Graduation Shadow Box for Gifting Money to the Graduate

Design

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graduation shadow box

Do you love unique graduation gifts? We have a great idea for you today. A money shadowbox graduation gift! If you are looking for ideas for gifting money, this post is for you! This graduation shadow box is the perfect way to show the graduate you care and give them a gift they will love.

Want more ideas for graduation? See our other graduation crafts here.

This was first published April 7, 2017, however, I am republishing with more information.

This unique graduation gift is perfect for any grad that needs a little extra cash.

Graduation Shadow Box

Giving money for graduation has never been easier! This fun gift idea will leave them laughing however they will love what is inside this great shadow box frame. Love this and looking for another idea? I was inspired to create this by my friend over at 30 Minute Crafts.

Supplies to make this money shadowbox graduation gift:

Supplies needed to make this money shadowbox graduation gift.

How to Make a Money Shadowbox: Step-by-Step

The shadowbox that I used comes pre-painted. If you are using one that is plain, be sure to paint it before beginning.

Create your Design

Design text for the front of the shadowbox in Design Space and personalize it using any fonts you want. You want it the same size as the glass in the front of your frame. I am using the Century Gothic font in this example. See how to use your own fonts in Cricut Design Space here.

laying out font in cricut design space

This is easy to do by creating a square the size of your glass to lay your font out on in Design Space. Be sure to pick all of your text and click attach then click make it. Be sure you either remove the square you used for laying out your design or change it to a guide.

Cutting and Weeding Vinyl

Proceed to cut the text from white vinyl. I am using permanent vinyl for my project but removable would work just as well in this case. I used the vinyl setting to cut my design with my Cricut machine.

Using your Cricut, cut the shawdowbox lettering from a vinyl sheet.

Weed out all excess vinyl. I like to use a weeding tool to aid with this. Be sure to get the center of all of the letters.

Applying Vinyl to Shadow Box

Add transfer tape to the top of your vinyl and burnish well with a scraper. Use the transfer tape to lift the vinyl from the backing.

Prepare the vinyl sheet to be transferred onto the shadowbox glass.

Locate and place on the glass and press down well. Use a scraping tool, credit card, or another flat tool to burnish well (remember you’re working with glass so be careful). You can also try the wet application method for this step if you have trouble locating your vinyl or with bubbles in your final project.

Transfer the vinyl lettering onto the shadowbox glass

Remove the transfer tape going slowly to prevent bubbles in your vinyl. Once removed, be sure to burnish the vinyl down well so it is adhered well. Enjoy your beautiful vinyl on the glass.

Remove the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl letters on the shadowbox glass.

Filling Your Graduation Money Shadow Box

You will want to add a plain-colored card stock to the back of your shadowbox. I used black corrugated, however, you could also use school colors or the receiver’s favorite color.

Add a plain background to the shadowbox and this graduation gift is ready to fill with money

Then just add in any amount of money you wish to make this great unique graduation gift. The gift recipient can just open the shadow box from the back to get the cash but the sentiment on the front is a fun way to give money for graduation.

This unique graduation gift is a shadowbox filled with money that any grad will love

Who wouldn’t want to receive this as a graduation gift? Giving money for graduation is one of the best presents you can provide and we just made it unique and a bit fun as well!

The best part?? They don’t have to actually break the glass to get to the cash! In my case, the front glass slides off easily allowing them to access their gift anytime. Your shadowbox may open from the front or back, however, there will be a way for the graduate to open it without actually breaking the glass!

The front glass easily slides off this money shadowbox to allow the grad easy access to your gift.

If you are looking for unique graduation gifts, look no further! The graduate in your life with love this thoughtful gift idea.

Want more ideas for graduation gifts? Check out the links below!

graduation shadow box

Love this graduation gift idea and want more? Try the links below as well!

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Use your Cricut to make these adorable graduation cupcakes! The machine makes these custom wrappers quickly.

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A graduation card box is a great way to collect a bunch of cards for the graduate! All you need is a simple basket to get started. This could easily be used for weddings and other occasions, too.

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Want to print the instructions for this graduation shadow box? Use the card below!

Giving money for graduation with unique graduation gifts!


Money Shadowbox Graduation Gift

This unique graduation gift is perfect for just about any grad! Create this money shadowbox with this quick tutorial to make this gift for your appreciative grad!

Supplies

  • Shadowbox frame
  • White vinyl
  • Transfer tape
  • Plain black or other color card stock
  • Money

Instructions

  • The shadowbox that I used comes pre-painted. If you are using one that is plain, be sure to paint it before beginning. Design text for the front of the shadowbox in Design Space. You want it the same size as the glass in the front of your frame. Cut the text from white vinyl.

  • Weed out all excess vinyl. I like to use a weeding tool to aid with this. Be sure to get the centers of all of the letters. Use transfer tape to lift the vinyl from the backing.
  • Place on the glass and press down well. Burnish well with a scraping tool.

  • Remove the transfer tape and your vinyl will be left on the glass.

  • You will want to add a plain colored card stock to the back of your shadowbox. I used black corrugated. You could also use school colors.

  • Add in any amount of money you wish to make this great unique graduation gift.

Notes

Make sure you’re using Transfer Tape that is right for your Vinyl.  If you’re using a Glitter Vinyl or a Sparkle Vinyl you will need a StrongGrip Transfer Tape.
Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!

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