How to Make an Exploding Gift Box

EXPLODING BOX INSTRUCTIONS

When you lift the top off this box the sides fall down to reveal 12 surfaces for notes, embellishments, and design while leaving enough room to hold a small gift. This is a fantastic way to present a gift certificate or gift card instead of the standard card and envelope.

MATERIALS LIST:

12" X 12" cardstock - 4 sheets
Ruler
Bone Folder
4 Large Brads
Hole Punch
Embellishments of your choice

COVER INSTRUCTIONS:

Find the center of the paper: I find the best way to do this (as all papers are not perfectly square) is to mark two diagonal lines from corner to corner.

Fold four points to the center point and crease with the bone folder.

Fold the opposite sides to the center and crease with the bone folder.

Unfold everything.

Cut along fold lines on opposite sides of the square. Do not cut into the center square, as this is the top of the box.

Refold the point of the triangular side to the center. Fold the tail over to match the diagonal and trim off the overhanging triangle. Fold the flap you have just created under the point piece. Repeat on the other three triangular sides.

Fold up the box top and wrap the points you've created around the outside. Line them up and punch holes through the entire thickness about half an inch from the points. Use double sided tape to hold the points in the center of the box lid. Use the brads to hold the sides together.

BOX CONSTRUCTION:

The outside layer uses a full 12" x 12" page. Measure four inches in from each corner on all sides. Using the ruler you can now draw lines creating a 4" square in each corner.
Cut this square out, you will end up with a cross. Fold each side of the cross using the bone folder to make your crease crisp. Now you have four sides, your top should fit right over them and hold them up.

For the second layer trim ½" off the 12" X 12" page on two sides to make it 11 ½" X 11 ½". Follow the same instructions as above and cut out 4" squares from each of the corners.

Trim the third layer to 11" X 11" and repeat the cutting of the 4" squares.

Embellish each page and the top as desired. Use double-sided tape in the center square to hold the nested layers together. Drop in your gift and put the top on. You're ready to go.

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