How to Make Shadow Boxes for Scrapbooking

Shadow boxes are a great way to preserve memories and create unique pieces for your home decor. They make great gifts for holidays and occasions like weddings and birthdays.

With a the proper tools and supplies you can create your own shadow boxes for scrapbooking and your friends.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wood Strips
• Wood Glue
• Nails
• Hammer
• Cardboard
• Box Cutter
• Hand Saw

1. Cut your strips of wood until you have four equal lengths for the frame of your box.
   
   Recommend strips of wood are 1 inch thick by 3 inches wide.

2. 
   Wood Frame

   Connect wood strips together at each corner by placing some wood glue on one end and hammering two nails from the outer side. You nails should be at least an inch longer then the front piece of wood you are pounding through.

3. 
   Cardboard Square

   Place wooden frame on top of a thick piece of cardboard and cut cardboard to size with a carpenter's knife.

4. 

   Using some wood glue, place beads of glue along outside edge of wood frame. Lay cardboard square on top of glue, press down at corners, and let dry before proceeding to the next step.

5. 
   wire hanger

   Nail two small, one inch long, nails at each end of the back of your shadow box in the corners. Leave head of nail stick up slightly. Cut a strand of wire or string two inches longer than the width of your box. Tie string or wrap wire around each end of nails for hanging.

6. Flip shadow box forward facing. You are now ready to paint the frame if you desire. If not, it's time to gather your scrapbooking supplies and start decorating the inside with pictures, papers, and embellishments!

7. When you are finished with the inside of your shadow box, you can place a cut piece of thin plexi glass (plastic sheeting) over the front of your box. Drill small holes in each corner through plastic into wood and then use screws to hold in place.

Tips & Warnings

• When you purchase your wood strips for framing at your local building supply store, they can cut the strips to your size requirements in store.
• Use fallen tree limbs instead of wood strips for a rustic effect on your shadow box.
• Substitute your cardboard for cork board and be able to change out pictures and embellishments during the seasons.
• You can purchase regular metal tabs for the back of your shadow box to hang them.
• If you use a plexi glass cover, cover outside screws with scrapbooking embellishments or ribbon.
• Make a few extra and share with a friend.
• Use a staple gun in addition to glue to hold card board on back.
• The thicker the cardboard the more sturdy your shadow box
• Always use protective eye wear when working with tools such as drills, or saws.
• Ask a friend for help, an extra hand never hurts.

Resources

• Shadow Box Video
• Shadow Box Instructions
• DIY Shadow Box
• Handmade Shadow Box