6.27.2013

3D Butterfly Shadow Box

Note: I have just started a new website at 3DCuts.com with my cutting files in .svg and .pdf formats for those of you without a Silhouette. This one is here and an entire alphabet shadow box series is! Stop by and see in this set of cutting files with endless craft possibilities. There is also a freebie here.

Project Description: 

This shadow box is composed of 3 cut files assembled in layers to create a branch environment for butterflies to hide. The download includes the cutting files for assembling Monarch butterflies as well as the shadow box. I have created this same series of files in several different paper combinations to show you the potential. First, I made a series in vibrant, natural colors....






And then I made another in all white.....


 Both beautiful and yet very different, and all from the same set of cutting files.


Note:
I am a new Silhouette Contributing Artist. Both my Silhouette files and this website are the beginning. Send along any suggestions, problems, ideas or photos as we learn to create together. I'd love to hear from you!  Marji Roy
eMail: ashbeedesignemail@gmail.com
Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software.


Supplies Needed:

  • Template from Silhouette On-Line Store here or from 3dcuts here.
  • Glue dots 3/16"
  • Silhouette Cameo
  • 3 sheets of 12" x 12" Card Stock - Colors or white
  • Spray Adhesive
  • Permanent Black marker
  • Blue Tack Wall Adhesive (optional)

Steps for completing the 3-D Butterfly Shadow Box project:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here or for other machines here.. All of the patterns for this project are in Silhouette download. They need to be separated and expanded.  Below are some detailed instructions with photographs.

2. Prepare the files:
The downloaded Silhouette file looks like this. Each of the 3 frame parts has to be copied, pasted into a new Silhouette file and enlarged. Continue for more hints on doing this.

Important note; In the Silhouette file, layers 2 and 3 are labeled incorrectly. They are reversed! Just found out 1 year later! (Thanks Linda!)



3. Enlarge and cut the 3 shadow box files.
  • The following technique will assist you in getting the inside frames sized correctly.
  • Copy the front frame (layer 1) from the original download and paste it into a new file. Enlarge to the size you want your final project to be. I enlarged it to 9.250" square inches. Notice the dotted fold line. This dotted line is key in correctly sizing layers 2 and 3. 
  • To duplicate my shadow boxes exactly use the following sizes:
    • Layer 1 - 9.250 " square
    • Layer 2 - 8.260" square
    • Layer 3 - 8.190 square
  • Cut layer 1 in card stock. Cut settings will depend on your card stock thickness. I used speed of 3, depth of 33 and blade set at 4. This is the frame and for the colored version, I cut it in black.
  • The following steps guide you in correctly sizing the frames for different sizes than mine.
  • After cutting, select everything (EDIT MENU to SELECT ALL) for the layer 1 file and change the ink color to blue. This step is optional but it helped me from getting confused. Below are the settings in Silhouette for changing color. Select the line tool and then choose a color.

  • Return to the original file download and copy layer 2.
  • Paste this copy ON TOP of the first file you just turned blue and resize it so the dotted square is slightly smaller. (This dotted square is the fold line when assembling the box.) If you are matching my size, I sized layer 2 at 8.260" square.


  • Notice how the large dotted fold square of the 2nd layer (red) is slightly smaller than the dotted square of the 1st layer (blue). You want to do the same. If you are using thicker card stock you will want more space here.
  • Note: I increased the thickness of the lines so this image would show well on your screen. You do NOT increase the line thickness. 
  • Once the size is appropriate, click on the back frame (blue in my sample) and delete it. You are left with the correctly sized middle layer (layer 2). 
  • Cut it out on your Silhouette.
  • Repeat by turning layer 2 blue and bringing in layer 3.
  • Reduce it to be slightly smaller than layer 2. I used 8.190" for my sample.
  • Delete layer 2 and cut layer 3.

4. Fold boxes.
  • Note each cut file has dotted lines. These are fold lines. 
  • Fold layers 1 and 2 BACK and fold layer 3 UP.



5. Glue Corners
  • I like to use Glue Dots on the corners although other glue types are appropriate. 
  • It is important to make square corners.

6. Assemble all three frames.
  • The back layer (3) slides into the middle layer (2), and both are covered by layer 1(black).



  • Place glue dots between the layer frames to hold them all together. Position the back layer with in the front layer so that is place as far back as possible. You want to maximize the space between the layers.


7. Cut and assemble the butterflies. 

  • I have created shadow boxes with 1, 2 or 3 butterflies.  The file comes with 2 patterns. These 2 are cut at this size to match the dimensions I noted above. 
  • Notice the larger one. It has more detail. It can be resized larger. 
  • The smaller design is simpler and works better in smaller sizes.  For the colorful shadow box I made two of the smaller butterfly, one I reduce in size.
  • Each Butterfly requires 2 lacy wings and 2 solid wing halves to be cut. Copy the appropriate files to a new file, duplicate and resize.
  • Choose your paper carefully for the lacy wings. Paper that has a lot of fibers tends to not cut well. A smoother card stock is more appropriate.
  • Cut the files.



  • Work carefully to remove the butterfly from the cutting mat. It is delicate. I found working with a worn-in mat (not too sticky) helps.



  • Spray the backside of one lacy wing with adhesive.


  • Carefully place the inner wing on each half.
  • Work to line up edges.


  • Spray adhesive on to the 2nd lacy butterfly and place it over the solid wing piece creating a 3-layered butterfly. Pay close attention to the antennae working to line them up.



  • If you have used black for the frame, take a permanent black marker and color any yellow showing on the edges. This step isn't necessary in a solid color version.


  • Fold each butterfly wing up, leaving a flat surface between them.  This is not a hard crease but a gentle fold.




  • Use a tiny glue dot and glue the heads of the two halves together.


  • Repeat this with the two tail pieces. I had to cut glue dots in half so they would fit.



  • Spread the antennae.


  • And bend the wings down.





8. Attach the butterflies to various locations on the shadow box.
  •  I used glue dots to position the butterflies. I like it with one of them positioned partially out of the frame.



9. Place on the wall.
  • I use Blu Tak or a similar product to attach to the walls with a material that doesn't damage the wall and is easy to re-position.

**********
© 2013 Marji Roy, Ashbee Design



6.24.2013

3D Ledge Village - Schoolhouse -Silhouette Tutorial

Project Description: 

The Ledge Village is series of 3D buildings and accessories that can be combined in a mix and match fashion to build tiny villages on small ledges around your home.  The buildings are thin, with all detail on the front so they fit on small trim ledges.  Each file comes with a building and some accessories to build the village. This tutorial is for the school house. Although the building construction is very similar to the other buildings in the village, the addition of the bell cupola adds some complexity that additional information is included for.

 




Other files in the series include:

And there are more to come!

Here is a view of the school house along with the other village buildings arranged on a shelf with a little more depth.



Below you can see an arrangement including the two-story house, cottage, school house and the church arranged on a different ledge.




Consider installing a grouping on a window ledge. The outside light shines through and makes the windows "light up".



Note:
I am a new Silhouette Contributing Artist. Both my Silhouette files and this website are the beginning. Send along any suggestions, problems, ideas or photos as we learn to create together. I'd love to hear from you!  Marji RoyeMail: ashbeedesignemail@gmail.com
Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software.

Supplies Needed:

  • Glue dots 3/16"
  • Silhouette Cameo
  • Card Stock 

Steps for completing the 3-D School House Construction:


1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here.

2. Prepare the files:
  • The downloaded Silhouette file for the School House house looks like this. The other buildings are similar with the main building piece, the roof piece and some various landscaping accessories.   The school house is different because of the second roof piece for the top of the cupola.


  • The picket fence is optional. If you don't need it, then remove it from the file because it does take a while for it to cut.
3. Cut the files.
  • The settings will depend on the paper you use. I have been using white index card stock and cutting at a speed of 3, a depth of 33 and the blade set to 4.
  • Carefully remove the cut files from the backing mat.
  • Here are the parts for the school house.

4. Fold the house.
  • Note each cut file has dotted lines. These are fold lines. 
  • Fold all the dotted lines inward.



5. Glue all seams

  • I like to use Glue Dots on the edges although other glue types are appropriate. 
  • It is important to make square corners. I start at the bottom and get that even and then move up to the roof line.

  • I insert a skinny tool through the door to help press all seams together.

6. Position the bell.
  • Fold the bell tower into place and use glue dots to hold it as well.
  • The bell gets folded into the inside of the tower.
  • You can fold back both the bell sides for additional gluing surfaces. The right fold location is shown with the red line below. These are not marked with dotted lines but fit in place.
  • You want to position the bell so it is recessed behind the opening in the front of the tower.


  • Once the bell is in position, glue the roof flaps of the tower top in place.


  • The two roof pieces get glued on last. They are flush with the back and have an over-hang in front.
  • The notch of the larger roof piece slides around the bell cupola.



7. Place on the wall.
  • I use Blu Tak or a similar product to attach to the walls with a material that doesn't damage the wall and is easy to re-position.




**********
© 2013 Marji Roy, Ashbee Design



3D Ledge Village - Church

Project Description: 

The Ledge Village is series of 3D buildings and accessories that can be combined in a mix and match fashion to build tiny villages on small ledges around your home.  The buildings are thin, with all detail on the front so they fit on small trim ledges.  Each file comes with a building and some accessories to build the village. This tutorial is for the church. Although the building construction is very similar to the other buildings in the village, the addition of the steeple adds some complexity requiring additional construction information. assembly for the church starts at the top, not the bottom.

 



Other files in the series include:

And there are more to come!

Here is a view of the church along with a few of the other village buildings arranged on a shelf.





Below you can see an arrangement including the two-story house, cottage and Greek Revival house cutting files. This display is on a unique ledge in my laundry room which inspired me to create the line of drying clothes. You can see many additional photos of this space here.



Consider installing a grouping on a window ledge. The outside light shines through and makes the windows "light up".



Note:
I am a new Silhouette Contributing Artist. Both my Silhouette files and this website are the beginning. Send along any suggestions, problems, ideas or photos as we learn to create together. I'd love to hear from you!  Marji RoyeMail: ashbeedesignemail@gmail.com
Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software.

Supplies Needed:

Steps for completing the 3-D School House Construction:


1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here.

2. Prepare the files:
  • The downloaded Silhouette file for the church looks like this. The other buildings are similar with the main building piece, the roof piece and some various landscaping accessories.   The church is different because of the steeple and its cap.

  • The picket fences are optional. If you don't need them, then remove them from the file because it does take a while for them to cut.
3. Cut the files.
  • The settings will depend on the paper you use. I have been using white card stock and cutting at a speed of 3, a depth of 33 and the blade set to 4.
  • Carefully remove the cut files from the backing mat.

4. Fold the church.
  • Note each cut file has dotted lines. These are fold lines. 
  • Fold all the dotted lines inward.




5. Glue the steeple together first. 

  • Generally, I start construction of Ledge Village buildings at the base to get that square. On this design it is easier to start at the steeple and work down. 
  • Using glue dots, glue the back of the steeple to the 2 sides. Try to get the tips to be as close together as possible but don't worry about them sticking together. They will be covered by a steeple cap.




  • I like to use Glue Dots on the edges although other glue types are appropriate. 
  • Put glue dots on all the remaining tabs of the steeple including the two tabs for the peak, the two side tabs on the square part of the steeple, and the two tiny triangle tabs that will hold the steeple to the roof. I have put arrows pointing to all the glue dot locations.


  • Place the front of the steeple in place, working carefully to align edges.



  • Use a long skinny tool (here I am using my scissor point) to reach up into the steeple and press all these seams together.
  • It is important to line up edges and corners.


  • I added a glue dot right at the peak to help hold it together. It is ok that is shows now.



  • Look inside the church and up to the steeple. The two little triangle tabs that connect the steeple to the roof need to be positioned and pressed into place while you still have access to them. Note the red arrow below indicating location.



6. Glue the body of the church building together
  • Add glue dots to the two side roof edges and glue in place matching up edges and corners.
  • Do the same with the two side wall seams.



  • Add glue dots to all 3 edges of the base and slide that into position.  You can press these from the inside by reaching in through the double doors.



6. Add the roof.
  • The notch on the roof piece fits around the steeple. 
  • Fold it in half and use glue dots to attach it.



7. Add steeple cap.
  • The steeple roof is a cap that gets put together and then slid over the top.
  • Fold the steeple cap piece.
  • Glue the two end tabs together so the bottom forms a rectangle that matches the steeple shape.



  • Put some glue dots on the base of the steeple roof and slide the cap down over them into place.
  • Also, take a flat tool (nail file works) and bend the vents for the bell tower out slightly.



7. Place on a ledge with other buildings from Ledge Village.
  • I use Blu Tak or a similar product to attach to the walls with a material that doesn't damage the wall and is easy to re-position.




**********
© 2013 Marji Roy, Ashbee Design