These simple little boxes hold an explosion of creativity!!!!
That you can decorate with pictures, stamps or die cuts!
With as many layers as you wish!
(Oh, my there is even a picture of me! hidden in this little box.)
I honestly don't know who created the first explosion box. I do know how to make these awesome little boxes. I thought I'd share with you a tutorial! (surprise???? Did you honestly expect that I wouldn't share a tutorial?! I think that goes without saying at this point! LOL!).
The supplies you will need to make the basic box with 2 internal layers are listed below. I'll leave the embellishments to your imagination.
Basic Supplies & Tools needed
- 4 pieces of coordinating Designer Series 12" x 12" Paper.
- Adhesive
- Paper Cutter
-
Bone folder, Scor-it or Score-pal.
Tutorial for Making an Explosion Box
Creating the inside base.
Step 1: Take a 12" x 12" piece of designer series paper (double sided paper). Score it along 4" and 8" on both sides as shown by the solid lines below.
Step 2: For the base, you will also want to score along the diagonals of the outside squares. The green lines in the picture below depict where to make the additional score lines.
Step 3: Fold along the score marks.
Interior layers
This box has 2 interior layers.
Step 1: To create the first layer, cut a 12" x 12" piece of designer series paper into a 11-1/2" x 11-1/2" square.
Step 2: Score the paper at 3-3/4" and 7-1/2" along each side as shown by the lines in the sketch below.
Step 3: Cut out the outside squares using the score marks as guides. The resultant piece of paper will look like a cross or plus sign as shown below.
Step 4: To create the second layer, cut a 12" x 12" piece of designer series paper into a 10-1/2" x 10-1/2" square.
Step 5: Score the paper at 3-1/2" and 7" along each side as shown by the lines in the sketch below.
Step 6: Cut out the outside squares using the score marks as guides. The resultant piece of paper will look like a cross or plus sign as shown below.
Assemble the base
Step 1: Glue the center square of the layer one to the center square of the base.
Step 2: Glue center square of the second layer to the center square of layer 1 as shown below.
Making the Cover
Step 1: Cut a 12" x 12" sheet of Designer Series paper into a 10-1/4" x 10-1/4" piece of paper.
Step 2: Score the paper at 3" and 7-1/4" along each diagonal as shown below.
Step 3: Cut along the dotted lines shown below. Us the score lines as guides.
Step 4: Fold along score marks.
Step 5: Glue flaps underneath the outer folds to complete the cover.
Tips for folding the box:
When folding the box, start with the outside edges of the base. Fold them towards the center as shown below.
Once the base of the box is formed, the flaps can be folded against the sides to help put the top on.
The interior layers can be decorated however you desire. I hope you have fun with the box and please share your creations. I'd LOVE to see them.
Remember the designer series paper and Simply Scrappin' Kits are perfect for this box. The Simply Scrappin' kits also have beautiful matching embellishments. To browse the Stampin' Up! designer series paper and Simply Scrappin' kits, Click HERE and then select the SHOP NOW.
It is useful and informative. Your insight in this matter is great.
Posted by: cherrysun1983 | January 05, 2013 at 09:21 AM
You two are too good to me! I am so glad you were able to finally make one. We just need to get Mary to make one!
Posted by: Marie | July 12, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Hi Marie!!!!!
I just made my first explosion box, ALL BY MYSELF... although going by your directions I felt like you were here guiding me! ;) Thanks so much for posting the directions they were EXCELLENT. The hardest part of this project was deciding which paper to use and which side! Thank you!!
Maureen O'B
Posted by: Maureen | June 09, 2009 at 11:12 PM
This is wonderful, Marie. I had wanted to take a class and learn how to make this explosion box but your tutorial is so well designed I think I can make it from your instructions. Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to put such a great tutorial together. I know I will enjoy making it and even sharing it with my 80 year old Mother.
Posted by: Cathy Tompkins | February 22, 2009 at 03:15 PM