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Explosion Boxes: A Life As Lou Online Class

Posted by Leah K. • Published 20th December 2011 • See Leah K.'s 4 projects »

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Step 1
The explosion box is actually quite simple to create, although a bit time consuming.

Begin by choosing 4 double sided cardstock weight papers.

The first paper (the one that will be the outside of the box, and the base layer of the photos) should be 12 inches by 12 inches. You will need to score the paper 4 inches in from all 4 sides, and cut out the corners (4×4 squares).

The next paper trim to 11×11, and score the sides at 3 3/4 inches. Cut out the corners.

The third paper needs to be trimmed to 10×10. You should score the paper at 3 1/2 inches on each side, and remove the corners.

This will leave you with 3 perfectly layered pieces for your box.
Step 2
These layers can be embellished and decorated in many ways. I like to use simple decorations like photo mats and side bars because the spaces can only hold small photos and too much embellishment can be a distraction. With this kit, I used some of the flower die cuts as frames for photos. I also really liked how the flower accents looked with the ribbons. I used the add on stamp and cut out the information spaces, matted them individually, and used them as simple accents. Decorate both side of papers 2 and 3, and only inside of paper 1. I used brown ink on the edges of each paper to create contrast and texture. You can see this type of contrast in things like vintage postcards, and I think it adds a lot to the dimension of the project.
Step 3
When you have them all decorated, adhere the centers.
Step 4
You can view all of the sides, simply by flipping the pages.
Step 5
To create the lid you will need to trim your paper to 8×8 inches. Score the edges at 1 and 7/8 inch. This time, only cut one side of the square on the edge. Glue the flap you have created to the inside of the lid. Flip it over, and embellish at will.
Step 6
I used the Dutch Girl die cuts, American Crafts photo corners and Lily Cricket ribbons to decorate my lid.
Step 7
Your lid should fit on your box bottom perfectly and give an exploding effect when removed.