Simple Rustic Shadow Box
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I have a simple rustic shadow box made from an old frame and some leftover fence pieces today. I make directional wedding signs on Etsy and end up with a lot of leftover pieces that are not good enough quality for painting—and, of course, I save these pieces.
Last year, I went through a bunch of my picture frames….
….. and had a painting marathon.
After painting the frames, I took some of them to Making Merry in Berry Hill. The frame I used for this project is the weathered white one by the red one.
This is the fence I use for my directional wedding signs.
Cut Narrow Fence Boards and Rest Them in the Picture Frame
I picked some pieces out of the scrap pile and cut them to size to fit the picture frame that would become my rustic shadow box. Be sure to do a dry fit to ensure your boards fit snugly.
Liquid Nails is Gelpful to Hold the Boards in Place
Next, I used Liquid Nails for this project. Here, you can see where I squirted it onto the lip of the picture frame to secure the fence boards.
I continued to glue (Liquid Nails) and clamp until the boards set up. For good measure, I also used my nail gun to secure the hold.
By running a small bead of the liquid nails at each corner AND on the lip of the picture frame, no nails are necessary unless you choose to use them.
Add More Narrow, Weathered Fence Boards for the Back of the Rustic Shadow Box
I gathered more boards and cut them to size. I didn’t have to rip any of the boards; they were the perfect size to leave a small gap between them.
Of course I used my favorite d-rings on the back for hanging. I typically use 3 d-rings so that a shadow box can be hung horizontally as shown here, or vertically.
This shadow box would be great to hold some plants to give the patio a pop of color.
It could also hold small garden statues.
pin it!
If you like rustic décor indoors, it would be the perfect fit! It’s very versatile. 
I love using up scrap fence pieces. Do you need more rustic fence project ideas?
Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More
gail
sharing here:
Poor construction steps and details. Failed to follow each step; what went where, etc. Looking for something similar but with smaller casing depth. Nice results though.
Love these! Great idea!
Debbie
LOVE !! I am a hoarder of frames, any size/style/medium ! I also am a hoarder of mirrors!! LOL..of course…OLD ones !! I did a shadow box [pics on my Facebook: Pam Perkins Zirbel..] of Graphic 45 French Country paper and pcs of wedding dresses and such…AFTER I did this…I didn’t think of HOW to keep it on the wall!! DUH!! As I used cardboard covered in paper and it wasn’t strong enuff to hang by that..soo…I used a gorgeous double folded pc of old lace and pic hangers and tied the ends and knotted them over the ‘hangers’…and at the top of the lace, I glued a few roses from a store on line, not I am roses…Ugh cant think..ANYWAYS…it was boxed up, sent to California and the pic hanger [one of them] fell/broke off [they said, whatever!] so…I don’t know HOW they hung it on their wall…it looks ugly with out the lace ‘hanger’ part !! Ugh..so I wont do THAT again!! We DO have pcs of a picket fence and HAVE to try this!! You do such great work with frames!!! …. Pam
I would like to put miniature scenes in this!! great idea I have seen this idea before but this is rustic!! blessings!!!
I LOVE this idea…I’m still amazed at what you can do with every last “scrap”!
What a brilliant idea Gail!! I love them!! You are inspiring! Pinned!
Oh, you are truly the most creative one! This is so cute and what a great job you did. Thanks so much for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Gorgeous!!! Love the rustic look!!
What a great use of scrap pieces and an old frame! Nicely done.
Love your great ideas.
Thank you Jackie, I really love what I get to do. 🙂
gail
I always love the rustic things you come up with! This little shadow box is perfect– I like the picture of you and Jamie! 🙂 Patricia
love these! they would be awesome on a porch! on my porch. 😉
These are really pretty and I love the rustic feel!
Great idea! I like the last display the best.