Easy Shadow Box from a Picture Frame
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Hi, I’m Gail Wilson from My Repurposed Life, and I have been turning ordinary items into something special for many years! This easy shadow box started as a simple picture frame, but with a few creative touches, it became a beautiful way to display keepsakes and smaller treasures. Whether you want to showcase memorabilia or add a unique accent to your décor, this project is a fun and simple way to make it happen. Follow my step-by-step directions for your next weekend project.
Thrift Store Picture Frame Project
As I mentioned, picture frames are among my top 5 items to look for while junking!
Thin Plywood is Used to Make an Easy Shadow Box
I grabbed a large frame from my stash of thrifted frames and cut some thin plywood to size. On large frames like this, a lip around offers the perfect ledge to hold the thin plywood. The easy shadow box is already on its way!
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Use Wood Glue Instead of Nails
To make the display case, I added Gorilla Wood Glue around all the edges (lip) of the frame.
Related Content: More Shadow Box Ideas
Then, I added the wood glue to the edges where the thin plywood meets.
Clamp The Sides of The Shadow Box Until The Glue Sets Up
I clamped and braced the boards until the wood glue had time to set up on the easy shadow box.
The thin plywood looks much nicer in the little lip of the frame than a thicker piece of wood, such as a 1×4 or 1×6.
Add Bead Board For The Back
I used a scrap piece of bead board for the back of the shadow box. Of course, I used more Gorilla Wood Glue and weighted the back until the glue was set up.
How to Add Scrap Wood For Hanging
Because the plywood is very thin, I didn’t have enough thickness to attach my favorite d rings for hanging. I used some scrap pieces of wood and some Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive to secure the wood to the back of the thin plywood. I used two pieces, one at the top and one at the bottom.
In this image, you can see I’ve painted one before I remembered to take the picture.
White Easy Shadow Box made from a Picture Frame
I’ve been quite lazy with my staging lately—in case you didn’t know, I always stage my projects outside on a portable wall. It’s been really hot, the garage is crowded, and the gray side of the wall needs repainting.
I took it to my booth at Vendors’ Village. It’s shown here hanging under the wreath I got from Pink Door Wreaths.
This project sold very quickly. I should make some more of these. Do you love picture frames as much as I do?
Here are a few more shadow boxes I’ve made out of picture frames:
Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More More Shadow Box Ideas
Easy Reclaimed Wood Beachy Frame
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Hi, I have a question about the back of the shadow box. It looks like you glued the bead board before you put anything in it. If you glue it down first, how do you get anything in the box? I want to make one, so want to make sure I understand all the steps first.
Heather,
I’m sorry to have confused you. There is no glass involved in the making of this shadow box. The front is open where you can freely add whatever you want or change it out.
Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you have fun making your own shadow box.
gail
Good job. I also collect frames.
Thank you Suzann! I love making shadow boxes out of old picture frames.
gail
Hi Gail, Your shadow boxes are beautiful! And now I want to try to make one too. I’m just unsure how you finished the back. It shows you added scrap wood at the top and bottom. Is that so you could add the D rings to the scrap wood? And approximately how much weight do you think these shadow boxes could hold? Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Julie.
The one at the top was for hanging d rings, and the one a the bottom is so that it would hang correctly on the wall.
As for the weight, if you had heavy duty d rings and install on studs, or use wall anchors, I’m sure it could hold almost anything that would fit on the shelf.
I can’t wait to hear about your project!
gail
I love the shadow boxes. Wondering about how much do you sell them for? And have you ever thouht about making one for a coffee table?
Deann,
I sell most of my items for around 40-60 dollars. Never going to get rich doing what I do, but I sure do love sharing HOW to do it with other people. I’ve often seen other people make shadow box coffee tables with windows, but I’ve always felt that’s just an accident looking for a place to happen.
gail
Gail, I love the green ( last in line) shadow box. I live alone & have no power tools but if I did, I’d sure make one of these. I so enjoy looking at your projects. You are very creative!
Thank you so much Lisa. Some are more challenging than others, but I do love what I get to do!!
gail
These are super cute. I especially like the white with bead board and light sage green one with ornate molding. I’m always a sucker for ornate frames and mirrors. Years ago, my style was strictly modern — what happened to me? Lol.
Lizzy,
hahahah we change a lot over the years! Although, I don’t think I’ve ever had much MODERN decor in my home. But a lot of other stuff off and on over the years.
Thanks for stopping by to let me know which were your favorites.
gail
Very nice, Gail!
This is adorable! I never pass up old picture frames at the thrift store! 🙂 They are so versatile!
I have a problem with a few things, and picture frames are one of them! They are so cheap at thrift stores!!
gail
I’ve built 2 of these, but left the glass in the frame. One to make a rhinestone jewelry Christmas tree in, and 1 to make a rhinestone jewelry wreath in. I thought they’d add a little sparkle to the room with a 9’ Christmas tree with only soft ornaments on it. I need to keep it baby and 2 1/2 year old grand babies friendly. This year I’ve bought a tall tree (artificial of course), so that maybe, I can put some special ornaments on the top.
Awesome idea Jennie!! Good luck with the new tree and special ornaments idea….
gail
I always like your shadow boxes from frames. Have yet to make one myself though!
It is so cute Gail! I have been wanting to make one ever since I saw the rustic looking one you did! It is such a great way to use your frames!
Thank you Mindi!
That rustic frame is one of my favs, I sold it last year at Glendale, it was one of the very first items to sell.
gail