Shadow Box Ideas

One of the most intricate and amazing pieces of art that anyone can make is the shadow box. Usually hung on the wall, these three-dimensional showcases go beyond the simple photo and a frame by allowing folks to add objects into the mix. When it comes to shadow boxes, anything goes, but they work best with some type of overall theme.

Features

Shadow boxes consist of a box-like frame that is recessed so people can place objects inside it. They are often covered with glass, created a three-dimensional picture frame. Insides of the boxes are graced with figurines, mementos, photos, illustrations and other paraphernalia that work with the overall theme of the box.

Animals

Animals are always fun to put on display, and a shadow box makes a great place to showcase them. Animal shadow boxes can contain mementos, photos and trinkets from family pets, feature a jungle theme or replicate one of the exhibits, such as the penguin house, from the neighborhood zoo. Boxes can also stick to one animal, such as a box of cats, dogs, birds or snakes.

Seasons

Holiday and seasonal shadow boxes are very easy to make, mainly because so many supplies are sold with such themes. A Christmas shadow box may feature miniature gifts, a tree and elf figurines. A spring shadow box could be filled with flowers, butterflies and a rendition of the springtime sun. A Groundhog Day shadow box could feature the bottom half of the box as the groundhog's underground lair.

Eras

Folks can also pick their favorite time in history and hook it up into a shadow box. The roaring 20s could feature fringe, feathers and a flapper chick in full regalia. Civil War shadow boxes would have antique miniature weapons and nostalgic items from the armies. A hippy shadow box would be too much fun, complete with miniature flower power posters, bandannas and a small Volkswagen bus.

Death

Shadow boxes used as a memorial for someone who has died, or to display images of death, are another interesting idea. Those used as a memorial could include the person's funeral card, photos from different ages and some of the person's favorite trinkets, like a pair of old baseball tickets. Those used to showcase death would include small skeletons, headstones and perhaps photos of graveyards in the background.