate the inside of the box as well for a better presentation but I wanted to get it done and have it posted so I didn't work on the inside of the box. It's not necessary but it's just an idea.

Card/Box Details:

Stamps: SU (Not sure which one)
Paper: SU designer paper, SU Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, ACE Foil card stock
Ink: Versamark Ink
Accessories: Silver embossing powder, Nestabilities, Martha Steward Punch, Grosgrain Ribbon, Decorative pin, beads

Here is the second coordinating card and project I created. To color the flowers I used a technique that I posted about a week. Click Here for that Tutorial. With this project I decided to incorporate some lace to give it a femine look. I love lace.

Here is the box opened up. I decided to add a bag of treats. This box remains closed using Velcro. The tutorial shows you both options.

Here is the coordination card. Not much to say about this card.

Anyway, try out the tutorial. It's fairly easy to create so it won't take you very long to create it.

I'm going to spend some time crafting tonight. Hopefully, I'll be able to finish something so I have something to post tomorrow. I'll see if I can finish resizing some of my European trip photos so I can post a few of them in the next day or so.

Hope you all have a beautiful Saturday evening!!

Card/Box Details:

Stamps: SU Flower Fancy, Sentiment(?)
Paper: SU designer paper, Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Blue Bayou
Ink: Scribbles Iridescent Paint, SU Cameo Coral, Pink Passion
Accessories: Nestabilities, Lace, Sizzix Leaf Die, Martha Steward Border Punch

3.75 x 6" Keepsake Box