How to Make an Explosion Book – Squash Book

This explosion book, also known as a Squash book, was created for my granddaughter’s birthday.  I searched Pinterest and found this unique idea.  It’s another unique way of gifting money.  When you open the explosion book, it kind of reminds you of a Slinky toy as it’s opened.

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Explosion Book

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Supplies Needed:

• 2 pieces of chipboard each cut 4- 1/2 inches square
•  24-inch ribbon
• 2 – 6 inch decorative papers for covering the chipboard
• 3 – 8″ squares decorative cardstock
• Tacky Glue

Directions:

Apply glue to one of the chipboard squares and center on the backside of one of the 6-inch decorative paper squares.  Fold two of the decorative paper sides inward, apply glue to the entire flap, and press down onto the chipboard.  Repeat on the opposite side.

Next, fold the corners at an angle like a present.  Then, fold and glue onto the chipboard.

Fold the corners inward to create an angle.

Fold and glue the flap over the cardstock.

 Folded Cardstock Squares

Score the 8-inch square at 4-inches.

Turn the cardstock to the right and score in the center again.

Score and fold one of the 8-inch square papers in half.  Open, turn, and make a 2nd score and fold in half in the opposite direction.

Flip to the other side.

Score diagonally and fold.

Now, flip the paper over, score, and fold diagonally from one corner to the other.

With the center peak in the upward position, fold corner to corner, into a triangle.  Open the fold and it will flip back on itself. 

Tip for Scoring Diagonally

I don't know about you, but I can easily misjudge the correct line when scoring a paper this wide.  Line up a ruler at the bottom of the scoand measure to help keep you on the correct scoring line.

Squashing the Square

Fold one side of the diagonal fold onto one of the connected squares.

Pull the angled corners together, collapsing flat.

Fold one side of the diagonal fold onto one of the bordering squares.  Pull the angled corners together and collapse flat, squashing into a unit.  Repeat for the other 2 cardstock pieces.

Glue the Three Squares Together

Turn the center one upside down with the peak upward. 

Glue the square over the corner square.

Line up the three folded shapes with the peaks facing downward.  Turn the center one upside down with the peak upward.  Slip the outside square over the outside square of the folded shape to the right.  Glue these two square sections together. Make sure that the squares are lined up.  Glue the opposite end in the same way.  (One facing upward, the next facing downward, the next facing upward.)  See the picture below.

Once all three sections have been glued together, collapse them to ensure they collapse flat.

Fold outer squares inward and collapse the shape.

Collapse the three connected squares flat.

If you want to add an attached ribbon, take the ribbon, center it, and glue it to the inside back at this point. Apply glue to one end of the accordion shape, center it, and place it on top of the ribbon.

Take the covered chipboard back and lay it covered side down. Then, apply the adhesive to the end cardstock square, center it on top of the chipboard back, and press it in place.

Apply glue to the back of the cardstock corner square and center on the cardstock square.

Line up the back cover with the front cover.

Compress the accordion middle, and apply glue to the top square of the cardstock.  Set the chipboard front in place, ensuring the top chipboard lines up with the back chipboard.  The cardstock square might not be perfectly centered, but you want the top to line up with the back!

Finish the Explosion Book with Pictures and Decorative Items

Now, you can add pictures or decorative items.  I used a template on Canva and added a picture of my granddaughter for the front of the squash book.

There are 11 squares in total. If you’re using squares, six of those should be cut in half for the triangular folds. Cut a piece of tracing paper the size of the triangular shape and use it to plan your cut designs or pictures.

To make a pocket, apply glue to the top, bottom, and 1 side.

Tuck cash in the pocket.