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Thursday, January 15, 2009

How I Make a Shadowbox

Over Christmas, I experimented with making shadowboxes and found that they were a lot of fun. I have had some people ask me how I make them so I thought I would put together a quick tutorial.

I usually use unfinished wood shadowboxes from Michael's, but they were having a sale on the nicer ones in the framing section, so I will be using that in this example.



First, I added scrapbook paper to the sides and the inside back part of the box using gel medium. You will just have to measure to cover whatever size box you get. In this case, I cut the paper on the sides a little small, so you could see some of the black from the box. You could also sand, gesso and paint the box instead of using paper.






I also added some left over fake fur I had and lined the bottom with a heavy white glue.



Next, I took the elements I made for the box (a girl and tree I painted on heavy watercolor paper) and attached a heavy strip of paper (I used the same heavy watercolor paper) to the back of them with strong white glue. Before you glue, You will want to bend both ends of the paper to the length you want your element to stick out of the box. I just kind of keep folding the paper and place my element on the back until I like how far it sticks out. In this case, I wanted the girl to stand out more than the tree, so I cut the paper for the tree shorter.




After I attached the back piece to the inside of the box, I embellished the outside.
I added some flowers and a heart pick to the top with hot glue.


This is a sticker I have had in my stash for years (It feels so nice to use old embellishments).


I added some cute wooden hearts to either side of the box.

I also wrapped ribbon around the bottom.

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. If you decide to make one, Let me know; I would love to see it.

15 comments:

Julie Allain said...

Wonderful Tutorial Shonna!!

Thanks so much for sharing it at Inspirational

Julie x

Periwinkle Pass Studio said...

Thanks for sharing this Shonna. I have always wonder how to do this.

Unknown said...

Fabulosu tutorial and what a darling shadow box!!!

Sand

Kristin Long said...

Great Tutorial! Thanks so much, Shonna. I might have to try one, now!

Unknown said...

Very nicely done! I just love the cherry reds in this piece. Lovely!

Cheers! =D
~Kitty Kellie

Zorana said...

Very cute! And a wonderful tutorial. Are you playing in your art journal?

Blaiz said...

So sweet!

Although I'm not making a shadowbox, your tutorial gave me the courage to cut out some girls that I painted quite some time ago. They were on 90lb watercolor paper, so I didn't want to color the rest of the page because the paper buckles. I'm going to attach the girls to a canvas with a painted background.

Thanks, Shonna!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Shonna,

Thanks so much for the tutorial...it is perfect timing, as when i was home for Christmas, my Dad gave me a bunch of old boxes that I plan to use for shadowboxes, but I wasn't sure where to start. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

Oh thank you so much for sharing, i am going to make one, i just love it....

Deirdra Doan said...

Oh so sweet. Thank you for your comment too...I am happy with my little snow girl too! I really love oil paint.

I will be visiting SD in March. It would be fun to meet you and see your art in person.My son lives in SD.

Lisa Lectura Creations said...

Hi Shonna! Lovely tutorial! Beautifully done! Lisa :)

Kara Ward said...

This is terrific! I love shadow boxes and pink and red just rocks my world. This little cutie stole my heart! Kara

nollyposh said...

Oh so ~beautiful~ thankyou x

Flor Larios Art said...

Hi Shonna,
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Great tutorial! Yes, I will make one...a Frida one and will show it to you.
Talk to you soon,
FLor
ps. The little valentine's box of yours is soo pretty!

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