Shadowboxes allow you to gather and showcase special memories within a framed case. This is a fun way to review a special family vacation or event. A parent or grandparent can also display items from their past and consider giving the shadowbox to a child or teen as a way of connecting family. Creating a shadowbox together is a great way for an adult to share memories with a child while crafting the box
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Craft Materials
Find shadowboxes where you find photograph frames. Shadow boxes vary in size, construction, and depth. You should consider what you want to place in the shadow box so you can select one with the right depth and size. You can even find unfinished wood shadowboxes so you can decorate the outside as well as the inside.
Look at the inside of the shadowbox. Depending on what you want to place in the box, and how it is constructed, you may need:
- Foam core board cut to fit inside the shadowbox – good if you have heavy things you want to pin to the board.
- Fabric to cover the back of the shadowbox. You may prefer to use cardstock from the scrapbooking aisle at the craft store.
- Craft knife (for adult use) or scissors.
- Use rubber cement to attach the fabric or cardstock to the back of the box.
- You may need straight pins, double-ended tacks, or Velcro to attach the components to the inside of the box.
- You’ll also need whatever items you want to include in the box. You can include photographs, ticket stubs, jewelry, seashells or stones, greeting cards or invitations, artificial flowers, medals, etc.
How to Make a Shadowbox
- Depending on the box you purchased, you may need to add foam core or fabric to the back of the box. With young children who’d get bored by this step, you may want to do this when they aren’t around. Older kids can help measure, cut, or glue the background.
- Pull out the items you’d like to include in the box. If you have more than will fit, that’s fine, as long as you are willing to be selective. Share stories with your child about the items, particularly if these are items that belonged to you or to your parent.
- Have the child create the layout, guiding her with suggestions. When you both like the arrangement, affix the items to the background.
A shadowbox is a great project for a parent (or grandparent) and child. The adult can share memories about the items that the child then helps to display. The child will feel a connection to their relative and the story behind the objects.
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