How to Make Nativity Shadow Boxes
LEARN TO MAKE SHADOW BOXES CELEBRATING THE REASON FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON ON YOUR CRICUT CUTTING MACHINE
Each year, I try to do a design that incorporates The Nativity. It is, in fact, the reason for the season.
This year, I hope you like this shadow box design!
In this tutorial, I’ll give you my step by step instructions and tell you what materials I think work best when making this project.
This file is part of Holidays with the Housewife 2024.
You can purchase the individual cut file in my shop here.
Want access to the entire Christmas event? Click here to learn more.
This post contains some affiliate links (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you). Read my full disclosure policy here.
NATIVITY SHADOW BOX – MATERIALS LIST
- I am using my Cricut Maker. You could also use your Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Explore 3, Cricut Maker 3, or Cricut Joy!!
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Scoring Stylus
- Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cardstock. I am using my standard white cardstock and blues.
- Shadow Box
- Foam Squares (optional)
- Glue or adhesive
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Brayer
Nativity Shadow Box
This tutorial will show you how to make a shadow box for Christmas and the reason for the season.
Materials
- My Nativity Shadow Box SVG Cut File
- Cardstock
- Foam Squares (optional)
- Shadow Box
- Glue or adhesive
Tools
- A way to cut out your cardstock. I am using my FABULOUS Cricut Maker but you can use any current Cricut machine.
- Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cricut Brayer
- Cricut Scraper
Instructions
STEP 1 - PURCHASE & DOWNLOAD THE SVG CUT FILE
You can purchase the Nativity Shadow Box SVG Cut File from my shop here.
STEP 2 - UPLOAD THE SVG FILE TO CRICUT DESIGN SPACE
If you aren't familiar with uploading SVG files into Design Space, take a look at my quick and easy tutorial here. Using your smartphone? Click here for my step-by-step guide on uploading SVG files with the Cricut App.
STEP 3 - RESIZE DESIGN (OPTIONAL)
I have sized the project to fit into the shadow box I list in the Materials List. If you want to use another shadow box, follow these steps.
The overall dimensions should be 6.5 x 6.5 inches.
Using the sizing bar, resize your shadow box to the inner dimensions of the shadow box you are using. Make sure to leave the proportions locked.
Click the GREEN Make It button.
STEP 4 - MAKE YOUR MATERIAL SELECTIONS AND PREPARE YOUR MATS
You will see the layers for this project in the mat preview.
Click the CONTINUE button.
For this tutorial, I am using Medium Cardstock. Select your materials accordingly.
Attach your cardstock to the Cricut StandardGrip Mat using the Cricut Brayer.
STEP 5 - LOADING YOUR MATS AND CUTTING YOUR MATERIALS
To load the mat into the machine, press the double arrows button. Do make sure that the mat is positioned under the mat guides.
You will know the machine is ready to cut your material when you see the flashing "C" button. Press that to start the cut.
Follow Design Space prompts to change out the mats.
Once the cut is complete, make sure to peel the mat away from the cardstock rather than the cardstock from the mat. This will prevent any curling of your design.
Repeat Step 5 for until all layers have been cut.
STEP 6 - ASSEMBLE YOUR SHADOW BOX
Now that everything is cut, we can start to assemble the shadow box.
Add foam squares to the back of the layers if desired.
Prep your shadow box by removing all packaging and taking out the backing.
Begin layering the design together from front to back. Refer to the Layering Guide for this.
Seal up the shadow box.
Your project is complete.
Post a photo in the comment section or tag your projects on social media @thebeardedhousewife using the hashtag #beardedhousewife! I’d love to see how yours turn out!!
Happy Crafting!
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I have enjoyed you 12 days of cut files Thank you
The Bearded Housewife makes beautiful cards and other paper projects. Each one is more beautiful that the previous one. I love watching his tutorials. They are so informative and complete. Thank you for doing this for all of us.
These past 12 days have flown by! So glad I’m a member so I get the extra time to complete and all the bonus crafts. Your tutorials are my favorite! All beginners should start with you. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and creative talents with us.
Nick, thank you again for a wonderful 12 days of beautiful paper crafts. The versatility in all the designs is what really excites me. Your nativity cards have started a tradition for me. I’ve sent the last two years to my stepmother and she loves them! Can’t wait to make this shadowbox this year! I may make an easel for this and mount on cardboard rather than shipping a frame, but either way this will be a nice holiday decor item for years to come.
Thank You for your amazing designs & tutorials.
Great projects, missed one day,
Thanks for the 12 days of projects and cut files!
Thank you for 12 days with lovely christmas projects and clear instructions (as always). Just moved so nearly everything sigh in boxes. Speeding up so I can craft again.
Thank you for i love all your projects this year
I have really enjoyed your 12 days of Christmas count down. you have giving me a lot of card that I can make for my family and friends. I really like the shadow box I am going to put some fairy lights in it to really make it stand out more then it already does. Thank you again I cant wait for the next one. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday.
I am just a little upset I did accidentally delete the first one as i was going threw and deleting the ones i already extracted. and it was my 2nd favorite one.
Great shadow box and I know who to make it for! Thanks Nick. Another successful year of Holidays with the Housewife!
Thank you. I’m a beginner and hope I will be able to make a few of your projects.
My in-laws will love this. I may try to put fairy lights in it. Thanks!