Making an exploding gift box is a fun and creative way to celebrate Mother’s Day, particularly if you are a teacher looking for a crafty project to engage your students with. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can make this exciting gift with your students.
Materials Needed:
– 1 large sheet of cardstock (12″x12″ for the base)
– 3 sheets of cardstock in varying sizes (10″x10″, 8″x8″, and 6″x6″ for the layers)
– Additional colorful paper or cardstock for decorating
– Glue stick or double-sided tape
– Scissors
– Ruler
– Photos, stickers, embellishments, and any other personal touches
Steps:
1. Start by preparing the base of the box. Take the largest piece of cardstock, and using the ruler, mark out a grid of nine equal squares (4″x4″ each if you are using 12″x12″ paper).
2. Cut along one line on each corner square, up to the first intersecting line to create flaps. These flaps will become the sides of your box.
3. Fold the flaps upwards to form the box sides, and secure them with glue or tape.
4. Next, take the next largest piece of cardstock (10″x10″) and repeat steps 1 and 2, creating more flaps from this slightly smaller sheet.
5. Before forming this layer into a box, encourage students to decorate each panel with messages, drawings, or photographs dedicated to their mothers.
6. Carefully glue this layer inside the previous one so that it sits within the base when all sides are folded up.
7. Repeat step 5 with each of the remaining smaller pieces of cardstock, ensuring that each inner layer is well-decorated before securing it inside the prior layer.
8. Add an element of surprise! Students can attach pop-up shapes or small handmade gifts to some panels, which will ‘explode’ out when the box is opened.
9. To finish, place a final gift or note in the centermost part of the box.
10. Optionally create a lid for your box by using a slightly larger piece than your base dimensions; do not forget to decorate it as well!
11. Once all layers are complete and dry, fold in the sides from largest to smallest so that they nestle within one another.
An exploding gift box opens up in layers, displaying all of its vibrant and thoughtful content at once – much like a blooming flower – making it an ideal interactive present crafted with love and creativity by your students for Mother’s Day!
