How to Make a DIY Boomf with Gift Box

As soon as I saw a pin with someone opening a gift and boxes began to fly out of it, I knew this would be a perfect idea for my granddaughter’s birthday. Up to this point, I had never even heard of a DIY Boomf. Have you? It’s simply a pop-up box. It’s much easier to make than you might expect and a perfect way to gift money!

There are videos for how to make these boxes, but hopefully, this Boomf tutorial is easier to follow and I’ve included a free template download.

DIY Boomf Pop-Up Box with Gift Box

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Supplies Needed:

*I used standard cardstock with 147 gsm, which I picked up at the local grocery store. Not sure if it was heavy enough, I just tried making one and it works nicely. If you’re not sure if your cardstock is heavy enough, just try making one with it.

Directions:

First, download and print the template. You can print numerous copies or cut them out and use the cutout to trace multiples. This template includes two halves of the box to make one pop-up box.

Cut out the Box Halves

Then, you can use scissors to cut out the boxes or use a paper cutter and scissors. I used the paper cutter to cut the outer edges and scissors to cut the angles in the middle section where the rubberband will sit.

Score all of the lines.

Scoring the Lines

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Although it is not absolutely necessary, if you are making several of these boxes, a scoring tool will come in handy and it makes folds neater. I used the scoring lines on the We R Memory Keepers exploding box board to quickly score the lines. Then, I remembered having a Bira Craft 12 x 12 – inch Scoring Board, which also has directions for making boxes. It will be perfect for making a box to contain these pop-up boxes.

Make the Folds

Fold and crease the lines. Your box halves should look like this.

The Rubber Band

Then, slip a rubber band over the narrow end of one of the cutouts. Be sure the rubber band lays flat against the cardstock. You don’t want it to be twisted and not lay flat.

Glue the Two DIY Boomf Box Pieces Together

Apply glue to the flap.

Attach to the other half.

I tried using some Elmer's Glue-All, but it takes longer for the glue to set.  School glue would take way too long, but if you have patience, go for it.  Tacky Glue sets up more quickly.  
It's also a good idea to spread the glue over the flap so the glue goes all the way to the edges.  You want the corners to be sharp and hold their shape.  I used a toothpick for this.  Using your finger is going to assure that your box will be messy with unwanted glue.

Apply Tacky Glue to the end flap as shown in the picture above. Then, line up the fold along the edge of the middle square and press in place.

Placement Before Constructing the DIY Boomf Box

Before you start the next step, make sure your rubber band is located exactly as it is in the picture below. It makes the next step of stretching the other end of the rubber band over the box end easier.

It’s not impossible to do it the opposite way, but trust me, it is much easier this way! You might want to keep the picture placement above up while you are constructing your boxes…

Positioning the Rubber Band

Be sure the rubber band lays flat.

Tape the rubber band over the glued flap.

Once again, be sure the rubber band lays flat between and against the cardstock. Hold the fold and rubber band and pull the band up over the glued seam and tape with the masking or painter’s tape. The tape just holds the band in place and makes it easier for you to retrieve the end of the rubber band.

Apply glue to the outside flaps

Slip the flaps under the rubber band and press.

Fold the two flaps on each side and apply glue to the flaps. Then, carefully slip the flaps under the rubber band and line up with the edge of the square as in the picture above. Press firmly and hold for a few seconds for the glue to hold.

Press down collapsing the half-box and hold for a minute as the glue sets.

Next, remove the tape, push down on the collapsed end you just glued and secure the rubber band, and hold it firmly in place. (Pulling the rubber band, you don’t want to put undue stress on the cardstock.) With your other hand, grasp the opposite end of the rubber band and twist it to cross in the center. Spread the band open enough to slip over the opposite end of the box. Carefully, set the band in place around the creased indented section. Don’t let it snap in place or you risk tearing the cardstock.

Pop up box with rubber band in fold.

Twist the rubber band to create an X and slip over the opposite box end.

Gluing the Remaining Flap

Next, fold the flaps inward over the rubber band. Hold the first half and the rubber band in place firmly and hold the rubber band on the opposite end. Apply glue to the two side flaps.

Fold the flaps inward over the rubber band.

Apply glue to both flaps.

Fold the end square over lining up the edges with the glue-covered flaps. Leave the narrow flap at the end loose. Hold the glued edges for a minute until the glue holds.

Finishing the DIY Boomf Box

Slowly, release your hold on the box. It should begin to expand and take shape. Now, apply Tacky Glue to the top of the remaining narrow flap. Open the box slightly, slip the glued flap inside of the box, and line up the crease of the flap along the edge of the box. Collapse the box and press along the edge of the box where you just glued the flap.

Hold it flat and let the glue set for a minute. Then, let the box go. It should pop up and take shape.

Repeat and make as many pop-up boxes as you want!

The Box and Lid

Boomf boxes on top of money gift.

Wrap the box in a ribbon

Since this is a money gift, the cash bill rests on the bottom of the box. Then, two stacks of pop-up boxes, 10 in each, sit on top of the bill. Once they are positioned, hold the stacks and remove the rubber bands. Holding the stacks, carefully place the lid on top.

As soon as Sophie opens her gift, I will post a video, but you can imagine how 20 of these boxes popping out of her gift box will be surprising. Imagine 30, 40, or 50 of these! Can’t wait to see her face!

Update ► Click here to see the birthday gift video.

Using the Bira Craft 12 x 12 – inch Scoring Board, it is pretty easy to make boxes. This box is made using the 6 x 6 x 1-1/2″ box on the chart.

Here’s a video that shows how to make the box.

Click here to see how to wrap the box with ribbon and make the bow. ◄

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MiloTree