How to Make a Paper Heart Box with Your Cricut

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Last Updated on December 19, 2023 by Chris Butler

Hello crafty friends!

Today I will show you how to make these fun filigree paper heart-shaped boxes. You can fill them with small gifts or loads of candy, perfect for Valentine’s Day! There’s nothing better than a box in the shape of a heart to give your gifts with.

I also have an exploding heart box tutorial that you can find here. The exploding box will also allow you to add notes and/or pictures.

Let’s get started.

Related: 37 Valentine’s Day Crafts You can Make with Your Cricut

Supplies Needed for Filigree Paper Heart Box

• Free Filigree Paper Heart Box SVG file (All the details to get it are below)
• Cardstock. You’ll want a solid core color like this on Amazon.
• I also used GLITTER CARDSTOCK for the accent pieces. (I just love this kind, because the glitter does not fall off, which also makes my husband very happy!)
• Tacky Glue and a Glue Stick.
• Cricut Cutting Machine.
• Cricut Cut Mat and Tools(either a standard green mat or the light grip mat for paper will work).

Paper Heart Box Video

Step One: Get the Free SVG File and Upload into Design Space

To grab the free SVG file and get exclusive access to the SVG library fill out the simple form below

All of our free SVGs and Designs are kept in a library for your convenience. Fill out the simple form and we’ll send you the link and password to access the SVG files right away.

Already have the password? Enter the Library HERE

Once you’re in the library scroll on down to ‘H’ and then to the ‘Heart Box’

Tip: Once your SVG is downloaded, you’re going to need to unzip the file. If you need extra help unzipping and uploading SVG files, go HERE. And that will give you the step-by-step instructions you need.

When you have your unzipped file, you’re ready to head on into Cricut Design Space. Click the Upload button, select the heart box SVG file, and then click “Insert Images.”

It’s ready to go from there. I perforated the lines, so you do no need to add score lines. If you are only making one box, you can go ahead and click the Make It button. However, two will fit on a 12 x 12 sheet of paper. Simply click “Duplicate” and then “Make It”

You’ll see that the two boxes are laid out to take up one 12” x 12” mat, and then it will only use a little bit of the coordinating colors. Everything should be all set here, too. Go ahead and click “Continue.”

The first layer is a normal color. Set your material to regular cardstock, or Medium Cardstock – 80lb. Once you get to the glitter cardstock, you’ll be able to change the material again.

Related: Make Adorable Valentine’s Day Gnomes with Cardstock

Step Two: Cut Your Card Stock.

Line up your first cardstock color in the cut mat’s top left corner, and smooth it down. Insert the mat into your Cricut underneath the tabs on each side and then hit the Load Mat button. Wait for the light to start flashing, hit the Go button, and it will begin cutting.

When Cricut is done cutting, hit the Unload Mat button, and then be sure to flip your cut mat over and peel your mat off of your paper to help prevent tears. Once the mat’s off, you can go ahead and set the leftover paper to the side for your next project.

Tip: use your scraper tool to easily scrape off any little bits of paper that are left stuck to your mat.

Load your next color, and get that cut out, too.

If you use glitter cardstock like I did, you will need to change the material setting before you load this mat into your Cricut. I’ve tried cutting glitter cardstock on the Medium Cardstock setting, but it doesn’t work very well. So when you get to the glitter layer, head back over to the settings.

Click the down arrow next to Base Materials and then click “Browse All Materials.” If you have a Cricut Explore, change your dial to Custom so you can search all materials.

Simply search materials for glitter, and you’ll find the option for Glitter Cardstock. Select that, and click “Done.”

Tip: Along with changing the base material to Glitter Cardstock, I also like to change the pressure of my blade. From the dropdown menu under “Pressure,” choose “More.” That will make it easier for Cricut to cut through the glitter.

Now you’re ready to go back to your mat. Load up the glitter cardstock and get it cut out.

This heart is filigree, so as you can see, it’s very intricate. You’ll definitely want to flip over the mat and carefully pull it off little by little. I got mine to pop off pretty easily, but be sure to do this very slowly so it doesn’t tear. If you have trouble, you can also use your spatula tool.

And, of course, the bits that are left are tiny hearts and scrolls. If you often make paper projects or do scrapbooking, you might want to put those in a little baggie and save them for embellishments for another project.

Step Three: Assemble Your Heart Box

Now you’re ready to assemble your box!

Start by folding the heart box on the perforation lines that were cut. Then fold down all those little tabs on the box side pieces.

It’s best to use tacky glue to glue the container together, as it will hold better. Put one little strip of glue on the bottom of the square section and then fold over the long tab and glue them together. You can wipe away any excess glue with your finger. (It might be handy to keep a baby wipe around to wipe your fingers off!) And then you’ll want to hold it together, as it may take several seconds before it sticks and holds its shape.

Move on to the next long tab and glue that section together, too. Again, you’ll need to hold this section for several seconds until it sticks together.

Next, take your tacky glue and go around the inside edge of one curve of the heart shape, on one side of the container. Then you’re going to shape the long section of paper with the tabs on it so that it follows the curve, and adhere the tabs to the heart with the glue you just spread. (Take a look at the video to see my exact technique.)

It might be a little tricky to roll the paper around and get it to the right shape of the heart and glued down, but take your time. If you need help getting the glue inside and under the tabs, you could use scissors or another long tool to spread the glue and hold down the tabs.

Once you get the shape right, if you just hold it for about 30 seconds, the glue will dry a little and then you can do the other side.

Now that the first side is stuck, you need to glue down the tabs on the opposite side of the wall section. It might be a little harder to get the tip of the glue bottle inside the box, but again, you just want to go around that edge of the heart with glue, and then use a finger to make sure you got it all the way around.

For the most part, though, this side is actually a little easier, because it’s already formed to the basic shape. You just need to get those tabs on the glue. And once they’re there, hold it together until they stick.

Add the Layered Filigree Hearts

Once you have the box put together, you’re ready to glue the layered pieces to the top of the heart box. First, you’ll want to put them together to make sure they’re going to line up. Then flip that bottom layer over and go over it with a glue stick around the outside and some in the middle. Center it on the heart on the outside of the container, and press it down a little bit so it sticks.

For the glitter filigree piece, just hit it on the back with the glue stick a little bit, and then use the heart in the center to line it up with the heart in the bottom layer. Once those hearts are centered, the rest of it will fall into place with the other cut marks. And it’s easy as that!

Now you can fill up the inside with your favorite chocolate candy, or your kids’ or husband’s favorite candy, or the favorite candy of whoever you’re giving it to. You can even fit small toys and other small gifts inside. I was actually impressed by how much it holds in there!

Thanks so much for crafting with me today and making a heart gift box!  It’s the perfect way to give gifts to your love, kids or even your best friend. Happy Valentine’s Day!