3D Parasol and Carry Case

I designed this file after seeing a picture of the Arty Farty template for the parasol, but why spend money on buying these templates then having to cut it out by hand, see where I'm going? Makes no sense when you have a cricut!!!! I studied the picture long and hard and eventually I got something like it!!!

This particular creation took a lot of tweeking and many failed attempts until I got the cut just so! This can be presented to others on many occasions, birthdays, get well etc...and not just as a 3D object but upon a card! Point 17 of the instructions.

Sorry about the box, it is supposed to be clear to see through but I have ran out so decided to cut up a laminate pouch!! - gives it the authentic look!!!

The cut file is available to those who want it, just click on the title! Have fun!

Parasol Instructions

Items you will need:

• Cricut (12 x 12 mat); Design Studio with George ‘n’ Basic Shapes cartridge.
• Card of your choice/or printed vellum
• Craft Knife
• Scissors
• Glue/double sided tape/clear sticking tape
• Beads with large holes (knitting beads are ideal!)
• Lace/ribbon
• Other embellishments of your choice.

Instructions

1. If the cut has been downloaded and you’re outside of the UK, please go to the control panel on your PC and change the regional language/location from English/UK to your own.

2. Cut the file out as you would normally (required design studio and Cricut cutting machine).

3. Before creasing along the lines indicated in the cut file, you need to add strength to the card/vellum do this by placing clear tape 10 mm from the tip of the crease line up the crease line, on both ends; you will need to refer to the cut file to see where the lines are.

4. Now crease the hood of the parasol in a fan like motion (concertina) as indicated by the crease lines, start at the end without the tab/flap. Shorter edges of the right side of the card/vellum should be facing towards you, if you happen to have the longer edges facing towards you then just refold going in the opposite direction.

5. Open the hood of the parasol out now and fold flat.

6. Decorate the curved edges of the hood with ribbon/lace over lapping the longer edges. Ensure these are level, turn it over and neaten with scissors (Please note that note peel offs adhere neatly!). Add a little clear tape on each end of the crease line to add strength. stick it together, neaten the edging with a creasing/blunt tool.

7. Either use double sided tape or quick set glue (pergamano is the glue I use!) and place on the tab/flap – right side. Stick the edges together, this should now resemble a cone shape! I said should!!!

8. Place a little blob of glue on the inside of all the small edge creases and gentle pinch these together to adhere; now it should! Start to resemble an arrow head shape.

9. Now you require a wooden skewer/thin rounded stick with a pointed end-measuring 210 mm in length. Make a couple of marks with a pencil, one at 30 mm and another at 95 mm, measuring from the pointed end using a pencil.

10. Cut 2 x 24 mm wide double sided tape at 50 mm, roll this around the skewer on the right side of the mark made at 30 mm-keeping it on top of itself! Forming a band. Repeat at the second mark (you can use wet glue if you wish, optional!!).

11. Push the pointed end of the skewer through the parasol hood until 5 mm of the tape is showing; now pinch the parasol base to adhere to the tape.

12. Take a bead with a large hole and push this over the pointed end of the skewer, the tape will adhere to it; optional-add a little wet glue around the bead to add a little more strength!!! To keep the bead fixed in place.

13. As point 8; but with the larger edges at the top and with the skewer central, pinch the edges together.

14. Place 4 large holed beads onto the skewer; adhere to the opening of the parasol and add a little wet glue to secure in place. Now cut another 24 mm wide double sided tape at 50 mm, roll this around the skewer on the end of the skewer, forming a band, move the beads up onto the tape and add a little extra glue to secure into place; add a further bead to the top end of the skewer, fixing it in place with wet glue.

15. Now it’s time to embellish away!

16. Make the presentation box.

17. This parasol can also be opened out flat and adhered to a card. You will have to make a card box though to present it this way.


Tips

1. Before gluing your cuts, if you have a cuttlebug, dry emboss them or with any other dry embosser!!

2. Again if you have Pergamano tools, prick a design into the paper/vellum before assembly.

3. Use 3D liquid pearl paint and apply stickles to give your work dimension.

4. Admittedly there are thousands of embellishments you can use to decorate these e.g. lace; ribbon; buttons; glitter/glues; whatever you can lay your hands on really.

5. For the really heavy embellishments, use strong glue ie: hot glue gun to secure fixture!!!

6. Happy crafting and enjoy your cut file.