3D Beach Umbrella- Assembly Tutorial

3d Paper Beach Umbrella by 3dCuts.com, Marji Roy designs 3D cutting files in .svg, .dxf, and .pdf formats for use with Silhouette and Cricut cutting machines, paper crafting files, picnic fun

Project Description:

Need a colorful 3D beach umbrella for your tabletop centerpiece? Here is a quick and easy cutting file for one.

This beach umbrella was designed to go with the Adirondack Chair file. The sizing is such that when paired they work beautifully together. This is the tutorial for the umbrella and the tutorial for the Adirondack chair is here.

3D Beach Umbrella

Supplies Needed:

Cutting File available here from 3dcuts.com.
8.5 x 11" card stock - I used the 65lb Cardstock from Recollections in 4 different colors.
Adhesive - I prefer ScorTape for this type of project but others work as well.
3/16" dowel or chop stick about 9" long.

Parts sizes: (For those importing into Design Space) - in inches

All pieces grouped - 6.310" w X 7.905"h
Each Umbrella Wedge - 2.265" w X 5.055"h
Umbrella Support - 2.665" w X 2.665"h
Flag - 2.790" w X .640"h

Steps for completing the 3D Beach Umbrella:

1. Download the cutting files for your cutting machine.

2. Load the files into your cutting software following the steps for your cutting machine.

3. Prepare the files:.

Click here for detailed steps on how to use .SVG files on your Silhouette (with Design Studio).
Click here for steps on how to use these .SVG files in Design Space with your Cricut Explore.

4. Cut the files from the card stock of your choice.

I used 4 different colors cutting each wedge 3 times in each color. This is your choice. Since there are 12 sections you could do alternating 2 colors or 3 colors with 4 each.

5. Fold all wedges.

There are 2 dotted fold lines on each wedge. Fold them all in the same direction.
Don't get mixed up here. If you fold one in the opposite direction, it will not fit.

. 6. Assemble the umbrella.

Apply adhesive along the outside of the long tab of the first wedge. I like to use ScorTape for this type of project but many other adhesives will work as well.

Carefully align the point of the next wedge in place and press it onto the adhesive of the previous strip.
The non-tab side on one wedge completely overlaps the tab on the next wedge.
Continue around the umbrella top gluing the wedges in place.
Be careful on the order of colors and always keep the center point lined up.

The 12 wedges will not form a complete circle.
Glue the tab on the last wedge under the first wedge to form the umbrella top.

7. Insert the pole and brace.

I used a standard disposable chop stick as the center post. A 3/16" dowel with one end slightly pointed would work as well.

Slide the cross brace down the center post from the pointed end. It should be snug and should need to spin it to open the cut hole enough to fit around the post.
Push it down so it is about 1" from the top.
Ben up all 4 arms along the dotted score line.

Insert the pointed end of the dowel through the center of the umbrella top.
Put glue dots on the top side of each of the tabs on the cross brace.
Adhere each tab to the umbrella underside being carefully to align it evenly.

This image shows the cross brace correctly applied. It stabilizes the position of the umbrella on the post.

8. Add the top flag

Wrap the flag around the tip of the post above the umbrella and glue that in place, to the pole and to itself.
The flag will keep the umbrella from sliding off the post.

Display Suggestions:

You can rest the umbrella on its side.
Stick the end into a ball of florist clay to help it stand.
Use it on a cake.

Download the Adirondack Chair file and make a pair of chairs to place with the umbrella.