Mermaid Box Cards
LEARN HOW TO MAKE FUN MERMAID IN A BOTTLE BOX CARDS USING YOUR CRICUT CUTTING MACHINE
This month for our Design Squad group, we needed to create a free cut file with a mermaid theme. Coming up with a mermaid card seemed odd to me at first. However, I started seeing these message in a bottle type cards as I was searching for nautical decor for our cabin. Intrigued, I set out to create on of my own and this Mermaid in a Bottle Box Card was born!
It is a bit different from my other box cards in that you don't use glue to adhere the sides to front and back pieces. Everything fits together with slits and tabs. It can be a little tricky to fit everything into place but don't give up. Take your time and believe me. Once you do, the result is incredible!
This card folds flat for easy mailing and makes for beautiful decor. In fact, I made a few designs and are displaying them in our cabin right now!
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 free file can be found in the Free File Library for Free Members.
Basic and Premium Members can download the SVG cut file for this project in the File Library.
Not a Member? Click here or the link at the bottom of the page to join!
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.
MERMAID BOX CARDS – MATERIALS LIST
- I am using my Cricut Maker. You could also use your Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Explore 3, or Cricut Maker 3!
- Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Scoring Stylus
- Heavy weight Cardstock for bottle pieces
- Medium weight Cardstock for overlays
- Glue
- Cricut Brayer
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Tweezers (optional)
Mermaid in a Bottle Box Cards
Create fun 3D cards with a mermaid scene using this easy tutorial.
Materials
- My FREE Mermaid in a Bottle Box Card SVG Cut File
- Heavy weight cardstock for the bottle (100 lb or higher)
- Cardstock for the scene overlays. I am using white medium weight cardstock.
- Glue
Tools
- A way to cut out your cardstock. I am using my FABULOUS Cricut Maker!
- Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Stylus
- Cricut Brayer
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Tweezers (optional)
Instructions
STEP 1 - DOWNLOAD THE SVG CUT FILE
Download the SVG Cut file for the Mermaid in a Bottle Box Card (#87) from The File Vault. Get access by joining the club.
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.
You will see I have set all the score lines for you.
Click the GREEN Make It button.
STEP 3 - MAKE YOUR MATERIAL SELECTIONS AND PREPARE YOUR MATS
You will see the six layers for this card in the mat preview. You can cut that number down to five if you move the envelope pieces to one mat. Click the CONTINUE button.
For this tutorial, I am using a combination of Heavy Cardstock for the bottle pieces and Medium Cardstock for the scene overlays and envelope. Select your materials accordingly.
I suggest you change your pressure setting to MORE.
Attach your cardstock to the Cricut StandardGrip Mat using the Cricut Brayer.
STEP 4 - 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 4 for until all layers have been cut.
STEP 5 - ASSEMBLE YOUR CARD
Now that everything is cut, we can start to assemble the card.
Start by adding the scene overlays to the blue bottle pieces.
Add glue to one side of the message panel.
Place the message panel on the solid blue bottle piece making sure to center it.
Next, add the brown embellishments to the side pieces as well as the corks on the corresponding bottle pieces.
Now, place the back bottle piece onto your table so the blue side is facing you.
Add the mermaid layer on top of the back piece making sure to line up the slits.
Add dots of glue around the mermaid where you want the fish to swim.
Place the fish on the glue. The Cricut Tweezers can help tremendously with this!
Next, take a look at side pieces. Make sure the tabs can move freely from the slots.
Starting from the back, begin to add the bottle pieces to the side pieces.
Carefully lower the bottle piece into the slits on the side piece. You may need to use your fingers to move the bottle piece into place.
Once the bottle piece sits all the way into the slit, make sure the tabs on both pieces are through the holes.
Continue this process until all bottle pieces are placed into the side piece.
Repeat this process for the other side.
Once complete, the top of your card (looking down) should look like this.
Take a look at the side pieces to make sure everything is sitting right.
Use your fingers to help nudge things in place if need be.
The card itself is done. Now, give the card a fold to check alignment.
STEP 6 - ASSEMBLE THE ENVELOPE
Begin by folding the side flaps along the score line.
Burnish the folds with your scraper.
Fold the main envelope piece along the score lines and burnish.
Place glue on the underside of the top flap.
Add the colored inlay panel to the top flap.
Now, add glue to the tabs on the side flaps.
Place on either side of the envelope making sure the edges line up and they point inward.
When folded out, the envelope should look like this.
Add glue to the bottom of the side flaps.
Bring the bottom flap up forming the envelope.
You are ready to mail your card!
I just love the little scene of this card. I hope you do too!
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 your cards turn out!
MORE FREE MERMAID CUT FILES
Want more Mermaid cut files and designs? See the links below to see fun cut files from some of my favorite designers and bloggers!
Tattoo Style Salty Mermaid – Persia Lou
Print and Cut Mermaids – Amy Robison
Seashell Mini Pinata – Studio Xtine
Mermaid Mode – Polka Dotted Blue Jay
Mermaid Zipper Pouch – Oh Yay Studio
Mermaid Scales Banner – Gina C. Creates
Forever Mermaid Tail – Pen + Posh
Make a Big Splash – Kayla Makes
Salty and Sweet Mermaid – Poofy Cheeks Blog
Mermaid Craft Container – Me and My Inklings
Mermaid Scales Heart – Liz on Call
Mermaid Box Cards – The Bearded Housewife
Vintage Sunset Salty Mermaid – The Walnut Street House
Mermaid Kisses and Starfish Wishes – Sunshine and Munchkins
Sparkle Shine Make a Splash – Lettered by Stephanie
Mermaid Vibes Only – Tam’s Sweet Life (link no longer available)
Vitamin Sea Mermaid – Spot of Tea Designs
Mermaid Essentials – Simply Made Fun
Free as the Ocean – Tried & True Creative
Summer Mermaid – Polka Dotted Blue Jay
Happy Crafting!
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LOOOOVe the layers in this! So cute!
Thanks, Emily!!
hi I love this tutorial I would of loved to have made but unfortunately its 403 forbidden.??
Hi, Amanda!
We had a little hiccup with our web server earlier but it should be all fine and dandy now. 😊
This is so awesome! I have been wanting to try something 3D and I think this is just the thing.
Thanks so much, Kelsey!! It was so fun to design!
This is so cool. I am gonna make one for my daughter. Thank you!
It is my pleasure, Renuka! I hope you share pictures with me when you make it!
Love this! My daughter is a mermaid fan, so will probably make this for her birthday next year! I love these shadowbox cards – the mother’s day one was a big hit with my mom!
Marianne,
I love that your mom liked the Mother’s Day Shadow Box Card! I hope your daughter loves the mermaid card, too!
This mermaid in a bottle card is adorable! I love the whole scene, so much cuter than a ship in a bottle. lol Love all your mermaid projects, they are all so cute for that little girl on one’s life. Hugs, Brenda
Thanks so much, Brenda! I hope you make this one!
Thanks for sharing the mermaid box card in a bottle video tutorial
Thank you so much for this super cute card! It was quick and easy to make, and now I have to figure out who the lucky recipient will be! I love all your designs, and I really appreciate that they are free for all of us “thrifty” crafters!
Oh, I’m so glad you liked it, Lori!
Thank you for the compliment. I hope you post a picture of your Mermaid card on my Facebook page! I’d love to see it.
The layers on this blows my mind!
Thank you, Elise!
I love it and I made it!! My envelope is all wonkie…there weren’t any score lines but for my first time I am impressed with myself!! Thank you
Sue,
I am so happy to hear this! You did great!!
Please can you tell me the finished dimensions of this card both standing and folded flat?
Folded flat, the card measures roughly 8.5×3 inches.
Standing open, it measures roughly 7×3 inches.
Love the this card and envelope! Made it for my granddaughters 5th birthday.
I’m so glad you like it! I hope your granddaughter loves it!!
Made this card for my 4 year old Granddaughter, she loves it! Thank you.