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.
Fatima Torres
March 9, 2020This DIY layered mandala clock looks beautiful! Such a lovely touch for your home office.
Colleen
March 9, 2020Oh wow! I had no idea you could do such intricate work with the Cricut. That is really amazing.
Amy Desrosiers
March 9, 2020Wow, what an intricate piece this is. I think it is so cool how you made this yourself.
Monica Simpson
March 9, 2020This is super intricate and pretty! I can’t believe it’s made from cardstock. Very impressive!
Heather
March 9, 2020This is amazing! I would love to make one. I’m hoping to get a Cricut really soon!
Christine WeiS
March 9, 2020Omgoodness… I love this! I have a cricut and do some simple projects mostly for my home office and classroom but I LOVE this. It came out awesome! Thank you!
Tara Pittman
March 9, 2020This is so cool. I would have never guessed that you made it out of card stock.
littlemisadvencha
March 9, 2020this clock is very classy. and so pretty! it’s also amazing to know that it’s DIY made. very coool! if i have a lot of time soon, i wanna try making this one. <3
Stefani Tolson
March 9, 2020What an awesome craft idea for the Cricut! Looks cute!
the joyous living
March 9, 2020i had never heard of a mandala clock before. it is so pretty. your photos i doubt do it justice. do you know why it was called ‘mandala’?
Jamie
March 9, 2020I love it!! I can’t wait to try this on my Cricut!
Kita Bryant
March 9, 2020This is such a pretty clock. I really would love to decorate my house with more stuff like this.
emily
March 10, 2020wow, these look great. they would make a totally unique gift for someone. I have a yoga friend who loves mandalas!!
Toni
March 10, 2020This is really gorgeous!! I will definitely give it a try!
Catalina
March 10, 2020OMG! I am in love with this mandala clock! I now exactly where to put it in my house!
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
March 10, 2020Nnnniiiiccceeeeee….this clock looks good! Quite unique.
Lisa Joy Thompson
March 10, 2020I totally love this! I’ve made pretty simple projects with my Cricut too, but maybe I’ll get brave and try this! I absolutely love the way it looks!
Sarupa Shah
March 10, 2020WOW that looks amazing – and I am tempted to have a go – though will probably make my niece do it with me – I love a mandala so you had me at with just that!!!
Monica
March 10, 2020I really love the design of the Mandala clock! I’m not really a crafts person, so I would more likely just go out and buy me one.
Jessica Collazo
March 10, 2020This DIY looks so Chic and classy love it
Matt Taylor
March 10, 2020That is so cool! Such a unique looking clock that can be made!
Roger Willis
March 10, 2020This is so decorative! It would definitely make a great gift, either for a birthday, or Mother’s Day. The more I read about cricut, the more I’m impressed with its versatility, which can lead to all sorts of DIY creativions.
Manahil
March 10, 2020Mandala art is so soothing! I love them anyday
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
March 10, 2020This is sooo pretty and delicate. I think with a little practise you’ll be able to do them with your eyes closed. I’m not sure i would manage that it seems really complicated!!!
Yeah Lifestyle
March 10, 2020What a beautiful mandala clock this is and so wonderfully created using Cricut, I am so intrigued by it but your explanation is easy to follow
Stephen
March 10, 2020That is absolutely stunning, I live how it looks on the stand and mounted on the wall
Emman Damian
March 10, 2020I should really invest on Cricut! It seems like a great tool for DIY projects! So nice!
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too
March 11, 2020The detailing on this is so effective and makes it a beautiful piece to hang in your own home or give as a gift
Rhian Westbury
March 11, 2020This is an absolutely stunning clock, I can’t believe that it’s a DIY project and not bought like that x
Kara Guppy
March 11, 2020That is stunning, I cannot believe you made that yourself
Anosa
March 11, 2020Wow I have never seen anything like this before, cannot believe you made it yourself! It looks reasonably simple but definitely time consuming, worth it when its a one off piece for your home though.
Laura
March 11, 2020Your cricut Mandala clock is absolutely stunning and is going to make a beautiful addition to your home.
Leila
March 11, 2020Wow that looks amazing. Well done to you!
Valerie
March 11, 2020That clock looks awesome! I am always amazed at the amount of different projects that I see made with a cricut.
Lily
March 11, 2020Wow this is absolutely amazing. I would love to create this I love mandalas but didnt think about having one made into a clock! creative!
Jade Braham
March 13, 2020I love this so much, it’s so delicate, elegant and beautiful! I want to try making one of these… Thanks for sharing!
Cleange Harrison
March 13, 2020Wow…. This is great and easy. Thanks for sharing.
Tash
March 14, 2020Wow, I can’t believe you handmade this! Its stunning, well done lovey. Ite beautiful
Karen Langridge
March 15, 2020That is such a beautiful creation! I love how talented you are, wish I had your skill in Cricut
Stephen
April 21, 2020This is very pretty, the black and white would also go well with my colour scheme
Lori Soergel
May 19, 2020If you do not frame the clock, do you need to mount it on anything to hang it? Thank you. Your works is beautiful.
Joni Webb
July 3, 2020Can you send me the information to get this design. I looked on etsy but cannot find it.