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Star Nativity Shadow Box Tutorial
Star Nativity Shadow Box Tutorial
Project Description
Make a stunning shadow box featuring the classic Nativity
silhouetted against the Bethlehem sky. This projects uses
paper and mid-level construction techniques to assemble
the 11" tall x 4" deep shadow box. It includes 4 internal
layers and space in the back for optional LED tea lights to
provide a back glow in the sky. It is perfect for mantle, shelf
or hall table Christmas decor. It also can be place on a wide
window sill and be illuminated by sun light.
Supplies Needed:
• Foam 3D dots
2. Load the files into your cutting software following the steps for your cutting machine.
• For the Silhouette: The SVG files from this site will
need to be turned into cutting files. Click here for
detailed steps on how to use SVG files on your
Silhouette. http://www.3dcuts.com/tutorial-upload-
svg-silhouette
• For Cricut Explore: Here is a guide for importing into Cricut Design Space. http://www.3dcuts.com/tutorial-adding-
3dcuts-files-to-cricut,
• Note: There is an extra svg file in the set titled Vellum Holder Smal.svg. This file is for those with cutters that can't cut
over 11.5". The Vellum Holder is 11.7 inches and the Cricut and brother Scan'n'cut might have trouble. If so cut the
small option. (This was added 11/29. Email me if you need this file.)
• Note to Silhouette users - The Silhouette sometimes has issues with vertical dotted lines and cuts them in a slow
fashion. If you position the pieces so the major dotted lines are horizontal, it might cut much faster.
• The grass layer has fine lines. It is best to have a good blade and mat and to slow down the speed for this layer.
• Below is a diagram of all the parts, their name and how many to cut of each.
Now that the parts are cut
you can choose to watch Nativity Star Tutorial by Marji Roy of 3dcuts.com
the video tutorial for
assembly or use the
photos below.
• Fold on all the dotted fold lines. The fours side tabs all get folded inward and the one end tab gets folded outward.
• Apply Scor-Ape to the inside of the four side tabs. Leave all the backing on the Scor-Tape,
• Turn the piece over and apply Scor-Tape to the other side of the one end tab.
• Peel the backing off one tab on a side piece. Leave the backing on the other side.
• You will adhere the side piece to one of the hollow-center stars.
• Start at the star point and line that up with the dotted center fold of the side piece then line up the edge. The tab goes
on the outside of the star frame. Work to keep the edge of the star perfectly aligned with the fold line of the side piece.
• Fold the side piece down the other side of the point, remove the backing tape and adhere in place.
• This is a view of what the front side of the star should
look like after adhering the first side.
• Peel the backing tape off the end tab and place the
next side piece over the end tab and adhere in place.
Be sure to line the end of the new side up to the
dotted fold line of the end tab.
• Peel the back off the Scor-Tape of the side piece just
attached and attach it to the side of the next star
point working to have the center fold line up with the
next point.
• Fold all the tabs on the grass layer in the same direction. There are 6 sets, 4 are of two folds each, and the top 2 are 1
fold each.
• Apply Scor-Tape to the outside of the last tab on each of the six edges.
• Fold the top two tabs of Layer 2 forward. This will form the stable roof. Do not put Scor-Tape on these tabs. (left image)
• Fold the bottom edges to the back along both fold lines. Add Scor-Tape to the last part of all four of these bottom tabs.
• Add Scor-tape to the tiny tab between the two roof panels in the top center.
• Peel the backing off the score-tape in the roof center
and adhere it to the other roof panel forming the
stable top. It will come forward over the Holy Family.
• Be sure the tips of the star are inside the fold lines of
the vellum layer.
• Slide the stack of layers into the star frame. Work to line up the tips of the points.
• Make sure the bottom of the inside layers is aligned with the bottom of the star frame. Remember the bottom of the star
frame has the two frame spacers in the corners.
• Slide the inner layers all the way to the front so the grass layer rests up against the spacing rods in the front.
• When the inner stack is correctly positioned, the tabs of the vellum layer should align with the back edge (right photo).
Trim them if they extend out.
• Peel the Scor-Tape backing off of each strip, one at a time and position it and adhere it in place. The tabs fold down on
top of the the star brace.
• The star back will stiffen the star frame plus cover all
the visible tabs.
• Insert LED tea lights in the back. They slide into the
slots in the vellum layer. (Use only LED tea lights.)
Think about how to display your shadow box. Here I have it on a console table. It would also look great as part of a mantle
vignette. Merry Christmas to all!