Exploding box

Looking for a great project that will allow you to share many photos, and display them in a pretty package? And you want to be able to finish this project in a flash? Then an exploding box may be just what you are looking for!

This is a fun project that can be completed in about an hour. The box has 3 layers that fold out or “explode” when you remove the lid. Each layer has space to hold photos or mementos.

You’ll need to gather your supplies:

Cardstock:

3 sheets of 12x12 for the 3 box layers

1 sheet 8x8 for the lid

Patterned paper or cardstock as desired for matting and embellishing

Ink, ribbons, flowers, buttons, gems or other embellishments

Cutting/Scoring tool

Adhesive

To help make it a bit easier to follow, I’ve used a different shade of cardstock for each of the 3 box layers and a contrasting color for the lid. There is a template that you can download and print out. You’ll find the link at the bottom of this post.

Outer layer: Score a 12x12 piece of cardstock 4” from each outside edge. Fold on the scored lines toward the center. Cut from the outer edge toward the center (stopping at the center fold line) on the left side only of each side. Round corners and ink edges if desired.

Middle layer: Cut the cardstock to 11 1/2“ square. Score 3 7/8” from each outside edge. Fold on the scored lines toward the center. Cut out the corner squares. Round corners and ink edges if desired. Save the scraps of paper to use as matting or embellishments.

Inner layer: Cut the cardstock to 11” square. Score 3 7/8” from each outside edge. Fold on the scored lines toward the center. Cut out the corner squares. Round corners and ink edges if desired. Save the scraps of paper to use as matting or embellishments.

Lid: Cut the cardstock to 7 3/8”. Score 1 5/8” from each outside edge. Fold on scored marks. Cut on dashed lines (per template). Fold tabs to the inside. Glue in place.

Cut patterned paper for the exterior of the box. You’ll need 8 pieces cut to 3.5” square. Round corners and ink edges if desired. Lay outer layer of box inside facing down, adhere paper squares to the outside panels on the box.

At this point you can place photos and embellishments on all of the surfaces of the box layers making sure not to put anything on the middle square of each layer. Embellish the lid with decorations such as flowers, bling, bows, brads, gems. Consider wrapping the edges of the box with strips of paper or ribbon in your design. This is not only decorative, but can add some stability to the lid.

When you have finished adding photos and embellishing, you can assemble the box. You are going to stack the layers on top of one another. When you lay the layers down, the panels should be able to fold up towards you. Start by laying the outer layer inside up, then center the middle layer over it. Adhere at center. Place inner layer centered over middle layer and adhere at center. You can embellish the center square of the innermost layer if desired.

The inside of the lid is a nice place to add some special journaling about the project, or a special photo.

Now that it is all glued together, all you need to do is fold it up and top with the lid. Start by folding up one side. Fold all the layers along the scores, and wrapped the end tab to the outside as you fold up the next side.

The lid will hold the box in position.

When you remove the lid, the layers of the box pop out or “explode” before you. It’s a great way to present photos from a really special occurrence, or a year in review. These make great gifts and they look really cute!

This box holds pictures from 4 different trips to Disney World

This box holds a year in review for my mother-in-law and includes photos of all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

So when you want to try making something other than an album, think INSIDE the box!

Click here to download the printable template.