I had an idea to make a shadowbox of rolled flowers with my Mum’s Favorite quote for her birthday. My Mum has alzheimers, but I thought at least her carers will be able to appreciate the work. I loved the finished design so much I decided to make one for my Mother In Law for Mother’s Day as well. This project is wonderful for all sorts of occasions and all sorts of quotes.
A shadow box packed with rolled paper flowers makes a beautiful piece of wall art, a heartfelt gift, or a show-stopping display.
This tutorial walks you through how to create one from scratch using your Silhouette cutting machine, a handful of cardstock colours, and a few basic supplies.
If you are new to rolled paper flowers, start with the How to Make Rolled Paper Flowers tutorial first. This project builds on those skills, so it helps to have a few practice flowers under your belt before you begin.
What You Will Need
Shadow box supplies:
Shadow box frame with a glass or acrylic front panel (the one shown is a standard 30cm x 30cm / 12″ x 12″ white frame)
Cardstock in your chosen colour palette (65-80 lb / 176-230 gsm works best for rolling)
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Quilling tool or tweezers
Scissors or a craft knife
Optional: ink, chalk, or paint to edge your flowers for added depth
For the sentiment:
White or light-coloured adhesive vinyl (for cut lettering on the glass panel)
Transfer tape
Sentiment SVG of your choice
Designs Used in This Project
For this shadow box, I used four of my rolled flower designs. Mixing petal shapes is the key to getting that full, lush look rather than everything looking identical.
I cut flowers in three shades: deep red, mid red, and hot pink. The contrast between the deep burgundy and the bright pink keeps the eye moving across the finished piece.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Plan Your Colour Palette
Before you cut anything, decide on your colours. For a cohesive look, choose two to three shades within the same colour family. For the shadow box shown, I used deep red, mid red/burgundy, and pink cardstock.
Cut a small test flower in each colour to check how they look together before committing to a full batch.
Step 2: Cut Your Flowers
Open your rolled flower SVG files in Silhouette Studio®. For a 30cm x 30cm shadow box, you will need a lot of flowers – the one shown used approximately 65 to 75 blooms in varying sizes. I cut approx 80 flowers for the shadow box. The number you require will in the end depend on how tightly rolled your flowers are and how tightly you pack them into the frame. This purely comes down to personal taste. Having a several spares comes in handy when it comes to gluing them down.
A few tips for this step:
Fit all four flowers on a letter sized page to save time. They will fit at purchased file size with some manoeuvring. Or fit however many you can on your chosen page size. Having them all on one page also ensures a good variety of shapes for each colour sheet.
Cut more than you think you need. It is easier to have extras than to stop mid-arrangement to cut more.
Roll at varying levels of tightness to ensure varying sizes to fill gaps.
Start rolling from the outer edge of the spiral using a quilling tool or tweezers.
Roll inward toward the centre, keeping the base edge as even as you can.
Let the roll relax slightly before gluing, so the petals open up naturally.
Apply hot glue to the base of the flower and adhere flat circle at end of spiral. Don’t be too concerned if flat circle isn’t spot on in centre, you won’t see it.
For a shadow box, I recommend rolling most flowers to a medium tightness. Very tight rolls look like buds; looser rolls look more like open blooms. A mix of both adds variety.
Step 4: Ink or Colour the Edges (Optional)
One of the easiest ways to add depth is to ink the edges of your flowers before rolling. Use an ink pad, soft pastel, chalk, or a slightly darker paint shade and lightly brush along the outer edges of the spiral.
You can also do this after rolling if you prefer a subtler effect.
Step 5: Prepare Your Sentiment
The sentiment for this project was cut from white adhesive vinyl and applied to the outside of the glass or acrylic panel. If you prefer the inside of the glass you will need to flip the design so it is backwards.
Design or select your sentiment SVG in Silhouette Studio®. Size it to fit comfortably within your shadow box frame.
Cut the sentiment from white vinyl.
Weed the excess vinyl carefully.
Apply transfer tape and transfer the sentiment to the outside face of the glass or acrylic panel.
Smooth out any bubbles and remove the transfer tape slowly.
If you feel confident enough to try it applying the sentiment to the inside of the glass gives a clean, embedded look once the flowers are in behind it.
Step 6: Arrange Your Flowers
This is the most satisfying step where the project comes together.
Remove the backing panel from your shadow box and set it flat on your work surface. Place a coloured piece of cardstock on the backing panel. This will serve as a pretty contrast to your flowers. I chose a deep pink shade for mine. You might find it easiest to temporarily tape the shadow box insert to the backing panel with the cardstock in between to help frame the flowers. Begin placing flowers without gluing, starting from the outer edges and working inward. Vary the sizes and colours as you go, and mix petal styles to avoid repetition.
A few arrangement tips:
Work from the outside edges toward the centre, or toward where your sentiment will be.
Aim to fill every gap, you want a lush, full look with minimal cardstock backing visible through the flowers.
Alternate deep and light shades rather than clustering similar colours together. Try to keep the colours somewhat random for a more natural look.
Stand the arrangement up occasionally to check how it looks from a viewing angle, since it will look different vertical than it does flat on the table.
Step 7: Glue the Flowers Down
Once you are happy with the arrangement, glue the flowers in place one at a time. Hot glue works best — it grabs quickly and holds well. You may find the arrangement shifts somewhat as you glue. It is handy to have spare flowers in case gaps appear.
Start by gluing the largest flowers first, then fill in smaller ones around them. If any gaps appear as you go, cut and roll a few extra small flowers to tuck in.
Step 8: Assemble the Shadow Box
Once all the flowers are glued and the glue has cooled completely:
Place the flower-covered backing panel back into the frame.
Place the glass or acrylic panel (with the vinyl sentiment applied) over the flowers.
Secure the frame backing as per your frame’s instructions.
The glass sits just above the flowers, so the sentiment appears to float in front of the blooms.
Tips
Frame depth matters. Standard shadow box frames have a depth of around 3-4 cm. If your flowers are particularly full or tall, check the frame depth before you start. Tighter-rolled flowers will fit more easily.
Hot glue dries fast. Work in small sections and have your spare flowers within arm’s reach before you start gluing.
Use a mix of petal styles. Using all the same petal shape makes the arrangement look repetitive. Mixing two to four styles creates a much richer result.
Paper weight counts. Too light and the flowers go floppy; too heavy and they are difficult to roll. 65-80 lb / 176-230 gsm cardstock is the sweet spot. Lighter cardstocks are easier to curl and don’t give unsightly folds as easily.
Cardstock from craft stores works well. You do not need specialty paper — standard double-sided cardstock in coordinating colours is ideal.
Shop the Rolled Flower Designs
[Suggested image: collage of all available rolled flower designs]
All rolled flower designs below are compatible with Silhouette Studio® and available from the Silhouette Design Store.
Have you made a rolled paper flower shadow box? I would love to see it. Share a photo in the comments or tag me on Instagram. I would love to share your masterpiece with my followers.
Don’t forget to follow Clikchic Designs in the Silhouette Design Store for easy to find updates on latest designs.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
It’s been a while since I’ve shared new designs with you, and I wanted to take a moment to let you know why. I’ve been dealing with some health challenges over the past several months that have kept me away from my craft room and design table. While it’s been frustrating to step back from something I love so much, I’m grateful for the time to focus on healing.
But here’s the exciting news: I’m feeling better, and I’m back to creating! I’ve missed this creative community so much, and I couldn’t wait to share some fresh designs with you. Scroll on to find out more!
What’s New in the Shop
I’ve just released six beautiful new designs that I think you’re going to love:
This sweet design combines the charm of watercolor strawberries in a heart shape. Perfect for Valentine’s Day projects, kitchen décor, or any project that needs a touch of berry sweetness. The print and cut format makes it super easy to create stunning results.
This adorable layered sentiment design brings together the berry theme with birthday wishes. The layered format creates beautiful dimension, and it’s surprisingly easy to assemble. Perfect for strawberry lovers and combines beautifully with the Print and Cut Strawberry for anyone who appreciates a punny birthday greeting!
A romantic bouquet of hearts and flowers in gorgeous watercolor style. This design is ideal for cards, gift tags, scrapbook layouts, or home décor projects. The warm red and pink tones make it perfect for Valentine’s Day or any celebration of love.
If you prefer cooler tones, this blue and purple version offers the same beautiful bouquet style with a serene, sophisticated color palette. Great for creating unique Valentine’s cards or gifts for those who love non-traditional color schemes.
A heartfelt thank you deserves a beautiful card, and this layered design delivers just that. The elegant sentiment layers create a polished, professional look that’s perfect for expressing gratitude. Whether you’re thanking a teacher, friend, or family member, this versatile design works for any occasion.
Celebrate a milestone birthday with this elegant layered sentiment! The 21st birthday is such a special occasion, and this design makes it easy to create a sophisticated card or décor piece. The layered elements add depth and visual interest that will make your project stand out.
Looking Ahead
I’m so excited to be creating again and have several more designs in the works. Thank you for your patience and continued support during my time away. Your enthusiasm for crafting and this wonderful community has been a real source of motivation for me.
I’d love to hear what you think of these new designs! Have you been working on any Valentine’s projects? What types of designs would you like to see more of? Drop a comment below and let me know.
Don’t forget to follow Clikchic Designs in the Silhouette Design Store to stay updated on all my latest releases.
If you’ve ever wondered how I get my Print & Cut designs to look so vibrant, crisp, and just a little bit extra shiny—you’re not alone! One of the most common questions I get is, “How do you make your printed designs look so good?” The secret? I use gloss photo paper and a high-quality inkjet printer—and it makes a huge difference.
In this post, I’ll walk you through why gloss photo paper is my go-to for Print & Cut crafts, how it compares to regular cardstock, and why your choice of printer (inkjet vs laser) also plays a big role in the final result.
If you would like to check out some of the designs in my store used in the photo to the right, check out my store here. I specialise in watercolor print and cut designs.
What Makes Gloss Photo Paper So Special?
Gloss photo paper is specifically designed for high-quality image printing. It has a smooth, coated surface that enhances colours, contrast, and detail. Here’s why it’s a game changer:
Vibrancy: The glossy coating helps the ink stay on the surface instead of being absorbed into the paper fibres, which means richer, brighter colours.
Sharp Detail: Photo paper gives you cleaner lines and finer details—great for intricate designs or watercolour textures.
Professional Finish: That shiny, polished surface gives your project a more finished and professional look. Think sticker-quality prints without the need for extra lamination.
Quick Drying: High-quality photo papers are quick-drying and smudge-resistant, which is ideal for Print & Cut projects where precision matters.
Gloss Photo Paper vs Regular Cardstock
Cardstock is thick and sturdy, which makes it great for structural elements like cards or boxes. But when it comes to image quality—especially for decorative elements like florals, labels, or illustrations—it doesn’t stand a chance against gloss photo paper.
Feature
Gloss Photo Paper
Regular Cardstock
Colour Vibrancy
High
Moderate
Print Detail
Crisp and defined
Slightly muted
Surface Finish
Glossy & smooth
Matte or slightly textured
Ink Absorption
Minimal (stays on top)
High (absorbs into paper)
Best Use
Decorative print elements
Card bases, sturdy pieces
Inkjet vs Laser Printers: What’s the Difference?
This one often surprises people: inkjet printers and laser printers use entirely different methods for printing, and each affects your output in different ways—especially when printing on photo paper.
Inkjet Printers
Use liquid ink droplets
Best suited for photo-quality, full-colour prints
Ideal for glossy or coated papers
Produces vibrant, rich colours and subtle gradients
Best choice for Print & Cut when using photo paper
Laser Printers
Use toner (powder) fused with heat
Better for high-speed, high-volume text printing
May not bond well with glossy surfaces
Can result in flaking, dull colours, or blurred images on photo paper
Not ideal for glossy photo paper—results may be patchy or prone to smudging
Tips for Using Gloss Photo Paper in Print & Cut Projects
Use the right print settings: Select “photo paper” or “glossy paper” in your printer settings to optimise ink distribution.
Let it dry: Even quick-dry paper needs a few minutes before handling—especially if you’re layering or cutting straight away.
Use a light tack mat: Glossy paper can stick too well to high-tack mats and may tear when removing.
Cut settings: Adjust your Silhouette or Cricut blade settings for thicker coated paper—do a test cut first.
Final Thoughts
If you’re aiming for that wow factor in your Print & Cut designs, switching to gloss photo paper and an inkjet printer is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. The difference in print quality is instantly noticeable—more vibrant colours, sharper details, and a gorgeous glossy finish that truly elevates your projects.
So if your prints have been looking a little dull or flat, give photo paper a try. Your crafts will thank you—and so will your followers!
Looking for a handmade birthday card with bold tropical vibes? This flamingo-themed birthday card is bright, cheerful, and so much fun to make. Using a Print & Cut flamingo, a cheeky sentiment, a painted monoprint background, and a dry paint-style clipping mask frame, this project is perfect for Silhouette Studio users who love combining painterly effects with clean digital design.
To recreate this look, you’ll need these Silhouette Design Store files: Flamingo Watercolor Print & Cut (D-1270614) Download here Flocking Fabulous Birthday Sentiment (D-1270612) Download here Yellow Red Magenta Monoprint Background (385854) Download here Dry Paint Grunge Clipping Mask Frame (D-368127) Download here
Cut the sentiment from coordinating cardstock, or print and cut using the include offset.
Assemble the card using glue or foam tape to add depth and dimension.
The finished result is a fun, layered birthday card perfect for summer celebrations and flamingo fans alike. See the full process in the Instagram Reel! (don’t forget to follow!)
Rolled paper flowers are a beautiful, easy-to-make craft perfect for cardmaking, scrapbooking, home décor, and party decorations. With just a few supplies, you can create realistic blooms in minutes. Prefer to watch and learn? Scroll on to the tutorial or further to the bottom to watch the step-by-step video on YouTube.
Cut the Spiral Shape: Use your cutting machine or scissors to cut out a spiral flower shape from your chosen paper. The design should have scalloped or curved edges for the petal effect.
Start Rolling from the Outside: Begin at the outer edge of the spiral. Use a quilling tool or tweezers to start rolling the paper inward, keeping the bottom edge aligned as much as possible. Wider petal designs with gaps between them require a little more care to ensure petals fold in as you wind the spiral.
Roll to the Centre: Continue rolling until you reach the flat circle at the centre of the spiral. This circle acts as the flower’s base.
Let It Loosen Slightly: Once rolled, gently release the flower so the petals can relax into a more natural shape. Adjust tightness to your liking.
Glue the Base: Apply a generous amount of hot glue to the centre circle and press the rolled petals into it. Hold for a few seconds until secure.
Finish & Shape: You can lightly curl the petal edges outward with your fingers or a shaping tool like a thin paintbrush or similar tool. Add ink or embellishments if desired.
Tips:
For more realistic flowers, use double-sided cardstock or ink the edges.
Larger spirals create fuller flowers; tighter rolls form buds.
Use a thin paintbrush handle or similar to gently curl petals outward for added dimension.
Rolled paper flowers can be layered, grouped, or used alone for endless DIY possibilities.
This tutorial contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Looking to add the perfect finishing touch to your handmade cards? My 5×7 with liner envelope SVGs features a contrasting liner and some contain detailed cutouts on the opening flap—ideal for various themes including birthdays, celebrations, and more. Follow this easy step-by-step tutorial to assemble your envelope using your electronic cutting machine.
Contrasting cardstock or patterned paper for the liner
Double-sided tape and/or craft glue – glue may be needed for intricate cut areas
Step 1: Cut the SVG File
Start by uploading the SVG file into your cutting machine software.
Cut the envelope base using your cutting machine from sturdy cardstock.
Cut the liner using your cutting machine from lighter or contrasting paper for a dramatic visual effect.
Step 2: Fold the Envelope
Once your pieces are cut, fold the envelope along the score lines.
Fold the two side flaps inward.
Fold the bottom flap upward and the top flap downward to check the fit.
Step 3: Attach the Liner
With the envelope open and flap lifted:
Align the liner centered behind the top flap and/or cutout area keeping fold in correct position.
Apply glue or double-sided tape to the back of the top flap.
Press the liner in place carefully, ensuring it doesn’t extend beyond the edges. Note: attaching the bottom part of the liner to the inside of the envelope can cause issues with opening and closing so it may be best to leave it unattached.
Step 4: Assemble the Envelope
Apply adhesive to the bottom flap.
Fold in the side flaps and fold the bottom flap up and press firmly to secure. Let it dry flat for a few minutes before use.
The Finished Result
You now have a stunning handmade envelope that fits standard 5×7” cards. The inset cut patterns paired with a bold liner adds the perfect pop of personality and style—ideal for gifting, invitations, or patriotic occasions.
