Explosion Box

This is my first Explosion Box ever and even though I tend to be my own worst critic....I love it! This little box is such a neat way to keep memories of a special event. For the past several years a friend has asked me to make a favor or memento for a father-daughter dance called the Princess Ball at her church.  Our beautiful Poppy Parade is a perfect match for the red sashes that are being used in their color scheme.

I got to use so many different products while creating this box and many for the first time. I am so bad about ordering a product I think I am just going to love and then it takes me forever to actually pull it out of the packaging....please tell me I am not the only one! Although I had put my Mixed Bunch stamp set and coordinating punch to use previously, I have been sitting on the Textured Impressions Designer Frames. Why? It makes such a beautiful presentation and I will be using it a lot more often.



One of my Sale-A-Bration goodies, Language of Friendship. When I first saw this set I thought it was okay, but nothing I really had to have. Then thanks to all the creative ladies that so graciously post their work  online I found myself really wanting it.



On the top flap you can see where I used the new Framlits Labels Collection....I am liking these too! It may just be me, but I wish the nesting sizes were a tad bit closer in size. I like the matting that I did on the top flap, but I think I would have liked the black label to be just a bit smaller. I'm sure the dies are sized this way for a reason, but a girl can always wish :-)

Last but not least, I have finally cracked open one of several pads of In Color DSP from the Hostess Benefits to add a little pop to the blank flaps. When I originally put the box together I did not have the scalloped trim around the bottom of the lid. I looked at it for a couple of days and each time I just knew it needed something, it was too plain. I punched a couple of different borders and then decided upon the Scallop Trim Border, cut it about 1 1/4" wide and adhered to the inside of the lid and all of the sudden my explosion box was done.

I know most of the explosion box samples I have seen online started with 12"x12" paper, but since you can't get 12"x12" Poppy Parade only, I opted to go with a smaller size. I started with 8.5"x8.5" and scored at 2.75" and 5.75". Each subsequent layer was cut .25" smaller, but scored the same. The girls will be able to add small pictures and/or journaling on the flaps that range in size from 3", 2.75", 2.5" by 2.75". The reverse side of each embellished flap was left blank for the girls to customize.

I met with my friend last night to show her the sample even though I had already emailed her pictures. Her first comment was "the pictures do not do justice to this box"; what a lovely compliment! Well I am now off to start making 20 of these little beauties. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my newest project, have a great day!