Today I have a simple rustic shadow box made from an old frame and some leftover fence pieces. 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 make sure your boards fit very snug.
Liquid Nails is helpful 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 help give a secure 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 the boards.
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.
If you like rustic décor indoors, it would be the perfect fit! It’s actually 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:
Becky's Beyond the Picket Fence Porch Projects
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.
David Lyle
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.
Debbie @ Refresh Restyle
Love these! Great idea!
Debbie
Pam Z
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
Chris
I would like to put miniature scenes in this!! great idea I have seen this idea before but this is rustic!! blessings!!!
Terri
I LOVE this idea...I'm still amazed at what you can do with every last "scrap"!
Mindi
What a brilliant idea Gail!! I love them!! You are inspiring! Pinned!
Shelia
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 š
Doris Henson
Gorgeous!!! Love the rustic look!!
Holly
What a great use of scrap pieces and an old frame! Nicely done.
Pat
I always love the rustic things you come up with! This little shadow box is perfect-- I like the picture of you and Jamie! š Patricia
cassie
love these! they would be awesome on a porch! on my porch. š
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
These are really pretty and I love the rustic feel!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
Great idea! I like the last display the best.