Learn step by step how you can create this one-of-a-kind Maple Tree Paper Cut Art!
Materials
- Shadow Box
- I used a 14″ by 11″ white shadow box.
- Cardstock Paper – Brown and Green
- I used the Smooth Solid Cardstock Paper by Recollections at Michael’s.
- The colors used in this project are Vanilla Brown and Bright Emerald.
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- Cut a 14″ by 11″ white piece of paper. You will craft the project on it.
- Glue
- Any liquid glue will look. I don’t recommend using a glue stick or hot glue gun.
- I used this glue for the project.
- Electronic Cutting Machine
- The Silhouette Cameo 4 or the Circut Explore Air 3 are both perfect options.
- Cutting Mat
- This cutting mat is used for the electronic cutting machine.
Step 1: Cut Out The Leaves and Tree Trunk
Keep In Mind Before Beginning
I crafted this project inside a 14″ by 11″ shadow box. The size of the leaves and tree trunk in the downloadable templates below were designed to fit the 14″ by 11″ shadow box. If you are using a different size shadow box, please adjust the leaves and tree trunk accordingly.
Download Patterns
Below is a link to download the leaves and tree trunk pattern. It is sized for a 12″ by 12″ shadow box.
Upload and Cut
Once you’ve downloaded our patterns, upload the patterns into the electronic cutting machine’s software. Drag and drop usually does the trick.
While using the software, you may need to adjust the size of the pattern template to 14″ by 11″. Place the cardstock on the cutting mat. Feed the cutting mat into the electronic cutting machine.
Cut regular cardstock on your Silhouette, use these cut settings:
- Blade: 4
- Speed: 5
- Force: 24
- Passes: 1
Cut regular cardstock on your Cricut by selecting the “cardstock” or “medium cardstock” option in the material setting.
When ready, allow your electronic cutting machine cut the leaves and tree trunk out!
Step 2: Glue Into Place
Grab your 14″ by 11″ piece of blank white paper.
Glue the tree trunk first. Place the trunk on the right left side of the blank background paper.
Don’t pour too much glue on the trunk cut out. A few drops along the trunk and branches is perfect!
Now work on the leaves. First, fold the leaves down the middle.
Next, glue the leaves. I positioned the leaves around the tree before gluing. You can either do as I did or glue the leaves while you fill up the tree.
A small drop of glue is all that is needed for the leaves.
I added the affect of the leaves falls of the tree. If you want to create the same look, glue some leaves falling off the tree and piling up at the bottom of the shadow box.
Allow the glue to dry for several hours.
Hang Up Your Masterpiece
Once the glue is dry you’re done!
Place the art inside your shadow box.
Hang up your paper cut art for everyone to see!
Congrats!
