How to Make Pretty Forever and Always Shadow Boxes
LEARN HOW TO MAKE PRETTY SHADOW BOXES FOR THE NEWLYWEDS ON YOUR CRICUT CUTTING MACHINE
Isn't this shadow box pretty? So sweet and perfect for a wedding gift, decor at the reception, or even an anniversary!
I do have three versions of this shadow box within the download. I explain how to only cut the version you want to make in the tutorial below.
While I will be using the straight couple version in this tutorial, I have included a gay and lesbian couple as well!
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 Wedding Week 2025.
You can purchase the individual cut file in my shop here.
Want access to the entire Wedding themed 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.
FOREVER AND ALWAYS 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, pinks and reds.
- Shadow Box
- Foam Squares (optional)
- Glue or adhesive
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Brayer
Forever and Always Shadow Box
This tutorial will show you how to make a pretty shadow box for a wedding couple.
Materials
- My Forever and Always 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 THE SVG CUT FILE
You can purchase the SVG Cut File for the Forever and Always Shadow Box in 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 - UNGROUP & RESIZE DESIGN (OPTIONAL)
Due to there being more than one version of this shadow box, you will need to ungroup the design by clicking UNGROUP on the Layers Panel.
Highlight the layers you do not want to cut and click delete.
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.
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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