#1 Dad Layered Mandala - DIY Father's Day Card

Looking for a DIY Father's Day gift?  This #1 Dad Layered Mandala makes a great shadow box or a DIY Father's Day card. Download the free SVG and learn how to make this design into a card. 

DIY Father's Day Card

I love crafting with my kids, especially when we get to make something for Daddy. They take such pride and joy in everything they create, it just melts my heart.

This year I wanted to design something that had enough pieces that everyone got a few turns to glue it all together.  What better design than a layered mandala?

This #1 Dad layered mandala has 4 layers on the bottom that make up the mandala design and 3 layers on the top for the #1 Dad design.

How to Turn a Mandala into a Card

Follow these easy steps to turn this free Layered #1 Dad Mandala into the perfect Father's Day card using Cricut Design Space.

For this project, you need:

• Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker
• Fine-Point Blade
• StandardGrip Mat or LightGrip Mat
• Cardstock 
• Glue or Glue Dots

Step 1 - Upload SVG File

To begin, download my FREE #1 Dad Layered Mandala SVG file HERE. 

Open up Design Space. In the Design Panel on the left, select "Upload."

Click “Upload Image.”

Click “Browse” and navigate to the #1 Dad Mandala file on your device to upload it to Cricut Design Space.  

Here you can change the name and add tags. Click "Upload Image."

Once you have the file uploaded, select it and click "Insert Images" to bring it to your canvas.

You'll see the seven layers in the Layers Panel on the right side of your screen.

Note: Before moving forward, resize the design to your desired card size.  I changed my file to 5.75 inches high. 

Step 2 - Create the Card 

Select the design and click “Ungroup” at the top of the Layers Panel.

To create the card, ungroup the bottom mandala group as well.

By clicking each eye on the right side of the Layers Panel, hide every layer except for the bottom layer.

Make 2 copies of the base layer. To do this, select the layer and click “Duplicate.” 

Move the duplicated layer to the right of the original layer. Ensure they are just touching. 

With both copies selected, click “Align” and “Center Vertically.” 

Select the same two copies and click “Weld.” This makes these two pieces into one piece and will be the folder part of your card. 

Next, add a score line in the middle of this piece. Click “Shape” and select “Score Line.” This is where the card folds in half and the scoreline will make it easier to do that.

Resize it as needed. Then select the Score Line and the card piece and select Attach at the bottom of the Layers Panel.

Step 3 - Create Card Insert (optional)

Change the color of the remaining copy to white and resize it to be slightly smaller than the card size. 

This piece goes on the inside of your card so you can have white space to write on.  

Note: If you're using a white base for your card you won't need this piece.  

Step 4 - Cut and Assemble Card

Click “Make It” in the upper right-hand corner.

Following the prompts within Design Space, cut out the pieces.

Remove the paper from the mat by slowly bending the mat away. This will prevent your project from bending and give a more professional look.

Glue the grey circle on the inside of the card.

Assemble the 3 layers of the mandala glueing them from bottom to top.

Repeat with the "#1 Dad' Lettering by glueing them from bottom to top.

Fold the card on the score line so the front of the card is facing up.

Glue on the mandala.

Glue on the #1 Dad lettering.

Now you have the perfect Father’s Day card! 

Looking for more Father’s Day projects? Check out my post HERE.

Have you ever made a DIY Father's Day card? Let me know in a comment below!