June 6, 2022
Let's make this unique gift box for dad and I'll give some tips and feedback for what I think works and doesn't work for making 3D projects along with materials and tools.
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Upload your free SVG files into Cricut Design space and resize as needed. I made my box 11.5 inches high so it fit on a 12 x 12 mat.
I then added an offset to my Dad knock-out file. I am going to use the offset as a background piece like a gift tag - this will be cut out on paper while the text itself is cut out of vinyl.
This step is optional but I contoured the text of the offset so there were no holes in the piece. Contouring is a great tool to make your projects really clean. Sometimes you can miss small cuts in a file so I often use this Design Space tool to double check my SVG files before cutting.
The last part is to change your lines on your box to score lines and then attach to the box piece. You can also use the perforation tool if you have that and prefer it inside.
You can then change colors if you need and send to your Cricut machine to be cut! Always keep your acetate a different color. If you are using a Cricut Air 2 or 3 you can cut on the transparency setting on "more" and I send it through the machine twice.
This is super simple! Start by heating your heat press to the lowest setting - you don't want to overheat your vinyl or the paper.
Weed your vinyl. I use tweezers (you can find out about my favorite tools here) for my weeding.
Use your heat press to layer your vinyl pieces - I like to heat for about 10-15 seconds and flip the paper over so it adheres well.
Your end result will look smooth and it is much quicker to do and in my opinion cuts cleaner than paper for thin fonts.
Start by folding in on your score lines.
You can use your fingers here or a bone tool to make the lines crisp.
Then add in your window pieces that you cut out of acetate. I went with hot glue here but you can also use craft glue like Bearly Arts or even a tape gun. It is really your preference.
Attach the two ends of the box - there is only one strip that needs to be glued together to create the 3D project! This box is super quick to assemble.
The box should be able to be closed with just the flaps on the bottom.
I put the gift tag on the side of the box where the large flap was peeking through the window.
If you do forget this can lead to wasted vinyl as your image will be backwards.
If you cut the SVG File for the box twice you can insert the window panels on the inside of the two. Double layer the box and it will be sturdier - I will be trying this on my next window box!
You can learn more about creating free SVGs here.
If you pull the layer off too quickly it can rip the vinyl. If you weed too quickly you run the chance of losing small parts like commas or the dot on an i. Be patient when working with delicate fonts.
I did this backwards and I found it harder to fold - I was afraid the windows would pop out.
I used hot glue for this project but if I made it again, I would switch to craft glue - the hot glue was bulky and dried very quickly but it is also a preference for you!
Tape the bottom of the box after you have filled it for extra security!
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