One of my newest products is a downloadable 3D papercut shadow box template. These shadow boxes are such a fun and easy way to add to your home décor. And being able to do it yourself makes it feel like you’re adding a touch of yourself to your home! So if you recently bought a shadow box, here is here is how you can save a few bucks by creating your own frame out of card stock!
What You’ll Need
To start, you’ll need 65lb card stock. I recommend 12×12 inch cardstock (especially if you are going be be printing your frame as well). IF you are using a store bought frame, then you can probably get away with regular letter sized cardstock for an 8×8 papercut design. Though I recommend 65lb for regular designs and general use, the frame can work with heavier cardstock if you have it.
Download file 001: Papercut Frame
Cutting isn’t difficult if you have a Cricut. But that isn’t required. You can print this on a regular printer and use your x-acto knife to cut out the shapes. After your file has been downloaded, it’s time to cut it. If you are using a cutting machine, you’ll need to make some edits as seen in the video above. First, import your free frame into your design software. In this example, and for the rest of this tutorial, I will be referring to Cricut Design Space (DS).
First, resize to the size you need for your design. The default size is for an 8×8 inch final design. Then, ungroup the layers. Next, the score lines need to be converted to score lines. (If you don’t have a scoring tool, I recommend you convert the lines instead of removing them just in case you get a scoring tool in the future.
Once the frame is cut out, snip about an inch into each of the four corners as shown in the video below. This will allow you to fold the corners in. I like to pre fold everything before applying my adhesive. I think it makes the folds sharper in the end. Apply adhesive to your corners, fold, and hold until glue sets. Put your 3D design in the frame, place the front on, and you are done!