3D SnowStar Christmas Ornaments • Version 1

3d SnowStars Christmas Ornaments 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

Note: Silhouette has an incorrect link for the tutorial for the curled v2 card. If you are looking for that tutorial, go here. I am working to get that corrected.

Project Description:

Combine a snowflake with a star, add some 3D geometry and a marvelous 3D Christmas ornament emerges. I have done the geometry in creating the file, all you need to do is cut and assemble using these easy to follow directions.

This star is one of a growing series of files using different designs and varying construction techniques to create a series of intricate ornaments Be sure to check out the expanding collection. This is the first with more to follow shortly.

This first version combines 8 identical cut files into the geometric design to the right. Pictured are a variety of different starting patterns but all were assembled using this same construction technique.

This tutorial doesn't match your file? Here are links to all the SnowStar Tutorials:

3D SnowStar • Version 1

Supplies Needed:

Cutting File available from 3dcuts.com available here.
8 sheets of card stock for each star. I used the 8.5 x 11 65lb Cardstock from Recollections.
Adhesive - Many will work - ScoreTape, Spray glue or glue dots
Ribbon

Parts sizes:

It doesn't mater as long as you make all 8 identical. You can resize the file. A variety of sizes works well together.
I have made it large so only 1 piece fits on 8.5 x 11 and I have made it smaller so that 2 fit per page.

Steps for completing the 3D SnowStar v1:

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.

Important note: These are intricate cuts and you must understand your machine to make intricate cuts. Having a good, clean blade and mat are required. I used the standard card stock settings but also set the Line Segment Overcut option in Silhouette to .2. Not all papers work well with intricate cuts.
Overcut settings are found after you select Card Stock as you material in the cut settings box. Scroll to the bottom and turn ON Line Segment over cut. Then increase both numbers to 0.2. This slows down the speed of the job but makes clearer cuts on the corners.

5. Fold all 8 shapes along the dotted lines.

Each piece has 3 sections of dotted lines that all need to be folded in the same direction. Each piece will form a 3D triangular shape when folded along the lines.
If I reduced the size of the file to create smaller snowstars, I found it helpful to also use a scoring board on the dotted lines. It made folding the tiny edges much easier.

Use a scoring board to score along dotted lines if shapes cut smaller.

6. Glue the overlapping tab on each triangle piece.

For this curly design I used a few glue dots on the tab. If you reduce size, you may want to cut the glue dots in half.

The tab gets glued onto the outside. It will not be visible there.
Use the glue that works for the design. On some a strip of ScoreTape is fast and easy. Some will need glue dots (especially for curvy designs). A tape runner might work. All are appropriate.
I like using the adhesives that keep my hands clean and dry but that is a personal preference.