How to Make a Shadow box Picture Frame
Preserving memories is so important. There are a million ways to do that through journaling or pictures. These days it seems like everybody’s memories live in their computer or their phone. Although, I realize not everyone has the time or the skills to create scrapbooks, digital or otherwise, there are lots of fun ways to record a special event.
This blog will show you how to create a shadowbox picture frame. With a few pictures and memorabilia you can turn a memory into a lifetime keepsake. It’s easy, it’s inexpensive, and it makes a great gift!
Step 1- Purchase a Shadow Box
Shadow box frames come in different sizes and different colors. For the project you see here, I used a 12×12 size frame. Open your shadow box frame, so that you have the back separated from the glass and frame. This back could be made from foam, velvet, wood, or corkboard. The back surface determines how you affix your memorabilia. I prefer the wood surface and use glue to affix everything. Foam and velvet require stick pins and I feel like the items tend to move around.
Step 2- Gather Your Supplies
- shadow box frame
- scrapbook paper and stickers
- pop dots
- glue or glue gun
- memorabilia and pictures
- scissors
- paper trimmer
I have included links below to purchase supplies if needed. Just about any craft store will have what you need. **I receive no compensation if you use these links
Step 3- Create the Layout
It’s time to figure out how you want things laid out. Start with the background. Cut the paper to fit the frame. Lay out the pictures you want to use. I love to cut mine out so that they feel more 3-D. Arrange any other memorabilia or stickers in between the pictures. Don’t be afraid to angle things or overlap things. When everything is the way you like it move onto the next step.
Step 4- Glue it down
Decide which items you want to stand out (or be closer to the glass). Those are the items that will be adhered with pop dots. You can use one layer of pop dots or layer several on top of each other to really make it “pop up”. Do the same with any memorabilia or stickers you want to stick out. In the end, some pictures will be adhered to the background with regular glue, and some will create the 3-D effect by being adhered with the pop dots. I have found that certain memorabilia (concert tickets, etc.) do better if you back them on scrapbook paper to make them more rigid.
Step 5- Admire your work
Put the frame back together again and you’re done! There are so many ideas for shadow box picture frames:
- Birthday
- New house
- New baby
- Wedding
- Trip
- Pet
- Graduation
Another way to preserve memories is to make a digital scrapbook: