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Learn how to make this amazing 3D layered paper art design with my easy step-by-step tutorial!

Today we’re sharing the third in our series of four different FREE 3D layered paper art patterns for you to create. These elegant 3D layered paper art designs are easy to make and only require a few different supplies. SO many of you have already created the first two designs, our 3D layered paper cut flower and our 3D layered cut art crystal, and I know you’re going to love this one, too — we call it The Pinwheel!

Get the free SVG cut file for this project

Like the first two designs in this series, to make our 3D layered paper art pinwheel you need 14 sheets of 12″ x 12″ cardstock. I have used 13 sheets of white and 1 sheet of a contrasting color, but many people have used opted to use beautiful colors of cardstock. You can take a look in our Cricut Crafters & Makers Facebook group  to see how this project looks with different colors of cardstock. You can use shades of one color to produce a gradient effect or alternate the colors. It’s amazing how you can change the look of the project by simply changing the color of the paper.

Here is a look at all four of the layered art designs in frames:

3D layered paper cut design series of four by JenniferMaker

Today we’re releasing the beautiful pinwheel 3D layered paper art design.

This is what my finished 3d layered paper cut art project looks like

I have all four of the 3D Layered Paper Art framed. I love the white with the pop of color!

Framed paper art on the wall in my craft room

Let me show you how easy it is to make this 3D layered paper art pinwheel design! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.

Materials to Make a 3D Layered Paper Art Pinwheel

View my Amazon shopping list with the exact items we used to make this project!

How to Make a 3D Layered Paper Art Pinwheel

This is what my finished 3d layered paper cut art project looks like

3D Layered Paper Art Pinwheel (Series 3 of 4)

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $20

This tutorial is going to show you how to make the third design in my monochromatic 3D layered paper framed art series.

Instructions

STEP 1: Get my 3D Layered Paper Art Design

First, get Design #231 which is the free SVG file for this tutorial. You can download my free monochromatic 3D layered paper art SVG/DXF/PDF from my free resource library. If you're going to cut it on your cutting machine, upload the file to your design software. This is what my "pinwheel" file looks like in Design Space.

This is what my 3d layered paper cut art file looks like in Cricut Design Space

Tip: If you're not sure how to upload an SVG cut file to Cricut Design Space, watch this helpful video training series I made. If you're on an iPhone or iPad, here's how to download and upload SVG files to the Cricut Design Space app.

STEP 2: Cut the Design from Cardstock

This design contains 13 layers for the design plus one contrasting cardstock layer for the back. Each of the 13 layers takes approximately 5 minutes to cut.

Measure the inside space of your frame and adjust the measurements of the design file to fit. The file is sized 10.5" x 10.5" which fits my shadowbox frame perfectly.

Measure the inside of your frame to make my 3d layered paper cut art flower

Cut each layer of the design. I found it is helpful to put the finished layers in order as they are cut. I used my extra large scraper to remove paper pieces left on my mat from cutting the design.

STEP 3: Assemble the Paper Cut Design

Once all layers are cut gather your supplies for assembly.

These are the supplies you need to assemble my 3d layered paper cut art

Make sure the cut cardstock layers are placed in the correct orientation. This is what your cut layers should look like with proper orientation.

This is the proper orientation of stacked layers for my 3d layered paper cut art

Open the back of your frame.

Open the back of your picture frame to assemble my 3D layered paper cut art flower

Insert the cardstock layers into the frame.

Insert the stacked layers into the picture frame for my 3d layered paper cut art project

Add the one contrast layer of cardstock.

Add a contrasting layer of cardstock on top of the stacked layers in the picture frame for my 3d layered paper cut art project

Add two layers of foamcore cut slightly smaller than the inside of your frame to fill up the empty space so the cardstock does not slide around. If you are not using the same frame I am, make sure you add enough foamcore so that the stacked layers do not move inside the frame.

Add foam core to the back of the picture frame to prevent the stacked layers from moving

Place the back on the frame.

Add the back to the picture frame for my 3d layered paper cut art

STEP 4: Show it Off

You are now ready to hang your beautiful piece of artwork. This is what the monochromatic framed pinwheel art looks like completely assembled.

This is what my finished 3d layered paper cut art project looks like

Notes

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to the JenniferMaker Design Fairy Team, specifically Design Fairy Caitlin, for helping me design and assemble this beautiful paper cut pinwheel design.

These 3D layered paper cut designs are SO much fun to make! Watch for the final design to be released next week!

Answers to Your Questions About Making 3D Layered Paper Cut Designs

Q: Can I cut this design on my Cricut Joy?
A: Yes, it should be able to make it if you reduce it down in size once you upload it to Design Space. Just make sure it is under 4.25″ wide. If you’re unclear on how to resize SVG designs, please see my resizing tutorial.

Q: How do I resize this in Design Space to fit my frame?
A: I have a blog post that explains How to Resize SVG Files in Cricut Design Space.

Q: Do I need to use spacers between the layers?
A: You don’t have to use any spacers between the layers. There are so many layers that the project has a 3D look even without additional spacers.

Q: How do I keep the layers in place inside the frame?
A: I recommend using foam core underneath the last year to keep the design in place inside your frame.

Q: If I don’t use a frame, how do I keep the layers together?
A: If you aren’t using a frame I suggest using spray adhesive on the back of each layer to attach them.

Q: Can you use 65 lb cardstock? Or a different weight of cardstock?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure you choose the appropriate setting for your material.

Q: Can I cut this on a Silhouette?
A: Yes, you can. You need to ungroup and separate all the layers. In Silhouette Studio select the object, go to the Object menu and choose ungroup. 

Q: My blade gets dull while I’m cutting, is there anything I can do?
A: Your blade might not be getting dull, it might need to be cleaned. Take a look at my Cricut Blade Cutting Tips post for troubleshooting help. Here’s a video that shows how I clean my blade to keep it cutting nicely:

 

Get my free SVG files to make your own 3D Layered Paper Art Pinwheel!

I cannot wait to see your 3D layered paper art design! Please share a photo in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker. Here are our other two designs that we’ve already released.
Make a 3D Layered Paper Cut Crystal or Diamond with white cardstock in a white frame with our free SVG cut file #papercraft #3d #homedecor

Love,

JenniferMaker.com

Want to remember this? Save this 3D Layered Paper Art Pinwheel tutorial to your favorite Pinterest Board

Make a 3D Layered Paper Cut Pinwheel with white cardstock in a white frame with our free SVG cut file #papercraft #3d #homedecor #cricut

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9 Comments

  1. Oops! I forgot to include in my previous comment. Thank you very much for the designs! I have made all 3 so far.

    1. Good morning. I made a mandala that cut to 10.5 and lay a 12 x 12 behind It. Why is my cut Mandala smaller than the 12 x 12 back piece.

      1. 10.5″ is the correct size for the cut design, as noted in the tutorial. If you’d prefer it to be a different size, you can resize it before you cut it.

  2. Will you be making any more of these types of designs? I have made all four in multiple color combinations.

  3. Hi there, have successfully downloaded the mandala flower project (from the set of 4 for shadow boxes), but having difficulty downloading the other 3 (pinwheel – 231, etc), been trying for a week now without any luck. Also, I keep getting emails asking me to confirm my subscription, which I have done many times now. I would be grateful if you please advise direct to my email address. Many thanks. Jayne

    1. We just double-checked all those SVGs, Jayne, and they are downloading fine for us! If you would email our Maker Experience team at “[email protected]” they will be able to help you straighten everything out! 🙂

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