Pink Paislee Explosion Box

Hi there, Sue D here with a fun gift idea. Explosion Boxes have been around for ages but are such nice gifts. If you don't want to give a card for an occassion why not make an explosion box. 

Firstly you will need to gather your supplies. Keeping your papers from the same range is helpful to coordinate colours as it is already done for you but not a necessity as you can mix and match foral, printed or use plain card stock. I recommend choosing a heavy cardstock for the outer layer of your box, double sided is always nice but single side will work too and if you don't like the plain showing you can use stamps to embellish.

What is needed:

• 2 x 12x12 sturdy card stock (Outer box and lid)
• 2 x 12x12 patterned paper or card in coordinating colours
• Scraps of coodinating paper, ebellishments or photos if you wish
• Paper Trimmer or Craft Knife
• Ruler
• Adhesive or double sided tape
• Bone Scorer or some form or making crisp creasing

Step One
For my Explosion Box I used Pink Paislee - Hope Chest Collection. Using a ruler and pencil softly mark your chosen outer layer into nine 4in squares, should resemble a tictactoe board :)

Step Two
Using your trimmer or craft knife cut out the four corners leaving your 12x12 resembling a cross. Score the inner markings of the centre square, this will help form the walls of your box. Remember to remove all your pencil lines. Ink edges if desired.

Step Three
Cut your second 12x12 chosen paper to measure 10 1/2in x 10 1/2in, repeat step one but marking your squares at 3 1/2 intervals this time, again resembling a tictactoe board only smaller. Cut the four corners as before so it resembles a cross. Score along the middle square lines forming the inner walls of your box.

Step Four
Cut your third or centre piece of paper to meaure 9 in x 9 in, repeat step one but mark your squares at 3 in intervals this time, cutting the corners as you have previously done before. Score as before. Remember to remove your pencil lines. Ink edges if you wish.

Your project should now look like this. I inked all edges with TH Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Step Five
Using your chosen cardstock for top/lid cut a 6in square. Mark a 1in border and cut only the bottom right vertical, turning clockwise and doing each corner. Score remaining markings so you are able to fold the little flaps to form the lid.

Step Six
Using double sided tape or adhesive, secure the tabs on the inside to form you lid, making sure the corners are square. Ink the edges.

Embellishing Inside
You can embellish and decorate however you wish, keep it simple or make it elaborate. Your inside layers can have flowers, photos, quotes, rubons and journaling added. Using pop dots or scrap dots you can add 3-demensional which looks great. Cut or punch edges for something different.

I used a mixture of Prima Chipboard stickers, Kaiser Die-cuts, MS Butterfly punch and border punch, flowers, twine, rubons and say it with pearls.

 Closer look!

Embellish Lid

 

Using a range of products

• Pink Paislee - Hope Chest Burlap Butterflies
• Petaloo -Darjeeling - Mini Pearl Daisies - Pistachio
• Prima - Life Time - Mini Rose Stems
• Bunting - handmade from scraps
• Burlap Flower - handmade
• Small Floral Doily
• Seam Binding
• Charm
• Lace

 

Added lace around lid and secure a charm.

From scraps I made a banner, inked edges and adhered to a strand of burlap.

I created a burlap flower and added a resin flower centre.

 

Place doily and guaze before arranging flowers and buds, I added the burlap butterfly to the stem of a flower after I curled the wire to give it the 'flight effect'. 

 

Close - up!

 

Side View

 

Thanks for stopping by, hope you like this tutorial and it inspires you to create some speical gifts for family and friends. Don't forget to pop back soon to see some more wonderful projects for us all.

Sue D xx