How to Buy Supplies Needed to Make a Shadow Box

A shadow box is a terrific way to display keepsakes and meaningful items. If you've never created a shadow box, you'll need a few pointers in knowing what supplies are necessary to make the shadow box. Read the following and you'll be on your way to making a shadow box for your wall displays.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shadow box frame
• Fabric or covering for the backing
• Glue or adhesive
• Scissors
• Floral wire (to secure any larger items)

1. Purchase a shadow box frame from a craft or hobby store. The size of the box will depend on the size of the item(s) you want to display. If you want to display some of your grandmother's jewelry, think about how you want this to look when it's hanging on your wall. The necklace may be small, but if you want to create an heirloom look, you may want to include a photo of your grandmother wearing the necklace and a small printed sheet telling something about the necklace.

2. Pick the type of background you want your shadow box to display. The standard background in the frame is usually white. Bring some character to your shadow box by covering the back foam board of the frame with textured fabric, wrapping paper, poster board, scrapbook papers or even newspaper. A creative background can really make your shadow box more interesting and appealing.

3. Plan on making a purchase of some basic craft items to use to adjust your displayed items. You'll need some glue. It can be the standard type of squeeze glue, hot glue or even a spray adhesive. Those familiar with scrap booking may prefer to use glue sticks or double-sided tape. The last two choices will only work for lightweight items. You'll also need scissors, possibly some straight pins to secure items to the back board and a ruler to keep things straight.

4. Consider using non-traditional shadow box frames. Use tin pans, baskets or decorative boxes. These don't usually have a glass front on them, so you have more depth to decorate your shadow box. You might want to buy supplies like floral or decorative stems, leaves, running ivies or fake fruit to add to the character of the shadow box. Purchase dolls or other toys to characterize a child's shadow box or childhood memory. If you're using a doll, toy or other larger type item, buy some florist wire to secure these items inside the shadow box.