How to Build a Wooden Shadow Box With Gator
Shadow boxes are used to display objects or collages. They are similar to picture frames, except the shadow box displays three-dimensional objects. Shadow boxes are made from many different materials, including wood, and there are many different styles available commercially. You can custom-make a shadow box to present your memories in a personal way. A wooden shadow box with a gator is ideal for a child's room to show off mementos from a Florida vacation.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 x 6 x 6-inch pine boards, 4
- Miter saw
- Wood glue
- Bar clamps
- Damp rag
- 1 x 6 x 12-inch pine board
- Pencil
- Band saw
- 1 box of wood screws
- Screw driver
- Pilot hole bit
- Drill
- Screw gun
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Wood finish of choice
Instructions
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1
Cut a 45-degree angle on both ends of the 1 x 6 x 6-inch pine boards. These are the sides of the shadow box.
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2
Place the sides together to form a box. Apply a bead of wood glue to the edges that will be joined. Clamp the side assembly together with bar clamps. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp rag and allow the glue to dry. Remove the bar clamps.
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3
Place the 1 x 6 x 12-inch pine board on a work surface. Draw the side profile of an alligator with a pencil. This will be mounted to the back side of the shadow box. Draw it so the head will stick out from one side of the box and the tail from the other. Cut the gator out using a band saw.
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4
Place the side assembly on a work surface so the front side is down. Align the gator cutout on top of the side assembly. The gator should be centered. Screw the gator to the side assembly using wood screws and a screw gun. Space the screws evenly using two screws per side.
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5
Turn the shadow box so the front is facing up. Drill a pilot hole through the alligator cutout on either side of the side assembly portion of the box using a pilot hole drill bit and drill.
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6
Sand the entire shadow box with gator using fine-grit sandpaper. Apply a wood finish of your choice to the shadow box and allow to dry before handling.
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7
Mount the shadow box with gator on the wall. Use two wood screws and a screw gun to screw through the two pilot holes into the wall.
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Tips & Warnings
Make other themed shadow boxes for your child's room. Shadow boxes in the shape of a state you visited is fun.
Wear eye protection when working with wood.
Follow precautions on the packaging of glue and wood finish for safe use.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit florida augers image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
