Graduation Money Gift Idea Shadow Box

Are you searching for a creative graduation money gift idea? We have just the thing for you: a money shadow box graduation gift! This unique shadow box is an excellent way to show the graduate that you care while giving them a gift they will truly appreciate.

Want more ideas for graduation? See our other graduation crafts here!

How To Make Graduation Money Gift Idea

Giving money for graduation has never been easier! This fun gift idea will leave them laughing; however, they will love what is inside this great shadow box frame.

NOTE: Do you love this ”emergency break glass” idea and are looking for another? I was inspired to create this by my friend over at 30 Minute Crafts, who has another fun ”emergency break glass” project for you!

Supplies Needed To Make Graduation Money Gift Idea

• Shadow box frame
• White vinyl
• Transfer tape
• Cricut or another craft cutter
• Weeding tool
• Scraper
• Plain black or other color cardstock
• Money

Step 1: Paint Shadow box (Optional)

The shadow box that I used for this project came pre-painted. If you are using a plain one, be sure to paint it before you begin.

Step 2: Create Design

Design text for the front of the shadow box in Design Space and personalize it using any fonts you want. You want it the same size as the glass in the front of your frame. I am using the Century Gothic font in this example. See how to use your own fonts in Cricut Design Space here.

This is easy to do by creating a square the size of your glass to lay out your font in Design Space. Be sure to pick all of your text and click attach, then click Make. Be sure you either remove the square you used for laying out your design or change it to a guide.

Step 3: Cut & Weed Vinyl

Proceed to cut the text from the white vinyl. I am using permanent vinyl for my project, but removable would work just as well. I used the vinyl setting to cut my design with my Cricut machine.

Weed out all excess vinyl. I like to use a weeding tool to aid with this. Be sure to get the center of all of the letters.

Step 4: Apply Vinyl To Shadow Box

Add transfer tape to the top of your vinyl and burnish well with a scraper. Use the transfer tape to lift the vinyl from the backing.

Locate and place on the glass and press down well. Use a scraping tool, credit card, or another flat tool to burnish well (remember you’re working with glass, so be careful). You can also try the wet application method for this step if you have trouble locating your vinyl or with bubbles in your final project.

Remove the transfer tape going slowly to prevent bubbles in your vinyl. Once removed, be sure to burnish the vinyl down so it adheres well.

Step 5: Add Colored Card Stock To Shadow Box

You will want to add a plain-colored cardstock to the back of your shadow box. I used black corrugated. However, you could also use school colors or the receiver’s favorite color.

Step 6: Fill Shadow Box With Money

Then just add in any amount of money you wish to make this a great, unique graduation gift. The gift recipient can just open the shadow box from the back to get the cash, but the sentiment on the front is a fun way to give money for graduation.

Who wouldn’t want to receive this as a graduation gift? Giving money for graduation is one of the best presents you can give, and we’ve made it unique and a bit of fun as well!

The best part?? They don’t have to actually break the glass to get to the cash! In my case, the front glass slides off easily, allowing them to access their gift anytime. Your shadow box may open from the front or back, however, there will be a way for the graduate to open it without actually breaking the glass!

If you are looking for unique graduation gifts, look no further! The graduate in your life will love this thoughtful gift idea.

FAQs About Graduation Money Gift Idea

Here are a few common questions that I often see readers asking about making this graduation money gift idea. If you have a question, please check if I’ve already addressed it below. If you don’t see your question listed, please leave it in the comments!

What Cricut Machine Can I Use For This Project?

All of them! The Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore series, Cricut Joy, Cricut Joy Xtra, and Cricut Venture can all cut vinyl!

The only thing to keep in mind is that each Cricut machine differs in terms of project size capabilities and the materials it can cut. So, depending on what project you have in mind, you might need to resize your text or cut it out in a different material.

Where Did You Find The Shadow Box, And Can You Tell Me What Size It Is?

Unfortunately, the place where I got the shadow box has gone out of business. Also, I think the size was 6×8.

With that being said, you can find shadow boxes in a variety of sizes online, at craft stores, and even at some home decor stores.

Can I Use Any Shadow Box For This Project?

Yes, you can use any size or shape shadow box that you like for this project!

How Can I Customize This Project Further?

You can customize this project further by doing the following:

• Paint the shadow box a different color.
• Add a design to the shadow box frame.
• Use a custom font for your text.
• Customize the text by including a name, college logo, etc.
• Use a different color of vinyl for the text.

9 More Graduation Crafts

Do you love this graduation money gift idea and want more graduation crafts? Then check out these popular projects!

• Make Your Own Graduation Card
• Rolo Graduation Gift
• Graduation Mason Jar Gift
• Free Canva Graduation Invitation Template
• Graduation Gift in a Jar
• Easy Custom Graduation Tumbler with Cricut Joy
• T-Shirt Graduation Quilt
• Printable Funny Graduation Cards
• 20+ Handmade Graduation Gift Ideas