How to make a shadow box frame | Easy project to do in an afternoon!
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.
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Use Small Hobby Boards
I cut some shallow pieces of scrap luan to make the sides and the back.
Wood Glue | No Nails Needed
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
I used some good ole Scotch Blue painter’s tape to hold everything together while the glue set up.
Add Back to Shadow Box
I used a bucket of paint to weight down the back while the glue set up.
Paint Several Projects at Once
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
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
I quickly staged it with a couple of items.
You can see that is is just deep enough.
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. 
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
awesome! the thrift store has frames as low as 50 cents!
This is a great tutorial! Thanks so very much for sharing it over on Show & Tell at SNAP!
xoxo, Tauni
Featured this at the party this morning! Thanks Gail!
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!
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!
Love that you didn’t even have to use nails! Never would have thought to get away with just glue. Perfect!
Brilliant!!! ……and beautiful too!
I have a pile of frames that were just waiting for that inspiration! Such a cute project!
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!
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.
Nice!
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
Really cute!
Another cute project.
Looks great! It’s just the perfect depth! Nice easy project. And so many options.
Holly
Very cute idea…I never would have thought of doing this!
Your shadow box is lovely!
Looks so pretty with the picture holder in it! Now rest you shoulder girl!
This is lovely,love the colour. x