Light-Up Hot Chocolate Shadow Box: Holds a Cocoa Packet!

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Learn how to create an adorable shadow box that looks like a cup of cocoa!

Just when I thought shadow box crafts couldn’t get any cuter, I made these! I’ve made a lot of unique shadow box projects throughout my crafting journey, but these are really something special. My hot chocolate shadow box design looks like a cup of cocoa, but with adorable accents and a pretty illuminated scene inside! Not just that, but there’s a surprise on the back. 

The full step-by-step video showing you exactly how to create your own hot chocolate shadow box was part of Maker Academy Weekend 2024. Get a pass to watch all 18 workshops, each with a printable handbook, transcript, audio files, design files, and support with a Maker Academy Weekend 2024 VIP pass!

On the back of the shadow box is a pocket, perfectly-sized for a packet of hot cocoa! You can even slip a couple miniature candy canes into the pocket with the packet for a minty twist.

You might notice some cute messages on the shadow boxes. My Cricut did that! And yours can, too. I’ll show you how to make your Cricut use pens to write on your shadow box. 

First, get my digital file. Inside the instant download, there are three designs: A penguin with an igloo and a Christmas tree, as well as adorable Cat and Dog designs with messages.

Each digital cut file has a score version that uses a scoring tool to create the foldable creases, as well as a no-score version that uses dashed cut lines to create the folds. 

I’ve got a detailed list of cardstock and other supplies in my materials list, along with the tools you’ll need to make a hot chocolate shadow box. I’ve even included links where to find them — including my favorite flavor of hot cocoa!

To make your shadow box glow, you’ll need some lights! I recommend using LED fairy lights instead of a strip light, as they are small enough to fit into the tiny shadow box. Check the product information and only use LED lights, because they do not produce heat and are safe to use with paper crafts. 

These hot chocolate stand up shadow boxes don’t need a frame to display — they are designed to be shown off just as they are! They look lovely as a seasonal nightlight, or nestled into the branches of your Christmas tree. 

Wishing someone “happy holidays” is a nice sentiment, but it’s even better if it comes with a physical product, right? These make a great gift on a budget for a neighbor, a teacher, or your mail person. You can even use them for personal advertising for your small business — just slip a business card in with the cocoa packet. 

Gifting a warm cup of cheer and a glowing miniature shadow box is sure to bring some light to anyone’s winter evening! Check out the tutorial for the full details on how to make an adorable hot chocolate shadow box!

  

Let me show you how to make a hot chocolate shadow box! 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, there is no additional cost)! Read my full disclosure policy.

How to Make A Hot Chocolate Shadow Box!

The detailed step-by-step assembly video on how to make a hot chocolate shadow box was available to watch for free for 24 hours during Maker Academy Weekend 2024, held online November 7-10, 2024. Get access to the Maker Academy Weekend 2024 videos, printable handbooks, and design files with a 2024 VIP Pass to Maker Academy Weekend or by joining the ADVANCE with JenniferMaker program as an ANNUAL member!

Answers to Your Questions About My Hot Chocolate Shadow Box

Q: Where is your tutorial for this project?

A: This is a special project we made for our free Maker Academy Weekend 2024 event! A complete and detailed step-by-step video premiered during the event November 7-10, 2024. You can get access to the video tutorial and printable handbook that details how to make this great project if you get a 2024 VIP Pass to Maker Academy Weekend or by joining the ADVANCE with JenniferMaker program as an ANNUAL member which comes with other perks and bonuses, too!

Q: Do you have ideas on how to decorate hot chocolate packets?

A: This tutorial is a great place to start! Follow it to learn how to make a hot chocolate shadow box with a pocket for a cocoa packet. You can cut the pieces with an art knife, but a cutting machine will make the process much easier.

Q: What is a paper shadow box? 

A: A paper shadow box is a project usually cut from cardstock which uses multiple layers to create a scene, which is then housed in a shadow box frame. They’re often lit up with LED lights, and spacers between the layers add depth to the scene. I love to use a Cricut cutting machine to cut my paper shadow box layers because it’s much easier, but they can also be cut by hand using scissors or a craft knife. 

Q: What kind of cardstock do I need for a shadow box?

A: For the inner layers, I recommend white 65 lb. cardstock for this project so your lights shine through your layers. Thicker cardstock works, but your layers will be harder to illuminate. I used white cardstock, because light permeates it much more easily, but you can experiment with different colors, too — lighter colors do work better, though. If you need a lot, look for sellers with free shipping or savings on their regular price! Or if you need supplies right away, look for local stores with pickup availability. Not all of the colors require a full page, so you can stretch your supplies!

Q: What kind of lights can I use?

A: With any decorative objects made of paper like shadowboxes, lanterns, and luminaries, I only recommend mini LED lights. Do not use any light that may heat up for these DIY projects. I think warm white lights look best in shadowboxes like these, because they give a beautiful rustic light that feels so cozy — but the choice is up to you! And pay attention to the product features on your LED lights. Some take watch batteries, and some use cheaper options like AA batteries. Sometimes, you can even find LED lights that even have a built-in timer, so you never have to remember to turn them on and off.

Q: What do I do if my battery runs out?

A: If your LED light’s batteries die, the ornament is designed so you can easily pull the strand out and replace the battery pack with fresh batteries when needed.

Q: What font did you use?

A: JM Tall.

Q: Help! My Cricut Design Space screen looks different than yours!

A: Cricut updates their software often, so it may look different on your screen than it does when this tutorial was filmed and you accessed my digital product. Make sure you’re updated to the latest version, get a fresh copy of the digital download in case I’ve updated the files, and if you need help, ask in our help center group on Facebook!

Q: How do I know if my design uploaded at the correct size?

A: If you are using Cricut Design Space Beta for Desktop, try switching to the Live version as this has sometimes worked in our testing, or use the stacked version of the design and ungroup it to spread the pieces out. Here are the dimensions you should see for each design on your Canvas:

• shadow-box-dog-score-jennifermaker-SVG: 20.303″ x 28.887″
• shadow-box-penguin-noscore-jennifermaker-SVG: 26.956″ x 16.851″
• shadow-box-penguin-score-jennifermaker-SVG: 26.956″ x 16.851″
• shadow-box-cat-score-jennifermaker-SVG: 33.492″ x 17.125″
• shadow-box-cat-noscore-jennifermaker-SVG: 33.492″ x 17.125″
• shadow-box-dog-noscore-jennifermaker-SVG: 20.303″ x 28.887″

If you need help resizing your design, please see our Resizing Guide.

I love seeing what you make with my designs and tips! Please share a photo of your hot chocolate shadow box in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

Want to remember this? Save this Hot Chocolate Shadow Box Tutorial to your favorite Pinterest Board!