Paper Cut Light Box

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By Amber Robertson

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Create your own version of a beautiful farmhouse scene with my paper cut light box tutorial and a DIY shadow box!

Light boxes are one of the most exciting projects to create using a Cricut machine because you can cut intricate layers to fit perfectly in your frame. The use of spacers and light creates a stunning appearance of depth that will make you want to dive right in! Many of you have expressed your love for the farm scene on my Youtube channel and have been asking for a way to recreate it. Well, now you can! In my paper cut light box tutorial, I’ll show you how to customize the scene and even how to make a DIY cardstock frame if you don’t have a shadow box. With these techniques, you’ll be able to make frames for all your layered designs in no time!

Watch my complete step-by-step tutorial on how to create a customized paper cut light box:

Paper Cut Light Box

Did you know that my daughter Alexa and I made the original animation in Blender? We love starting every video with that scene.

A finished paper cut light box with white layers inside a shadow box

After receiving so many requests on how to create the farm scene, I decided that a layered paper light box would be the best way to capture its depth in a paper-friendly way. All you need is good-quality cardstock and glue dots!

To cut all the intricate design layers, the easiest method is to use a Cricut machine. Just grab your fine-point blade and a blue LightGrip mat.

The layers in my paper cut light box tutorial work best at their original size, which fits perfectly in the shadow box frame I recommend. However, if you prefer, you can make your own cardstock frame using the additional file. I’ll guide you through the process, and all you’ll need is 12″ x 12″ cardstock, a scoring tool, a green StandardGrip mat, and craft glue.

I’ve included a few complete designs in the tutorial, but I’ll also show you how to edit the SVG in Cricut Design Space so you can create your very own unique design using the free template. You’ll be amazed at how different it looks with different colors!

A finished paper cut light box with sunny layers inside a shadow box

And finally, I’ll show you how to bring your paper cut light box to life by lighting it up! You can use LED lights on a strip or fairy lights to make each layer glow and create a mesmerizing effect.

This wonderful home decor project is a fantastic option for a wedding gift or a unique birthday present. By following my paper cut light box tutorial video, you can easily change the focal point or image and create a personalized gift with your own unique touch.

Ready to make your own version with my paper cut light box tutorial? I’m super excited to show you how! Learn more about it on Quill And Fox.

Materials for My Paper Cut Light Box Tutorial

How to Make a Project with My Paper Cut Light Box Tutorial

Answers to Your Questions About My Paper Cut Light Box SVG

Q. How do you make a homemade light box?
The first thing you need to do is find a shadow box template that you like. Then, you can either cut the SVG using a cutting machine or print the PDF file and cut it with a utility knife. After you assemble the layers in your frame, add a light strip before replacing the back side.

Q: What kind of paper do I use for a light box?
You can use any 65 lb or higher cardstock for this paper cut light box tutorial. The choice of colors and textures is entirely up to you. If you want to use the same materials I used, check the list above for my white cardstock.

Q: How do I keep my layers stuck together?
I used different-sized glue dots for my layers, but you can also use foam spacers, sticky foam strips, foam board, or double-sided tape, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Q: My cardstock keeps ripping on the intricate cuts. What can I do?
To avoid cardstock ripping, make sure you’re using a clean and sticky machine mat, good-quality cardstock, and a clean blade. For more tips on achieving clean and accurate cuts, refer to my Cricut Cutting Problems post.

Q: How do you make a homemade light box? Do I have to use a Cricut?
No, you don’t have to use a Cricut machine. The Zip file contains several versions of each digital item. If you have a Silhouette Cameo and use Silhouette Studio, you can utilize the DXF cut files in Silhouette Basic Edition. If you have upgraded to Silhouette Designer Edition, Designer Edition Plus, or Business, you can use the SVG files. In case you don’t have a cutting machine, you can print the paper cut light box tutorial PDF files and use scissors or an X-acto knife to create the paper cutouts.

Get my free download of the paper cut light box SVG cut files here.

If you make one of these shadow boxes, I’d love to see it! Please share your paper cut light box tutorial results in my Cricut Crafters & Makers group, where you’ll find hundreds of thousands of crafters like you, sharing their tips, projects, and inspiration.

By the way, you’re free to use my free digital files to create physical items to sell. All I ask is that you mention you used one of my designs on your listing or with your product.

Love,

JenniferMaker.com

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