How to Make Summer on the Beach Shadow Box Cards


LEARN TO MAKE COOL SUMMER SHADOW BOX CARDS ON YOUR CRICUT CUTTING MACHINE
How fun is this one? I love shadow box cards because they stand up on their own adding a little decor to your summertime.
There are a good amount of layers to this one but it comes together pretty easy!
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 Summer Craft Party 2024.
You can purchase the individual cut file in my shop here.
Looking for more? Get the digital cut file, video tutorial, and printable worksheet by purchasing the class here.
Want access to the entire Summer Craft Party 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.
SUMMER ON THE BEACH SHADOW BOX CARD – MATERIALS LIST
- I am using my Cricut Maker 3. You could also use your Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Explore 3, or Cricut Maker!!
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Scoring Stylus
- Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cardstock. I am using my standard white cardstock, browns, greens, oranges, blues, reds, and yellows.
- Glue or adhesive
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Brayer

Summer on the Beach Shadow Box Cards
This tutorial will show you how to make a fun shadow box card for summertime.
Materials
- My Summer on the Beach Shadow Box Card SVG Cut File
- Cardstock
- Glue
Tools
- A way to cut out your cardstock. I am using my FABULOUS Cricut Maker but you can a Cricut Explore series too!
- Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Stylus
- Cricut Brayer
- Cricut Scraper
Instructions
STEP 1 - PURCHASE & DOWNLOAD THE SVG CUT FILE
You can purchase the Summer on the Beach Shadow Box Card SVG Cut File 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 THE DESIGN
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 and 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 and selecting the ATTACH option in lower right hand corner.
Repeat this step for the card base and all three of the inside tab pieces.
Click the GREEN Make Button.
STEP 5 - MAKE YOUR MATERIAL SELECTIONS AND PREPARE YOUR MATS
Click ON THE MAT and then CONTINUE.
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 and burnish the folds on the card base.
Next, attach the larger white square to the back of the card base.
Mat and layer the messaging panel.
Time to assemble toe inside tab pieces.
Fold and burnish the score lines on the inside tab piece.
Layer the inside tab piece. I do have a Layering Guide within the download for you to refer to.
Repeat this for the remaining two inside tab pieces.
Add glue to the left tab on the yellow inside tab piece and attach to the left side of the card base. Make sure to line up the edges.
Repeat for the other two inside tab pieces.
Fold the card flat and add glue to the three tabs on the right side.
Fold the card base over to attach the tabs to the right side.
Add glue to the left front tab and attach the front frame piece.
Repeat for the other side.
Flip the card over and attach the messaging panel to the back.
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.
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.
With the side flaps folded in, bring the bottom flap up and carefully press to form the envelope.
Your card and envelope are 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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Nick, thnk you for all of the summer fun projects. They are all so fabulous! Very creative.
Thank you, this card is adorable.