During the February 2023 Craftfest, I presented a workshop on making a Mantle-Worthy Photo Card. (It was only available for free during the summit.)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Mantle-Worthy Photo Card.
What are all these pieces for?
Light purple – the card base
Dark purple – cover and frames decorative pieces
Gray – the center photo strip
Black – background for the photos to be mounted on
White – where your photos go
You’ll have to duplicate the black and white pieces so that you have the photo arrangements you want to use on six panels.

I didn’t get the extra SVGs and images, even though I entered my email address.
I know a few people had this issue; I’m not sure exactly why though.
I’ve added them to the Free Files Folder so you can just download them. (The password is at the bottom of each email you receive from me.)
Look for the file names Mantle-Worthy Accordion Photo Card Envelope SVGย andย Sentiments & Card Bands.

Want to make working with your photos even easier?
Use the Guides for cropping!
(This feature is new so it wasn’t available when I recorded the workshop.)
Highlight the shape the photo needs to go in.

From the Operation menu, select Guide.

The shape shows up as a pink outline now. Make sure it’s on top of the photo.

Resize the photo to fit the frame and get a nice crop.

Highlight both the guide and photo, then click on Slice.

Delete the two extra slices and you have your perfectly-cropped photo.
I turned on the Use System Dialog and clicked Print, but nothing happened.
It says in tiny print that the Print Dialog window may pop up behind Design Space. (It always pops up in the center of your computer screen, and usually, Design Space is covering it.)

Simply slide the Design Space window down.
Remember to always choose the correct type of paper and the best quality.

I can’t make the Mantle-Worthy Photo Card because Design Space says I need the larger mat.
I have no idea why it gives this error. The largest piece (the band) is only 11.2 inches.
The rest of the pieces can even be cut from the standard letter or A4-sized cardstock.
Just click OK and ignore it. (Perhaps it’s a Design Space bug? Luckily, it doesn’t actually affect the project.)

What can I use this card for?
Many crafters have already made the Mantle-Worthy Photo Card. You can see many of them in the Cricut Craftfest Attendees Facebook group (just search for my name.)
I love hearing about all of the special reasons crafters have created photo cards.
๐ Today is my mom’s 1st birthday in Heaven, so I decided to make one with some of my favorite photos of my mom.
๐ This photo display card was made as a gift for some friends who have been so extra helpful to me right now. I wanted to thank them in a special way and thought a card with photos would be a great way.
๐ This project was perfect for my FIL who is recovering from major surgery this week.
๐ I tried the accordion photo card, with memories of my first trip to the USA (I’m French.)
๐ It is my friend’s 70th birthday and I want to use your cards as table decor because they are so impressive!
๐ I made this for my momโs birthday on Wednesday. She has Alzheimerโs, so I used pictures she hopefully will recognize.
I made this card as a memorial for Grandma Creta, who loved to hold our babies and passed last year at 102 years old.

Do you have questions about the Mantle-Worthy Photo Card that I haven’t answered here?
Leave a comment below and I’ll respond.
Shirl says
Great advice! I have yet to make your mantle worthy project, but will be doing it soon. Love the new cropping method using the new guide option. Thank you! The craftfest was simply amazing this year. So glad I purchased the VIP pass.
Emily says
Yes – that guide option is SO much better! I really like to get my crops PRECISE and the outline ensures that.
I’m so glad to have the VIP pass too. I order supplies for the sun catchers and engraving pendants but I have no time to make them right now.
Rashawnda says
I do not have a photo printer. Can I make this and somehow insert photos? I have the file and have looked it over but have not cut anything yet. I’m wondering if I cut 2 of the black frames, could I sandwich my photos between the black frames?
Emily says
I would suggest cutting the white pieces out, then manually tracing them on your physical photos. The black pieces actually go behind the photos as a background, not a frame exactly.
Are you enrolled in my Cricut Crafting with Photos workshop? If so, there’s a lot of information and different ways to use your Cricut to cut your prints very accurately.
Carole Bass says
I signed up for and paid for the lifetime access plan, but now I cannot download the SVG files for the card. Any advice for success?
Emily says
Hi Carole! Can you log into your VIP Access account? If so, there is a button in the middle of the page that says “download the workshop template”.
If you can’t get logged in, just email [email protected] and they will get you all sorted out!
Yvonne Sargent says
Hi Emily! I downloaded your photo card from the craft fest and it went to my drive, I no longer use. I watched your video and took a few notes. I did not make it that day. (It must have went into a old folder.) So, what I am saying is that I have it, but I cannot find it. I am sorry. I would love to make this. Any possible way I can get the svg’s for it again? If not, I understand. Thank you for sharing your talents!!
de kort says
Thank You Emily for such a great idea! My Mom to has Alzheimerโs. My heart goes out to you! !’m sure she will love it!
Emily says
A lady in the FB group showed her card and said that’s why she made it. I thought it was such a good idea! (My mother doesn’t have Alzheimer’s.)
Jay says
Hi, I thought I saw somewhere that you offer a paid workshop on photo projects with the Cricut. If I have that correct I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Do you have a course like that or am I remembering incorrectly? Thanks.
Emily says
Yes! It’s right here.
https://minordiy.samcart.com/products/photo-crafting-cricut-workshop
Jay says
Thank you!
Patricia Dieterich says
This is on the top of my to-do list. I’m a beginner but I want to try it. I haven’t seen much printed cardstock in shops. Where do you find it? Have you ever printed your own on cardstock? Thank you for what you do. The Cricut community of crafters are the most supportive, helpful and giving group. I’m amazed!