Explosion Albums: What Are They and How Do I Make One?

One new development in the scrapbooking scene is the introduction of the explosion album. Explosion albums are a creative way to make a miniature album.

What is an explosion album?

An explosion album is a paper folded album. When it is opened it opens up into double it's size.

What do I need to know to make an explosion album?

-You will need an odd number of paper. Keep in mind that the paper will end up folded down to half it's size. This means if you want your final product to be 6x6 you will need to use 12x12 papers. The paper will also need to be equal in length and width.

What are the benefits to creating an explosion album vs a miniature album?

-One word; money. Explosion albums will cost you the price of paper, two chipboard covers and embellishments. Whereas miniature albums will cost you the cost of the album, paper, and embellishments.

-They are faster to make. The actual album is not difficult or time consuming. And once the album is completed, you are done with the hard part. If you do a traditional miniature album, you will have to apply the patterned paper to each page.

What are the downsides to explosion albums?

-They open up into a large paper arrangement. So a smaller album would be more convenient to look at.

-The pages fold out so the ends can get frayed with frequent use.

-You will be required to use flatter embellishments to allow for the album to close smoothly.

-Two sides of the page are not usable for photos. Since those sides fold in you will have to design in two triangles.

How do I make an explosion album?

-Get together an odd number of pages. For this example I will use three.

-For the first page, fold it lengthwise and widthwise. Then fold it on the diagonal both sides. Make sure while you are folding that the side you want facing up is actual facing inside.

-For the second page, repeat step one. Make sure the side you want facing up is on the outside.

-For the third page, complete as page one.

-Now, make sure all patterns are facing up. Take the lower right square of page one and adhere it to the top left square of the 2^nd page.

-Adhere the top left corner of the third page to the bottom right corner of the second page.

-On page three, fold the top right corner and lower left corner inwards. Press down until it appears as a box half the size.

-Repeat with page two and page one.

-Adhere chipboard to the front and back of the album.

-Embellish as desired.