If you have ever looked at a $150 paper-cut shadow box on Etsy and thought, “I could make that” —you are right. But only if you start with a proper template.

Neither is wrong. The hand-cut version has organic imperfections—a slightly wobbly leaf, a curve that drifts—that make it look like folk art. The machine version is mathematically perfect.

3D layered paper art (often called paper quilling shadows or stacked paper art) creates stunning optical illusions using nothing but cardstock and foam tape. Whether you have a Cricut, Silhouette, or just a steady hand with an X-Acto knife, here is everything you need to find and use to get started.