Paper Cut Lamp – Free Design and Tips!

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE PAPER CUT LAMP FILES

First, download my free Paper Cut Lamp SVG/DXF/PDF design file from my free resource library. It's Design #470. Just go to the red bar at the top and look for Libraries, then either click Get a Password (if you don't yet have one) or click Enter the Library. You can find the pattern by searching the page for design 470 and then click it to download.

I’ll show you how to easily cut and assemble a paper cut lamp with intricate details!


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 are on an iPad or iPhone, here is how to download and upload SVG files to the Cricut design space app.

STEP 2: PREPARE THE DESIGN FILES

Upload the SVG file to Cricut Design Space and add it to your Canvas.

This is what my paper cut lamp file looks like in Design Space.

In the layers panel, click "ungroup"

You will notice three of the layers contain grouped objects. I designed it this way so it would be easy to tell what pieces go together.

The paper cut lamp design will upload to the proper size and no further adjustments are needed. You can rearrange the layers on your canvas to see them individually if you’d like. Make sure the operation is set to Basic Cut, and that’s it for the Canvas! Now you’re ready to cut!

STEP 3: CUT THE LAMP LAYERS

Make sure the correct machine is selected. Click “Make It”.

If prompted, select "On Mat" and "12 in x 12 in" then click Continue.

On the "Prepare" screen, check all your mats look how they should. There should be a total of 7, 12 in x 12 in mats.

There is nothing else to change so click “Continue.”

Click "Browse All Materials” to select our base material.

To find the appropriate cardstock setting, click "Browse All Materials" and type "cardstock" in the search bar. Then select the desired result, click "Apply," and adjust the Pressure as necessary. Here I am using 80 lb cardstock so I will select "Medium Cardstock" as my material and will change the Pressure set to "More" to get the cleanest cuts. I’ll also check the "Remember Material Settings" box since I’m using the same material for each mat.

Place your cardstock on a Blue LightGrip Machine Mat, 12" x 12", and use a brayer to make sure it's fully adhered. You can also use the Green StandardGrip machine mat. I found that the LightGrip worked just slightly better for cutting the intimate bits.

Ensure the fine point blade is loaded in Clamp B, then load the first mat into the machine and press the "Load/Unload" button. Then press the "Start" button.

TIP: Clean your blade with a ball of foil every other cut for the cleanest results.

Repeat for all mats.

TIP: If you run into any issues cutting your cardstock, check out my Cricut Tips & Tricks for Cleaner Cuts.
Once you have all your layers cut, you will need to weed them.

STEP 4: WEED THE LAMP LAYERS

When the cut is finished, unload the mat, flip it over, and roll it back to release the cardstock. This helps prevent the material from curling and ripping. 



If the smaller bits do not release from the mat, use a spatula to carefully lift them off the mat. Remember to be gentle around the small, delicate edges of the design.

Repeat the process with the rest of the mats.

Once the design is completely released from the mat, check the back and front to make sure all cut areas are clean. Use a weeding tool or tweezers to gently pop out, or pull off any bits that are stuck.

TIP: Don’t worry too much if the edges of your trees or tufts of grass look a little frayed or get a bit bent in the process. It will add texture and dimension to the nature design. Plus, trees aren’t perfect in real life, right?



Now we are ready to put our lamp together!

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE LAMP

Here are what all the cut pieces look like - there are eight pieces,

Starting with the innermost layer face down, gently use your brayer and your hand to gently roll along the paper lengthwise, creating a soft curve. This will help to pre-shape the cardstock into a cylindrical shape, giving it a perfectly smooth finish.

TIP: You can also get creative and use any cylindrical household item such as a can of hairspray or a roll of vinyl!



Refer to the printable reference sheet included in the design file while assembling your lamp. It will help keep all pieces in the proper order.

Next, gently but firmly, slide the tabs into their corresponding slot. It helps to shift them up or down in their slot to get the next one in. It might feel like a tight fit, but with a little patience, they will slide into place and your lamp a perfectly finished look!

Repeat this process for all the layers, making note of the outer two layers, which have two sections each. Follow the same steps above for these.

Once all your layers are transformed into cylinders, it’s time to secure them to the base. Again, starting with the innermost layer, gently pre-fold the bottom tabs inwards, making sure the fold is flush with the base. Then straighten the tab back out. Repeat for all bottom tabs. This will help in achieving a seamless fit to the base.



Starting one tab at a time, gently slide the tab into an innermost slot on the base.



From the bottom, grab the tab to help pull it through.



Tape a small piece of scotch tape to the tab and firmly but gently pull and tape it to the base. This will ensure the layer stays in place while you work the rest of the tabs in the same way, and they are all secure.



IMPORTANT: Make note of the back seams of your cylindrical layers. When attaching them to the base, be careful to make sure the back seams are aligned.



Repeat with the rest of your layers, working outwards.

Once all layers are attached to the base, take the solid base circle and place it face down. Apply double-stick tape in strips.



Use a weeding tool or tweezers to pull off the backing of the double stick tape.



Now, using the precision tip of your Bearly Art Glue, apply small dots around the edge of the circle, and to the areas where there is no tape. This will help ensure your base and its edges are secure.



Take the assembled top portions of your lamp and carefully align and attach it to the solid base and push around the edges to secure it.



TIP: Use the handle end of your spatula or weeding tool to push down the center of the lamp to help stick it together.



Now add lights to your paper cut lamp. Unwind 2 - 3 strands of fairy lights and stuff them into your mini mason jar (optional). Using a jar or vessel such as a mini mason jar helps to keep the fairy lights contained and from catching on the delicate edges of your paper lamp. The weight of the jar also helps keep your lamp steady. I like to try to make sure the lights are somewhat evenly spread out in the jar, with some poking out the top.

TIP: It helps to switch the strands of lights on before placing the jar in your lamp.



Drop the jar of lights into the center of your lamp.

Done!

STEP 6: LIGHT UP YOUR LAMP AND SHOW IT OFF!

Place your new paper cut lamp in a dark or dim spot, and admire its beauty!

VARIATIONS:

You can also get creative and use a generic empty spice jar from your kitchen to contain your fairy lights. It's also a great way to up-cycle!