How to Make a Layered Photo Shadow Box
Instead of keeping your photos hidden away in a box somewhere, display them proudly with a shadow box. Layered, photo shadow boxes are a unique and personalized way to create narrative displays of family photos and keepsakes. Shadow box styles are as varied as the things that can be put inside of them. Follow these basic steps for creating a layered, photo shadow box and creatively elaborate in order to make your own, unique display.
Things You'll Need
- Photos, memorabilia and objects
- 1/2-inch hardwood
- Wood glue
- All-purpose glue
- Sandpaper
- Handsaw and miter box
- Table saw with dado blade or router
- Glass cutter
- Acrylic glazing
- Picture hanger
- Cork board
- Utility knife
- Contact paper, wallpaper or fabric
- Card stock or cardboard
- Straight pins
Instructions
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1
Determine what kind of framing and box you will use. Unfinished and finished shadow box frames can be purchased at craft stores, or you can make your own. Shadow boxes can be any size, however common shadow box sizes are 8 by 10 inches or 11 by 14 inches. Boxes are typically 3 to 4 inches deep. Make your own shadow box by cutting thin hardwood pieces, based on the desired dimensions for the sides and back of your shadow box. Cut the corners to be fitted at 45-degree angles using a handsaw and miter box.
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Decide whether you want a shadow box with glazing. Shadow boxes can have glazing or they can be left open. To incorporate glazing, cut 1/8-inch rabbet joints (grooves) along the the inside of the box. Cut rabbet joints 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the front edges of the box using a table saw and dado blade or a router.
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Cut a piece of acrylic glazing to fit into the grooves. Cut the acrylic glazing with a power saw or glass cutter. When you buy acrylic glazing, it will be lined with plastic film. Leave the plastic film on the acrylic glazing while you cut it to prevent scratching.
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Fit together the side boards and and glazing. Attach the sides of the box with wood glue (leave the back off for now). Use a strap clamp to hold the frame tight while the glue dries. Wipe any glue that oozes from the seams with a damp cloth.
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5
Sand the edges of your shadowbox with a fine-grain sandpaper.
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Paint or stain the shadow box how you want, to fit the style and theme of your shadow box.
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Glue the back piece of wood onto the shadow box now only if you are not using glazing. If you are using glazing, wait to attach the back piece until the end, otherwise your shadow box will be sealed and you will not be able to reach inside.
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Glue a piece cork board to the back piece of wood. Measure and cut the cork board so that it will fit snugly inside the box on top of the back piece. Cut cork board by running a utility knife along a straight edge to score it.
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Affix a picture hanger to the top center of the other side of the back piece of wood for hanging on the wall. A round hooking hanger or a sawtooth hanger can be used.
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10
Cover the cork board at back of the shadow box with contact paper, wallpaper or fabric.
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Collect the family photos, memorabilia and keepsakes that you want to put in the shadow box. Attach layers of foam board to the backs of photos and memorabilia that you want to come forward more in the shadow box. Strips of heavy card stock or cardboard can also be glued to the back of items to create a kind of hidden arm that will push things forward more and create depth.
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Arrange and affix the materials to the backing with straight pins or glue. Jewelry, shells, beads, game pieces, stickers, lace, toys and other materials and objects can be included to add to the "story." Use the bottom of your shadow box as a shelf to set things on. Objects can also be glued to or hung from the top and sides of the shadow box.
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Enclose and finish your shadow box. Glue on the back piece now if you used glazing. Clamp the back piece while the glue dries.
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Tips & Warnings
You can further embellish the box by gluing a store-bought or antique wooden frame to the front of the box. In this case, instead of inserting glazing, simply keep the original glass in the frame when you attach it.
If you think you will want to add or remove things from the shadow box in the future, but still want to use glazing, use nails to attach the back piece instead of glue. That way you can pry off the back piece as needed.
