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Sunday, January 29, 2012

My First Explosion Box

I am SO excited to share this special Valentine's Day project with you! This weekend, I was searching the web for new and exciting project ideas and came across a craft that immediately caught my attention. It's called an explosion box. Think pretty gift box meets awesome scrapbook or photo album and you have the idea. There are a good number of tutorials out there on how to create these adorable boxes, so I looked at a bunch and took the components I liked most to create mine. I added a bunch of pockets that I slipped little gift tags in to make it an extra special Valentine's gift.

I am VERY happy with the result, but the process was a little painful. The biggest problem I had was making the top of the box. The instructions I used said to cut the top at 8 X 8 and I thought I did that, but I actually cut it at 9X9 because I am still getting used to my paper cutter. Then, I redid it at 8X8 and the top was too small. Finally, just like Goldie Locks...3rd time was a charm...I split the difference and cut the third top at 8.5 X 8.5 and that finally did the trick!

I am not sure if you can see in the picture, but I also used my BRAND NEW CUTTLEBUG to emboss flowers on the top layer and to line the pockets on the middle layer!

It is very hard to "get" what an explosion box really is without seeing it in action, so I am adding my very first video here to show you! Explosion Box Demonstration

Recipe

Box
Bottom layer (outside of box) - 12" x 12"  - Score 4" in from all sides
Middle layer - 11" x 11"  - Score 3 3/4" in from all sides              
Top layer - 10" x 10" - Score 3 1/2" in from all sides

Cut out the corners from all three sheets so they look like this:

Lid:

Use a piece of cardstock cut to 8.5" X 8.5 "  Score 2" in from each side. Then, score the four corners on a diagonal as well. Fold each corner in and glue it to the side to create the lid. Use paper clips to keep the lid together while the glue dries. I didn't have any paperclips, so I used my daughter's hair clippies! Here is a pic of the first lid I made while it was drying (I did NOT end up using this one):
Final Lid

Embellishments:
I added fun details to the four side panels on all three layers. 
I created triangular pockets for tags using another technique I will feature in another blog post
 On the bottom layer, I used a pretty light pink ribbon with hot pink stitching
I added a beautiful flower from the Cricut Pagoda cartridge (Flower8 p. 57) on the top - I used dimensionals for a more 3D effect
I finished the top flower with Stickles in the middle for a Glitter Panda sparkle

Middle Archway Structure
I used the archway design from The Disney Princess cartridge to create the arch
Then, I flipped it and added a square in between the two and welded them together with the Gypsy
Once it was cut out, I folded up the two sides and that made the archway stand up!
I added the pagoda flowers using dimensionals and Recollections Brads for the middle


9 comments:

  1. OMG, how GORGEOUS! Love your color choices and the fab structure in the middle is sooo cool. Thanks for joining us at BBTB2. xxD

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  2. How Fun is that! I have yet to try one of these but it is on my "Must Do" list, lol! Your's turned out amazing and how fun with all the little pockets. So glad you shared with us over at BBTB2 off to check out your video!
    ((Hugs)) Theresa

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  3. What a great tutorial! Thanks so much for joining my link party! Hope you're having an awesome day! Smiles, Jill

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  4. Wonderful wonderful wonderful. I LOVE making explosion boxes because they are fun to make (once you get the sizing downpat) and the end result is so rewarding, and the fact that these little wonders can fit the bill for any event makes it a perfect creation. Thanks so much for joining us at BBTB2.
    Carole

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  5. Gorgeous explosion box. Thanks for joining in at the Cuttlebug Spot this week.

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  6. Fantastic!!! Love the flower on the box lid. Thanks for sharing with us at BBTB2.

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  7. Great job at your first box, it is gorgious and I love all the secret pockets!! Supercute!

    Thank you so much for joining us at the "Box It" Challenge at the Cuttlebug Spot!

    Cuttlebugs & Hugs
    Jannie

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  8. Beautiful project - love all the tags and pockets x
    Thanks for playing along @ paper crafting journey & good luck x
    ((hugs)) Suzie xoxo

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  9. Fabulous box!
    Thanks for playing at the Cuttlebug Spot...hope you'll join us tomorrow for another fun challenge!
    Helen x

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