Today’s design is one that will take you right back to childhood. I hope your mom brought some quarters on your trip to the grocery store, because I’ve got an irresistible, 3D gumball machine just for you!
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I am so excited about how this project came together! Not only is it a bright and fun design, but it’s functional as well. The lid is removable, so you can use it to store gumballs or pom poms, and take them out later on.
Supplies
- Cardstock
- Dura-Lar Film
- Hot Glue
- Precision Craft Glue or a Glue Stick
- A Large Bead
- Pom Poms or Gumballs
- Decorative Ribbon (optional)
- Bone Folder (optional)
- A Cutting Machine or X-ACTO knife
- My Free Template
How to Make It
1. Use your cutting machine or X-ACTO knife, along with my template, to cut out all of the pieces of the 3D gumball machine.
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 them through your cutting machine. I used a lime green color to mark the score lines, so hopefully that helps! If you’re having trouble with the score lines, check out this video.
Prep Work
2. Start by layering all of the decorative panels and base strips on the medium pink, structural pieces.
Then, take your four, medium pink structural pieces, and glue the together by attaching the long, bottom tabs to the inside of the base.
Next, layer your circular Dura-lar film pieces inside of your yellow, circular frames.
Attach one of the yellow circles to the top/inside of the pink side that has a hole in it.
Assembling the Machine
3. Fold the left and right pink sides inward and use the tabs to attach them to the front portion of your gumball machine.
Next, take the two rectangular, yellow frame pieces and attach them to both pink side pieces, using the long tab provided.
Using the small tabs, curve the yellow frame pieces and attach them to the perimeter of the rounded front.
Note: they will not go all the way around the circle, but this is intentional. The gap at the top will be how you insert your “gumballs” later on.
Next, carefully attach your rectangular Dura-lar film pieces to the interior of your yellow frames. Doing this after you’ve attached the frame to the rounded front piece will help to ensure that your film curves nicely and doesn’t pucker.
Assembling the Machine (cont.)
4. Take your dark pink square piece and fold along the score lines. Add some glue to three edges and slide it into the interior or the gumball machine—lining it up with the bottom of the front circle.
After that, attach the other circular frame to the top of the back flap.
Fold the entire back portion up, and attach all of the tabs—starting with the base, and working your way up, around the circular frame.
Layer your coin slot pieces together and attach the whole thing to the front, just above the hole.
Assembling the Lid
5. Gather your lid pieces and layer on all of the decorative panels (except the large square piece).
Fold the main lid piece along the score lines. Use the larger tabs to connect the sides of the lid to the front portion. Use the little tabs to connect the top of the lid to the curved edge of the front portion. Repeat the process with the back part of the lid.
Next, attach the square, decorative panel to the top, and add a large bead to the center of the lid with hot glue.
Finally, fill your gumball machine with cute pom poms or even actual gumballs, and your project is complete!
If you are curious, the patterned paper I used for this design came from a pack called Plush Peonies from Michaels. I couldn’t find the pack on their website, though, so it may not be available anymore. But any cute pink pattern would look adorable with this project!
This project reminded me of times when my elementary school teachers would use pom poms in a jar to measure good behavior. Once we filled up the jar, we won a reward as a class. How cute would this gumball machine be in a situation like that!?
Whether you use this project as a way to store/display candy, utilize it as a measuring system for rewards, or just want to enjoy the cute aesthetic, you really can’t go wrong.
I use Adobe Illustrator for all 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 fun freebies available on my blog!
Enjoy making this 3D gumball machine for yourself! And, as always, be sure to share your finished results with me on Instagram.
*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. 6 Comments on 3D Gumball Machine – Cute Cut Files
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Mary
March 1, 2023 at 8:18 am (4 weeks ago)Thank you so much. Another beautiful project!!!
Mandee
March 1, 2023 at 10:33 am (4 weeks ago)You are so welcome!!
sonny
March 1, 2023 at 8:42 am (4 weeks ago)Wow, this is so nice
Mandee
March 1, 2023 at 10:33 am (4 weeks ago)I’m glad you like it! ❤️
auntie em
March 7, 2023 at 7:48 am (3 weeks ago)This little gumball machine is just adorable! I love the idea of using it as a good behavior jar. 🙂
It would be a fun way to present a child with a gift card or some money tucked in among the pompoms as well. I have no idea any more what is popular or the best gift to give to the little people but they all really know what to use their gift cards and cash for! lol
Thank you for sharing your time and talents for another amazing project. <3
Mandee
March 7, 2023 at 10:14 am (3 weeks ago)You are so right—my son is always asking for gift cards, haha! I’m so glad that you like this project!! And thanks for your kind words. 😊