DIY Paper Heart Shadow Box for Valentine’s Day

The first thing I did was create the design using the frame’s measures.

I represented the empty hearts as red since that would be the color that would be behind everything.

I used gold{ish} color to represent the gold glitter heart. And the gray lines for the white hearts.

I made a copy of the design and converted everything into simple lines, all in black. Remove any grouping or compound path so I can export the design as a .dxf file. This type of file is accepted by Silhouette Studio.

I opened my Silhouette Studio app and opened the .dxf file.

I gave the design style again just so I don’t forget what is what.

Then I divided the design into two. One with all the hearts that would be layered and the other that would have the hollow hearts and the “I” and “U” letters.

For this last one, I added a squared line with the exact measures of the inner area of the frame.

*Please keep in mind that these freebies are for personal use only, no commercial purposes are allowed, and neither is copying parts or its total. Enjoy!

Load the mat with the chosen cardstock for each layer to the machine.

Set it up correctly according to the type of cardstock you are using on the Silhouette stucio app.

Adjust the knife as recommended. If it doesn’t cut properly with recommended settings, adjust as needed.

Sent to cut one design at a time.

Look how cute the hearts look!!!!

So, ok it’s time to assemble the pieces.

I cut a frame to use around the red cardstock. This piece should be the same size as the sample page that comes with the frame. Set this aside.

I took my white cut cardstock with the hollow hearts and recreated the design with the cutout hearts to match the original design.

Then using the foam double-sided tape I place each heart in place. I wanted them separated from the base, so used a double layer of tape LOL.

I went one by one making sure they kept them aligned and straight.

Then for the last heart, I applied regular glue, spread with my fingers, and poured some glitter!!!!!!

I let it dry for a few minutes.

I went back to the red cardstock. Carefully I applied double-sided tape in the corners and different places making sure not to put any tape where the hollow hearts would be.

Again carefully, I placed the heart pattern on top of the red cardstock as centered as possible.

close view of finished Paper Heart Shadow Box design

When the gold heart was dry, I applied some foam tape and put it between the “I” and “U”.

The design is ready!!!!

Time to put it in the frame facing down.

I closed the frame and voila!!!