How to Make Simple Nativity Insert Cards
LEARN HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE YET POIGNANT NATIVITY CARDS USING ANY CRICUT CUTTING MACHINE
Here is another Quick & Easy Christmas Card for you all. This time, a simple yet poignant Nativity Insert Card.
Like all of my insert cards on the blog, you can use any Cricut cutting machine to create this card. In the download, you will find two folders inside. One for Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker and one for Cricut Joy.
For this tutorial, I will be using my Cricut Maker as well as the corresponding SVG file. To make this card on a Cricut Joy, follow the basic steps from my GIngerbread Man Insert Card tutorial.
Note: The version for the Cricut Joy is only the design so it would be best to use Cricut’s Insert Card Packs available at most craft stores!
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.
You can purchase the SVG file for this project in my shop here.
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 INSERT CARDS – 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 LightGrip Cutting Mat (blue) or Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cardstock.I am using my white cardstock for the card base and blues for the insert and envelope.
- Glue or adhesive
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Brayer
Nativity Insert Cards
This tutorial will show you how to make a quick yet beautiful Nativity Insert Card on any Cricut cutting machine.
Materials
- My Nativity Insert Card
- Cardstock
- 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) or LIghtGrip Cutting Mat (blue)
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Stylus
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Brayer
Instructions
STEP 1 - PURCHASE & DOWNLOAD THE SVG CUT FILE
You can purchase the Nativity Insert Card 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 CARD LAYERS
The file will upload into Cricut Design Space grouped together. You will want to hit the UNGROUP button to separate the layers.
STEP 4 - CONVERT FOLD LINES TO SCORE LINES
Scroll down the list in the LAYERS panel and find the envelope. Click the fold line.
Change the fold lines to score lines by changing the OPERATION from BASIC CUT to SCORE.
Attach the score line and the envelope by highlighting the GROUP the envelope is under and selecting the ATTACH option in lower right hand corner.
Repeat this step for the outer card.
Click the GREEN Make It Button.
STEP 5 - MAKE YOUR MATERIAL SELECTIONS AND PREPARE YOUR MATS
You will see the three layers for this card 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 6 - 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 scoring wheel and fine point cutting blade.
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 6 for until all layers have been cut.
STEP 7 - ASSEMBLE YOUR CARD
Now that everything is cut, we can start to assemble the card.
First, fold the outer card along the score line.
Burnish the fold with your scraper.
Next, open the card and carefully place the insert into the slits on the outer card.
STEP 8 - FORM THE ENVELOPE
To make the envelope, begin by folding along the score lines and press the folds with your scraper.
Add glue to the back of the inlay panel as well as around the cutout on the envelope.
Place the inlay panel over the cutout on the envelope making sure to center it well.
Add glue to the bottom of the side flaps.
Bring the bottom flap up and press to form the envelope.
Your card and envelope are complete.
I hope you make this one to send out to family and friends as reminder for the reason for the season.
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 Holidays!
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Thank you for linking to economical paper choices. Particularly when I am making several cards or decorations at Christmas, I use the Colorbok products. I know that simple greeting cards or table decorations will be tossed by year end, and I hate to use expensive cardstock as we are retired on fixed income and I don’t sell my work. Thanks.
It is my pleasure!
I have tried several times to get this to cut out on my Joy correctly and it just wouldn’t work.
I enjoy your designs but after ruining several pieces of card stock, I will move on.
Nancy, I’m sorry you’re running into issues. May I ask what it is that you were having trouble with?
I just signed up for your site, Oh my goodness, I wish I would have found you sooner! Love all the designs and looking forward to making some cards! Thank you!
Thank you, Charolette!
Thank you, looking forward to making this for our shut-ins at church.
Hi
I love your new nativity card, but I can’t bring it into design space. It will only open in Inkscape. Am I doing something wrong? I downloaded the other nativity card with no problem and not new to Cricut.
Thanks Ann Marie
Ann Marie,
I’m not too sure why you wouldn’t be able to bring it into Design Space. When you try to upload it, does Design Space give you an error message?