3D LAYERED NATIVITY
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One of my very favorite things at Christmas is looking at all the beautiful Nativity scenes in stores. For years, I’ve been wanting a nativity to put up at Christmas, but have yet to find just the one I want to purchase.
This 3D layered design comes apart and can be stored in the base which is also a box. Easy to send to loved ones that may not live close this year or store away for future years.
When I started designing layered designs, I just knew that I wanted to try my hand at a nativity. This design has been in the works for a few months now, and just finally came together this week.
I don’t mind if you use these designs for personal or small business commercial use up to 200 items, but please do not re-sell or re-distribute the files. I’d ask that you direct your crafty friends here to download the files themselves. Also, I don’t allow my designs to be used in print-on-demand shops or on transfers that will be sold. Click HERE for complete Terms of Service.
- 65lb Cardstock – I used 11 sheets of 8.5×11″ white cardstock
- 80lb Cardstock or Kraft Board – Two pieces of 12×12″ cardstock is needed for the base/box.
- Glitter or Foil Cardstock – Just a small piece of gold (or accent) for the star.
- Crafter’s Tape
- Art Glitter Glue
- 3D Zots
- Fairy Lights
- Brayer
- Scoring Stylus or Scoring Wheel
- Light Grip (blue) Mat – Used for the 65lb. cardstock.
- Standard Grip (green) Mat– Use a green mat for the 80lb. cardstock.
- Cricut Machine – This project can be made with a Maker, Explore, or Joy
- Design #108 – 3D Layered Nativity SVG – The free cut file (available in my freebie vault—get the password at the bottom of this post).
Note on lights: I used warm white lights for the Nativity pictured.
HOW TO CUT AND ASSEMBLE A 3D LAYERED NATIVITY
The download zip file for this design includes four SVG files. Because of all the different pieces, I broke up the SVG cut file into sections to make it easier to work with.
Once the download has been completed, unzip the download folder.
Upload the section you’d like to first cut. When working on a desktop computer, the files usually stay the correct size. In case they have changed, I’m listing below the different dimensions. Also, if you need to resize the project, it would be best to upload all four SVG and resize simultaneously so that all proportions remain correct.
*Manger Frame 18.907″x13.323″
*Nativity Base Box 11.094″x11.093″
*Nativity People 10.413″x10.823″
*Roof Top Pieces 10.171″x9.597″
To cut the 65lb. paper on my Cricut Maker, I use the “Light Cardstock” setting on a blue mat. Use a brayer to keep the paper from slipping. I used Kraft Board setting to cut the Kraft Board on a green mat.
View step-by-step assembly on the video below.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
PLEASE SHARE PRIOR TO DOWNLOADING
Please share! If you enjoy this project/design, please share it on your social media platform or your favorite Pinterest board. I greatly appreciate it!! That helps my blog continue to grow and enables me to continue to provide free designs. 💕 Thank you!
DOWNLOAD MY 3D LAYERED NATIVITY BY SUBSCRIBING (FREE) BELOW TO GET THE PASSWORD TO MY FREEBIE VAULT
DOWNLOAD This 3D Layered Nativity Cut file by entering the password to my Freebie Vault. Click HERE to go to the freebie vault, my library of free downIoads. To sign up for a password to my free designs, enter your name and email address below. ⬇️
New to Design Space and looking for help with how to upload? Click HERE to find directions to get started.
Beautiful
How do I download any of your files?
Hi Janet,
All of my free downloads are in a library that I call my Freebie Vault. You can sign up and enter the vault here: https://specialheartstudio.com/get-a-password/
Once you’ve entered the password, there are instructions to navigate, but my newest designs are always on top of the list.
I love this. Did you use embossed white paper? There seems to be a swirl pattern on it. Where did you get the paper? Thank you.
Hi Doris,
The Nativity is in 3 layers and the swirl will cut in the design. I used plain white cardstock (except the gold on the star).
Gjoa
Ok thanks, can’t wait to make this for my mother. She will love it.
This is beautiful , and so good of you to share it with us. I will download it but it might be next Christmas I will make it for as I have a broken shoulder and when you are over eighty they take longer to heal. , but once again thank you it is gorgeous . Take care Joan ☺️
Take care of yourself.
Thank you so much for all the work you put into these projects for us! I can’t wait to make the Nativity scene – it is beautiful!
You’re welcome. ❤️
Your designs are SO AMAZING. Thank you SO MUCH!!!!
This looks like it will be a fun project. Thank you.
Wow this is just beautiful – thank you so much for your kindness in sharing this with us.
Hope I can make it as beautiful as you have.
It;s so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. Merry Christmas and stay safe.
Thank you for the beautiful Nativity scene.I am going to make two one for my friend that collects nativity scenes and one for my self,
Wow! Just completed mine. Thank you so much. I just need to purchase a smaller string of lights. It is beautiful I used silver glitter paper as the middle layer for everything. I am sure it will really sparkle when I get the lights in. I shared this project on Pinterest and will share mine on Facebook once I get the lights into the roof. Thanks again. So fun to put together.
When I go to cut the box and the lid for the box the size turns out to be only about 3“ x 3“. What is the actual size of the box and the lid? I have no idea what I did wrong when I downloaded the files.
I have all of the upload sizes listed in the blog post in case they don’t upload as saved. The Nativity base should be 11.094″x11.093″
I want to thank you for your beautiful Nativty set. I made this for my 88 year old mother who still lives alone and doesn’t have many Christmas decorations. I know that she will love this. You are a very talented person and I love your creations and generosity. Have a wonderful holiday season.
It’s my pleasure! ❤️
How would you suggest cutting this with the cricut joy? I’m just wondering due to sizing.
Hi Wendy,
Unfortunately, I don’t think this design will cut well on the Joy. The base/box of the design is sized to be cut on 12×12 paper. In order to reduce it to size a Joy could cut, the rest of the design would be much too small.
Gjoa, this project is so beautiful! You are an amazing designer and so generous to share your beautiful designs with us. So blessed to have found you during Makerfest 2020.
Thank you so much! I’m happy you found my site too. Maker Fest was an incredible event. ❤️
Gjoa, This design is so amazing. I got a bit zealous and glued some of my people wrong. Joesph is kinda looking out the stable and one of the wisemen are looking away. But I do plan on making another and can fix the mix ups with that one. This is even more amazing than the Angel and she has been loved by many. I am giving them to the retired nuns in our apartment complex.
Your design talents are amazing and so much attention to detail! Thank you so much and also for your generosity in sharing these for free. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family.
Thank you for your kind words. Merry Christmas. ❤️
Gjoa, thank you so much for sharing your talents. I just download this Layered Nativity and I can’t wait to cut it. It is late for this past Christmas, but will be ready for next Christmas. You are very talented and generous. I am very fortunate to have found your site. You have so many wonderful designs. I love that you also have videos showing how to complete the projects, thank you, thank you, thank you. Have a wonderful, healthy, safe and happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you Telma. Thank you!
I have noticed on the blog for the 3D Nativity, the size for the Manger Frame far exceeds the likit for the Cricut mat. I wasnt sure if there is an update for the size.
Thank you.
Hi Barbara. The size listed in the post is just the upload size for all the pieces in that file. Once you’re ready to cut, the pieces will fit on a regular 12×12″ mat.
Loved making this! I wasn’t able to make the box because I didn’t have anything that was 12×12 except smart sticker cardstock so I cut the original base out of that and stuck it to a piece of 12×12 foam that I had in storage and cut through the foam used the cardstock as a pattern and used the long pieces at the bottom of each piece to open and glue to the bottom of the foam. I also only had a glue stick to use (my kids got into my supplies) but it worked super well! How do I share a photo of it with you?
I’d love to see it. You could post a photo in my Facebook group or send via email.
Thank you for the free file
Thank you for this beautiful Nativity Scene File. I appreciate your generosity!
It’s my pleasure.
Would this work with thicker cardstock? Is there a reason you used 65 specifically?
Yes, it would. I just used 65lb, as that’s what I had on hand.