How to Make an Easy Christmas Explosion Card Box

Most of you know that I have "Let's Get Crafty" sessions at my community clubhouse each month. The latest session was on how to make an easy Christmas Explosion Card Box. The ladies were quite thrilled with this session! The best part about knowing how to make an explosion card box is that you can make one to fit any occasion - birthdays, valentines' day, any holidays or special events!  And you can make it as simple or elaborate as you can imagine! You can even hide special gifts in the center like small jewelry or keepsakes in handmade boxes or small envelopes!  

So let's get started on the basics!

Materials Needed:

• Solid color and decorative cardstock
• Scoring board/bone folder (optional, but really handy)
• Pen/scissors/craft knife
• Ruler
• Paper glue 
• Embellishments - paper craft saying, decorating elements like ribbon, photos, images, stick-ons, and small miniature items, etc. 

3 - 12x12" Card stock sheets: (red, green, white)
1 full sheet - 12"x12" (red)
Cut down 1 sheet to measure: 11 3/4"x11 3/4" (green)
Cut down 1 sheet to measure: 11 1/2"x11 1/2" (white)

Score all sheets using a bone folder and ruler @4 inches all the way around. Do this by scoring the sheet, then turn or rotate paper a quarter, score, turn, etc. until all four sides are scored.

Next, cut off each outer corner on all three sheets, (looks like a cross), as pictured.

Then, fold scored lines, as pictured.

Set cardstock sheets aside to make the lid next.

To Make Lid:
Cut a matching cardstock sheet to measure 7 1/4"x7 1/4"

      Score cardstock sheet at 1 1/2" all the way around. It's easier if you score and turn, one side at a time, all the way around.

Next, cut the 1 1/2" score lines.

And then fold corner sides inside and .  .  .

glue together. 

To Decorate Sides of the Box Lid: 

Cut 3 or less solid color cardstock strips to measure in small graduated sizes. For me, it was best to use a ruler to eyeball sizes to measure how much of a border I wanted, and then, cut out.  Make four sets for the sides of the lid. Adding these helps to make the lid sturdier.

       Glue the strips on in layers on the side panels, centering.

        Add decorative cardstock to top layer for each side.

Cardstock Box:

Fold up cardstock sheets on score lines. Line up sheets according to size with the larger piece on bottom, then add the next size, etc. Add glue to center back and place on top of second piece, evenly spaced. Repeat for adding glue to the last sheet and centering on top.

     

Then fold up the sides of the box and add the lid. Your box and lid should fit together.

       Get creative and have fun by decorating the inside and outside flaps with themed items, sayings, photos, pictures, images, etc. Add small items, trinkets to center. My theme for this Christmas card box was centered around the adorable snowman I placed in the center. How cute is he!!!! 

And don't forget to decorate the outside! I added a decorative handmade bow on top and a bit of wording to let me know where the front is of what's inside.

Thanks for stopping by

and take a little time to enjoy -

Happy Holiday Crafting!