TEA TIME ~ Beautiful Explosion Box!

Hello and happy almost Saturday! 

I have for you today a follow up to the blog post from a couple weeks ago regarding the springtime explosion box. As mentioned a couple weeks ago we had an Altered Pages party hosting a class teaching all about explosion boxes. I can report that the class was a hoot, seriously we had a blast! We all had a great time and some wonderful explosion boxes were created. Here are some photos to give you just a peak. 

Altered Pages is teaming with Leaky Shed Studio's  and this month we are working with Tea cups and tiara's. In keeping with this months cross promotion I incorporated a sweet little decoupaged tea cup as the center piece of my creation. You can see that here. 

 This is an explosion box made by a class participant. She added paper flowers and metal charms to her "Explosion".

In the photo below I decoupaged some pretty tissue on to the Leaky Shed tea cup as mentioned above and later adhered it to the center of the box as part of my explosion.

Here you can see the bottom and middle layers. Who doesn't love a little bingo inspired paper!? 

In this photo below you can see tags that were made to add to the explosion box. These could be used as a sentiment or a base for photos if you choose to use this as a mini photo album.

This is the decorated lid to my box...the all important tool to keeping the whole project all in one piece. I adorned mine with silk flowers, giant gems, tulle and lace.

Here in the photo below you can see two finished pieces.  We had so much fun at the Altered Pages Party. Fortunately there will be many more to come as folks could not get enough!

In this photo below you can see the multiple tags made from left over scraps from the explosion box main pages. These are so fun to add into the little tag pockets...all made from the left over "scraps".

Projects used are as follows:

Giant gems from Glitz!

Crepe Trim

Collage sheets

Quick stik LOVE

Must have ScorPal!

Here are simple instructions for making your own explosion box. 

Check out the Mailbox Muse for detailed instructions on making your very own explosion box. Can you imagine this technique done with a mermaid, merman or OMG... merchildren theme. Please order your Mailbox Muse kit now in order not to miss any of the ocean fun! 

As promised...please find below the instructions below for making your very own explosion box.

Please read all of the instructions before cutting or scoring.  The steps are important & should be done in this order to ensure that your box & the very important lid work properly.  With that being said, it is just paper so if you make a mistake no worries, just start over.

INGREDIENTS:

(3)  12 x 12 pieces of cardstock.    

(1) additional piece of cardstock for the box lid that is at least 8 x 8. This will now be referred to as the lid at all times in the instructions.   

Cutting tool & scissors

Score Pal with bone folder

Ribbon, trim, silk or paper flowers, photos, tags, glitter & other misc. embellishments, etc.

Corner rounder

Double sided tape, tape runner, glue, glue gun, etc.

BOX CONSTRUCTION:

Choose which 12 x 12 sheet you want for the base of your explosion box, then the middle layer, followed by the top layer. Take the piece that you have chosen to be the middle layer, cut the top & right sides down to 11 3/4 x 11 3/4.  Next, take what will be the top layer, cut the top & right sides down to 11 1/2 x 11 1/2.  You now have a 12 x 12 page, an 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 page & an 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 page.  

Starting with the 12 x 12 page, score at the 4 inch mark, rotate the page & score again at the 4 inch mark. Repeat this process on all 4 sides.  Your page should look like a 9 square grid.  Repeat this exact process with the 2 remaining pages of card stock.  DO NOT do this to the lid.

Next, cut out the four corners of each sheet on the score lines.  You should now have three pages of card stock that form a lower case letter “t” or a cross.  Use your corner rounder to round all of the edges on each of the large sheets.  Fold your pages on the score lines & set these aside.  

LID CONSTRUCTION:

Take the paper you have selected to be the lid (at least 8 x 8) & cut the top & right sides down to 7 1/8 x 7 1/8.  Score this sheet at the 1 1/2 inch mark.  Rotate the paper & score again at the 1 1/2 inch mark. Repeat this process until all four sides are scored.  Cut the right side of each corner piece on the score line.  Stop when you get to the intersecting score line.  Only cut the right side of each corner.  You should now have a little flap at each corner.  Fold all the edges on the score lines.  Take the little corner flap, turn it in & up.  Add double sided tape to the outside or the front facing side of the flap & connect it to the edge next to it, just to the right of the flap.  Repeat this process on the remaining three corners. 

CREATING POCKETS:

Decide where you want pockets for tags & photos.  The pockets should only be placed on the outer flaps & not the center squares.  Trim the scraps down to size if necessary.  Apply double sided tape to the bottom, left & right edges only of the back of this scrap.  DO NOT apply tape to the top edge.  This needs to remain open to create the pocket opening.  Attach your scrap to create the pocket. 

 BOX ASSEMBLY:

Start with your 12 x 12 base. The side that you want visible when the box is closed should be facing down.  Use a strong double sided tape or adhesive & apply to the middle square ONLY.   Attach the 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 layer directly on top of the 12 x 12.  Now, add adhesive/double sided tape to the middle square of the 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 page & attach the 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 directly on top of that.  You should now have three attached layers of card stock that form a lower case letter “t”, or a cross, all connected together by the middle squares only.  The four outer flaps should all be independent of each other.  Now that all pieces are connected you can decide how you want to treat the center.  You can create a “centerpiece” of flowers that literally explode open when the lid is removed.  You may want to add dimensional bobbles or charms, such as an Eiffel Tower depending on your theme.  You can leave the center empty to be able to use this as a gift box & all of the tags you created can act as little cards to go with your gift.     

For more fun kits, classes & inspiration visit

www.AlteredPages.com

&

http://alteredpages-artsociates.blogspot.com/