Easy Paw Print Paper Flower Shadow Box Design – Unique Cricut Gift For For Pet Lovers with FREE SVG
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USE MY FREE TEMPLATE TO EASILY MAKE A GORGEOUS PAPER FLOWER SHADOW BOX FOR THE PET LOVER IN YOUR LIFE – OR YOURSELF!
Paper flower shadow boxes are so much fun to make and even more fun to give as gifts! I’m always looking for new fun ideas and I just love how simple but beautiful this one is! It’s 3d Cricut flowers in the shape of a paw print with a heart! I love it and I hope you do too!
In this post, I’m going to show you how to cut the paw print base and add some flowers to it! It’s really that easy!
As always, having the right tools and techniques is everything so I’ll provide you with everything you need so that your first you’ll be making this Cricut pet project in no time!
To make this shadow box project, all you will need is some cardstock, hot glue, a shadow box, and a Cricut machine (optional). You’ll also need my free paw print and paper flower SVGs but I’m going to give those to you! I love projects that don’t need a ton of materials!
Since I know making shadow boxes can be daunting, I’ve created and bundled the SVG files that will simplify this project for you! No need to search for anything! Just grab my files from my Resource Library, load it into Design Space, cut, and assemble! Read the rest of my post for all the tips and tricks you need to know to make the perfect paw print paper flower shadow box on your first try easily!
Alright… Let’s dive right in! Read below for instructions, tips, and how to download my free Paw Print Paper Flower Shadow Box cut file!
Paw Print Paper Flower Shadow Box Material List
The beauty of this project, is that you don’t need a whole lot. Within just a few minutes, we’re going to turn some very ordinary objects into a gorgeous cricut project for pet lovers! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 65lb Cardstock of your choice
- Hot Glue Gun and glue
- Permanent Matte Black Vinyl
- 8×8 Shadow Box
- Paw Print Shadow Box Template (See form below to access)
Optional Materials:
See? Not a very long list! Here are a few notes about these materials…
Paw Print Flower Shadow Box SVG
Get your FREE paper flower SVG from my FREE Resource Library!
Cardstock
I like 65lb cardstock for my rolled flowers. While you could go with a lower weight cardstock, I tend to avoid going above 65lb otherwise it becomes difficult to roll the flowers.
A note about solid core card stock. Some cardstock isn’t solid core. This means that the center (core) is white. The color doesn’t go all the way through. When selecting your cardstock, just be mindful of this. The white core can make an interesting effect but it’s not for everyone. I tend to use solid core for my flowers.
Shadow Box
I like to make my paper flower shadow boxes in 8×8 size. It’s the perfect size for gifts because it can be used in so many different ways. It’s great for hanging on the wall, placing on a table top, or displaying on a bookshelf!
The one I use is deep enough for the paper flowers and has a stand in case you want to keep it on a tabletop. If you don’t go with the one I’ve linked above, just make sure that you get one that has a similar depth or your flowers may be too deep.
This shadow box also comes with a glass pane AND a plastic one which is perfect if you’re making it as a gift. Some people may prefer glass, other’s plastic… so it’s nice to have the option. Just don’t use the glass if you’re making it for a parent of little ones and store it in a safe spot if you have little kids around. The edges are sharp.
Quilling Tool
The quilling tool makes rolling paper flowers faster and easier on your fingers and it’s very inexpensive. That said, you absolutely CAN make Cricut flowers without one! I describe how to roll paper flowers with or without a quilling tool in my How to make a cricut paper flowers post!
Cricut Machine
Similar to the quilling tool, there is a way to make beautiful paper flowers without a Cricut machine. If you don’t have a Cricut machine and would like to try that out first, read my How to make a cricut paper flowers post for instructions on making paper flowers by hand.
That said, if you don’t have a Cricut machine, you will need to do a bit of extra work since they take much longer to cut by hand. So just plan accordingly.
If you’ve seen a bunch of Cricut projects like this one and you don’t have a Cricut machine, take a look at my Cricut Explore Air 2 Review (2021 Edition) – A complete guide before you buy post! This post will help you decide if getting a Cricut machine is right for you.
Easy Paw Print Paper Flower Shadow Box Design - Cricut Gift For For Pet Lovers
This paper flower shadow box is the perfect cricut pet project! Make this shadow box as a gift for a pet lover or just make it for yourself - it makes beautiful wall art!
Materials
Instructions
Step 1: Download my FREE Paw Print Shadow Box SVG
I know how frustrating it can be when you want to make a project and don't have the Cricut cut files you need to make it. Not everyone has the time, skill, or desire to make custom designs in Cricut Design Space. That's why I love making my free for you to use! Get it here!
Once you upload the file into design space, you can edit it if you want to make this project for a larger shadow box.
If you already have access to my resource library, just click here and enter the password. Look for the file called "Paw Print Shadow Box". (The password to the resource library is at the bottom of my emails if you need it!)
If you don't yet have access to my exclusive resource library with lots of great craft patterns, tools, and templates, you can get access to it right now for FREE! Just click here or use the form at the bottom of this post!
Step 2: Upload the FREE Paw Print Shadow Box SVGs to Design Space
Next you'll want to unzip the file you got from my resource library and upload the SVG file to Design Space.
You'll notice a number of files in the zip file. There is a rights and usage file, 2 paper flower templates, and 2 versions of the paw print base (cardstock) and vinyl. If you prefer the way the upside down heart looks in the images in this post, make sure to use the files that say "upside down heart". If you like the heart right side up, use the files that don't say "upside down". I wanted to give you both options!
If you haven't done this before, here are the steps:
1. Open design space
2. Click “New Project”
3. Click “Upload”
4. Click “Upload Image”
5. Select the Paw Print SVG file (remember that you need to unzip the file)
6. Click “Upload”
7. Select the file you just uploaded from the library
8. Click “Insert Images”
At this point you can resize things if you want to make a shadow box bigger than 8×8. If you want to stick with the 8×8 shadow box, click on the field next to the "H" at the top and change it to 6.5.
Click “Make It” and follow the prompts. This will cut your pieces separately which is fine because you'll be arranging them by hand. If you do want to cut them all in the right position, just right click and "attach" before clicking "Make it".
Next you will need to cut your rolled flower templates also included in the zip file. Pick the flower style you want (or use both) and then cut some flowers ranging from 3-4.5 inches. I used 14 flowers but you may need more or less depending on the size you use.
Step 3: Cut Your 3D Paper Flowers and Paw Print
Select the cardstock sheets that you'd like to use for this project. Again how many sheets you need will depend on the style you choose to go with for the flowers and the sizes. Expect to need about 5 or so pages.
Cut all your parts at once. Don't try to roll your flowers as other flowers are being cut. It gets too hectic. Instead batch your project. Cut everything at once. Then roll your flowers. Then assemble your shadow box. You'll thank me later!
Do you have 12x24 mats for your Cricut? If so, you can lay 2 12x12 pieces of cardstock along a 12x24 size mat and cut 2 pages at once! Just make sure to adjust the mat size in Design Space.
Don't throw out your scraps! If this is a gift and you need to ship it to the recipient, you can stuff the scraps in the box to protect your work of art! It's a great way to reuse your scraps!
Step 4: Roll and Assemble Your Cricut Paper Flowers
If you're new to rolling paper flowers, let me warn you - this is going to be addictive! Turning a regular spiral into a gorgeous 3D paper flower using just some paper and a Cricut Machine is just AMAZING!
I've got a full rolling full rolling paper flower tutorial that I highly recommend that you check out before you do this step. It will cover everything you need to know and more!
In short though, you're going to curl the paper flower spiral you just cut from the outside in and towards you. When you get to the very center, you'll add a drop of hot glue to the very center and then press the "flap" - that little circle at the center - onto the glue and hold it for a few seconds until it cools. That's it!
Step 5: Assemble Your Paw Print Paper Flower Shadow Box
If you purchased the shadow box I linked to above, you're going to have a frame, an inner box, backing, a foam board, a pane of glass and a pane made of plastic.
Step 6: Put Your Shadow Box Together
Open the back of the shadow box and remove the inside pieces.
With CLEAN hands, place your glass or plastic pan into the shadow box through the back. Then place the foam board with the wooden frame back into the box.
Put the back of the box back on (making sure that it's facing up) and you're done!
Step 7 (Optional): Add vinyl to the glass
Follow similar steps to cut your vinyl. Here's how.
1. Load the file that says vinyl and follow the prompts to cut it. You may need to select all and choose "attach" if they look like they will cut seperately.
2. Turn your cricut dial to "vinyl" or select vinyl from the prompts on the screen.
3. Place a piece of vinyl on your mat with the black side up and load it into the cricut.
4. Follow the Design Space prompts to cut it.
5. Remove the mat from teh Cricut Machine and take the vinyl off the mat.
6. Weed your vinyl. You can likely remove the outside piece by hand and then quickly use the weeding tool to remove the inner portions.
7. Place a piece of transfer take over the black vinyl and press down to make sure it sticks.
8. Turn your vinyl and transfer tape over so that the back of the vinyl (white) is facing up.
9. Fold back the top of the vinyl backing to expose about an inch of the vinyl.
10. Turn the vinyl and transfer tape around and line it up with your glass. Do your best to line it up with yuor flowers.
11. Press down on the exposed vinyl to lock that part into place and then carefully peel back the rest of the backing while pressing down on the vinyl to press it into place.
Step 8: (Optional) Turn your glass around
This is optional, but at this point, you can take your shadow box apart again and flip your glass around so that the vinyl is on the inside. This will help protect the vinyl and can look better. This isn't an option with all types of vinyl so check yours to see if it looks good backwards.
That's it! You did it!
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Frequently asked questions about Paper Flower Shadow Box Projects
What is the best paper flower shadow box sizing?
For this project, we aren’t filling the whole shadow box with flowers. Instead, we’re only placing flowers in a specific shape within the shadow box – the shape of a paw print! So.. you don’t have to worry as much about sizing. If you are interested in doing a full paper flower shadow box, check out my American Flag Paper Flower Shadow Box project! It includes details about how to size flowers for that type of shadow box.
For this one though, we are going to make really small flowers. See the instructions for the recommended size flowers for this project.
Why matte Vinyl?
Since the glass is already shiny on this shadow box, I think it looks best with matte vinyl. Otherwise there could be too much shine or glare when the light hits it. This helps it stand out.
Does the vinyl need to be permanent?
If you are leaving the vinyl on the outside, then yes, I think you need to use permanent vinyl so that you can clean the glass as needed without ruining it. If however, you decide to turn the glass around, you could be able to use removable with out any likely issue.
Now let’s see your shadow box!
I hope you found this helpful! Still have questions? Comment below and I’ll answer ASAP and maybe even add your question to the FAQ section!
I’d love to see YOUR paper flower shadow box! Please share a photo on social media with #analyticalmommy or tag me @analyticalmommy so I can see your amazing creation! Each and every shadow box is unique and I’d love to see yours!
More of the Best Easy Cricut Paper Flower Projects
- Paper Flower Bouquet which is great for home decor – especially in the spring! Or as a Mother’s Day gift!
- Paper Flower Decorate Picture Frame (Perfect for Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!)
- American Flag Paper Flower Shadow Box
Also check out how I organize our craft space AND made the perfect spot for homework too!
I hope you enjoyed this easy Cricut pet project as much as I do! Enjoy you Paw Print Paper Flower shadow box!
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