Dimensional Paper Layering

Our resident craft guru, Bonnie, makes the most lovely layered paper projects. They look complicated until she tells you it's "the same piece of paper, layered with foam squares". The key is patience, and a very sharp craft knife.

Here is the basic tutorial for a four-layer shadowbox. You can select any paper you like for this project. If you are new to paper cutting with small scissors and craft knives, pick a paper with simpler shapes and less detail. The paper we chose is from S.E.I.'s Silver Valley collection - isn't it lovely?

Supplies

• Vinyl Saying: Snow Flakes are the flowers in Winter’s Garden
• 12 In. x 12 In. Shadow Box Frame in White
• 4 — 12 in. x 12 in. Sheets Matching Scrapbook Paper
• Dimensional foam squares or “pop-up” dots
• Scissors, Needle-nosed or fine-tip
• Craft Knife
• Cutting Mat

Directions

The dimensional look of this craft is achieved by layering cut-outs from several sheets of the same decorative paper—foam craft squares are placed between layers to add depth.

1. Start by disassembling the shadowbox and cleaning the glass.
2. Take the four matching sheets of paper and decide which elements will be in the foreground and background.
3. Trim the bottommost sheet to an exact 12”x12”. Cut the remaining sheets to 11 1/2” x 11 1/2” evenly, by trimming 1/4” from each side. (this will ensure they will fit inside the frame).
4. Working with the second layer, decide which elements to keep and trim away the rest carefully with scissors and/or a craft knife. Repeat for the two remaining layers.
5. Working from the background to the foreground, build your layers with foam squares (or pop-up dots). When complete, place it into the frame and reassemble the shadowbox.
6. Add your vinyl saying to the outside of the glass. 

The same technique was used when Bonnie created this Nutcracker Wall Canvas:

 

 

 

Looking for more craft tutorials?

We have 100's of free projects on our website!

http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/CraftIdeas/CI.html