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.
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.
Add more narrow weathered fence boards for the back
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 the 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 would 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:
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 🙂
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! 🙂 Patricia
cassie
love these! they would be awesome on a porch! on my porch. 😉
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.