Year Round Mandala HOME Sign Using Cricut

If you love decorating for the seasons but want something you can keep up all year, this project is perfect for you! We’re making a HOME sign shadow box with a fun twist - the “O” changes each month to match the season or holiday. With the help of your Cricut and some colorful cardstock, you’ll have a beautiful, customizable piece of décor that’s as fun to make as it is to display.

Materials:

• Cardstock in assorted colors
• Shadow box
• White glue
• Cricut Cutting Machine
• Cricut LightGrip Cutting Mat
• Cricut Fine Point Blade

Directions:

This project includes a collection of beautiful mandala-style designs that are available through your Cricut Access subscription. You can jump straight into the project in Cricut Design Space - I’ve already put together all the images and elements you’ll need, so everything is ready for you to start crafting right away. Just open the project and you’re good to go!

To make this project, simply cut out each letter and shape using cardstock in colors that match the theme or season you're going for.

Here are some practical tips to help you achieve clean, intricate paper cuts with your Cricut machine, minimizing the risk of tearing:

1. Use a fine-point blade and make sure it’s free of debris. A dull blade can tear paper, so replace it every 6–12 months depending on how often you use it. For a paper project like this, I recommend using a brand new blade.
2. A LightGrip (blue) mat is ideal for paper. Make sure it's clean and slightly tacky - not too sticky - to hold the paper firmly in place without tearing when removed.
3. Use your hand or a brayer to smooth your paper onto the mat and press out any bubbles or wrinkles. This helps prevent shifting during the cut.
4. In Design Space, choose the correct material setting for your paper. If cuts are tearing, try lowering the cut pressure slightly for a gentler pass.
5. Not all paper is equal - choose sturdy, smooth paper that's meant for crafting. Cricut's own brand of scrapbook paper or quality cardstock tends to work well for detailed cuts.
6. Instead of peeling the paper off the mat, gently roll the mat away from the paper (mat side down). This helps release delicate cuts without tearing or curling them.

To put everything together, start by layering each letter or shape from the bottom piece up to the top, following the correct order. Use a little bit of white craft glue to attach each layer - just enough to hold it securely without making the paper wrinkle. Take your time to line everything up carefully so the final result looks clean and polished.

Arrange the letters H, M, and E inside your shadow box, positioning them just like you see in the example layout. Take a moment to make sure they’re evenly spaced and centered -this will help everything look balanced. Once you're happy with the placement, go ahead and use a bit of white craft glue to secure them in place. Let the glue dry completely before moving on to the next step.

To make your sign interchangeable, glue a small magnet to the back of each monthly design. Then, glue a matching magnet inside the shadow box right where the letter "O" in "HOME" would go. This way, you can easily swap out the design each month with something that reflects the season or holiday - like a heart for February or a pumpkin for October. 

Now you’ve got a beautiful, personalized HOME sign that you can update every month with just a quick swap of the design. It’s a fun way to keep your décor fresh and festive all year long - and it makes a great gift, too. I hope you had as much fun making it as I did. Happy crafting!