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Layered Paper Flower Shadow Box

Written by Kimberly Coffin · This post may contain affiliate links · 55 Comments

1.2K shares

Find Out How to Make a Layered Paper Flower and Butterfly Shadow Box With This Free Cricut Template and Easy Step-By-Step Guide

Making paper flowers with a Cricut machine can be a fun and creative activity for people of all ages. Whether you are an experienced crafter or just starting out, creating paper flowers can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to express your creativity and make something beautiful!

This Layered Paper Flower Shadow Box is an inexpensive craft to make, and it packs a bright and colorful punch!

Paper Flower Shadow Box Free Cricut Template

Feel free to get creative and make this project your own by customizing the glass with vinyl. This would make a beautiful Mother's Day gift, or it could be displayed in a bedroom as decor.

This layered paper flower shadow box makes a lovely display and comes together quite quickly. You can easily adjust the color palette to suit your preference or the dimensions for a different size shadow box.

Did you know I have TEN more paper flower blog posts? Click here to see them all! 

You'll find everything from paper Daisies, Anemones, and Peonies, to Dahlias and Oversized Roses.

Paper Flower Shadow Box Free Cricut Template

Table of Contents

  • What Size Shadow Box Should I Use?
  • How Do I Shape the Flowers?
  • What Kind of Paper Should I Use?
  • How Much Paper Do I Need?
  • Layered Paper Flower Shadow Box Supplies
  • Download the FREE Templates Here
  • Step #1: Upload the Cut Files
  • STEP #2: PREPARE THE CUT FILES IN CRICUT DESIGN SPACE
  • Step #3: Cut Out Flowers, Greenery, and Butterfly
  • Step #4: Add Pan Pastels
  • Step #5: Shape Petal Pieces
  • Step #6: Layer and Glue Flowers
  • Step #7: Assemble the Butterfly
  • Step #8: Assemble the Shadow Box
  • Want to learn how to make even MORE paper flowers?

What Size Shadow Box Should I Use?

I'm using an 8x8-inch shadow box for this project. If you want to use a larger shadow box, simply increase the size of the flower cut files or cut out more flowers to fill a larger space.

There is a lot of room for customization with scale, so feel free to make this project work for your space and needs!

Paper Flower Shadow Box Free Cricut Template

How Do I Shape the Flowers?

You can use a few different methods to shape paper flowers. For this layered paper flower shadow box, I used a craft knife to create score lines and then proceeded to bend the petals and leaves along the lines.

You could also opt to use a foam flower shaping mat and a circular embossing tool. You use the tool to gently roll around the petal pieces, curving and cupping the petals.

How to Make a Paper Flower Shadow Box

The two methods can give the same flower design a very different look. You can use one or both methods depending on your preference.

A flower-shaping mat and ball embossing stylus is the faster method to shape your flowers. So if you're short on time, opt for that technique. You can quickly round and cup the flower petals to give them a 3-dimensional look.

How to Make a Paper Flower Shadow Box

Using a craft knife to score lines into the leaves and petals is a more time-consuming process but creates beautiful folds and gives a sharper look to the flowers.

What Kind of Paper Should I Use?

I am using 65 lb solid core colored paper for this project. 65 lb weight paper is a great weight for manipulating paper flowers.

How to Make a Paper Flower Shadow Box Supplies

If you're unfamiliar with solid-core paper, it is paper that has been dyed all the way through, not just printed on one or two sides. This means that the edges of your flowers will be the same color as the front and back of your paper rather than white. White edges tend to give a cheaper finish to the flowers. So opt for solid-core paper if you can find it!

I used the following paper for the flowers in my shadow box: Pastels and First Snow.

How Much Paper Do I Need?

For an 8-inch square shadow box, you'll need 7, 8.5 x 11-inch sheets of various pastel-colored papers and 1 sheet of holographic paper for the butterfly.

DIY Paper Flower and Butterfly Shadow Box

If you're using less colors, then you'll need less paper. Of course, there's no harm in cutting extra flowers, so when in doubt, grab some extra paper!

You'll also find it's nice to have extra pieces while you're creating your shadowbox in case you need to fill in an empty spot.

Looking for even more FREE paper flowers and butterflies to use with this project? Click HERE!

Supplies for a DIY Paper Flower and Butterfly Shadow Box

Layered Paper Flower Shadow Box Supplies

  • Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, or Other Cutting Machine
    • You can cut this on any Cricut machine. If using the Cricut Joy, make sure none of your flowers are wider than 4.5”
  • 12" x 12" or 12" x 24" Standard Grip Cutting Mat
  • Cardstock: Pastels, First Snow
    • *Layered paper flowers look best with solid core paper
  • Holographic Paper
  • Pearl Stickers
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Hot Glue Sticks
  • Finger Guards
    • *Optional, to protect your fingers from hot glue burns
  • 8" x 8" Shadowbox Frame
  • Craft Knife
  • Self-Healing Cutting Mat
  • Foam mat and ball embossing stylus, optional
  • Pan Pastels and Sponges, optional

Download the FREE Templates Here

Supplies for a DIY Paper Flower and Butterfly Shadow Box

Step #1: Upload the Cut Files

Open Cricut Design Space and click the + to create a new project.

In the Design Panel on the left, select "UPLOAD."

If you are a Design Space PRO, you can skip to step #2.

Click "UPLOAD IMAGE."

Click "BROWSE" or drag and drop the file.

Navigate to the file on your device to click "OPEN" to add it to Cricut Design Space.  

On the Prepare Screen, you can change the name of the project and add tags. Click "UPLOAD."

Once you have the file uploaded, select it and click "INSERT IMAGES" to bring it onto your canvas.

Select "UNGROUP" in the top right-hand corner. Then "UNGROUP" the flowers from the butterfly and the leaves.

Design Space Cricut DIY Paper Flower and Butterfly Shadow Box

STEP #2: PREPARE THE CUT FILES IN CRICUT DESIGN SPACE

Change the colors of the flowers to imitate your paper choices.

For this 8 x 8-inch shadow box, I cut out one set of flowers at the original size the files come when uploaded. Then I cut out another set of flowers at a slightly smaller size, and then a third set of a few flowers at an even smaller size.

I adjusted the size of the butterfly to be 3 inches in diameter.

*PRO TIP: Create an 8 by 8-inch square shape in Design Space to represent the shadow box. Right-Click it and send it to the back.

This can help you figure out how many flowers to cut out for your particular shadow box. Now you can arrange the flowers within the parameters and visualize everything before cutting out your flowers.

Of course, when in doubt, cut extra flowers! It's always helpful to have options when creating a flower arrangement.

Paper Flower Shadow Box with Cricut Machine

Step #3: Cut Out Flowers, Greenery, and Butterfly

Start by removing the clear liner from your Cricut mat and then set it aside.

For cardstock, I used a mix of blues, purples, and pinks for my flowers and greens for the leaves.

The butterfly is blue, purple, and the top layer is a really pretty holographic paper. This is totally optional, but I love the shine it adds to the final look. So if you can, spring for the holographic paper!

Place the cardstock paper onto the mat and press down firmly on the paper to adhere it to the mat. This step is really important when cutting out cardstock to ensure you get the best results possible.

Paper Flower Shadow Box with Cricut Machine

Insert the mat into the cutting machine and press "GO."

Once the machine has finished cutting the design, remove the mat from the machine. Repeat this process until you've cut out all of the pieces for your shadowbox.

Peel the mat away from the paper to avoid bending your flower pieces.

Step #4: Add Pan Pastels

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it if you have Pan Pastels on hand! They add a realistic dose of color and depth.

Protect your work area with a piece of scratch paper or paper towel. It's also helpful to have some baby wipes on hand to clean your fingers in between different flowers and colors.

DIY Paper Flower Shadow Box Free Cricut Template

Lightly dip your sponge into your pan pastel and gently swipe the color onto your paper pieces. I like to start at the center of the flower and swipe outwards, concentrating the color in the middle and lightening up towards the edges of the petal.

I used two colors on my butterfly; violet on the blue layer and fuchsia on the purple layer.

Paper Flower Shadow Box Free Cricut Template

Step #5: Shape Petal Pieces

To add dimension to your flowers, I am using a craft knife and a self-healing mat to create score lines and fold my petals. I love the sharp lines this gives the flowers.

Flip your flower piece over and gently run the craft knife along the center of each petal.

How to Make a Paper Flower Shadow Box

Then fold along each line you make.

You can also use a foam flower shaping mat and ball embossing stylus. This method give the flowers a softer look and is much quicker.

Using a craft knife and a self-healing mat, make score lines along all your petals and your leaves.

Step #6: Layer and Glue Flowers

Once you cut out, colored, and shaped all your flower pieces, it's time to glue them together. I like to just a hot glue gun because it dries so quickly. However, you can also use tacky glue if you prefer, you'll just need to give your flowers a bit more time to stabilize.

For the flowers, start with the largest petal piece and add the next largest petal, staggering the petals.

Continue gluing until you glue the smallest petal in place.

Some of the flower designs have a rolled stamen piece. To put this together you can either (1) use a quilling tool to roll up the piece or (2) roll up the piece by hand.

Then glue the stamen piece in place.

DIY Paper Flower and Butterfly Shadow Box

For the flowers without a stamen piece, you can place a pearl sticker in the center of the flower. Craft tweezers can be helpful for this.

Step #7: Assemble the Butterfly

The small, solid butterfly will be the base layer of the butterfly. Apply glue to the very center portion of the butterfly and apply the other colored butterfly.

Next, apply glue to the center back of the holographic butterfly and place it on top.

DIY Layered Butterfly Cricut Template

For the final touch, add pearl stickers to the body and antennas.

Step #8: Assemble the Shadow Box

Cut a white piece of cardstock to fit your shadow box; in my case, 8 by 8-inch. This will be the base for your layered flowers.

Now begin to arrange your layered flowers and greenery in your shadow box.

I like to arrange everything to my liking without gluing, and then I go back and begin to glue down the pieces. This way I avoid gluing down anything prematurely.

I decided to "frame" one of my roses with the greenery, so I glued four leaf pieces to the back of a pink rose before gluing it to my shadow box.

DIY Paper Flower and Butterfly Shadow Box

Add the butterfly at the end, placing it in one corner of your shadow box, and adhering with a dab of glue.

Paper Flower Shadow Box with Cricut Machine

Replace your art piece back into your shadow box frame and you're done!

Paper Flower Shadow Box with Cricut Machine

These layered flower designs would look lovely in many different interpretations so feel free to experiment with the application!

Want to learn how to make even MORE paper flowers?

Get The Ultimate Guide to Paper Flowers E-Book and get access to ALL of my printable paper flower tutorials and flower SVG files in my Ultimate Guide to Paper Flowers Ebook by clicking here!

Photo of The Ultimate Guide to Paper Flowers E-Book

Don't forget about this free SVG cut file! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board by clicking HERE.

Paper Flower Shadow Box Free Cricut Template

Looking for more paper flower projects? Click here!

Join my crafting and sewing Facebook group where you can show us what you’re making, ask questions, and learn from others!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. fiona says

    May 08, 2023 at 1:49 pm

    wow. This is so amazing. I cant wait to make it. just downloaded it now. Thanks

    Reply
  2. Karin Orchard says

    May 11, 2023 at 4:24 pm

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  3. Jeane Campbell says

    May 11, 2023 at 5:17 pm

    too pretty

    Reply
  4. Donna Doyle says

    May 11, 2023 at 5:37 pm

    WOW!!

    Reply
  5. Khaikam says

    May 11, 2023 at 7:26 pm

    Love it! I’ve always been intimated to make paper flower projects.

    Reply
  6. Sherri Therrien says

    May 11, 2023 at 7:38 pm

    Very pretty.

    Reply
  7. Anita says

    May 11, 2023 at 8:48 pm

    Beautiful. Perfect for Spring/Summer display

    Reply
  8. Darla Peduzzi says

    May 11, 2023 at 8:52 pm

    These flowers are so pretty! I wish my daughter would make me one for Mother's Day 🙂

    Reply
  9. Ashlee Ondich says

    May 11, 2023 at 9:24 pm

    I just love all of your paper flowers!

    Reply
  10. Kaley Bill says

    May 12, 2023 at 1:43 am

    Love me a good shadow box

    Reply
  11. Donna Richie says

    May 12, 2023 at 3:08 am

    Beautiful

    Reply
  12. Rita Duff says

    May 12, 2023 at 10:52 am

    spring has sprung

    Reply
  13. Dee says

    May 12, 2023 at 2:35 pm

    This is a great gift idea!!

    Reply
  14. Deborah Purvis says

    May 12, 2023 at 3:23 pm

    This would look lovely in my granddaughters room❤️

    Reply
  15. Mariatini says

    May 12, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    I’d like to receive this as a gift!

    Reply
  16. Nancy D says

    May 12, 2023 at 5:02 pm

    So pretty!

    Reply
  17. ALAN SLAVENS says

    May 12, 2023 at 7:28 pm

    this looks complicated

    Reply
  18. Kimberly Hillman says

    May 12, 2023 at 9:50 pm

    Such cute ideas! Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Janet T says

    May 13, 2023 at 4:32 am

    Very pretty! Love the butterfly!

    Reply
  20. Amber Azelton says

    May 13, 2023 at 11:17 am

    Oh how adorable.

    Reply
  21. Jaye Smith says

    May 13, 2023 at 11:56 am

    I love your finished look.

    Reply
  22. Judy Myers says

    May 13, 2023 at 12:27 pm

    Love this!!!! I am elderly and we were only able to make flowers out of Kleenex and crape paper!!! Maybe will be able to get one of these machines one day. Enjoy seeing all the beautiful things you can make with them!!

    Reply
  23. Carolee Cucinella says

    May 13, 2023 at 1:12 pm

    So pretty!

    Reply
  24. Gaynor Mann says

    May 13, 2023 at 1:19 pm

    This is a truly beautiful project.

    Reply
  25. Catherine B says

    May 13, 2023 at 2:24 pm

    This is one of the prettiest paper flower projects I have ever seen! Simply stunning!

    Reply
  26. Hal Jenner says

    May 13, 2023 at 3:21 pm

    Very cute

    Reply
  27. Kelly says

    May 13, 2023 at 3:47 pm

    This one would be so fun to make.

    Reply
  28. Erica Meares says

    May 13, 2023 at 3:51 pm

    This is probably one of My Absolute Favorite Projects EVER!!! I love all the extra details!!!

    Reply
  29. Courtney K says

    May 13, 2023 at 4:43 pm

    Love this!! I don’t want it have a Cricut but I can do this with my Sizzix machine!

    Reply
  30. Laurie Black says

    May 13, 2023 at 4:46 pm

    Gorgeous project! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  31. Courtney K says

    May 13, 2023 at 4:47 pm

    Love it!!!

    Reply
  32. LISA L HIRST says

    May 13, 2023 at 5:03 pm

    I decorate my house with flowers. I want this for my bedroom. Hope I can win and make it.

    Reply
  33. Sheila Hutchinson says

    May 13, 2023 at 6:25 pm

    I like the shadow box idea, but I think I would choose another project to highlight inside.

    Reply
  34. Angie Pierce says

    May 13, 2023 at 7:32 pm

    Adorable & very detailed.

    Reply
  35. Sally says

    May 13, 2023 at 7:52 pm

    Absolutely beautiful!

    Reply
  36. Kimberly says

    May 13, 2023 at 10:16 pm

    This is a gorgeous arrangement and the possible color combinations for the flowers is endless.

    Reply
  37. Linda S. says

    May 13, 2023 at 10:58 pm

    Very pretty! Flowers that anyone can enjoy all year long. : )

    Reply
  38. NADINE says

    May 14, 2023 at 4:09 am

    So beautiful!

    Reply
  39. Terry k says

    May 14, 2023 at 4:28 am

    Omigosh! Love these colors! Can’t wait to make!

    Reply
  40. Tom Bellamy says

    May 15, 2023 at 2:00 am

    Very pretty!

    Reply
  41. ALISA YEE says

    May 15, 2023 at 2:08 am

    This would be so sweet for a new baby's room!

    Reply
  42. ALISA YEE says

    May 15, 2023 at 2:09 am

    I love the detail in this project and the 3-d effect!

    Reply
  43. Athena Graeme says

    May 15, 2023 at 12:35 pm

    The colors on this are amazing. Perfect for my tween.

    Reply
  44. n says

    May 15, 2023 at 1:20 pm

    Great detail and the perfect decoration for spring.

    Reply
  45. De says

    May 15, 2023 at 4:07 pm

    This is beautiful! Great Mother's Day Gift!

    Reply
  46. Pamela says

    May 15, 2023 at 5:52 pm

    great shadow box

    Reply
  47. Rebekah Ranes says

    May 15, 2023 at 6:32 pm

    Beautiful

    Reply
  48. Janet K says

    May 15, 2023 at 9:33 pm

    Lovely gift!

    Reply
  49. Darlene Alexander says

    May 16, 2023 at 1:51 pm

    OMG! Adorable....

    Reply
  50. Dave S. says

    May 16, 2023 at 3:36 pm

    This is so cool. Would really brighten up a room.

    Reply
  51. Dana says

    May 17, 2023 at 12:53 am

    I'd need an in-person, intro to Circuit course!

    Reply
  52. Dianna D. says

    May 17, 2023 at 1:09 am

    This is beautiful!

    Reply
  53. Ellie says

    May 17, 2023 at 6:45 pm

    What a great take on flower shadow boxes. I’m admittedly not a fan of the rolled flower ones.

    Reply
  54. Nichole says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:33 am

    Stunning! I need to make myself this flower shadow box.

    Reply
  55. Terrie Tooms says

    May 18, 2023 at 1:56 am

    What a great idea!

    Reply

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

Read more about me →

The Latest

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  • Aeon Mira5 S Sweet Red Poppy
    Aeon Mira5 S Redline Laser: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy
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