M
Mandee
Guest
- Thread Author
- #1
It’s time to bring a little bit of the outdoors into the craft room. Today’s project features the beauty of nature in a unique, whimsical decor piece. So, gather up some colorful cardstock and make this insect specimen display with me today!
My awesome patrons picked this fun design! Each month, my Patreon subscribers help me choose the projects I create, and this design was one of the top picks for September.
If you enjoy my work and would like to help choose future projects/freebies, consider becoming a patron of Designs By Miss Mandee!
Print
1. Use your cutting machine or X-ACTO knife, along with my template, to cut out all of the pieces of this insect specimen display.
Note: If you are using the SVG files that includes the score lines, don’t forget to set them as such in Cricut Design Space and attach them to their shapes before sending them through your cutting machine. I used a lime green color to mark the score lines, so hopefully that helps! If you’re having trouble with the score lines, check out this video.
2. Start assembling the frame by taking the border pieces and folding them along the score lines.
Then, attach the ones that have the small tabs on one side to the inside edge of the main frame piece.
Attach the remaining pieces to the outside edge of the frame.
Take the backing piece and attach it to the frame using the tabs/slits provided and gluing the long tabs around the edge.
Attach the solid rectangle piece on top to cover the tabs.
3. Take your insect pieces and use pens, markers, or colored pencils to add some fun details.
Then, layer your pieces together as shown in the second photo.
Attach foam tape to the back of your insects and attach them to the inside of your display. Your project is complete!
I had a lot of fun choosing how I wanted to decorate each insect in the display! I wound up going for a more realistic look overall, but I definitely took a few creative liberties here and there. Of course, if you wanted to go for a brighter color palette with your bugs, or even make them all out of the same metallic paper or something—that would be a cool direction to go as well. It’s your project, your vibe!
Also, if you are partial to a couple of the insect species more than others, you could make a repeating pattern for your display and leave out any creepy crawlies that aren’t up your alley.
I use Adobe Illustrator for all my designs, and a Cricut Maker to bring my creations to life. For tips on creating fun paper cuts like this one, see the FAQ section on my website. Also, be sure to check out the other fun freebies available on my blog!
Enjoy making this one-of-a-kind insect specimen display! I’m excited to see your results, so be sure to share them with me by either tagging me on Instagram or by sharing your work in my Facebook Group.
The post Insect Specimen Display – Bug Cut Files appeared first on Designs By Miss Mandee.
Like this design? Consider leaving a tip to show your support.
My awesome patrons picked this fun design! Each month, my Patreon subscribers help me choose the projects I create, and this design was one of the top picks for September.
If you enjoy my work and would like to help choose future projects/freebies, consider becoming a patron of Designs By Miss Mandee!
Watch a short video of me putting this project together on Instagram.
Insect Specimen Display
Learn how to create this little cabinet of curiosities.Ingredients
- Cardstock
- Foam Tape
- Precision Craft Glue or a Glue Stick
- Markers/Pens/Colored Pencils
- Bone Folder optional
- A Cutting Machine or X-ACTO knife
- My Free Template
Instructions
- Use your cutting machine or X-ACTO knife, along with my template, to cut out all of the pieces of this insect specimen display.Note: If you are using the SVG files that includes the score lines, don't forget to set them as such in Cricut Design Space and attach them to their shapes before sending them through your cutting machine. I used a lime green color to mark the score lines, so hopefully that helps! If you're having trouble with the score lines, check out this video.
- Start assembling the frame by taking the border pieces and folding them along the score lines.Then, attach the ones that have the small tabs on one side to the inside edge of the main frame piece.Attach the remaining pieces to the outside edge of the frame.Take the backing piece and attach it to the frame using the tabs/slits provided, and glue the long tabs around the edge.Attach the solid rectangle piece on top to cover the tabs.
- Take your insect pieces and use pens, markers, or colored pencils to add some fun details.Then, layer your pieces together as shown in the second photo.Attach foam tape to the back of your insects and attach them to the inside of your display. Your project is complete!
Notes
When assembled, this project is 10" wide, 7" tall, and 0.75" deep.Supplies
- Cardstock
- Foam Tape
- Precision Craft Glue or a Glue Stick
- Markers/Pens/Colored Pencils
- Bone Folder (optional)
- A Cutting Machine or X-ACTO knife
- My Free Template
How to Make It
1. Use your cutting machine or X-ACTO knife, along with my template, to cut out all of the pieces of this insect specimen display.
Note: If you are using the SVG files that includes the score lines, don’t forget to set them as such in Cricut Design Space and attach them to their shapes before sending them through your cutting machine. I used a lime green color to mark the score lines, so hopefully that helps! If you’re having trouble with the score lines, check out this video.
2. Start assembling the frame by taking the border pieces and folding them along the score lines.
Then, attach the ones that have the small tabs on one side to the inside edge of the main frame piece.
Attach the remaining pieces to the outside edge of the frame.
Take the backing piece and attach it to the frame using the tabs/slits provided and gluing the long tabs around the edge.
Attach the solid rectangle piece on top to cover the tabs.
3. Take your insect pieces and use pens, markers, or colored pencils to add some fun details.
Then, layer your pieces together as shown in the second photo.
Attach foam tape to the back of your insects and attach them to the inside of your display. Your project is complete!
I had a lot of fun choosing how I wanted to decorate each insect in the display! I wound up going for a more realistic look overall, but I definitely took a few creative liberties here and there. Of course, if you wanted to go for a brighter color palette with your bugs, or even make them all out of the same metallic paper or something—that would be a cool direction to go as well. It’s your project, your vibe!
Also, if you are partial to a couple of the insect species more than others, you could make a repeating pattern for your display and leave out any creepy crawlies that aren’t up your alley.
I use Adobe Illustrator for all my designs, and a Cricut Maker to bring my creations to life. For tips on creating fun paper cuts like this one, see the FAQ section on my website. Also, be sure to check out the other fun freebies available on my blog!
Enjoy making this one-of-a-kind insect specimen display! I’m excited to see your results, so be sure to share them with me by either tagging me on Instagram or by sharing your work in my Facebook Group.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through my links to make a purchase, you are supporting this blog and the hard work that goes into providing free, quality designs.
The post Insect Specimen Display – Bug Cut Files appeared first on Designs By Miss Mandee.