DIY 3D Layered Mandala Clock with Card Stock and Cricut

While I am not a seasoned or experienced Cricut crafter, I am super excited to try all the things that I have been seeing shared across social media and private crafting groups. It’s like the feeling you get as a child wanting to try something new. I have to admit that I haven’t tried anything complicated. So far, I have only given the basic ones a try like designing a shirt, personalizing a backpack, and making a greeting card out of card stock. I honestly have a lot on my bookmarks and favorites that I am hoping to try very soon. Before I knew it, however, I came across a new trend “3D Mandala Clock” or “Layered Mandala Clock” made with cardstock paper and any type of Cricut machine. I immediately fell in love with the design, nevermind its complexity. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off, but I just had to give it a try.

DIY 3D Layered Mandala Clock

Quite a lot of crafter is all over this DIY clock. Some want it for their home. A few want to gift it to their family and friends. Some considered selling them. And I want it as home décor. Maybe someday as a personalized gift once I am more comfortable with it. I have to be honest though, the amount of time and labor it will take is not for the faint of heart. Okay, maybe it is NOT that hard. It was for me since I am a complete beginner.

So what will you need to make this 3D Layered Mandala Clock? Here are the supplies list …

• Cricut Explore or Maker
• Cricut Cardstock 12×12 80 lb.
• Scissors
• Weeding Tools
• Double Sided Tape
• Clock Hands (Michaels or Hobby Lobby)
• Frame (Michaels)
• Frame Stand (Amazon)

First and foremost of all, I highly recommend practicing first before venturing into the world of the unknown. LOL … no seriously. Because I didn’t and went head on straight to the dark side. Let’s just say I am that “adventurous”. To practice, visit Design Space and search for the project “Ornate Paper Clock” and follow the step by step guide there. This project will give you the basic concept of what you will be working on with the Mandala version. Ready to get started?

Step by Step Guide:
Step 1 – Find a 3D layered Mandala design that you want to create. Your template can be from any shop or store, free or paid version, and by any designer. Just make sure it is an SVG file. I have chosen Etsy for mine to uncomplicate my search. After purchasing, I downloaded the file and unzipped the folder. The seller provided multiple versions of the design. I only needed the SVG file, and I disregarded the rest.

Step 2 – I uploaded the SVG file to Design Space, and it separated all the design automatically. My clock came with five layers, and the others have more while some have less. Click on your uploaded file, which will then be “highlighted” in green. Then click the “insert image” button.

Step 3 – After uploading, you will notice that it will either be too large or too small. The way I handled this situation is by stacking all of them together, clicking the “ungroup” option, and resizing the files accordingly. I also had to center them all together so I can see if everything looked lined up correctly.

You are more than welcome to resize your pattern/template to any size you prefer. Just make sure it doesn’t go beyond 12×12, as you won’t be able to proceed to the next step. I preferred to do a little over 11×11, as it is the highest that it can go.

Step 4 – When all is in place, get ready to “make”. I have set my machine for “cardstock” and used a “deep point blade” as well as the “light blue mat”. Be prepared with a lot of loose paper to scrape out.

Step 5 – Repeat the steps above for each layer. Next, stack every piece on top of each other. This step is crucial as it will give you a clear visual if your clock design looks appropriately aligned.

Step 6 – Get ready to cut out some double-sided tape, glue dots, or whichever you prefer to give your layers “height,” which also creates the 3D effect.

Step 7 – Assemble every layer and add a clock mechanism. I purchased my kit from Michaels store for a little over five bucks. Then you’re DONE. You can choose to display your Mandala clock in any way you prefer. You can use a frame, mount/stand, or even a shadow box. Maybe even a combination.

Here are a few examples of how you can feature this beautiful craft.

Framed Mandala Clock

One of my favorite options is by simply hanging it in a wall. Adding an accent piece like this clock helps fill in the bare space.

Mandala Clock as a Wall Decor

FAQ:
1. Did you use any type of wood (balsa, etc.) to create the clock? No. All layers used Cardstock.
2. What weight of Cardstock do you recommend? 80 lb minimum. Other crafters swear that the heavier the weight, the better the outcome will be.
3. Where can I get an SVG file to create a layered Mandala clock? Etsy has a lot of sellers. The most recommended seller is MaWoodShop, but she is currently on break as of this moment. Check back soon as she mentioned she would be back in about two weeks.
4. I don’t have a Michaels or Hobby Lobby in my area, where else can I order some supplies or the clock hands? Amazon is your best bet.
5. What size is the clock that you have made? A little over 11 x 11.

Creating this piece took a lot of patience, time, and labored with love. I honestly believe that it would make a great gift. It is unique, and if I were to receive this piece, I know it was crafted with a lot of thought. So if you’re looking for a gift that is unique and different, I highly recommend recreating this craft. I promise you it will be worth it.

PS: You can also choose to gift a Cricut machine. Either the Cricut Explore Air 2 or the Cricut Maker and show them this piece as one of the crafts that they can do.

XOXO