Paper Cut Light Box Tutorial in Cricut Design Space

Get the free light box scene files at jennifermaker....
Paper Cut Light Boxes are so beautiful, and I love to make them -- that's why you see one in every one of my videos at the start! So many of you have written to me to tell me you love my video animation sequence and want to make it yourself, and now you can! The original is very detailed -- it was designed digitally by my daughter Alexa and I last year using Adobe Illustrator and Blender. It represents all the things I love ... home, community, creativity, nature, and most of all, my family. That's Alexa and I in the swing there in the middle! We don't have this place in real life yet.... but we are looking for it!
Now it's important to note this digital design can show intricate pixels much easier than Cricuts can cut paper, so I’ve simplified it just a bit. It’s still just as peaceful and makes me want to fall right in!
We’ll also chat about how to handle all those intricate cuts and ways to light your paper cut scenes, too.
These pre-designed paper cut light boxes are cool, but what if you want to change it up a little bit. There are SO many paper cut designs out there, but they will always be a little better if you can add a personal touch of your own.
So I’m not only sharing the layered design, I’ll also show you how to customize a scene like this in Cricut Design Space. Then you can use the steps to add your own style to this design, or an entirely different design!
And it gets better! If you don’t want to use a premade shadow box, I’ve designed one you can make out of cardstock. Once you have the steps down, you can make custom light boxes from scratch!
The tools and materials are pretty simple, but it’s important to pick and prepare them well to get the best results.
High-quality paper is very important, especially for the intricate cuts and structure of the frame. I used mostly Recollection cardstock and had great results.
I recommend using a fresh LightGrip machine mat, that’s the blue one, for your layers. Use a brayer to adhere the cardstock really well. We do that in most projects, but that step REALLY helps when you’re cutting large cardstock designs with such intricate details. And make sure your fine-point blade is clean and free of little bits of paper.
I also recommend you have a scraper on hand to gently remove any leftover pieces right away after cutting. Tiny pieces stuck under the next piece can really mess up your cuts.
And when it’s time to remove your delicate layers, you can use a spatula to gently release them from the mat. If some cutoffs are stuck, use tweezers to carefully pull them off. A weeding tool also helps poke out tiny bits. Be careful not to tear your layers as they will let light through where you don’t want it.
I appreciate every subscriber. It's free and easy to subscribe -- just click here: bit.ly/sub2jenn...
MATERIALS LIST (contains my affiliate links):
* Six (6) sheets of 65 lb 12″ x 12″ white cardstock - amzn.to/3RlMQwm
* 3D 1/2″ Zots Glue Dots - amzn.to/3ylBHmh
* Medium 3/8″ Zots Glue Dots - amzn.to/3KLnown
* LED strip lights - amzn.to/3ajADHR
* Fairy lights - amzn.to/3O7o7J7
* Cricut Maker cutting machine -
* Tools including a ruler, weeding tool, brayer, spatula, scraper, tweezers, a lint roller, and a craft knife and self healing mat
* Design #409 (My free paper cut light box tutorial SVG/PDF/DXF design files are available in my free resource library at jennifermaker.... )
0:00 - Paper Cut Light Box Tutorial in Cricut Design Space
2:17 - Supplies & Tools
4:39 - Get Free Paper Cut Light Box SVG Files
6:04 - (Learn To Use Score Tool on a Paper Frame)
6:32 - (Learn How to Upload SVG Files to Cricut Design Space)
6:57 - Customize Your Cut Light Box Design
11:45 - How to Choose the Color of Your Cardstock
12:48 - Make a DIY Cardstock Frame for your Light Box
13:42 - Cut Your Design Files on Your Cricut
15:34 - Tip: Get Cleaner Cuts on your Cricut
16:31 - Assemble Your Cut Light Box
17:15 - Option 1: Wooden Shadow Box
18:48 - Option 2: DIY Cardstock Frame
21:27 - Add Lights to Wooden Shadow Box
23:52 - Add Lights to DIY Paper Frame
26:28 - Closing Notes and Link to More Information
#cricut #cricutmade #designspace
============
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Blog: jennifermaker.com
Facebook Page: / jennifermakercrafts
Facebook Group: / cricutcraftersandmakers
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Pinterest: / jenuinemom
Please subscribe to my channel at / jennifermaker for more video tutorials to craft a live you love!
Credits:
Introduction: PixelBytes (my child!)
Music: Cute by Bensound (licensed, royalty and copyright free)
Videography: Jennifer Marx on a Panasonic Lumix FZ-1000 DSLR 4K camera
Design: A Jennifer Maker original!

[@thetomatolady6042]

I have followed several crafters and I really enjoy your clear instructions and beautiful projects. I also want to thank you for not charging for every little morsel of advice/help/project.

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome!

[@LilyBecca]

Jennifer is the only one that I never have to rewind over and over when they go too fast. I also never have to try to figure out missing steps that aren't shown. She is a fantastic teacher. A++

[@billiehays2947]

This is not only beautiful, but I love how you explain so well in your tutorials to make them 'do-able' . Thank you for sharing with us!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cpech2]

Yes Jennifer is the BEST teacher and so generous with sharing her SVG projects FREE!!! WOW !!!❤👏

[@Margritz12]

Jennifer - this is wonderful. I can't wait to do this. I know you put in hours of work in preparing this (as you do in all of your projects). We all appreciate you so much. Thank you, thank you!!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!💗

[@marycunningham4856]

Thank you! The visual on how to install the lights was a big win for me.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad it helped!

[@sandyb_milkcanstitcher]

I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate you. I got a cricut for cutting fabric. Now that I know everything it can do I am so excited. Thank you. ❤❤❤😊

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! I am glad to hear that!

[@Tiger6Lilly]

Wow! It's so kind of you to offer this to us free of charge. I also design my own scenes for the light boxes I make with my Cricut Maker so I know how much time, and likely a little dab of occasional frustration, goes into designing these. It's lovely and I look forward to making this one soon. Thank you. As others here have said, you're a wonderful instructor! 🙂

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much!! I'm so happy you're here crafting with us!

[@vroot2909]

Thank you Jennifer! Can’t wait to get started on this shadow box and customize for upcoming family wedding. ❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!

[@psalm62one]

I'm always "late to the party" lol ...I just made the garden with the swing! Your instructions were so easy!! I'm so excited to do this one next!! Right in time for Christmas!! Thank you for your generosity!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful! 😃

[@ritamills434]

You are amazing I tell everyone to watch your videos. Thank you 😊

[@babsh416]

Thank you for sharing. Beautiful lightbox. Definitely an SVG I will use. Everything you share is greatly appreciated.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them!

[@pschmitzer6515]

I am so glad you did this video. love your shadow boxes. you are the best teacher and great creativity ideas that help me so much. Thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@terrys3570]

You are the greatest, Jennifer and Alexa! You guys rock! Thank you so much for this!

[@JenniferMaker]

Our pleasure!💗

[@elizabethk8938]

i've never made a shadow box before and I'm really anxious to give it a try. Thank you!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

You can totally make this!

[@dottirifati5426]

Thanks so much for your shadow box template. Your amazing! ❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it!

[@jeancapozzi3297]

Loved this. Thank you so much! I want to do a beach scene, since we just moved to FL! Have lots to learn before attempting, but will put on my "To Do List".

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome!💗

[@piglet4110]

Thank You! I have been wanting to make a paper shadow box frame for awhile. You are ALWAYS my first resource!

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so glad!

[@robinrousseau2038]

Fantastic tutorial as ALWAYS! I will be making both of these for the grands.

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!

[@wendykovach8312]

Thank you Jennifer! I love the way you explain all your designs, you definitely know how to teach. Can't wait to try this Light Box. 🥰

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much!

[@susanwalsh22]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@NRice34102]

Thank you Jennier.

[@JenniferMaker]

My pleasure!

[@karenbinasio8982]

Thank you Jennifer! You are the most giving person by sharing all of your knowledge and files. Love following you!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much!💗

[@tracynewton-clayton7252]

Thank you for sharing all this greatness with us all. I really learn a lot from your teaching and so grratful that you have given us the files to make our very own crafts and how to add a spend and really make it our very own. Thanks a bunches. ❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 😊🌻

[@marycasey9404]

Thank you so much for this instructional video, I have been wanting to make these for about a year now.

[@JenniferMaker]

So happy you are inspired!

[@mentesymanoscreativas]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I love it 😍🙏🏽💕 Good luck an blessings finding your ideal farm. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🤗🤗

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much! 😊🌻

[@chrissydistefano4920]

Love the fairy lights. But both are so pretty

[@JenniferMaker]

I totally agree, the warmth of the fairy lights is so nice. 🌻😊

[@natashaberosh6421]

Thank you so much as I did ask for this as tutorial..im so appreciative and excited to try this!!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY! Have fun!! 😊

[@brendachauvin9482]

I think that these will make wonderful Christmas presents. Thank you again Jennifer for a wonderful tutorial.❤😊

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so happy you like them!

[@doubledee516]

Oh yay! I was hoping for this video. It is astronomicaly awesome.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you liked it!

[@LilyBecca]

We have a 2.5 acre farm just north of San Francisco. We have chickens, pigs, and sheep. It's a lot of work. I'm glad we don't have more land. If we did, it would have to be woods or something that we wouldn't have to maintain/mow. Farm life is the best life. We have the best of both worlds. We live about 1/4 mile from the Junior High my daughter attends and less than 2 miles from our historic downtown.

[@ginaspears9168]

I love your videos! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience! I really like the look of the layered projects!

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like them!

[@debbiedick3661]

It's a wonderful light box. I love it and thank you for sharing it with us.

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so happy you love it!

[@elizabethkeller429]

I have been waiting for this one. I love this and can't wait to make this. Thank you thank you thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! 🌻

[@cynthiamartinez8650]

Good luck in getting your new home. Love your inspirations

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!💗

[@sonniaferb9306]

Looking forward to it. Thank you for sharing!

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome! I'm happy you're inspired!

[@irenegill4573]

This is wonderful. So excited, adding this to my list of projects. Have a "maker" on the way ... thanks to my daughter's help.... many things to be excited about!!!! Thank you!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Have fun!💗

[@michelea9142]

I have really wanted to make a shadow box. THANK you so much for the instructions! Love it!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@charlottesilber1687]

Thank you for sharing this with us. So cool.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@azflower7748]

Once again, you've come to the rescue, Jennifer. I am making several shadowbox displays as holiday gifts this year but haven't been able to find the "box" to fit the designs. Hopefully I'll be able to adjust the box design you have given us to work with my displays - on of the designs has 8!! layers and is about 2" thick!

[@JenniferMaker]

I have an affiliate link in the materials list here for the shadow box. jennifermaker.com/paper-cut-light-box-tutorial/

[@smac31159]

as always, clear and creative. I 'd like to try this combining cricut and dies also using Chibitronic circuts

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much for watching! 😊🌻

[@IriezonaSunshine]

Beautiful! Thank You!

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome! 😊🌻

[@suzyq7885]

Smart idea!! Just purchased one from Dollar Tree but not used yet. U would do well with machine Embroidery unless all already trying. Thanks for sharing !!

[@aquillawallace7979]

Cant wait to make this!

[@JenniferMaker]

So happy you're inspired!

[@floritamaranoc8938]

Hi @jennifermaker I am a fan of yours.. Im new in making arts and crafts.. I just bought maker3 and at first I am so intimidated buy it .. but I just watched your videos and tutorials I love it.. THEN !!!.. I made this last night!!! Im so proud of myself and I THANKED you for your Videos and tutorials❤❤❤❤

[@JenniferMaker]

Wonderful! So glad you found it helpful! 💗

[@lakeishaac44]

Love watching your videos. I made the DIY Light Box but I don’t know what size I should make the design to fit in it. Please help

[@debsmith8459]

Love, love, love this! Thank you so much!❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome!💗

[@dalesparkes5988]

I love them all! I can't wait to make one. Thanks! I love your videos!

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm so glad to hear it!💗

[@jnjhawaii5879]

This is so beautiful! I’ve always admired this type of project. I love your step by step which totally inspires me to give it a try. Thank you so much❤

[@JenniferMaker]

You're so welcome! 🌻😊

[@shariz2998]

What a wonderful project. Thank you very much.

[@JenniferMaker]

Glad you like it!💗

[@cpech2]

YES!!!! TY I have asked for this!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY! So happy you're inspired! 😊🌻

[@cindiknighton]

Thank you for this tutorial!

[@JenniferMaker]

Any time!

[@cindiknighton]

@@JenniferMaker ❤️

[@marahsiller1]

This is a really awesome craft idea and such a great video. Thanks so much!

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome!

[@lindap899]

Thank you so much for this Jennifer! You inspire me every time I see one of your videos. Maybe you would consider designing a Nativity light box for us? I would LOVE that. 🥰

[@Cedy_L]

Oh ! Cela serait tellement merveilleux, Noël arrive à grands pas et donc, l’anniversaire de Jésus aussi 🎉😉

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, maybe in the future!

[@annlroe]

Wow - the light box is wonderful. You always have explained the details slowly so that they are easy to understand. Thank you for sharing. Do you have any Christmas light box ideas, I think i have time to get one done for Christmas this year, don't you lol? 😊

[@JenniferMaker]

We have so many shadowbox ideas on our blog for you!

[@nataliejohnson8653]

Hello Jennifer, I just love your tutorials. I love your dresses too. I could not wear anything like this but Lady you wear it well. I was wondering if you could make the paper-cut box designs and other shadow box designs out of basswood or basal wood?

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks so much! Here is a tutorial to check out. jennifermaker.com/layered-mandala-rose-3d/

[@patricialake8968]

I am looking forward to be doing work like this.. Thank you Jennifer.

[@JenniferMaker]

You can do it! 😃❤️

[@chrissydistefano4920]

Thank you for sharing with us 💖💖

[@JenniferMaker]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching! 🌻😊

[@darlenedugie6885]

Hi Jennifer. I would like to make your country farm shadow box, however I would like to make it exactly like yours in your opening video. In the video you show it with what looks like photo mats framing each layer. Do you have the files that will help me do this or instructions how how to create it. Thank you very much for all you do. You are such a joy to watch. Darlene.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you can! You can find it on my blog post here jennifermaker.com/paper-cut-light-box-tutorial/ 🥰

[@angelafarrugia5420]

Thank You you are so giving and talented 💕

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much!💗

[@alysiaweldon9043]

Thank you Jennifer. I love this. I have the fairy lights that are not flat like you show. Can we use them? I tried to make one and it's not coming out at all.

[@JenniferMaker]

If they are too large, they won't work. Just try rearranging them and see how they look. 💕

[@charlarp]

This is awesome, thank you so much!💕💕💕

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm glad you like it

[@karenpippin6486]

Thank you sooo much! ❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

So happy to help!

[@lindaeden1216]

Hi there from Australia. I would really love to make one of these. I have a silhouette of my daughter with her horse which would be perfect to add to your design. I would like to buy the shadow box and was wondering if you would be so kind as to let me know the dimensions ie what size box would suit. Thank you very much for your fabulous and very informative tutorials.

[@JenniferMaker]

All the dimensions are in the blog post linked above. 😊🌻

[@beckyc2486]

Thank you so much Jennifer!!! These are awesome! I was looking through the supplies list though and did not see the link for the shadow box that you purchased though, am I missing it? TIA

[@TheAlibiTent]

I would be interested in where Jennifer purchased the lighted shadow box too 💡

[@JenniferMaker]

Check the materials list, it's linked there. So happy you like our shadowbox!!

[@JenniferMaker]

The shadowbox frames are linked on the materials list. Thanks so much for watching!

[@k8sunny59]

Hello i love this! The shadow box you used (not the paper one) is not listed in the materials above. Can you share where you got yours? I have found 8x10 shadow boxes in craft stores but not 8.5x11. Please help and thank you so much!

[@k8sunny59]

never mind I found them on your BLOG post! link is above to others who can't find it.

[@lolak83]

I love this picture 😊

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you so much! 🌻😊

[@maryjarman791]

Can the diy shadow box frame be resized to a square frame please ??

[@JenniferMaker]

You can but it will change the shape of things or you can cut the ends off.

[@michelesfibers]

So gorgeous! And so much opportunity for personalizing the design! I do have a question. For the DIY shadowbox frame, can I use Kraft board like I do with the mug gift boxes? I'm thinking of something more sturdy than medium card stock. Thanks again for making this design a reality.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you could use Kraft board for the frame. 😊

[@ritamills434]

I have a 9 x 9 ikea box can I customise this to use with this disign. I'm having trouble getting the 12 x 12 paper in uk so can't make the other boxes. which file should I use for these designs. I'm confused

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes, you can change the size in Design Space.

[@ellen37892]

Can I resize this project to fit my 8x8 shadow box? thanks.

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you can resize it. 😊🌻

[@k8sunny59]

@@JenniferMaker Hi Jennifer! Love all of your videos. I am trying to resize the DYI cardstock frame from 6x6 to fit my 8x8 projects but i can't seem to figure out the math to make it come out correctly. Just adding 2 inches doesn't work LOL. can you help?

[@Robsmith1218]

Jennifer You Rock!!! But I have a Silhouette how do I get the files to work there. Thanks for your support!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

I do not own a Silhouette but I know you can use SVG's and you are welcome to use any in my library. Maybe search for someone who works with Silhouette for good advice.

[@annaviolette2734]

I've had a really hard time getting the lights to stick. They end up bubbling. I sometimes use the insert frame and tried to sand it so it has grip. I tried to hot glue and used E-6000. They just don't stick.

[@JenniferMaker]

I'm sorry, did you use the same lights that I did? If not, they are listed and linked in my blog post tutorial.

[@janefuchs7025]

How do you hang the paper cut lightbox?

[@tabithagillmer7088]

I need to learn to do this with my own images

[@JenniferMaker]

You can! jennifermaker.com/custom-shadow-box-cricut-design-space/

[@foxtrottaa]

Have you done lightboxes with photos of people or pets? If so, do you have a tutorial on it or know of a program that can do this?

[@JenniferMaker]

Here is this tutorial. jennifermaker.com/custom-shadow-box-cricut-design-space/ This tutorial includes a photo but not converting the photo. jennifermaker.com/heart-layered-svg/ Also check out cute cutter.

[@lenamarie1964]

Thanks for the video I cant wait to make one, will you ever do a winter scene

[@JenniferMaker]

Possibly!💗

[@marylouletoile1724]

How do I change a dash cut to score on this shadow box. I tried everything but must be missing something

[@JenniferMaker]

Dash cuts and score lines are for easy folding. You can add lines and change them to score.

[@kathleenbaker1702]

Jennifer, I don't see the link for the light box that was purchased for this design. Can you help? Thank you

[@JenniferMaker]

Check the materials list here. jennifermaker.com/paper-cut-light-box-tutorial/

[@ritamills434]

Hi I really want to make this for a wedding gift but I can’t find the 60 lb card stock in 12 x 12 in uk can I use any other card. Thanks

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you can. The better quality the paper will result in cleaner cuts. Look for solid core paper.

[@nancyvigil750]

Oh Yeah😍❤❣

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY! 🥳

[@tararooff9101]

Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

You're welcome!

[@valeriek9143]

What size light box does this fit?

[@ginghambriarsoapery7817]

maybe someone here can help mehowever I can't seem to understand, why do the score lines appear on two separate red color mats? I want to use the scoring tool, but I don't understand the template.

[@JenniferMaker]

You just need to attach the score lines. Take a look at my tutorial jennifermaker.com/cricut-scoring-tools-tips/

[@helenkozerski4067]

My next project!!!💗

[@JenniferMaker]

YAY! Please share a picture of it with us! 🌻😊

[@lindapoole4997]

Yea!

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching! 😊🌻

[@nancygallegos68]

How come my Mat is upset down when I go to make it

[@JenniferMaker]

I am not sure what you are asking.

[@marieallen7420]

This was great!! You have a nice voice and manner!! How do you use the excess LED Strip lights you have left?

[@JenniferMaker]

You can trim the rest or you can loop them around the inside of the frame.

[@marieallen7420]

Thank you

[@lisahughes3012]

i like your video😄

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you!! Thanks for watching! 🌻😊

[@elmoandzoeyable]

Love this! What size is the shadow box? Thank you!

[@JenniferMaker]

All of the supplies are listed in linked on the blog post for you💗

[@vickileblanc6364]

What kind of paper do I need to do this?

[@JenniferMaker]

I list it in the materials list. I use mainly 65 LB solid core paper.

[@bernadettey-g5724]

❤️❤️❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

😊 ♥️ ♥️

[@SaintFrancisSW]

❤️❤️

[@JenniferMaker]

Thank you! 🌻😊

[@harryreidenbach134]

Are there any for a 5 by 7 frame

[@JenniferMaker]

You can adjust the size in Design Space to fit a 5x7 frame.

[@harryreidenbach134]

@@JenniferMaker thx so much I love ur videos

[@lermaopaulino]

My shadow box size is 8" x 10", can I adjust it?

[@JenniferMaker]

Yes you can adjust the frame layers before uniting the design. 😊

[@ShaRenaes]

I want acres !! ❤

[@JenniferMaker]

♥️

[@wowyummyyy]

👍👍👍👍👍 😻😻😻😻😻 💯💯💯 👋👋👋

[@JenniferMaker]

🥳🥳

[@burrowinghabits3465]

:)

[@JenniferMaker]

Thanks for watching!

[@amyentampa]

Hello!!!

[@JenniferMaker]

Hello!😊🌻