Exploding gift boxes don’t sound like a thing of joy – especially the ones in those adverts that chuck things all over you – however, on this occasion, thankfully, it’s smiles all round!

With a little playtime late one evening I decided to crack out a new set of dies that I recently collected from the guys at Craft Stash.

The die in question is this one …

It’s actually a two-in-one die set as you can make normal boxes as well as ones of the exploding variety. Natty!

Now, I will be honest, instructions were thin on the ground so I did have to do some working out myself BUT thankfully, that means that if you choose to get yourself a set, which is available here, you will have these to refer back to so you won’t have to so any working out for yourself, apart from how to do the pretty bit.

You’re welcome! 

FYI at the time of writing this post the die sets are on pre-order as they previously sold out TWICE but according to the website the next batch is due in on Monday 16th so if ya likes what ya sees, you can get your name on the list for the next batch by pre-ordering.

Ok, so, let me quickly show you what the finished exploding box looks like, first with the lid on …

Next, when you take off the lid, the sides flop down to reveal a fabby selection of four mini boxes through into which you can stuff all sorts of goodies.

Wonder what I shall pack these little packages with?!

Now, I know you like videos to follow so, I made sure to document all of my workings – just for you!

Just before I share the video though, here is what you will need.

• The Dies and a Large Format Die Cutting Machine.
• Cardstock. Approximately three 12″ square sheets should do it if it’s all one colour or, if you want two colours as I did you will need two 12″ square sheets for each colour. Matching patterned papers may be tricky due to the way this is constructed so you may be best using those for the decoration.
• Double-Sided Tape or Tacky Glue.
• Little clothes pegs or paper clips if you plan to use wet glue.
• Scissors & A4 or bigger Paper Trimmer.

Fairly simple stash!

Now I did do a bit of prep and cut the following from the cardstock before running through the die cutting machine.

• For the Main Box / Colour 1
  • BASE – One 10.2cm square.
  • SIDES – Four 9cm x 12.5cm pieces.
  • LID – One 16cm square.
• For the Mini Boxes / Colour 2
  • BASES – Four 14cm squares.
  • LIDS – Four 10cm squares.

This meant that I could run more than one through my machine at a time. You’ll see more on this in the video.

One final thing before I go, the bow die that I used was also in the same order and you can get that here.

Ok, so, everything is ready so, less chat, more video.

Ready? Just click play …

How awesome! Well chuffed with that. I can see some Christmas treat boxes coming up!

If the festive season being over puts you off, just think of the rest of the year – plenty of chance to use this gem!

Oh, in the video, I mentioned a cutting guide. Here it is.

Colour 1

Colour 2

What do you think, looks great doesn’t it? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Just a reminder, if you would like a set of these dies, just pop over to the Craft Stash website today.

Right, I’d best crack on with ‘real’ work. Lots to get sorted this week as more workshops coming up.

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or comments on this post below or over on YouTube AND please make sure to share this post with anyone that you think it might interest.

Much love, bye for now!

J :)