How I Make a Shadowbox

Over Christmas, I experimented with making shadowboxes and found that they were a lot of fun. I have had some people ask me how I make them so I thought I would put together a quick tutorial.

I usually use unfinished wood shadowboxes from Michael's, but they were having a sale on the nicer ones in the framing section, so I will be using that in this example.

First, I added scrapbook paper to the sides and the inside back part of the box using gel medium. You will just have to measure to cover whatever size box you get. In this case, I cut the paper on the sides a little small, so you could see some of the black from the box. You could also sand, gesso and paint the box instead of using paper.

I also added some left over fake fur I had and lined the bottom with a heavy white glue.

Next, I took the elements I made for the box (a girl and tree I painted on heavy watercolor paper) and attached a heavy strip of paper (I used the same heavy watercolor paper) to the back of them with strong white glue. Before you glue, You will want to bend both ends of the paper to the length you want your element to stick out of the box. I just kind of keep folding the paper and place my element on the back until I like how far it sticks out. In this case, I wanted the girl to stand out more than the tree, so I cut the paper for the tree shorter.

After I attached the back piece to the inside of the box, I embellished the outside.

I added some flowers and a heart pick to the top with hot glue.


This is a sticker I have had in my stash for years (It feels so nice to use old embellishments).

I added some cute wooden hearts to either side of the box.

I also wrapped ribbon around the bottom.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. If you decide to make one, Let me know; I would love to see it.