Today I'm going to show you how to make an easy shadow box out of an old picture frame and thin plywood. Step by step directions will allow you to make your own repurposed frame shadowbox in an afternoon.
Thrift Store Picture Frame Project
As I mentioned in episode #2 of my podcast, Thrift Store and Curb Shopping, picture frames are one of my top 5 items to look for while junking!
Thin plywood used to make an easy shadow box
To begin, I grabbed a large frame from my stash of thrifted frames, and cut some thin plywood to size. On large frames like this, there is a lip all the way around that offers the perfect ledge to hold the thin plywood. The easy shadow box is already on it's way!
Use wood glue instead of nails
I added Gorilla Wood Glue around all the edges (lip) of the frame to make the easy shadow box.
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 so much nicer in the little lip of the frame than a thicker piece of wood does such as a 1x4 or 1x6.
Add bead board as the back of the shadow box
I used a scrap piece of bead board for the back of the shadow box. Of course I used more Gorilla Wood Glue then weighted the back until the glue 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 a couple of 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.
Off 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 think I should make some more of these. So do you hoard love 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
Hi, there! I’m Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!
Julie Moore
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!
Gail Wilson
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
Deann
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?
Gail Wilson
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
Lisa
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!
Gail Wilson
Thank you so much Lisa. Some are more challenging than others, but I do love what I get to do!!
gail
Lizzy
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.
Gail Wilson
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
Meari
Very nice, Gail!
christinafayerepurposed
This is adorable! I never pass up old picture frames at the thrift store! 🙂 They are so versatile!
Gail Wilson
I have a problem with a few things, and picture frames are one of them! They are so cheap at thrift stores!!
gail
Jennie Wallick
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.
Gail Wilson
Awesome idea Jennie!! Good luck with the new tree and special ornaments idea....
gail
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
I always like your shadow boxes from frames. Have yet to make one myself though!
Mindi
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!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
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