Supplies & Tools for Design to Shine 301 (Units 7-10)

Design to Shine 301 Supply & Tool Lists

About this List: Here are the suggested supplies and tools to make the projects in Design to Shine 301 (units 7-10). You are welcome to use any supplies and tools you have on hand, as always! This suggested supply list is subject to change based on availability and student feedback.

How to Print: Download the printable supply lists linked to each section below and send to your printer. Important: Please check back for the latest items as we keep these lists updated.

Important: This list is subject to change at any time due to the nature of teaching, the need to accommodate a wide variety of students and machines, the discovery of new potential materials, and whether stock of items at Amazon and craft stores. Thank you for understanding.

Note: This list contains affiliate links.

Toolboxes: Here's a handy list of all toolboxes I've shared with you up to Unit 6

Unit 7: Materials & Supplies for the Lighted Shadow Box

Tools & materials video | Project shopping list here | Printable supply list

  • 10+ sheets of white or light 12" x 12" 65 lb. (176 gsm) cardstock -- the lighter your cardstock, the more light will shine through your layers
  • Clear adhesive 3D Zots (I am using these exact ones) or something else to space your layers paper, like strips of foam core (I will demonstrate both techniques)
  • Cricut cutting machine (Joy, Explore, or Maker)
  • Green StandardGrip machine mat (12" x 12" for Explore/Maker, 4.5" x 12" for Cricut Joy) -- you will still need a mat for the Explore 3 and Maker 3
  • Fine point blade
  • Ruler, Weeding Tool, Spatula, Craft Knife, Brayer
  • Shadow Box Frame (as big as 12" x 12" for Explore and Maker users, and. as small as 4" x 4" for Joy users) -- you only use this if you also plan to use LED tape lights
  • (Optional) Glue if you're going to make the paper shadow box frame from my templates, but please note that you won't really be able to add lights to the paper frame.
  • (Optional) LED tape light strip, about 8-16 feet (you can get them from Amazon, Lowes, Menards, and other home improvement stores). Look for one that has a power supply integrated into it, or some other built-in way to power it (like a USB plug). Note: You can use fairy lights if you wish BUT they will glow inconsistently behind your design, unlike an LED tape light strip that will show your design off more evenly.
  • (Optional) Tape to keep your stacked layers in place in your shadow box frame

Unit 8: Materials & Supplies for the Layered Vinyl Project

Tools & materials video | Project shopping list here | Printable supply list



Unit 9: Materials & Supplies for the Layered Mandala


Tools & materials video | Project shopping list here | Printable supply list

  • 10+ sheets of 65-80 lb. (176-216 gsm) cardstock -- your choice of colors, finishes, and textures
  • (Optional) Adhesive foam squares, circles, dots or Adhesive 3D Zots or something else to space your layers and give them dimension
  • Cricut cutting machine (Joy, Explore, or Maker)
  • Green StandardGrip machine mat (12" x 12" for Explore/Maker, 4.5" x 12" for Cricut Joy) -- you will still need a mat for the Explore 3 and Maker 3
  • Fine point blade
  • Ruler, Brayer, Spatula, Scraper, Scissors
  • (Optional) Shadow box to display your finished mandala


Unit 10: Materials & Supplies for the Print Then Cut Project

Tools & materials video | Project shopping list here | Printable supply list

Note: Auto Print Then Cut projects are only supported on the Explore and Maker machines, not on the Joy. Additionally, Print Then Cut only works with Design Space for Desktop and iOS, but not Android. For this reason, I also teach a "manual" print then cut method for those who have a Joy and/or are using Android, along with the normal "auto" print then cut method in Design Space. So everyone can do this!


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