DIY Holiday Crafts: Tutorial for Shadow Boxes

Shadow Boxes provide artistic holiday decorations or as gifts. Imagine any theme and use objects to capture it. Preservation is a good way to think about Shadow Boxes as they are enclosed by glass, which keep antique items less susceptible to damage from light. Shadow Boxes often display awards and medals, but the holidays are a great time to let your imagination run wild.

List of Materials for Holiday Shadow Boxes
1) A Shadow Box - Visit a local craft or framing store for a selection of shadow boxes of varying dimensions. It is basically an open-ended box around a picture frame or board. They range in price $5 - $40.

2) Mod-Podge -A Water-based sealer glue that binds well to paper, which you will most likely use as background. An 8oz bottle goes for $5; which will last through several craft projects. You will need a small paint brush or Q-tips to apply Mod-Podge.

3) Hot Glue Gun - For non-paper items, like metal, plastic, wood or glass you're going to need a sturdier adhesive. If you don't already have a Hot Glue Gun, it's a necessity for all your crafty adventures. They're about $14 in most craft stores.

4) Decorative Paper - Construction paper, scrapbook paper or any type of either solid color or designer paper will serve as the background for items, as well as an accent to your 3-Dimensional objects.

5) Your Items - Once you've decided on a theme, choose items that are relatively small and will hold well with the glue. Your shadow box can contain as many items as you desire, but I suggest focusing on a few main items.

Shadow Box Step by Step Instructions
1) Using a space the same dimensions as the shadow boxes' base, arrange items on background. Try a few different approaches to ensure you're satisfied with the final vision.

2) Set your background on the base of the shadow box. If you are using a paper substance for the background, use the Mod-Podge to adhere it to the box. Let the Mod-Podge do its stuff, settle and dry for about 10 minutes.

3) Always keep in mind that you are working in 3-Dimensional layers, especial if you are going to be stacking objects within the shadow box. Make sure you check how far objects stick out from the background so that the glass cover does not press down on them.

4) Carefully apply adhesives, making sure each item sets and you don't get excess spilling around the sides of objects. If the glue oozes over, quickly use your fingertip or the corner or a paper towel to remove it.

5) With items arranged and set on the background, wipe down the front and back of the glass cover with Windex to remove fingerprints or smudges. You can always remove the cover later if needed as well.