How to Make a Shadow Box for Photography

Recycled wood can be used for photography shadow boxes.

Shadow boxes make lovely display cases for any kind of art, especially photography. To make a shadow box, just build an open box with a decorative frame. With basic woodworking skills this project can easily be completed in an afternoon. Create a dramatic focal point with one of your favorite photos in less than a weekend.

Things You'll Need

• Graph paper
• Pencil
• wood planks or paneling
• Picture or crown molding
• 3/8" wood paneling
• Miter saw or miter box and hacksaw
• Wood glue
• Corner clamps
• Finishing nails
• Nail set
• Photo mount corners
• Drill
• Black felt (optional)
• Stain or paint (optional)
• Small screws (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the size of the photograph. You'll want your shadow box to be larger than the photograph, so make a diagram and sketch out the dimensions you'll be using on a sheet of graph paper.

2. Choose the wood for your box. Recycle old wood planks or use 2-inch wood paneling to create the sides of the box. Also choose picture frame molding or any decorative molding for the front of the shadow box.

3. Cut the wood according to your diagram. You'll need four lengths for the sides of the box, a piece of 3/8-inch wood paneling for the back of the box, and four pieces of molding or decorative wood for the shadow box opening. Cut the decorative wood with the miter saw to create 45-degree angles. This will give you a professional-looking front frame.

4. Glue and nail together the four sides of the box. Use corner clamps to help the glue set. Build the decorative frame separately. Glue and nail together the four miter cuts to create the front of the shadow box. Again, corner clamps will give the frame stability while drying.

5. Mount the photo to the 3/8-inch wood paneling that will be used as the back of the box. Either stain or paint the wood before mounting, or cover the panel with black felt. Use photo mount corners to attach the photo to the paneling.

6. Paint or stain the box and frame, if desired. Allow to dry completely before the final assembly.

7. Attach the frame to the box using finishing nails and a nail set. The nail set will sink the nails flush with the surface without damaging the wood. If necessary, pre-drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting when nailed.

8. Finally, nail the mounted photograph on the 3/8-inch paneling onto the back of the box. Pre-drill pilot holes. Small screws can also be used if the back will be removed to change out the photograph later.

References

• Canadian Home Workshop: Box Frames
• Bob Vila: How to Build a Picture Frame