Hello Friends! It seems I've been non existent here on the blog for a very. long. time... But I will skip all the unnecessary excuses and just jump straight into this tutorial for an explosion box!
I created one of these boxes, ages ago for a friend. It was her project and she just didn't know how to go about finishing. All her pieces were cut to size as it came in a pre-made kit. I have always wanted to follow through and make one for myself. So her goes! Through a little bit of trial and error, I have managed to create a box full of memories. Something I am very grateful for.
The first step was to gather my supplies. This was super easy with the new DCWV Inc Fall Basics Premium Stack. It has 32 gorgeous 12"x12" printed cardstock sheets with a touch of champagne foil thrown in! Being a little bit thicker than the standard patterned paper sheets, this stack is perfect for creating mini albums such as the explosion box.
Choose three base cardstock pieces and create a tic-tac-toe grid by trimming the corner pieces from each square. I have used American Craft cardstock in white 12"x12", warm brown (11.75"x11.75") and cream (11.5"x11.5"). To create the grid, simply score a line down each edge at 4". Rotate the cardstock until you have two lines going both vertically and horizontally.
Round the corners on each piece if you want a softer look.
Creating the lid..
To build the lid of the box, trim a 6.25" square from coordinating cardstock or patterned paper. Score a fold line 1" in from each edge. Using a pair of sharp scissors, follow the score line and cut only one side of the corner. Rotate the cardstock and make the same cut in each corner square. Fold the corner piece back onto itself to create a flap.
Fold the score lines while being aware of the patterned paper that will be on the outside of the box. Add adhesive to the flap that has just been cut and fold it now onto the inside of the fold next to it, forming the box lid.
Embellish with die-cut flowers, leaves and any other images you may want to follow with your box theme. I have also used free silhouette cut files and a wooden arrow from Pebbles Inc.
For the inside layer of my explosion box, I have used the champagne foil scallop patterned paper and trimmed it to 10.5"x10.5". Using the same method as above, scored and trimmed the excess pieces to allow it to fit snuggly into the centre of my box.
Assembling the box..
Layer the cardstock pieces, largest to smallest but add adhesive only the centre square of the grid. For the patterned paper layer, notch out a half circle from each section. This creates interest and accessibility to any journaling on tags.
Shaker card in the centre..
For something a little bit different, I wanted to add a shaker card to the bottom of the explosion box. Using the WeRMemoryKeepers Frame punch board, I cut a 4"x4" square and lined it with an off-cut of plastic packaging. Recycling at its best! The rest is easy. Add a handful of sequins, wood veneers and die-cut shapes to the middle of the grid patterned paper. Line the reverse side of the frame with foam tape and carefully secure it over the bits and pieces you want to display inside the shaker.
To complete the box, embellish with coordinating products such as Pebbles Inc Patio Party. Don't forget to include your favourite photos and some special memorabilia.
Happy Crafting! Thanks for visiting the blog today after a very long absence from yours truly!!
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