Diy Butterfly Shadow Box With Free Printable Tutorial

First of all, I designed the printable based on the measures of the frame. Since it was a little bigger than regular paper, I made a frame like a mat board so I could print it home.

For the design, I used some cute flowers and stems from the creative guys of freepik.com.

I left a big space in the center of the design to place there the paper butterflies. I wrote, “I’m so ready for you Spring”. Once was ready, I Printed it.

Remember that each printer is different. In my case, I use Epson L355. I set my design page for a 21.5×21.5 cm {8.5×8.5 Inches} but my actual visible design is 19.5×19.5 cm {7.6×7.6 In}.

I set up my page in the printer so it would leave only a 0.2 cm {0.08 inch} margin on every side and didn’t check “fit to page”.

Then based on my printable measures and using as a reference the layout that comes with the frame (hat paper with a design that comes in the frames) I cut a square of white cardstock piece and then cut out another square from the center of 19.5×19.5 cm {7.6×7.6 In} to create my own passe-partout.

Put them together and with tape, I secure them on the back.

Then in my Silhouette Studio, I cut this pretty butterfly from the silhouette store in the same measures as the space I let in the printable.

I decided to make only one big paper butterfly but you can make as many as you like.

The trick is cutting out and bending the paper butterflies to provide the play of light and shadow around their 3D shape.

Using a round object like a thick marker, you can bend and shape the butterflies wings to make them look more 3D.

Then I placed some strips of double-sided tape on the back of the butterfly, only on those places that will be securing the butterfly to the paper.

You can use a hot glue gun and apply a line of hot glue to those areas.

Decided on the perfect place and secure it.

My design was meant to be simple and very paper-based. However, if you want to take it to another level, get your largest butterflies and add cute antennas by cutting inch-long pieces of metal wire and bending them in the middle with a pair of pliers.

Next, apply a small drop of hot glue near the “head” and press in the V-shaped wire.

Ok, then was the moment to put the design in the frame.

Place the frame face down on a flat surface and use a butter knife, putty knife or similar object to lift each flex tab from the back of the shadow box towards the inside edge of the frame.

Bend all the metal tabs up, leave them in place, and then lift out the cardboard so you can put the picture in place.

Put the butterfly art facing down inside of the frame and then place the paper that came with the frame too.

And finally, Closed it putting back the backing and bending the tabs back in place.

Ready to go!