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    Home » Repurposed Items » diy shadow box frame

    diy shadow box frame

    Published by Gail | Published July 21, 2020 | Updated July 21, 2020
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This easy shadow box project is made by assembling the piece with wood glue. No nails needed! You can even by the small plywood (hobby) boards at a craft store. Step by step directions so you can turn a picture frame into an easy shadow box project! #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #pictureframe #shadowbox via @repurposedlife

    How to make a shadow box frame | Easy project to do in an afternoon!

    Thrift Store Picture Frames

    thrift store picture frames

    Picture frames are readily available at yard sales and thrift stores cheap!

    I’ve made several large shadow boxes. While looking for a quickie project, I rummaged through my stash of picture frames. Luckily, I  found one that I thought would work great for a diy shadow box frame.

    Easy Shadow Box Project from My Repurposed Life

    Thanks for Sharing & Saving on Pinterest!

     

    small black shadow box

    Use Small Hobby Boards

    test fit pieces for shadow box

    I cut some shallow pieces of scrap luan to make the sides and the back.

    Wood Glue | No Nails Needed

    glue plywood to picture frame to make shadow box

    Because this is going to be a small shadow box, I knew Gorilla Glue was tough enough for the job. No nails needed!

    Painter's Tape Replaces Clamps

    painters tape holds shadow box pieces while gluing

    I used some good ole Scotch Blue painter’s tape to hold everything together while the glue set up.

    Add Back to Shadow Box

    easy shadow box assembled with wood glue

    I used a bucket of paint to weight down the back while the glue set up.

    Paint Several Projects at Once

    projects in paint booth

    You can see the small shadow box in the back left corner. I like to spray several pieces at a time while I have the Finish Max
    out.

    Saw Tooth Hangers

    sawtooth hanger for shadow bo

    For these kinds of lightweight projects, I use saw tooth hangers. You can see that I used two on this project which will allow this shadow box frame to hang vertical or horizontally.

    Hang Shadow Box Horizontal or Vertical

    tall shadow box

    I quickly staged it with a couple of items.

    side view of small shadow box MyRepurposedLife

    You can see that is is just deep enough.

    small black shadow box picture holder

    Here it is displayed in my booth at Unique Creations. I love that photo holder. It’s been there for a long time. I’m thinking I should just bring it home. Smile If you’re interested in making a photo holder you can check out my post….DIY Photo Holders

     

    Maybe it's time to make another shadow box out of an old picture frame! It's fun and easy!

     

    If you don't want to actually MAKE a shadow box frame, you could use a drawer for the box like I did here, in this Repurposed Drawer Display

    gail

    Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More

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    1. girlfromwva

      April 11, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      awesome! the thrift store has frames as low as 50 cents!

      Reply
    2. Tauni

      August 08, 2012 at 4:16 am

      This is a great tutorial! Thanks so very much for sharing it over on Show & Tell at SNAP!

      xoxo, Tauni

      Reply
    3. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      August 07, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      Featured this at the party this morning! Thanks Gail!

      Reply
    4. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      August 06, 2012 at 3:41 pm

      What a great shadow box! And I appreciate the tutorial. You make it sound so do-able! And that photo holder is really sweet too!

      Reply
    5. Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel

      August 02, 2012 at 8:32 pm

      What a fabulous project! And no nails! It's time to go through my stash of frames to find one perfect for this. Thanks for the great idea!

      Reply
    6. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic

      August 02, 2012 at 9:55 am

      Love that you didn't even have to use nails! Never would have thought to get away with just glue. Perfect!

      Reply
    7. I Play Outside The Box

      August 01, 2012 at 9:00 pm

      Brilliant!!! ......and beautiful too!

      Reply
    8. Mimi@blueroofcabin

      August 01, 2012 at 1:18 am

      I have a pile of frames that were just waiting for that inspiration! Such a cute project!

      Reply
    9. Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking

      July 31, 2012 at 3:42 pm

      Nice shadow box, and so easy to make! In that first photo with the teapot it looks like it is set right INTO the fence. Cool!

      Reply
    10. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      July 31, 2012 at 2:41 pm

      I need to look closer at estate sales for frames. It turned out great! I even have spot or two left in my house for some shadow boxes.

      Reply
    11. Amy Sarah

      July 31, 2012 at 2:07 pm

      Nice!

      Reply
    12. Proper Prim

      July 31, 2012 at 2:03 pm

      Gail that is such a great project. Doesn't look like it takes long to do either. I may have to steal this one. Love it.

      Hugs, Deb

      Reply
    13. Korrie Bastian

      July 31, 2012 at 1:42 pm

      Really cute!

      Reply
    14. Pam Jackson

      July 31, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      Another cute project.

      Reply
    15. Full Circle Creations

      July 31, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      Looks great! It's just the perfect depth! Nice easy project. And so many options.

      Holly

      Reply
    16. Terri

      July 31, 2012 at 11:59 am

      Very cute idea...I never would have thought of doing this!

      Reply
    17. Susan

      July 31, 2012 at 10:50 am

      Your shadow box is lovely!

      Reply
    18. Sue

      July 31, 2012 at 10:19 am

      Looks so pretty with the picture holder in it! Now rest you shoulder girl!

      Reply
    19. jeanetteann

      July 31, 2012 at 7:51 am

      This is lovely,love the colour. x

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, 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!

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