How To Make A Cardstock Shadow Box Frame
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Sometimes I’ve found it challenging to find Shadow Box frames in stock as they’ve become so popular. Other times, when shipping a gift, I may not want to worry if the glass will break or add to the weight of my package. It’s sometimes nice to make a frame from cardstock. With this easy-to-use pattern, you’ll be able to whip up a rectangular frame quickly.
This design was born out of requests from my Facebook group. I previously designed a square shadow box frame (find it HERE), and last week received requests for a rectangle version.
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.
- Kraft Board or Cardstock – I used Cricut’s Kraft board for the shadow box frame with the mandala.
- Acetate – Optional
- Tape Runner
- Scoring Stylus or Scoring Wheel (for Cricut Maker users)
- Standard Grip Mat
- Cricut Maker – or your favorite cutting machine.
- Design #119 Rectangle Shadow Box Frame SVG – My free SVG cut files (available in my freebie vault—get the password at the bottom of this post).
How to Cut and Assemble a Rectangle Shadow Box Frame
Included in the download will be two SVG cut files. One with perforated cut lines in the pattern for those who do not have a scorings stylus or scoring wheel. The second SVG includes solid score lines for those who use a style or scoring wheel.
The photo above shows the three layers included in the Perforated Line Frame SVG. Note: the blue rectangle is an optional piece that can be cut from Acetate to act as a window in place of glass.
When using the perforated cut version, no updates are needed in Design Space, and you can click “Make It.”
If using the scoreline version of the frame, you’ll need to follow a few easy steps to prep the scorelines before you’ll be ready to “Make It.”
Once the frame has been uploaded, click Ungroup.
The blue rectangle represents the “window” of the frame which you could cut from Acetate. If you’d like to skip the acetate and have an open frame, that layer can also be hidden.
Next, select the line on the frame that will be the fold-line shown in the photo above. Once the line is selected, change the operation function from cut to Score.
The last step for the top of the frame will be to select both the score line and the frame and click Attach. By doing this, you’re telling Design Space that you want the scorelines to be on that portion of the frame.
Repeat the scoreline steps for the bottom portion of the frame. Then you’re ready to “Make It.”
Both versions are sized so that they will cut with the opening of the viewable window sized at 5″x7″.
I cut the frame in the photos below from Cricut Kraft board. It will be more sturdy with heavyweight cardstock or Kraft Board. It’s also possible to cut it from 65 lb. Recollection Cardstock.
Cricut Acetate Sheets are perfect to create a clear window for the Shadow Box Frame.
Prior to cutting Cricut Acetate Sheets, remove the protective plastic piece from both the front and back of each sheet of acetate. The protective sheet keeps the acetate from having little scratches in the packaging.
Once the top and bottom of the box frame are cut, fold and create along the score or perforated lines.
I use Crafter’s Tape to adhere the corners to save time. Liquid glue is also a good option. I find the Crafter’s Tape quick and easy with no dry time!
If using the optional Acetate as a window on your frame, run the Craft Tape along the inside border of the frame.
Place the acetate rectangle on the top of the frame and press down to adhere the craft tape along the edges.
Repeat the fold and adhere the corners on the bottom piece of the Box Frame.
You did it! A quick and easy frame for your next project.
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 the Rectangle Shadow Box SVG Cut File By Subscribing (FREE) Below To Get The Password To My Freebie Vault
DOWNLOAD my Rectangle Shadow Box SVG – Design #119 files by entering the password to my Freebie Vault. Click HERE to go to the freebie vault, my library of free downloads. 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.
thanks for this.. i love it. I’m able to give my husband a valentine gift 🙂
This is so clever! Thank you for sharing. I’m probably going to make these obsessively for a while! 🙂
Enjoy!
Thank you so much
Now i can make shadow boxes for my grandchildren