DIY Shadow Boxes
Shadow Boxes are enclosed cases used to display medals, keepsakes or souvenirs. Their construction was developed to allow light to pass through only one angle, so as to protect the items displayed inside. Use a shadow box to display rare coins, autographed baseballs or even bugs or dried flowers. Work with a wooden box and glass cover, or create a simpler version using a picture frame, cardboard, colored paper and a plastic cover.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden box with sliding lid
- Glass cut to lid size
- Utility knife
- Balsa wood
- Small paintbrushes
- Wood glue
- Fluid acrylic paint
- Craft glue, museum wax, or pins
Instructions
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Select a wooden box with a sliding lid. To create shelves inside the box, use a utility knife to cut a strip of balsa wood. Determine the correct size for each shelf by placing your keepsakes within your shadow box prior to cutting. Then, brush the back edge of the balsa wood with wood glue and place within your box. Let dry.
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2
Measure the size of your box and take the measurements to a professional framer, who will cut the glass cover to fit over the top.
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3
Choose a color for your shadow box and paint both the interior and exterior. A darker color outside of your shadow box and a lighter shade within can provide a better background for viewing your souvenirs. Let dry prior to displaying your keepsakes.
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4
Glue or pin your keepsakes into your shadow box. Use sturdy pins that can display your mementos in their best light. Cover with your glass lid.
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References
- Photo Credit Souvenirs d"été image by Victoria from Fotolia.com
