Hello and welcome to my first ever tutorial! In celebration of my new website, I am giving away a few files to say thank you for all those who have supported me. This is one of them!
In this tutorial, I will be showing you how to make a Bee Shadowbox!
This is hand-drawn and designed by me on my iPad pro and then brought over to my Cricut Maker to cut. While the project itself took me about an hour to an hour and a half to assemble, it took a lot of time to develop the files so they are workable. I am usually the first to test my files too- and I will note if there are any changes from the tutorial to what I fixed as well.
Please note this tutorial requires a lot of patience! There are some very small intricate pieces that require some time and effort 🙂
There are two sets of files for this tutorial. There is the honeycomb file and then the bee/ flower file. All of these can be mixed and matched for your own custom look!
To get started you will need:
- Cardstock (I used 8 sheets)
- Scissors
- Glue Dots/ Foam Squares
- Weeding Tool (Optional for popping out tiny details)
- Cricut Machine
- Blue Mat
- Shadowbox (I used a 9×9)
OVERALL TIME TO COMPLETE (ESTIMATED)- 1 HOUR – 1 HOUR 30 MINS
Introduction
Download/ Install the Files
Click the following links to install from Design Space. Please note, there may be some glitches with Design Space and if that is the case- please refer to below to download the .ZIP files.
Honeycombs (5 layers) | Bees & Flowers (2-3 Layers)
Please note- there may be a few variances from the tutorial. I noticed after going through some areas that needed fixing, so I did go ahead and fix them to make things a bit easier!
Make sure to click “Customize” so you can see the details and layers!
For those who are unable to create through the link, I have attached the following SVG/ PNG files for you. Please note, I am unable to export the updated SVG from Cricut Design space. The real issue is the Bee and flower files. Due to design space issues and import problems, I have saved the Bee files as .PNGS. You can upload them as a cut file and are good to rock and roll!
Honeycomb Section
Step 1.
Honeycomb File Set Up
The above image shows you how the honeycomb file is set up. For my example, I have included 5 layers in total.
I also rotated the color examples in my own cardstock as seen in this image!
You can use the same amount of layers, you can modify them, remove some, do as you please!
Step 2.
File Settings
I tend to work layer by layer when I do things. The settings above are what I used for my cardstock in this tutorial.
Note that some cardstocks may do better with the pressure set to LESS. On some finer details (Like the flowers that we will do later on), this may be handy to note.
Step 3.
Cut Away!
Load up your mat (I use the blue light grip Mat for almost ALL my projects) and then send it through!
I do this for each one- layer by layer. I know the easy way would be to just have it go through all layers, but while I design most of my own files- I always send it through once to make sure I do not need to modify anything with it.
I know, all us artists and crafters are perfectionists!
Step 4.
Sort your stuff!
WOOO HOOOO! You got all your layers cut! Now for the fun (or hard) part! We have to assemble them!
Oh, and those Hexagons? Save them! We will use them later on.
Step 5.
Stick those Dots!
Start with the bottom two layers (layer 5 and layer 4). I have shown where I stuck my dots if that helps!
Step 6.
Keep Sticking!
Keep on sticking away! Now we are on layer 3! Just about half way there with the sticking!
Step 7.
Starting to get tricky!
Now we are starting to get some thinner peices. You will need to start cutting up your dots in halves and possibly thirds (depending on the dots that you have)
Step 8.
THE FINAL STRETCH!
The top layer is the thinnest- so it does require a lot of patience! I did make this a little larger for you guys after developing the file, so hopefully, it will be a little easier for you when sticking.
Step 9.
HONEYCOMB COMPLETED!
YAY! We did it! And it fits perfectly inside a 9×9 Shadowbox too! Give yourself a pat on the back!
BEE AND FLOWER SECTION
Step 1.
PICK YOUR COLORS!
I have 3 layers for my bees. Note the white is optional. I built the white into this because I wanted some pop on my bees to give them more of a 3D look and feel.
Note I did not actually add the flowers to my version, but I did a test cut and it seems ok. I figured I would throw it in as a bonus!
Step 2.
File Settings
For my bee file there are a few templates you can use. One has eyes (because I thought it was cute), the other is more plain- and if you want to jazz up your design, you can even add flowers!
Follow the same settings as the honeycomb step 2 when cutting.
Step 3.
WEED THOSE BEES!
You may notice that there are small, intricate lines that may still be attached. Pull out your weeding tool and poke them out!
Step 4.
STICK THOSE BEES!
The above image shows you how the honeycomb file is set up. For my example, I have included 5 layers in total.
I also rotated the color examples in my own cardstock as seen in this image!
You can use the same amount of layers, you can modify them, remove some, do as you please!
Step 5.
KEEP ON STICKING!
I tend to work layer by layer when I do things. The settings above are what I used for my cardstock in this tutorial.
Note that some cardstocks may do better with the pressure set to LESS. On some finer details (Like the flowers that we will do later on), this may be handy to note.
Step 6.
BEE COMPLETED!
I tend to work layer by layer when I do things. The settings above are what I used for my cardstock in this tutorial.
Note that some cardstocks may do better with the pressure set to LESS. On some finer details (Like the flowers) this may help with tearing.
SHADOWBOX ASSEMBLY
Step 1.
FIGURE OUT YOUR LAYOUT
Before I stuck anything down, I wanted to see how I was going to place my objects. This gave me an idea with how much space I have to work with when adding all my elements.
Step 2.
TIME TO DO MORE STICKING!
After you have an idea for your layout, it is time to stick your elements! You can do it one of two ways.
If you know you have the space- stick away!
In my case, I actually gently stuck my elements to the honeycomb and then positioned it around my frame.
Step 3. (Optional)
3D HONEYCOMB ACCENTS
I started layering my hexagons with my glue dots to allow some depth. I wanted to decorate the surrounding frame but not distract from my main elements either.
Step 4.
FINAL PLACEMENT
Now that everything is sticky (you can even use glue if you want in this case for a better hold) you can do any small finagling or add some accents to your piece!
Remember those hexagons from earlier? Let’s put them to use!
Step 5.
Place in shadowbox
Ta-daaaaaa! Your Shadowbox is completed! It’s been a fun run, hasn’t it? You may notice you have some extra pieces. Fear not! You can do a lot with those extras.
That will be another tutorial, however! Stay tuned!
Like this tutorial? Consider making a donation to help me keep things going! I love being able to craft and make all sorts of files- but my time with my fun stuff is limited (I know, I wish it wasn’t so). Your donation will go towards me developing more free content, running my website, sustaining my creative cloud membership plans and towards new materials I can use to test!
Products & Materials I Use & RECOMMEND
Recent Comments