Picture frames are readily available at yard sales and thrift stores cheap! I’ve made several large shadow boxes. One day recently I had a little time to kill and wanted a “quickie” project. I rummaged through my picture frames and found one that I thought would work great for a diy shadow box frame.
I cut some shallow pieces of scrap luan to make the sides and the back.
Because this is going to be a small shadow box, I knew Gorilla Glue was tough enough for the job. No nails needed!
I used some good ole Scotch Blue painter’s tape to hold everything together while the glue set up.
I used a bucket of paint to weight down the back while the glue set up.
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.
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
I think I’ll make another large one for Glendale (my fall show). I’ve always taken and sold at least one or two each year.
gail
Related Content: Picture Frame Ideas For Home Decor and More
girlfromwva says
April 11, 2016 at 1:34 pmawesome! the thrift store has frames as low as 50 cents!
Tauni says
August 8, 2012 at 4:16 amThis is a great tutorial! Thanks so very much for sharing it over on Show & Tell at SNAP!
xoxo, Tauni
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
August 7, 2012 at 2:44 pmFeatured this at the party this morning! Thanks Gail!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
August 6, 2012 at 3:41 pmWhat a great shadow box! And I appreciate the tutorial. You make it sound so do-able! And that photo holder is really sweet too!
Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel says
August 2, 2012 at 8:32 pmWhat 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!
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic says
August 2, 2012 at 9:55 amLove that you didn’t even have to use nails! Never would have thought to get away with just glue. Perfect!
I Play Outside The Box says
August 1, 2012 at 9:00 pmBrilliant!!! ……and beautiful too!
Mimi@blueroofcabin says
August 1, 2012 at 1:18 amI have a pile of frames that were just waiting for that inspiration! Such a cute project!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking says
July 31, 2012 at 3:42 pmNice 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!
Suzanne@Meridian Road says
July 31, 2012 at 2:41 pmI 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.
Amy Sarah says
July 31, 2012 at 2:07 pmNice!
Proper Prim says
July 31, 2012 at 2:03 pmGail 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
Korrie Bastian says
July 31, 2012 at 1:42 pmReally cute!
Pam Jackson says
July 31, 2012 at 12:55 pmAnother cute project.
Full Circle Creations says
July 31, 2012 at 12:44 pmLooks great! It’s just the perfect depth! Nice easy project. And so many options.
Holly
Terri says
July 31, 2012 at 11:59 amVery cute idea…I never would have thought of doing this!
Susan says
July 31, 2012 at 10:50 amYour shadow box is lovely!
Sue says
July 31, 2012 at 10:19 amLooks so pretty with the picture holder in it! Now rest you shoulder girl!
jeanetteann says
July 31, 2012 at 7:51 amThis is lovely,love the colour. x