Are you looking for a fun and easy craft project to spruce up your home decor? Look no further than 3D paper butterflies made with your Cricut! These delicate and beautiful butterflies can be used to create stunning wall art, add a pop of color to greeting cards, or even decorate a party.

With just a few simple steps, you can create your own 3D butterflies with your Cricut machine. First, choose your favorite butterfly design and cut it out using your Cricut. Then, assemble the layers and add any additional embellishments you desire. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your 3D butterflies, so let your creativity soar!

Whether you’re a seasoned Cricut user or a beginner, making 3D butterflies is a great way to add a touch of whimsy to your space. So gather your supplies and get ready to create something beautiful!

Materials Needed

Before you start making 3D butterflies with your Cricut, you will need a few materials. Here are the materials you will need:

Cricut Machine

A Cricut machine is a must-have tool for making 3D butterflies. You can use either Cricut Explore or Cricut Maker. Both machines work well for this project. The Cricut machine will cut out the butterfly template precisely and accurately.

Butterfly Template

You will need a butterfly template to make 3D butterflies. You can either create your own template or download a pre-made template from the internet. There are many free butterfly templates available online. You can choose any template you like, but make sure it is compatible with your Cricut machine.

Cardstock Paper

Cardstock paper is the best material to use for making 3D butterflies. It is sturdy and durable, which makes it perfect for creating 3D shapes. You can use any color of cardstock paper you like. You can also use patterned cardstock paper to add more visual interest to your butterflies.

Glue

You will need glue to assemble the 3D butterflies. You can use any type of glue that works well with paper. We recommend using a glue stick or a liquid glue that dries clear. Avoid using hot glue as it can melt the cardstock paper.

In summary, to make 3D butterflies with your Cricut, you will need a Cricut machine, a butterfly template, cardstock paper, and glue. Gather all the materials before you start the project to ensure that you have everything you need.

Preparing the Cricut Machine

Before you can start making 3D butterflies with your Cricut machine, you need to prepare it. This involves connecting the machine to a computer or mobile device, accessing the Cricut Design Space, and uploading the butterfly template.

Connect the Machine to a Computer or Mobile Device

To connect your Cricut machine to a computer or mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Plug in your Cricut machine and turn it on.
2. Connect the machine to your computer or mobile device using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
3. If you’re using a computer, download and install the Cricut Design Space app. If you’re using a mobile device, download the Cricut Design Space app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Access the Cricut Design Space

Once your Cricut machine is connected to your computer or mobile device, you need to access the Cricut Design Space. Here’s how:

1. Open the Cricut Design Space app on your computer or mobile device.
2. Log in to your account or create a new one if you don’t have one yet.
3. Click on the “New Project” button to start a new project.

Upload the Butterfly Template

Now that you’re in the Cricut Design Space, it’s time to upload the butterfly template. Here’s how:

1. Click on the “Upload” button on the left-hand side of the screen.
2. Click on the “Upload Image” button and select the butterfly template from your computer or mobile device.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to upload the template and adjust the size and orientation as needed.

Once you’ve uploaded the butterfly template, you’re ready to start making 3D butterflies with your Cricut machine.

Cutting the Butterfly Template

Before you can assemble your 3D paper butterflies, you need to cut out the butterfly shapes using your Cricut machine. Here’s how to do it:

Adjust the Settings for the Cardstock Paper

First, you need to adjust the settings on your Cricut machine to ensure that it cuts the cardstock paper correctly. The settings will depend on the type of cardstock paper you’re using, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions.

In general, you’ll want to set the blade depth to around 5 or 6, and the pressure to high. You may also need to adjust the cutting speed depending on the thickness of your cardstock paper.

Load the Paper onto the Cricut Mat

Next, you’ll need to load the cardstock paper onto the Cricut mat. Make sure that the paper is firmly attached to the mat and that there are no bubbles or wrinkles.

If you’re using Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock, you can skip this step as the paper is already attached to the mat.

Cut the Butterfly Shapes

Once you’ve adjusted the settings and loaded the paper onto the mat, you’re ready to cut out the butterfly shapes. Follow these steps:

1. Open the butterfly template in Cricut Design Space.
2. Select the “Make It” button and follow the prompts to connect your Cricut machine.
3. Choose the cardstock paper setting and adjust the pressure, speed, and blade depth as needed.
4. Load the mat into the Cricut machine and press the “Go” button.
5. Wait for the machine to finish cutting the butterfly shapes.

Once the machine has finished cutting, carefully remove the paper from the mat. You should now have a set of butterfly shapes that you can use to assemble your 3D paper butterflies.

By following these simple steps, you can easily cut out the butterfly shapes for your 3D paper butterflies using your Cricut machine.

Assembling the 3D Butterflies

Fold the Butterfly Wings

Once you have cut out all the pieces for your 3D butterfly using your Cricut machine, it’s time to assemble them. Begin by folding the wings along the score lines. Make sure to fold them in the right direction as indicated in the design file. If you’re not sure, you can refer to the design file or the tutorial video you used to make the butterflies.

Glue the Butterfly Wings Together

Next, apply a small amount of glue to the back of the wings and fold them together. Hold them in place for a few seconds until the glue sets. Repeat this step for all the wings of the butterfly.

Attach the Butterflies to a Surface or Display

Once the wings are glued together, you can attach the butterflies to a surface or display. You can use painter’s tape or poster putty to place the butterflies on your walls. Alternatively, you can attach them to cards or signs by gluing them from the backside.

If you want to create a 3D display, you can attach the butterflies to a wire or string and hang them from the ceiling or a wall. To do this, you can use a small hole punch to create a hole in the center of the butterfly body. Then, thread a wire or string through the hole and tie it securely. You can also use a small piece of double-sided tape or glue to attach the wire or string to the back of the butterfly.

In conclusion, assembling 3D butterflies with your Cricut machine is a fun and easy craft project that can be used for wall decor, to add to cards, or to create a 3D display. By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful and unique butterflies that will add a touch of whimsy to any space.