DIY Holiday Shadow Box Using Cricut Explore Air 2

by Amy · Published December 17, 2019 · Updated December 17, 2019

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

This post also contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

As some of you may know, I’m a huge fan of my Cricut Explore Air 2 and have been getting so much use out of it lately!

Here are 5 things I love about my Cricut Explore Air 2

1. The number of things I can make is almost endless!

You can use cardstock, vinyl, iron-on and more to create things like personalized cards, t-shirts, home decor, gifts and more!

2. The Cricut Explore Air 2 allows me a creative outlet

3. Can create personalized gifts and decor for a fraction of the cost found in stores.

(DIY Farmhouse Inspired Coasters)

4. Beautiful Machine

The Cricut Explore Air 2 comes in a variety of colors with a sleek design. I own the Mint colored machine and it is gorgeous! It matches my decor and I don’t mind leaving it out.

5. Design on the Go

One of the great things about using Design Space and the Cricut Explore Air 2 is that you can design on the go. You can design on a laptop or tablet, using the mobile app or even offline.

As you can see, there are lots to love about the Cricut Explore Air 2!

I’ve made cards, mugs, coasters t-shirts, decor and more with Cricut Explore Air 2! I’ve been making so much lately that I haven’t even had a chance to share half of it on the blog yet! Hopefully, I can get those projects on the blog in the next few weeks.

In the meantime, If you’re thinking about getting a Cricut Explore Air 2 or want to learn more, be sure to read my review here.

You can also read my review and how to use the Cricut Heat Press here.

Today I thought I would share how to make a DIY holiday shadow box using vinyl and the Cricut Explore Air 2.

I just love the look of this fun Christmas decor and it also makes a great gift!

I chose to use the saying Jingle All the Way, but you can choose any holiday saying you like. You can find the project on design space here. I used Cricut Sans as the font.

You Will Need:

Cricut Cutting Machine ( I have and love the Cricut Explore Air 2)

Cricut Design Space (project found here)

Cricut Premium Vinyl – ( I used removable found here)

8*10 picture frame- Found at dollar store or on Amazon here)

8*10 blank canvas

****Instead of the picture frame and blank canvas you can use a shadow box already made (found here).

*****if you are using the picture frame and canvas to make your own shadow box, make sure the frame and canvas are deep enough. I originally wanted to put regular sized jingle bells instead of the mini ones but there was not enough room. So just be sure to

glitter cardstock– your color choice – (can also use holiday wrapping paper)

miniature jingle bells

glue gun + glue sticks (could also use super glue)

Holiday Shadow Box Using Cricut Explore Air 2

Christmas themed holiday shadow box using Cricut Explore Air 2 and design space.

Course DIY

Cook Time 30 minutes

Servings 1

Author Amy

Instructions

Go to design space, cut your vinyl and weed out the lettering.
Place transfer tape over the design and scrape over the lettering with the scraper.
Place the cut vinyl with transfer tape on the outside of the glass on your picture frame or shadowbox. Slowly remove the transfer tape and discard it.
Remove the backing of the frame and turn the frame with glass over. Place jingle bells against the bottom of the glass.
Turn the canvas backward to where the canvas part is facing outwards.
Glue cardstock or wrapping paper to the inside of the canvas. (make sure to cut to trim the cardstock or paper to fit first)
Using a hot glue gun or super glue, glue down the canvas to the back of the picture frame.

***If using a premade shadow box simply place the cut vinyl on the outside of the frame and add your cardstock and jingle bells to the inside of the shadowbox.

1. Gather your supplies, go to Design Space and cut your vinyl.

2. Place transfer tape over the lettering and burnish (rub) the tape onto the vinyl. Carefully remove the backing of the transfer tape and “transfer” your lettering to the front of the frame.