Stacked Squares Shadow Box - Tutorial

Project Description

Here is another wall decor item using the stacked and spacer layer technique I first developed in the Valentine project. Here I am moving on into geometric themes with a stacked square design. There is a whole collection of these many based on classic quilt designs. These papers constructions are design for standard purchased shadow box frames and can be re-sized to fit yours.

Cutting File available here from https://3dcuts.com/stacked-shadow-boxes/stacked-squares

 

Supplies needed:

  • Cutting File available here from 3dcuts.com.https://3dcuts.com/stacked-shadow-boxes/stacked-squares

  • Card stock - I used the 65lb Cardstock Neenah from Amazon - affiliate link below- for the white. The colors are all from Michaels Recollections collection.

  • Foam dots thin (1/16”)

  • Frame - I recommend you watch the video for the measurements on the frame. I purchased an 8 x 8 frame. It is really 8.75 x 8.75 outside measurements but the interior space was 7.5 x 7.5”. You can re-size to fit any square frame.

Major Parts Sizes - as download.

Measure the inside of your frame first. Cut all square layers to match that. Mine were:

  • All square layers • 7.5” square

The download will include the 8 layers of the design in one stack as shown to the right. You will need to separate those in 8 different files as shown below but resize before you do. If you need to resize for your frame, group all together, resize proportionally, ungroup and separate. Precision is important to this design.

If your frame is deep you might need the optional back supports. I would use corrugated cardboard squares to fill the space.

Steps for completing the Stacked Squares:

Special Note: I update the instructions online. Check here for adjustments and additional information.

1. Download the cutting files for your cutting machine here from the 3dcuts.com store.https://3dcuts.com/stacked-shadow-boxes/stacked-squares . For those of you that are reading this as a pdf I recommend viewing it online at my tutorials page at this url. https://3dcuts.com/stacked-squares-tutorial There all the links will be live.

2. Load the files into your cutting software following the steps for your cutting machine. Re-size if necessary and then ungroup and separate all layers.

  • For the Silhouette:

  • SIL Files from uploaded SVG purchased from 3dcuts.com:

    • The SVG files may 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. DXF files do not always maintain file sizes and you may need to adjust according to sizes noted above.

  • For Cricut Explore: Here is a guide for importing into Cricut Design Space. http://www.3dcuts.com/tutorial-adding-3dcuts-files-to-cricut. Remember to ATTACH files before cutting in 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. Some models of Brother Scan N Cut can directly import the SVG files. Some files are on 12” mat so you may need to select 12 x 24” mat for correct sizing.

3.  Cut the files after separating layers.

  • It is best to have good quality card stock and a good blade and clean, sticky mat. I use the Premium blade and the Nicapa mat.

4. Assembly

5. Share

I love to see your finished projects. Please send photos to me at marji@3dcuts.com or share your photos on facebook, facebook crafting groups, pinterest and instagram.

6. Give

Who are you making this for? Enjoy giving.

If you try something new please share it. You can also send it to me at marji@3dcuts.com.

Links to other variations of the stacked shadow boxes……