Nativity Scene Paper Luminary Cricut Craft

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Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Chris Butler

Hello there crafty friends!    Today we’re making a Nativity Scene Paper Luminary for Christmas.    I love luminaries, don’t you?  

They look fantastic on the mantel or on tables.  Turn off all of the lights except for your Christmas tree and a few luminaries and just relax.   In the video you’ll see the two types of lights I like to use in my paper luminaries for a nice glow.  

I cut these Luminaries with my Cricut cutting machine, but any cutting machine that accepts SVG files will work.   I’m sharing my free SVG cut file of the Nativity Luminary with you so you can make one too. 

Let’s get started: 

Nativity Luminary Supplies Needed

 

 

Nativity Paper Luminaries Video

 

 

Watched the video and you’re ready to grab your free SVG file?  Head to the resource library here

Keep scrolling for written instructions.

How To Make Nativity Paper Luminaries

When you upload the SVG cut file to design space it will look like it’s just one sheet.  I double-stacked the designs to save some space. 

But if you look over in the layers menu you’ll see there are in fact two pages you’ll need to cut.   Everything is ready to go, no need to change anything on the file.  So as soon as it’s in design space you can click the make it button on the top right of the screen.  

If you need help downloading SVG cut files and uploading them to Cricut Design Space see this post here. 

If you have a Cricut Explore be sure to turn your dial to cardstock if you have a Cricut Maker choose cardstock from the list of materials.  

Cut the Nativity Luminary

Next place your cardstock on to the cut mat.   Line one corner up with the top left corner of the Cricut cut mat.   

I’m using a well worn standard grip green cut mat today.   I don’t recommend you use a newer green mat for this design as it may tear.   The blue light grip cut mat is the best to use for cardstock.  

Slide the cut mat under the guide tabs and hold it against the roller bar as you press the load mat button.  The go button should then start flashing.  Press the go button and the Cricut will cut your luminary.  

After it’s finished cutting press the unload mat button.  

Be sure to flip the mat over and carefully remove the mat from your luminary.  

This will help keep the paper from tearing and curling.  

BONUS TIP – Remove the paper scraps from your mat the same way.   Many people use the scraper to scrape them off, which is ok, but your mat will not last as long.  According to Cricut scraping off the paper scraps pushes the tiny fibers into the mat and causes it to lose it’s stick faster.  

You can use your Cricut tweezers to help with this too.  

Next, repeat those steps to cut your second sheet for the luminary and then we can add the tissue paper and put it together.

To cut the tissue paper I placed it over the luminary and cut a notch on each edge to use as a guide.  Then I folded the tissue paper in half so I could cut two panels at once.  

Using the notch as guides, cut each side until they meet and your two panels are cut out.  

  Here’s another tip before you glue.…. make sure you’re gluing the tissue paper to the back of the luminaries.  (I may have glued one to the front 🙄)

Putting the Nativity Luminaries Together

Place a line of glue along the outer edge of your luminary panel and then smooth the tissue paper over it, making sure each edge of the tissue paper is glued.   Repeat for the second luminary panel. 

Each luminary panel will have a tab at the end that we need to fold.  You’ll also see cut lines down the center that need folding so that we can make each side of the luminary.  

Fold both panels along the cut lines and then we can glue them together. 

Once they are folded, place a line of glue down the tab on one of the panels.  Line that tab up with the second panel on the end that doesn’t have a tab.  

Press the two pieces together and hold for a few seconds so the glue will stick.   

Next place a line of glue down the other tab and bring it around and stick it to the other end of the luminary.  You’ll probably have to put one hand inside of the luminary so you can press the two ends together until they stick. 

You may have to go back around and re-crease the corners to square up the luminary.    After you’re happy with the shape, add the best part, the lights. 

I like the fairy string lights found here because I can tape them on the inside of the luminary where I want them to shine brightest, like the star.  

Of course I like the color changing LED puck lights found here too.  

Get the FREE Nativity Luminary SVG Cut File

I created a free resource library full of SVG files for subscribers to my weekly (let’s face it sometimes it’s bi-weekly) newsletter where I send you even more free SVG files and Cricut crafts.  

To subscribe and get instant exclusive access fill out the simple form below.  

The SVG files are in alphabetical order in the library, this one is named ‘Nativity Luminary’

All of my free SVG files and Designs are kept in a library for your convenience. We will send you the link and password right away, and you’re free to use all the resources you want in the library.

Already have the password? (It’s at the bottom of every email) Enter the Library Here

Thanks so much for crafting with me today!