How to Make a Memory Jewelry Shadow Box

Everyone loves to receive gifts at Christmas time. This year, why not give them a gift they will remember and cherish for a lifetime? Make them a Memory Jewelry Shadow Box. This beautiful and easy craft idea can be made from old jewelry and designed to create a look that will be enjoyed for a lifetime to come. With a few easy items, a hot glue gun and some old jewelry, you can turn old "bling" into an exquisite gift!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shadow Box
• Felt Material to fit inside of shadow box
• Old jewelry
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon

1. 

   You don't have to have an art degree to make this uniquely beautiful gift. Once you are finished with the design, you will like it so much, you will probably want to make one for yourself as well. To begin, you will need to purchase a shadow box from your local craft store. These framed boxes come in several sizes, usually about 2-3 inches in depth and are covered with glass. Some boxes will have a fabric center and some will not. Determine if you want to use a felt piece of backing for the frame or just use what the frame comes with already.

2. 

   Next, cut your felt backing (any color) to the size of the inside of the frame and adhere to the back of the frame. These backings can be removed from the frame, making it easier to work with. A spray adhesive can be used or a hot glue gun. When using the glue gun, dab hot glue on all four corners and some on the sides. Press felt to fit. You are now ready to begin your design.

3. Take all the old jewelry you have and play around with different designs. Overlap pieces to create a contemporary design or make a fun a festive design in the shape of a Christmas tree. Once you have decided on a "look" for your shadow gift, begin to glue each jewelry piece to the felt. Glue pieces on top of one another to give a more dimensional look. If you have a design you love but can't remember how to recreate it again, take a photo of the design and use it to help you create the design again.

4. After you have glued all the pieces together, embellish the design with ribbon and bows. To personalize, you can make a name tag or create a saying with words made from a computer printout. Glue them to the felt at the bottom of design and return the backing to the frame. Now you are ready to give a gift that was made with your gift recipient in mind! They will love it. Happy Crafting!

Tips & Warnings

• Use old jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, loose jewelry stones, etc.

[Cherst1031]

on 1/1/2008 Wow, what a great idea! I bet you could use fancy buttons as well. Can't wait to try this, thanks.