subject: How To Make A Shadowbox [print this page] Do you have objects with a sentimental value that you want to preserve but that won't fit in a photo album or scrapbook? Not a problem. Just put them in a shadowbox! You can make your own shadowboxes to display your important memorabilia or to give to a friend.
To begin, assemble your objects or collection. You'll also need to purchase a shadowbox (big enough to hold the items), some batting, fabric, fabric glue, pins or glue, wood blocks or foam, and embellishments, if you don't have these items already. (Note: if you're handy with tools, you can make your own shadowbox from scratch, allowing you to customize it to your collection.) When you have your shadowbox and materials, cover the back of the box with decorative paper or fabric.
Now for the fun part! Place your objects in the box. If you want to create some dimension, mount the objects on pieces of foam or wood blocks to add layers. You can also make little shelves in the box by gluing pieces of wood to the back. If you would like, you can embellish your shadowbox and enhance your theme by adding jewelry, beads, lace, and other pretty items. If the shadowbox is to commemorate your wedding, for example, you could add silk flowers that were the same as the ones in your bouquet, ribbons with your wedding colors and patterns, and pearls or beads that match your necklace (if not the actual necklace itself). Other themes might be a high school or college graduation, the birth of a child, or even a notable vacation. Arrange everything in the position you want before you attach them; this allows you to move them around and change your mind before they're forever in place.
Once you're ready, attach your items to the box. Depending on how permanent you want the shadowbox to be, you can either glue the objects (and the blocks) to the back or just pin them to batting that's covered with fabric. To do this, cut a piece of batting to fit the box as well as a piece of fabric that is an inch longer on each side. Fold and glue the fabric over the batting and the back of the board. Now your pins will stay put.
Make sure that everything looks neat and the way you want it, then assemble the glass and frame. And, voila!, you're shadow box is ready to display.
