How to Make a Shadow Box Card: Free Basic Template

I had so much fun creating these shadow box cards in several themes and variations! I’ve also created a free basic template PDF (see below) with an optional add on that includes all three sizes with all the measurements and instructions.

First, let’s start with a simple idea with the Creative Celebrations paper pack:

This came together very quickly because all those die cut embellishments are included in the paper pack! These are great for not only quick cards, but packaging and tags.

I paired these bright, fun holiday prints with the Country Woods papers, one that seems to go with just about everything.

And then, surprise! The inside folds up to create a little shadow box style. These are gorgeous for cards that will be on display. And even better: they fold up totally flat for mailing.

Did you notice I used the piece I cut out from this panel for the front? No waste!

Next, I stayed with the same basic size, but rotated the card to a vertical orientation.

Everything on this card from the embossing folder to the papers and die cuts are from the Neutral Noel Suite. The card base is the new Kraft 12 x 12, which is coming 3 November (or now if you are a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator).

This card also opens up to a sweet little scene with more of the house and tree images on the inside. It’s particularly effective to have a foreground and a background when there actually is a 1/2″ depth to the card.

Can we just pause and remark that everyone needs this Softly Woven embossing folder?

I had just gotten back from some days in Arizona when I was making these cards, and I was fully in the Autumn harvest mood. I love how the United States fully leans into seasons and holidays – so much fun!

Plus I wanted to make a slimline version, which took a bit of figuring out with the measurements. It’s a great size for a row or a cluster of images like this.

And open up the card for even more Autumn fun! These bright pumpkins came right from the Painted Patch papers, cut with the Painted Pumpkins dies.

The embossing folder is Rustic Check, another good one for general use.

See more ideas with the Painted Patch Suite of products.

I tend towards square cards, so I had to give this one a try. This shape was a little harder to work out, but we got there in the end.

For this version, I featured those Country Woods papers again, paired with both the Hearth & Home papers and the Radiant Sunflower dies.

I love this dimensional, window effect with the flowers and the sentiment.

See even more ideas with the Sunflower Fields Suite of products.

Download the basic template to get started making shadow box cards!

There is an optional add on that includes complete measurements of all the layers plus instructions for all four cards above, so you’ll get the scoring and cutting measurements for all three sizes.

Please also enjoy this demonstration video, and

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Thanks so much for stopping by! Please join me on Instagram   and/or Facebook for more sharing of creative ideas! If you try this project, please share and tag me @stamphappycards!

~ Jacque