Around and around we go! It’s been over a year since I posted my first complex, three-dimensional paper craft, and I’m excited to be sharing something new to go with it today. Use these six adorable carousel animals to customize your 3D carousel even more, or make them as a fun little paper craft.
When I posted my 3D carousel last year, I had no idea what people would think, or if anyone would even try to make it for themselves. Now, I’ve seen so many of you take on this fun paper craft challenge, and it has been so incredibly awesome to see the results!
One thing I didn’t anticipate is the unique take people would have when making my carousel project. After seeing a few different variations, I thought it would be fun to create some alternate animals to be used for even more customization opportunities. That’s where these cuties come in.
I actually used the dragon design in this set to create a “spooky” version of my carousel, and I LOVE the way it turned out!
Check out this tutorial video to see how I put this carousel together.
Of course, even if you don’t plan on putting a whole carousel together anytime soon, these designs stand alone quite nicely! And I’ve included a carousel pole in the design that you can use to make these into a beautiful card or scrapbook piece.
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 die cut freebies available on my blog!
Enjoy making these carousel animals for yourself! Which animal(s) would you feature on your carousel?
Watch the video tutorial that includes these designs here:
*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.
Jamie Wallace
September 16, 2020 at 8:46 am (2 years ago)I’m a beach fanatic (when you live in Florida, duh), so anything water related, especially the sea horse, is fantastic!
Mandee
September 16, 2020 at 10:27 am (2 years ago)Awesome! I want so badly to live somewhere near the beach someday (being landlocked in Utah is hard for a girl who was born in Hawaii)!! My little sister lives in Florida and loves it there. 🙂
D King
September 16, 2020 at 10:29 am (2 years ago)Oh my Gosh. I love, love, love these. Can hardly wait to add them to my carousel. I am a long time collector of carousels and carousel related items. Thank you so much for these and all of the wonderful files you create and share. Big hugs and blessings to you and your family.
Mandee
September 16, 2020 at 10:41 am (2 years ago)How awesome! What a fun collection to have!! Glad you can make good use of these designs. ❤️
Kathy
September 16, 2020 at 3:24 pm (2 years ago)Thank you, thank you, and thank you again! These animals are super cute, I will definitely be using them on some projects soon, I might even get another carousel done. I love your new holiday look too, you look stunning in black!
Mandee
September 17, 2020 at 10:23 am (2 years ago)Have fun!!
And thank you very much Kathy! You are too kind. 😊
jessie
September 16, 2020 at 3:37 pm (2 years ago)Thank you for this lovely file and all of the others you’ve generously shared.
Love your designs!
Mandee
September 17, 2020 at 10:23 am (2 years ago)You are very welcome Jessie! Glad you like them!!
Abi
September 17, 2020 at 11:30 am (2 years ago)Thanks for these files and all the great designs and tutorials you post.
Mandee
September 21, 2020 at 8:35 am (2 years ago)You are very welcome Abi!! 😊
Kelly Matthews
September 19, 2020 at 9:38 pm (2 years ago)I love the dragons! 😀
Mandee
September 21, 2020 at 8:38 am (2 years ago)They were so much fun to make! 🐲
Vicki
February 2, 2021 at 5:49 am (2 years ago)I love this pattern. It was actually very easy to put together. I made a Valentine version for a gift. Wish I could send you a pic
Mandee
February 2, 2021 at 9:50 am (2 years ago)That sounds super cute! I’d love to see a photo. You can tag me on Instagram, or send me an email (mandee@designsbymissmandee.com). 😊