I love Christmas. The season of lights, cozy blankets, and quiet moments with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. For booklovers like me, it’s pure magic. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly printed pages or revisiting a cherished novel on a snowy afternoon. So this year, I decided to design something that combines my love for books, paper crafting, and the enchantment of Christmas—a Christmas snowglobe shadow box card.
It’s the perfect mix of DIY and charm. And because I know not everyone has a cutting machine, I’ve created two versions: an SVG cutting file for Cricut or Silhouette users and a printable PDF for hand-cutting. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for a special handmade gift for a booklover, this card will hit the mark.
Snowglobes have always felt magical to me. You pick one up, shake it, and suddenly, it’s snowing inside. It’s like holding a tiny winter world in your hands. I wanted to capture that same feeling but add a twist—a stack of books inside the globe. Books are journeys. Worlds within worlds. Just like a snowglobe feels like its own little story, so does a good book.
This Christmas snowglobe shadow box card is my way of celebrating both. It folds flat and pops open to reveal depth, layers, and just the right touch of winter magic.
I designed the layers carefully so the books inside are framed perfectly by the snowglobe outline. The 3D effect comes to life once everything is assembled. The snow on background, the globe shape, and the intricate details create an almost storybook quality.
It’s a card that doesn’t feel like a card. It’s a keepsake. Something that will sit proudly on a shelf or desk long after the wrapping paper is gone.
I imagine this being the perfect handmade gift for book lovers—those friends who always have a book in their bag or stacks piling up on their nightstands. I am one of them, so I know how special this card would feel to receive.
Crafting the Christmas Snowglobe Shadow Box Card
Here’s how it works. You can choose the file format that suits you best—either the SVG/DXF for cutting machines or the printable PDF for hand-cutting.
This cutting file is designed to be used with the electronic cutting machines.
‼️ Printable PDF is only for hand-cutting, there is no print-and-cut file with the according marks for printing on printer and cutting with the electronic cutting machine.
Zipped folder includes: SVG, DXF and PDF formats.
• DXF files can be used by Silhouette users. This format can be opened with the free software version of Silhouette Studio.
• SVG files – for Cricut Explore, Silhouette Designer Edition, Brother Scan and Cut “Canvas” software, Adobe Suite, Inkspace, Corel Draw and more.
• PDF is a ready to print files (A4 paper size, 300 dpi).
If you’re using a Cricut, Silhouette, or any cutting machine, the SVG and DXF files will make this process a breeze. It’s as simple as uploading the design and letting your machine do the magic.
For those who love hand-cutting (or don’t own a cutting machine), I’ve got you covered with a printable PDF. All you need are scissors, a craft knife, and a little patience. I find hand-cutting quiet meditative, actually.
Assembling the shadow box card is straightforward. The layers come together to form a snowglobe with depth, like you’re peeking into a winter scene. And right in the center? That stack of books, waiting for someone to get lost in its pages.
Christmas Paper Crafts: Why I Love Making Cards
There’s something special about crafting during the holidays. The world feels quieter, like it’s wrapped in its own blanket of snow. I set up my crafting space with a good playlist and lose myself in the process.
Paper crafting feels like magic. Something made with love. That’s what this card represents for me—a little piece of magic I get to share with others.
Personalizing the Card
One of the best things about this project is how easily you can personalize it.
Adding a touch of glitter to the details gives the card that frosty sparkle. I like to brush a little glue on the edges and sprinkle fine glitter over it. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference. You can also ink the edges of the paper to add dimension.
Don’t forget the back of the card. That’s where you can write a heartfelt message. I always like to leave a little quote about books or Christmas. Something like, “A book is a dream you hold in your hands” feels just right for a card like this.
Perfect for Christmas Booklover Gifts
If you’re like me, you probably have a few booklovers on your gift list every year. Those friends who would rather lose themselves in a novel than binge-watch Netflix.
This card feels like a thoughtful extra when paired with a good book. Maybe you gift it alongside a cozy blanket, a box of tea, or a handmade bookmark. I like the idea of creating an entire reading experience in one gift.
Imagine the joy when they open the envelope and see this Christmas snowglobe shadow box card. A little winter world designed just for them.