Christmas Exploding Pyramid Box

Exploding boxes have been around since Victorian times and this Pyramid one is easy to make and completely collapsible for mailing!

For this project we are using a 12 x 12 sheet of paper and making a 4x4 inch square based pyramid. However, once you know the pattern you may make the pyramids any size you like. The key is to make the entire square sheet into 9 identical squares (dividing the piece used by 3). After that you remove the corner squares and then create centre points on the remaining 4 squares to make the diamond shape.


Supplies needed:

3 – 12 x 12 pieces of solid cardstock – all the same or coordinating colours
3 – 12 x 12 pieces of patterned paper – different but coordinating patterns.
Scor-Pal
Scor-Mat
Paper Trimmer
Cutting Blade (or Xacto Knife)
Ruler
Glue Stick (or adhesive)
Eyelets
Ribbons
Assorted embellishments as desired

1. The first step is to cup your bases and then score as follows:

Large pyramid – 12” square cardstock

Score into 4” squares and then mark centre point at 2” on the centre squares.
Medium pyramid – 10 ½” square carstock

Score into 3 ½” squares and then mark centre point at 1 ¾” on the centre squares.
Small pyramid – 9” square cardstock

Score into 3” squares and then mark centre point at 1 ½” on the centre squares.

2. For each of the pyramids – cut away excess corner squares (see photo below).

3. Trim from your centre markings to the corner of each of the centre squares
Trim all the layers cutting away the excess leaving protruding triangles or as my son calls it a “Ninja throwing star" shape.

4. Coordinate the patterned paper and cut it up for your inside layers according to the following measurements.
Outside and Inside Layers of the Large Pyramid –
Using 2 different patterns – cut 4 squares of each pattern 3 ¾” x 3 ¾” mark centres at 1 7/8” and cut into triangles.
Medium Pyramid Layers –
Cut 4 squares of patterned paper 3 ¼” x 3 ¼”, mark centres at 1 5/8” and cut into triangles.
Small Pyramid Layers –
Cut 4 squares of patterned paper 2 ¾” x 2 ¾”, mark centres at 1 3/8” and cut into triangles.

5. Using your adhesive adhere all the patterned pieces on the cardstock bases and then attach each pyramid base to the other.


6. Next attach eyelets at the top of each of the outside points of your largest pyramid and thread the ribbon through.

7. Lastly - Add photos and/or embellish the layers. Use quotes instead of photos on some flaps, use scraps for journaling, photo mounts, and small die cut embellishments etc. You may add small flowers – punched flowers would be perfect because they wouldn’t be too lumpy! Add some treats to the inside or a special gift – the possibilities are endless!

10. Give it to someone you love and eat the leftover treats! You know you bought extra "just in case"!