I hope you’re in the mood for a bit of nostalgia, and a large helping of charm. Today I’m bringing another one of my intricate paper craft dreams to life. Take in all the lovely details of my whimsical, 3D music box, and see how you can make one for yourself.
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I don’t know if music boxes are nostalgic for you, but they are for me. My great-grandmother collected music boxes, and I remember admiring them on her shelf. When she passed away, my grandmother actually gave one to me!
The other memory of music boxes that I have is a bit sillier. As a kid, I always liked the movie The Great Mouse Detective (I’m pretty sure I was the only one). If you happen to be one of the few fortunate individuals to have enjoyed this bygone Disney film, you may remember the unique, wind up musical ballerina that Mr. Flaversham gives his daughter. It starts out as a flower, and blossoms into a beautiful ballerina that dances across the table when it is wound up.
Recently, I watched that movie with my husband (thank you Disney Plus)! While I knew I couldn’t make something quite that enchanting, seeing that toy gave me the idea to design my own version of a 3D music box.
Supplies
- Cardstock
- 6″ Lollipop Sticks (x2)
- Material for the ballerina skirt (I used gold vellum)
- Hot Glue
- Bone Folder (optional)
- A Cutting Machine or X-ACTO knife
- My Free Template
How to Make
1. Use your cutting machine or X-ACTO knife, along with my template, to cut out all of the music box pieces.
Note: If you are using the SVG files that includes the score lines, don’t forget to set them as such in Cricut Design Space and attach them to their shapes before sending through your cutting machine. I used a lime green color to mark the score lines, so hopefully that helps! If you’re not using the SVG file that includes score lines, you can use the PDF version as a reference to know where your folds should go.
2. Start by assembling the base of your music box. Layer your rectangular shapes behind your 5 base panels as well as the face of your drawer. Fold and glue your base as shown. Fold and glue the drawer as well. Attach your handle, making sure to leave the paper raised from the surface slightly, so that you can pull the drawer in and out later.
Next, use three strips of paper to create a level platform for your drawer to slide on. Within the design, I’ve included some score marks on the base piece to give you an idea of where these should go. Make sure that they are level with one another and that they are approximately 4mm off the ground.
3. Add your decor. Attach a “window” liner to the inside of each of the holes in your side panels and top pieces. Then, add a frame around each window (inside and out). Along the top and bottom of your side panels, attach your border detail. Then, fold your side pieces and glue on the top sections.
4. Assemble your ballerina. Attach your ballerina pieces together like so, making sure that each ballerina is a reflection of the other.
For the Skirt
How I Did It
I tried making my skirt our of cardstock at first, but didn’t like how stiff it looked, so I switched to a thinner, more flexible material (vellum). The skirt pieces include partial score lines on one side. Use those score marks to create pinch folds, alternating direction (like folding a fan, but without creasing all the way across). Then, hot glue each pinch fold together: one or two at a time. Let the hot glue dry before moving on, and don’t forget to do the backside as well!
Because of the stiff nature or vellum/cardstock, this can be a slow, tedious process (and be hard on the fingers). So, even though I personally love the way the skirt turned out, there are some great, alternative materials you could use to make your ballerina unique and beautiful!
Other Material Options
- Tulle
- Lace
- Tissue Paper
- Fabric
5. It’s time to add your stage decor! Layer your stage pieces together and insert the tabs into your music box base. Glue the tabs down (on the backside).
Note: As you can see, I placed my ballerina turntable in before doing this, and it made it much more difficult to add my stage decor, so learn from my mistakes!
6. Now, add your ballerina turntable! Trim your lollipop stick to the height of your ballerina (I trimmed mine down to go just below her neck), making sure to account for the length that will be beneath the base. Then, use hot glue to attach the bottom of the lollipop stick to the center of the large wheel (It’s really important to make sure it’s perfectly centered, so I’ve included a scored circle in the center of the wheel that you can line yours up with).
Then, add your small circle piece to the top, and attach your ballerina figures opposite each other on the stick. After that, you can attach the skirt. I just used a dab of hot glue on the center of my skirt pieces and placed them on my ballerina’s torso. I also added a semi circle to the top of each skirt to cover the hot glue marks beneath.
7. Nest, insert the other lollipop stick into the back hole in the base (this is going to be the “hinge” for your doors).
Note: To make the base of my hinge a little sturdier, I added a few layers of cardstock (glued together).
8. Now it’s time to form your hinge loops. You can do this by folding the strips on the edge of your side pieces and glueing the edges down. For me, the easiest way to do this was to use another lollipop stick to wrap the strips around as I glued, and pulled it out when I was done. Then, I carefully wove my interchanging loops over the hinge.
9. The cardstock I used for my music box doors was fairly heavy, so, in order to keep them from sagging while open, I added a couple “kickstands” that fold in/out. Depending on the weight of your paper, you may want to do the same. If so, the “kickstand” pieces are included in the template.
10. Finally, you can add your clasp to the front of your music box! Attach the little handle on one side (the same way you did the drawer handle), and then glue the left side of the swirly hinge on the other door like so.
Note: If you’d like your clasp to be able to rotate, you could include a brad or something similar instead of glueing. Otherwise, the doors are flexible enough, that gluing it in place still allows for easy opening and closing of the box.
I am just so thrilled with how this 3D music box turned out! I really wanted to make a box that can be opened and closed, and include a ballerina that actually spins! The idea for the little keepsake drawer came later, and once it popped into my head, I just had to include that as well.
Overall, it was a tall order, but I’m glad I pushed through the challenges in order to bring this beauty to life!
I use Adobe Illustrator for all of my designs, and a Cricut Maker to bring my creations to life. For tips on creating fun paper cuts like this one, see the FAQ section on my website. Also, be sure to check out the other awesome 3D projects available on my blog!
Enjoy putting this stunning 3D music box together! When you do, I’d love to see how it turned out! You can always share your creations with me on Instagram, and by using #designsbymissmandee.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through my links to make a purchase, you are supporting this blog and the hard work that goes into providing free, quality designs.
Mandee is a professional graphic designer, amateur bird watcher, and rollercoaster enthusiast. She is a wife to hardworking high school teacher and mommy to three adorable little humans. She fell in love with graphic design when she started working on a comedy website with a guy she met her freshman year of college. Design wasn’t the only thing she fell in love with, and they were married a year and a half later. She created Designs By Miss Mandee to be a place where she could merge her passion for design with her lifelong love of crafting. 51 Comments on 3D Music Box – Intricate Cut File Project
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Margaret
January 23, 2020 at 6:10 am (5 years ago)Absolutely beautiful! You’re an amazing artist and designer! How very wonderful of you to share with us your lovely creations. Thank you SO much! I caught a glimpse of this beauty on Instagram a few minutes before your email popped into my inbox and I’d already begun looking for it 🙂. Have a blessed day!
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 8:38 am (5 years ago)Margaret, you are too kind! I’m so glad you enjoy my designs! And I’m glad you caught the sneak peek on Instagram—this one has definitely been in the works for a while, so I’m excited to finally be sharing it!!
Gargi
January 12, 2021 at 12:36 am (4 years ago)Ya thanks for your free cut files
linda sheets
January 23, 2020 at 6:29 am (5 years ago)wow very nice and such detail, thanks for sharing
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 8:38 am (5 years ago)You are most welcome! Glad you like it. 😊
Dawn Tyson
January 23, 2020 at 6:58 am (5 years ago)Omg will have to make this for my dressing table. It amazing thank you so much for sharing your hard work. When I make it I will send photo. Thank you again. X
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 8:39 am (5 years ago)You are very welcome Dawn! I can’t wait to see how yours turns out!! 😀
Lisa
January 23, 2020 at 7:09 am (5 years ago)This is so beautiful! I’m thinking this would make a lovely thank you gift for my daughter’s dance teacher
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 8:39 am (5 years ago)Aww, that would be such a special gift!!
CHERYL Wood
January 23, 2020 at 8:12 am (5 years ago)This music box is so beautiful Mandee!
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 8:40 am (5 years ago)Thank you so much Cheryl! 😊
fanchon favez
January 23, 2020 at 8:50 am (5 years ago)QUELLE MERVEILLE !!! MERCI BEAUCOUP !
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 8:55 am (5 years ago)You are most welcome! 😀
Danielle Howard
January 23, 2020 at 9:04 am (5 years ago)So Cute, and such a great idea! Thank you.
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 10:20 am (5 years ago)You’re very welcome Danielle!!
Kathy
January 23, 2020 at 9:50 am (5 years ago)Incredible, I really don’t know how you come up with such beautiful, detailed and original works! It breaks my brain just following the directions, I have a friend who comes to visit each year and since she is mainly a card maker, I try to have projects to work on that are a little different. Your music box will be a perfect project for this year. Now, I just need to get all the parts cut out and put into kits for the get-together. She doesn’t have a cutting machine and doesn’t do anything with files from the internet. Consequently, she is fascinated by 3d projects and it gives us something other than cards to work on. Your music box is the perfect project for a couple of old gals. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful design!
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 10:22 am (5 years ago)Kathy, your thoughtful comments always brighten my day!! I’m so glad to have my designs be a part of your friendship and crafty get togethers. 3D projects can be tough, but they are certainly fulfilling!
Thanks for you kind words, and enjoy working on this new project. 😊
Charlotte Silber
January 23, 2020 at 9:56 am (5 years ago)Thank You so much. I know a little girl who will love this for her birthday. You are so kind to share your talent. Have a wonderful day.
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 10:23 am (5 years ago)Thank you Charlotte! You are too kind. Have fun putting this together!!
Cindy M
January 23, 2020 at 10:04 am (5 years ago)Beautiful!! Wishing I had a little girl to gift it to.
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 10:23 am (5 years ago)Thank you Cindy!
Antonella
January 23, 2020 at 1:18 pm (5 years ago)I remember the movie you wrote and I love it, me too…
I remember the gift too 😍 and your 3D is lovely lovely lovely!
I want to try it even if I find it complicated…
Thanks for sharing!
Love from Italy
Mandee
January 23, 2020 at 2:30 pm (5 years ago)Ya! I’m glad someone understood that reference!! 😀
And I’m glad you’re going to give it a go—it will be worth it!
Sharon
January 23, 2020 at 5:29 pm (5 years ago)This is so gorgeous! Can;t wait to make it!
Mandee
January 24, 2020 at 8:28 am (5 years ago)Thank you Sharon! Have a blast. 😊
Nippon
January 23, 2020 at 9:35 pm (5 years ago)Great Job Buddy!!
Debra Wright
January 24, 2020 at 7:05 am (5 years ago)This is amazing. You have out done yourself. I haven’t tried paper crafts yet, so I may try a few of the simpler ones before tackling this one. Bravo. And yes.. I collect music boxes too. Over 100 of them now.
Mandee
January 24, 2020 at 8:30 am (5 years ago)Aww, thank you so much Debra!! That’s so awesome that you collect music boxes—they are so lovely and nostalgic to me. 🙂
TERRY SMITH
January 24, 2020 at 11:00 am (5 years ago)Thank you so much for this beautiful file! You are truly generous with your ideas and time and it is much appreciated!
Mandee
January 27, 2020 at 12:04 pm (5 years ago)You are very welcome Terry! I’m so glad you enjoy my work.😊
Janice Dubuque
January 26, 2020 at 12:58 pm (5 years ago)I really want to make this beautiful project but not sure which cardstock colours to use. do you have any recommendations?
Mandee
January 27, 2020 at 12:08 pm (5 years ago)I really enjoyed working with metallic cardstock for this one (white, champagne, and gold) along with regular blue cardstock as my highlight color, but I had reader do it using purples, and I really loved how it turned out! I also think a burgundy with gold could be a good look as well. 🙂
Andrea L Clark
January 31, 2020 at 7:15 pm (5 years ago)Just…WOW! This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your talent so freely with us!
Mandee
February 3, 2020 at 8:37 am (5 years ago)Thanks Andrea!! ❤️
CAROLINA AZEREDO DE OLIVEIRA
February 24, 2020 at 6:23 pm (5 years ago)I was amazed !! Perfect !! When I was a little music box, I was fascinated. Thanks!!!
Mandee
February 25, 2020 at 8:12 am (5 years ago)You are very welcome Carolina!
Sandy
April 21, 2020 at 9:11 am (4 years ago)Thanks very much Mandee,
This music box is very gorgeous.
I will try to make a music box Beauty and the Beast.
Meantime my daughter will do the project “It’s small world”
big big thanks for all project
Sorry if my english is not perfect but I’m french.
Mandee
April 21, 2020 at 11:17 am (4 years ago)How lovely! Those are going to be a beautiful pair!! So glad my designs can be a part of your lives right now. 😊
Mario Garcia
May 25, 2020 at 12:45 pm (4 years ago)Good day, I don’t understand the instructions very well. Is there a video I can use to put it together?
Mandee
May 26, 2020 at 11:18 am (4 years ago)Unfortunately, I don’t have a video for this design as of right now, but I do hope to find time to make on in the future!
designdreamer
August 14, 2020 at 3:26 pm (4 years ago)Hmmmm,
Wondering if something got messed up in the interim, since this was posted in January, but the “cut file” or as you labeled it your” template”, is a a file for a carousel (which also looks fabulous, btw, and I’m going to search for your post on it after finishing this, lol) but I was looking for the music box (because I’ve also always loved them – especially the ones with a ballerina!!) for my granddaughter!!! Whom, I”m pretty sure would LOVE this. Please help.
Diana Durham
December 2, 2020 at 12:37 pm (4 years ago)I’ve done the carousel…and it is adorable!
designdreamer
August 14, 2020 at 3:31 pm (4 years ago)Never mind!! the “DOWNLOAD” button actually has the correct file. Thank you so much!!!
Mandee
August 17, 2020 at 10:14 am (4 years ago)Thanks for catching that! I’ve updated that link. 🙂
Liz Livecchi
November 12, 2020 at 8:34 am (4 years ago)It is delightful! How tall is the finished box? I was hoping to use it for Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with all of us.
Mandee
November 13, 2020 at 10:14 am (4 years ago)Finished, it comes out to be just over 6′ tall. Have fun making it for Christmas!! 🙂
Diana Durham
December 2, 2020 at 12:35 pm (4 years ago)Absolutely stunning! And a treasure for a budding ballerina!
Mandee
December 7, 2020 at 11:17 am (4 years ago)Thank you Diana!!
Rossella Giorgio
January 21, 2021 at 1:05 pm (4 years ago)ciao, non riesco a portare il file in silhouette portait
Mandee
January 21, 2021 at 2:06 pm (4 years ago)Hi There! If you are using a Silhouette machine, you will need the Designer Edition in order to use my SVG files.
Elizabeth
April 2, 2022 at 9:55 am (2 years ago)What a beautiful file! Thank you for sharing!