Simply Tya: Matchbox Drawer Explosion Box ( Plus a little Surprise!) - - Doodlebug Design Sweet and Spooky DT project

Halloween is creeping up on us, and what better way to celebrate the spookiest season of the year than with a fun and creative paper craft project? If you’re a fan of Halloween and enjoy crafting, then I've got a fantastic project to share with you!

So I have made a Halloween-themed explosion box with Doodlebug Design’s Sweet and Spooky collection, spiced up with the magic of Lori Whitlock’s Matchbox Drawer Explosion Box cut file. The fun part about this project is a little surprise in each of the boxes! I can't wait to share with you how easy it is to level up a simple matchbox drawer with the perfect touch for Halloween! Let's jump right in!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all your supplies ready. The Sweet and Spooky collection from Doodlebug Design is a bewitching choice for your Halloween project, featuring lively, cute Halloween-themed patterns and embellishments. I chose pattern papers from the 12x12 paper pack and cardstock from the Textured Cardstock Assortment pack. You will need some strong adhesive to make sure the box stays together like double-sided tape. You will need some of your favorite die cuts from the Odds and Ends, Chit Chat, and Bits and Pieces. I also used the This and That sticker sheet, the Puffy Stickers, the Sweet and Spooky shape sprinkles, and some little treats to fill the matchboxes.

Step 2: Download and Assemble the Cut File

After choosing my papers I downloaded the cut file and then cut all the pieces out. The cut file can be found here. Matchbox Drawer Explosion Box. An assembly tutorial can be found here.

Step 3: Decorate the Inside of the Box:

The cut file design from Lori Whitlock allows for numerous interior layers, and this is where I got to have fun with all the products! I added some tags to 2 of the boxes topped with an enamel dot. On the other 2 layers, I added a pocket cut from cardstock to make little pockets to tuck a photo in. I added the scallop border sticker from the This and That sticker sheet to the top of the pockets as well as a little sentiment sticker to the top of the photo spots.

In the center of the explosion box, I added the scalloped circle "The Sweet Life" sticker from the This and That sticker sheet. This is where the magic of the explosion box comes to life as the recipient opens the layers to reveal the surprises within.

Step 4: Decorate the Lid

I wanted a fun topper for my lid so I turned to the Odds and Ends and picked one of the Haunted Houses, 3 trees, some Puffy Stickers, and a "Happy Halloween" banner from the Chit Chat. To make the layered look I simply die cut a 4-inch stitched circle from a metal die and then scored the circle at 1 3/4 " and 2 1/4 " to make a little valley with 2 half circles that fold up. I added a small piece of black cardstock and scored the 2 ends and glued them to the center of the circles to hold it together. I layered the house, puffy stickers, and banner to the house and glued them to the front circle. I added the 3 trees and various stars and sparkles to the trees to the back circle. I did add a thin strip of some lightweight chipboard to the bottom of the folded-up circles for some added stability. Glue this to the center of the lid.

Step 5: Decorate the inside of the Matchbox Drawers- the little"surprise" I was telling you about!

I wanted to jazz up the inside of the drawers a little bit so I added some 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch pieces of the diagonal stripe side of the Tafffy Stripe paper. I then picked 4 of my favorite little monsters from the Odds and Ends, cut small strips of the Stardust Acetate, and folded the strip at the bottom about 1/4 inch. I glued this into the front of the drawer. I then glued my little monster to the acetate. The fun part about doing this is when the recipient opens the little drawer- BOO! The little monster pops out for a fun surprise!

And there you have it – your own Halloween-themed explosion box masterpiece! The combination of Doodlebug Design’s Sweet and Spooky collection and Lori Whitlock’s Matchbox Drawer Explosion Box cut file creates a one-of-a-kind project that’s perfect for gifting or displaying your spooky memories. I had so much fun creating this and hope to have inspired you to try one of these super cute boxes for yourself! Have a faboolous Halloween and Happy Crafting!