Exploding Album

Exploding Album Box

Explosion Box Album Instructions

Materials 
The base of this album is only 4 12x12 sheets of cardstock plus paper and embellishments as desired.
* 4 Sheets of `12x12 cardstock (the thicker the card the sturdier the box)
* Paper trimmer with scoring blade or embossing stylus.
* Bone folder
* Adhesive
* Scissors
* Embellishments as desired.
The box
Bazzill  or other thick cardstock is highly recommended for strength.
Take your 3 sheets of cardstock and trim them to size as per below:
*Bottom layer (outside of the box) - 12" x 12"
*2nd layer - 11" x 11"
*3rd layer - 10" x 10"
Next: You will score 4 folds on each layer of paper per the measurements and diagrams below.
Please note: The dashed /red lines indicate the folding/scoring lines. Not cut lines.

Diagram for 12x12 Sheet. This is the outside of the box.

Diagram for 11x11 Sheet. This is the middle layer of the box.

Diagram for 10x10 Sheet. This is the inside layer of the box.

Cut out the corner squares from all 3 sheets. If done properly and layered together one on top of the other, they should look similar to this diagram below.

Embellish each of the four side panels on all three sheets as you wish. You may embellish both sides of each panel or just the top sides. Create pockets for tags, photo mats, use quotes, ribbon, brads etc. Adhere the center squares together when you have finished embellishing the box. This is necessary to keep the layers together. The only center square you embellish is the top, center square of the 10x10 paper. You can put a photo or journaling or other fun 3D crafts if you desire. See photos below for my completed pages.


The Lid
Cut your final piece of cardstock for the lid to 8"x8". Score folds according to diagram below. 
SCORE LINES ARE IN RED. ALSO Don't cut the corners out. 
SCORING TIP when scoring, you may wish to score a little less than 2" from each side, this will help the top fit better and help compensate for the thickness of the papers you're using.

Score four more diagonal folds as marked in the diagram below. Fold each corner and adhere to the side to form the lid. Embellish as desired.



Additional Design Note: If you want to cover your sides or lid with patterned paper, just cut your decorative paper pieces at least 1/8” smaller than measurement. This will make sure that none of these pieces will interfere with the folds or creases of your finished box.

How I decorated the inside flaps
This is the bottom layer.
Nothing in the middle panel as the next layer is glued to this area.



This is the middle layer.
Again, nothing is in the middle layer as the top layer is adhered to this area.


This is the top inside layer.
Here are some additional images to help with what the finished box will look like.


In this image you can see that I even decorated the inside top of the box. This would be a great place to put a special note to the recipient.

I hope this tutorial was of some help to you. I have tried to come in here and update some of the images. This project was from a VERY LONG time ago. So I will try to make another one to link here with better photos.  Be sure to sign up for my Eblast email newsletter. I will be sharing more tips and tutorials!