How to Make an Explosion Box Album

An Explosion Box Album is a mini scrapbook album. When folded up it appears to be a box in the shape of a cube. However when you take the lid off, the sides fold down into a scrapbook album. To make this album the first thing you will need to do is gather all the materials you need. For our example you will need four sheets of double-sided coordinating patterned or plain cardstock. You will need a paper trimmer with a scoring blade and regular blade. You will need some form of adhesive either tape, glue or a spray. For this example we will name each cardstock page as p1, p2, p3 and p4.

Take p1 which is the bottom layer. Score it 4 inches from each side. You will then want to cut out the side corners so that the final piece is in the shape of a plus (+) sign. Fold in each side on the score line so that it folds up in a box shape.

Take p2 which is the center layer. Cut it to measure 11x11. Score this page 3 ¾" from the side. You will then want to cut out the side corners so that the final piece is in the shape of a plus (+) sign. Fold in each side on the score line so that it folds up in a box shape.

Take p3 which is the top layer. Cut it to measure 10x10. Score this page 3 ½" from the side. You will then want to cut out the side corners so that the final piece is in the shape of a plus (+) sign. Fold in each side on the score line so that it folds up in a box shape.

Place the three pages on top of each other in with p3 on top, p2 in the center and p1 on the bottom. Use adhesive to attach them together in the center square only.

Take p4 which will be the box lid. Score it 4 inches from each side. You will want to score the outside squares diagonally so that they will fold inward. Fold each score line. Use adhesive to attach folded corners to the inside of the box lid.

Once you have completed these basic steps you can then go about embellishing this album with photos, embellishments, stickers, eyelets, etc. Make sure to decorate the outside of the box.

Explosion box albums make great gifts. They act not only as a scrapbook but as a piece of visual interest. They make good holiday gifts or desk decoration.