Deer Shadow Box (Small Square Version) - Tutorial

Deer Shadow Box by 3dCuts.com, by Marji Roy, Cutting files in .svg, .dxf, png and .pdf formats for use with Silhouette, Cricut and Brother cutting machines, paper crafting files, SVG Files

Project Description

Scroll down for link to video tutorial.

This tutorial is for the 4 layer Deer shadow box designed by 3Dcuts.com. This is the small square version - not the illuminated star version. The process is similar to many of the 4 layer shadow boxes I have designed but this one has a few more added details.

This shadow box is about 6 1/2" square when complete. It comes with an optional hanger if you want to hang it on the wall. It is about 7/8" thick and can also stand on a shelf. 

The impact can be dramatically changed by using different background papers. 

The assembly is easy and basic 3d construction. The cutting of the file is more advanced and requires some skill.

 

Detail view.....

Detail - Deer Shadow box by Marji Roy of 3dcuts.com. This is a cutting file for use on Cricut and Silhouette cutting machine. It is made from card stock. Files available in svg, pdf, png and pdf formats.
Deer Shadow Box by 3dCuts.com, by Marji Roy, Cutting files in .svg, .dxf, png and .pdf formats for use with Silhouette, Cricut and Brother cutting machines, paper crafting files, SVG Files
  • Cutting File available here from 3dcuts.com.
  • 8.5 x 11" card stock - I used the 65lb Cardstock from Recollections 
  • Adhesive - I use Scor-Tape, Art Glitter Glue, and glue dots although other adhesives would work.
  • Scotch tape
  • Foam Dots
  • Back Ground paper: Be creative-  Paper needs to be cut to 6 1/4" square.
  • Tweezers

Major Parts Sizes:

  • Hanger - 6.2597" w x 1.376" h
  • Frame 1 - 8.2694" w x 8.2694" h
  • Frame 2 - 7.2931" w x 7.2931" h
  • Frame 3 - 6.8306" w x 6.8306" h
  • Frame 4 - 8.2014" w x 8.2014" h
  • Land - 3.9278" w x 1.8764" h
  • Grass - 6.2514" w x 2.3681" h
  • Double Pine - 4.6972" w x 1.7848" h
  • Horizon Land - 6.2222" w x 1.4499" h
  • Ferns and Trees Grouped - 6.942" w x 9.9472" h

 

Links to supplies on Amazon:

Steps for completing the Deer Shadow Box:

Special Note: I update the instructions online. Check here for adjustments and additional information. Don't just rely on the pdf file that comes with the download. Learned hints are added to the the tutorial.

1. Download the cutting files for your cutting machine here from the 3dcuts.com store. You can also download a variety of skies to print from 3dcuts.com.

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

3. Prepare the files:.

  • For the Silhouette: The SVG files from this site will need to be turned into cutting files. Click here for detailed steps on how to use SVG files on your Silhouette. http://www.3dcuts.com/tutorial-upload-svg-silhouette
  • DXF files can be opened in the basic edition of Silhouette Design Studio but often require modifications. I recommend using the Designer Edition and using svg files.
  • For Cricut Explore: Here is a guide for importing into Cricut Design Space.  http://www.3dcuts.com/tutorial-adding-3dcuts-files-to-cricut
  • For Brother ScanNCut: The svg files will need to be transferred to files for your particular machine. You can change SVG files to FCM files at  http://www.canvasworkspace.com/ or Google "How to import SVG files into a ScanNCut" for links to tutorials.

4.  Cut the files.

  • All pieces are cut from card stock.
  • Here are the various pieces you will be cutting out.
Layout for cutting files for Deer Box by 3dCuts.com, by Marji Roy, 3D cutting files in .svg, .dxf, png and .pdf formats for use with Silhouette, Cricut and Brother cutting machines, paper crafting files, SVG Files 

Hints on cutting details:

  • Use a good blade. I have found the Silhouette Premium blade to be well worth the money for those of you using Silhouette.
  • A mat in good condition is also important. I use the Nicapa mats from Amazon  Nicapa Cutting Mat (Affiliate Link). You need to use one that still has a lot of stick to it. It helps hold the paper, prevent tearing and assists in separating. 
  • I find settings vary by blade but I use the premium blade, set for heavy card stock and modified on the Silhouette to a depth of 4, speed of 4 and pressure of 33. You can start there but you will probably have to vary it for your blade.
  • It can help to slow the speed down on the more complex cuts.

Background paper:

  • Here you should be creative.
  • I have created skies by doing a water color wash, creating a gradation on the computer, acrylic paints, or buying cloud paper. I have used photos of skies I took with the camera and printed on my inkjet printer.
  • There is are 2 skies included with the download from 3dcuts.com to be printed.
  • It is not included if you purchase through the Silhouette Online store. You can purchase a variety of skies directly from 3dcuts.com here.

6. Assembly

  • The assembly steps are detailed in the video below. Here is the url. https://youtu.be/ydNjJyaWrcI

If you enjoyed making this shadow box visit my page of nature inspired shadow boxes for many additional files from all the seasons. http://3dcuts.com/shadow-boxes-nature-themes

Paper shadow boxes by Marji Roy of 3dcuts.jpeg
3 Robins by marji Roy of 3dcuts.com