How to Build a "Shadow Box" to Display Small Treasures

When I had the frame shop, I did a lot of "shadow boxes" for customers. It's a great way to show off a treasure or novelties that otherwise would be stuck on a shelf and perhaps ignored. Shadow boxes are easy to make and great for yourself or for gifts. Here are a few ideas.

1. How much room do you need? Are you planning to display a dried bouquet? A prize fishing lure? A ceramic or glass figurine? A treasured baseball? No matter what it is, you can give it a display that will knock someone's socks off! Choose the height, width and depth of the box, leaving enough space for the items or items. Be very careful to measure every angle.

2. At your local lumber yard or craft store, select either a pre-made box or wooden slats that fit the size you need. If slats, glue them together and reinforce them with staples or tiny nails, depending on the thickness of the wood. If plastic, try to get the color you want to begin with (plastic doesn't always hold paint well.) Either stain or paint both the inside and outside of the box to either harmonize or contrast with the item. You can use more than one color or stain, it's entirely up to you.

3. Decide if you want a background for the display. If not, the background will be whatever wall the new owner (or you) select. The advantage is that the background can be changed by simply moving the shadow box to another wall of a different color. If you want a background, get a piece of wood or plastic to fit the back of the shadow box. Now, what sort of background do you want? If it's a fishing lure (like the one I made for my neighbor a few years ago), you can get a photo of him (or her) fishing and blow it up to fit the box. (8x10 works well for this design.) Use a black and white photo, especially if the lure is colorful. Glue the lure in place somewhere in the picture that will make it really stand out. (You can see the photo so you get to decide where it looks best.) If you're displaying a cake decoration, for example, use black and white photos of the birthday or wedding or anniversary and place the decoration where it will look the best.

4. Without a background, you can still display your item. A small brace (for a baseball) or some dental floss and glue (for a dried bouquet) can work wonders. Many small items come with bases. Gluing the base to the box will keep it in place and still allow you to remove the item easily.

5. To cut down on dust, I recommend using a piece of clear plastic on the front. Be sure it fits the frame exactly and don't glop the glue. Use enough for a fit but not so much it makes a mess. Be sure the plastic is clean on both sides when you put it on the shadow box.

6. These are just suggestions in general. The choice of display items and colors are entirely up to you. Hangers can vary, but they're on the back and never actually seen. You can use a pop top, wire, or anything that will hold the shadow box upright. Make sure you glue the hanger tightly, adding tiny nails if possible. Also be sure the hanger is located exactly in the center or attached evenly on the sides (for a wire). Lopsided shadow boxes don't work very well!