Exploding Box Tutorial

Today I have another tutorial for you, this time to make an exploding box. This is great to make as a gift as you can always hide something inside, or to make an an alternative to a mini book. The finished box measures approx 4" square.

 

You will need:

3x 12”x12” sheets of cardstock (I used Kraft Cardstock)

1x 6”x6” sheet of cardstock (I used another sheet of 12"x12" cut down)

Bone Folder/Score Board

Ruler

Craft Knife or Scissors

Pencil

Double Sided Tape

Patterned Paper for decorating (I Used Echo Park Summer Days)

Corner Rounder - Optional

Outer Layer

1. Start by marking one of your 12”x12” cardstock sheets at 4” and 8” on all 4 sides and then lightly pencil in the lines so that your paper is divided into 9 4” squares. (or simply score at these measurements if you have a score board).

2. Now cut out the 4 corner squares so you are left with a cross shape. (Cut out the yellow squares).

3. Score along the 4 remaining lines in the middle to make the walls of your box and erase the pencil lines.

Middle Layer

4. For the middle layer of the box you need to cut your 12”x12” cardstock down to 10 ½” x 10 ½”.

5. Mark this sheet at 3 ½” and 7” on all 4 sides and pencil in the lines.

6. Cut out the 4 corner squares so you have a cross shape.

7. Score along the 4 remaining lines and erase the pencil lines.

Inner Layer

8. For the inner layer of your box you need to cut your last sheet of 12”x12” cardstock down to 9”x9”.

9. Mark this sheet at 3” and 6” on all 4 sides and pencil in the lines.

10. Cut out the 4 corner squares so you are left with a cross shape.

11. Score along the 4 remaining lines and erase the pencil lines.

As an optional step you can also round all of your corners.

Lid

12. For the lid take your 6”x6” cardstock and draw in a 1” border all the way around the edge.

13. Score on all the lines.

14. Cut on the red lines shown below.

15. Adhere the tabs you have just cut to the side of the lid to make a box shape. Make sure that your corners are nice and square.

16. Now you can start to decorate your box.

17. Decorate each individual square with your patterned paper.

18. Do not decorate the inner square on the outer and middle layer pieces, as this is where you will stick each layer together. You can decorate the middle of the inner layer.

19. If you would like to decorate in a similar way to mine with a border of cardstock around each piece of paper then you will need to make your patterned paper the following sizes:

2 ¾” x 2 ¾” – small inner layer 

3 ¼” x 3 ¼” – medium middle Layer

3 ¾” x 3 ¾” – large outer layer

20. You can then stick each layer together. Apply double-sided tape to the back middle square on the middle and small inner layers. Then making sure you are lining up in the middle stick the layers on top of each other.

21. Once you have decorated and stuck your layers together the inside will look something like this:

22. You can then decorate the outside of your box and add your pictures, journaling and embellishments to the inside. 

I hope that you have enjoyed this tutorial and that you have fun making yourself an exploding box. If you make one I would love to see, please feel free to add a link  below to your blog or add a picture to our Facebook Page.

Happy Crafting,

Maxine

Please note: these instructions and photos are copyright of Creative Hobby Supplies 2013. We do not claim that to have invented the exploding box but these instructions and photos are ours. If you wish to link to this tutorial or reproduce in your own words and pictures please feel free, but do not copy this and claim as your own. Thank you!