How to Make a Shadow Box Service

Create shadow boxes to capture people's memories of vacations and special moments in their life.

Shadow boxes are visual representations of memories. Many people save plane tickets, postcards, concert tickets, coins, baby booties, sea shells and other mementos with the hopes of making a shadow box. These items often sit around in a shoebox year after year. Creative individuals who draw inspiration from small keepsake items may choose to provide a shadow box service for others who may not have that inclination. Any creative person can make shadow boxes, and those with a business inclination can provide that service with a little planning and preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Business plan
• Legal/tax documents
• Office/studio space
• Shadow boxes
• Craft supplies
• Advertising

Instructions

1. Research your market for shadow box services. Look at the crafting market in your area, as well as existing competition. Research potential suppliers, locations and market prices for your services.

2. Write a business plan based on your market research. Define your business goals in a statement of purpose. For example, your business goal may be to provide a visual representation of people's memories through custom shadow box design services. Describe your business in detail. Include equipment you will need, such as paper cutters, scrapbook paper, double sided tape, craft desk, rulers and any other supplies. Provide a market analysis, marketing strategy and financial projections in a plan that details the first year of business.

3. File a business and tax registration form with local and state authorities. As a shadow box service you will likely want to register as a sole proprietorship. This is the most basic form of business. It simply requires filing a doing business as form. A sole proprietorship can be upgraded to a limited liability or corporation at a later time if your business grows.

4. Set up an office/studio space within your home or in a small commercial space depending on your specific requirements. Create an office area with a computer, Internet access, telephone, fax machine, and filing system. Create a studio space with a crafting desk, scrapbook papers, shadow boxes, mounting tapes, and any other items needed to provide a shadow box service.

5. Advertise your services in local newspapers and publications. Join local crafting organizations as well as your local chamber of commerce to take advantage of collective advertising resources. Post your services on community bulletin boards.

Tips & Warnings

• Demonstrate your services or host workshops on designing shadow boxes at local craft shops to generate interest in your business.

• Be sure that you are in compliance with local regulations prior to starting your business to avoid delays or fines.

References

• Home Museum: Shadow Boxes and Display Cabinets
• Exposures Online: How to Create a Shadow Box
• Entrepreneur: Start a Service Business

Resources

• Paper Street Supplies: How to: Make a Cardboard Shadow Box