In this thrift store frame shadow box tutorial, you will learn some tips and tricks about building a shadow box. But in reality, I am not happy about the paint color and technique.
I measured and cut 2 long boards and 2 short boards to fit into the “lip” of the picture frame. The short boards do not measure the height of the frame because you need to subtract the width of the wood. (Ā¾”)
This picture shows how the board sits on the lip. It is one of the long boards that goes all the way to the edge. The shorter boards then go “inside” the longer boards.
This shows how the short board does not go all the way to the edge.
I used wood glue and nails to build my box.
Using bar clamps, I clamped the boards inside the frame while I used the nail gun to fasten the boards together.
At this point the box is being built but not attached to the frame yet.
I didn’t have any luan or bead board so I used some scrap cedar tongue and groove pieces that my sister had given me. The pieces were short, so there was very little waste.
Just enough boards, but they need to be trimmed up.
I trimmed them to fit. I also ripped the tongue off of one board and the groove off of another. Those boards were used for the far left and far right boards. While looking at my shadow box from the front, I wanted the “seams” to look uniform. In other words, had I only ripped one of the boards, say on the far left … that last board would have been very narrow in width.
Dry fit to make sure everything is looking okay and fitting okay.
Time for the middle shelf. Measure twice, cut once? Yep I did that. However when I went to the saw I was thinking something like 22 Ā½. Because I was thinking ONE half, I ended up cutting it 21 Ā½. It’s difficult to explain how my brain works. As soon as I put it in the box, I knew exactly “why” I measured wrong.
I have a little number ocd problem, where I repeat numbers in my head. So I knew I had the right measurement. Scary, huh? You didn’t know I had this ocd problem? It revolves all around numbers. I count a lot of things, window panes, door panels, etc. Oh yeah, and I like them all to be even numbers. I don’t like when I count and the final number is an odd number. Too much information? yeah, probably!
Cut another board, fit perfectly this time. It is a board I had practiced routing (is that a word?) Notice the round over edge. The thrift store frame shadow box is coming together.
At this point the box is still not attached to the frame.
Painter’s caulk was used to fill in the cracks at the corners of the thrift store frame shadow box.
I painted the two pieces separately. I actually used Rustoleum Heirloom white on both pieces.So, I spray painted the frame and brushed the paint on the box. (after painting 2 coats of primer on the box)
Apparently I didn’t take any pictures after I painted it and attached the frame to the box.
To attach the frame to the box, I used Gorilla glue and my nail gun. The frame needs to be secure on the box, however the weight will actually be on the box itself, not the frame.
After glazing. I’m not happy with the thrift store frame shadow box. It was very difficult to wipe the glaze going north and south on the tongue and groove without messing up the east and west direction on the shelf.
This post is mostly for the tutorial of building the shadow box, it is NOT a painting tutorial. 🙂
gail
Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Dorothy Martin
Hi! Has anybody thought of using old frames to make a cover for a circuit breaker box?
Gail Wilson
I haven't done that with picture frames, but I have done it with an old shutter, or bi-fold door.
gail
Carolyn
I am such a fan of your work. You make it look so easy. I am for sure, gonna' try this. Cross your fingers. I absolutely love this. Thank you for your great ideas and the tutorials.
Gail Wilson
Awesome Carolyn! You can do this!
see these other ideas--I've made several shadow boxes. š
https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/?s=Shadow+box
gail
Kem Grant
My only issue is cedar is too unique to paint.I used a simple 1/4inch plywood for backing.I'm going to place cork board on it ....I stained frame inside and out to blend with the gold on my frame.To each his /her own. mine is in my pallet project Kem Grant.
Alicia Figueroa
I knew exactly what you were talking about with ripping the tongue off one side and the groove off the other so that the front looked perfect! I'm not a perfectionist but it drives me batty when things aren't 'even', lol!
Anonymous
your a counter too like me and i love even numbers also. so weird we are but good
Deborah March
SEE!? TOLD you I was scrolling through old posts (lol). I have SO MANY of your projects bookmarked Gail, and this is another one. This shadow box frame is FABULOUS. I just hope I live long enough to DO all the projects from "Gail's files!" Thanks so VERY much for the tutorials you post...you make everything sound so DO-able! You're a GEM...and my very favourite "go-to" blog!
The Polka Dot Closet
Was, that was a great tutorial, what a great idea!!
Carol
Dorese @ Dorese's Pieces
Thanks so much for stopping by and introducing yourself, Gail! It led me to your ADORABLE blog and all your creative and fabulous ideas! I'm loving this shadow box, and can't wait to find the perfect frame to make one for myself! New follower š
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
thank you so much for posting this! going to have to try it out when i get the right frame!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
thank you so much for posting this! going to have to try it out when i get the right frame!
Diann
Great tutorial Gail! I can see how glazing that would have been a major pain! The overall project turned out awesome!
And on the teabag side of th is post. I use my teabags for many of those purposes. My brother is a wielder and way back when we shared an apartment together. He would come home and his eyes were so red and swollen. I told him to lay down and applied cool tea bags to his eyes and he does this now almost nightly even after 20 years.
Nana's Fun Stuff
Thanks Gail for the tutorial on how to make the shadow boxes. I think it turned out great! I am going to have to try this one of these days. Can't wait to see what the finished product looks like. You do great work! Thanks for sharing and have a great day! ~ Laura
Suzanne
Love the shadow box and the tutorial. Honestly, I can see the problem with trying to glaze that baby -- too many directions and not a lot of room to work. That must have been tricky. Love the tutorial and I think I might actually be able to replicate this one! 'o)
Lenore @ Lather. Write. Repeat.
Very cool idea! Thanks for sharing. We really do live and learn when it comes to techniques, don't we!!
XO
Lenore
Amanda@The Hand Me Down House
This is such a great idea! I love how you transformed that frame into a shadowbox! It turned out SO good. š
Have a wonderful day!!
Proper Prim
Thanks so much for posting that Gail... I am definitely making one of them... I am on the lookout for a frame... hmmm, Rose had a ton of them... I see another trip in my future... lol.
Have a great day and thanks for the tips for tea bags... I always use a warm tea bag on a sore that won't heal... within minutes it is already showing signs of healing.
Hugs, Deb
Granny J
That is a great tutorial. Very clear pictures that anyone should be able to easily follow.
Denise
Looks great, I can smell the cedar from here!
the VG huis
You never cease to amaze me! Your shadow box is awesome. I had a laugh at the tea bag uses...it brought back memories of me as a kid, I suffered alot with allergies and my grandmother would make me sit with a damp tea bag on my allergy eyes. It did feel nice...love the fingernail repair idea, definately gonna try that one! Thanks for sharing. ~Stacey