There are so many ideas for a shadow box but where to start?? Check out this list of cute shadow box ideas to get inspired!
I love the gift of a shadow box! My earliest memories of ones were when my Mom gave me one for graduation from both high school and college.
They displayed the graduation announcement, invitation, graduation brochure, and a ton of pictures of myself with friends along with a few other nicknacks that held sentimental value, and the gift still means so much to me.
I recently made a shadow box for a baby that I have a full detailed step-by-step tutorial on, but I also wanted to share other ideas for a shadow box with you.
Shadow boxes can be used to showcase so many things, make amazing gifts for a special event, or just gorgeous DIY home decor.
Think of all the life events you can make one for babies, graduation, weddings, anniversaries, a new house, adoption finalization day, an amazing vacation, etc.
Shadow boxes can also be a beloved remembrance piece for loved ones or pets that we have lost. The focal points of the picture frames can be whatever the designer wants it to be!
Before we jump into shadow box examples, let’s talk about where to find one and what you can put inside a simple frame.
Where to Buy Shadow Boxes
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The first step when creating handmade display cases is to find the right size picture frame. If you are crafty, you can definitely make DIY shadow box frames, but if not, you can find a variety of sizes at any local craft store.
You can use an old picture frame that you may have in a closet somewhere or purchase a new shadow box display frame. Blank ones are usually available at local craft stores like Joanns, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, AC Moore, etc. Make sure to use your coupons!
Even the Dollar Tree might have some. You can find small ones online here.
You could also probably find some that you could take apart and recreate your own at stores with home decor items such as Target, Walmart, Ross, Marshalls, Kohls, and TJ Maxx.
Amazon also has a good selection. Search “keepsake frame” or “shadowbox frame”.
What to Put in Shadow Boxes
There are so many items you can put in a shadow box to make it either a sentimental gift or for a DIY decoration for anyone’s home.
Here are some things that I have seen around Pinterest on what to add inside DIY shadow boxes:
- paper flowers, paper butterflies, or pressed flowers. You can even make designs out of paper flowers such as hearts, cancer ribbon, flag, rainbow, etc
- memorabilia such as family photos, concert tickets, wedding invitations, birth announcements, sports tickets, theater tickets, favorite books, family heirlooms, favorite song lyrics
- flag for those that served in the military, a medal of honors or other medals, service hat, folded up service shirt, dog tags
- corks, confetti, pom poms, balls or bells, bottle caps, faux leaves, bells, coins or money
- shadow box for baby ideas – baby footprints, baby announcement, newborn picture, hospital band, hospital beanie, onesie, sonogram picture, a note from parents, future predictions from family members on slips on pages, first shoes, baby socks, mittens
- for wedding shadow boxes – wedding photo, dried corsage or bouquet, wedding invitation, vows typed up, Spotify song attached, well wishes from attendees written on slips of paper, rose
- anniversary shadow boxes – all sorts of little tickets from different events attended together, cards or notes that were sent to each other, pictures, keys to houses
- travel shadow boxes – pictures from favorite places you visited, brochures and ticket stubs, a playbill from shows, coins or money in different currencies, seashells collected, rocks found, map of your destination, train tickets, tiny souvenirs
- in memory of shadow box – something they wore (folded up shirt, scarf, jewelry, hat), something with their handwriting on it, old recipe, lots of photos, collar or leash for pets, dog tags, really anything that reminds you of your loved one
Once you have the small items, grab a hot glue gun, and you are ready to make your own elegant shadow box.
Now let me show you some great ideas for a shadow box I found around the blogosphere. Some of them use a Cricut or other cutting machine and some can be made without the use of one with three-dimensional objects.
20 Shadow Box Ideas!
Shadow boxes can be a perfect way to display memorabilia, pictures, things from nature, or dressed up to be a cute gift for newborns or weddings! And they make great gifts!
Flower Shadow Box DIY: Entire Process from Start to Finish
This baby shadow box would make a perfect gift for any newborn. You can customize the paper flowers to any color to match the room and personalize the vinyl on the front.
Check out the full tutorial to make a shadow box for a baby!
Wine Cork Shadow Box Holiday DIY Gift with Cricut Joy!
A perfect gift for any wine lover! You can customize it to say whatever you want and then just add some corks in.
How to Make an Easy Shadow Box for Halloween • Craft Invaders
A fun way to make your own DIY Halloween decor with items you love.
How to Display Lego Minifigures
If you have a collector in your house, then this lego display box would make a perfect way to display their collection.
DIY Wedding Flowers Shadowbox
A wedding shadow box is a great way to cherish that magical day. This would make a great gift for a newlywed or something to make for yourself.
House Key Memories Shadow Box
Your first house is a huge deal! Celebrate the memory with this shadow box idea featuring a new house key.
Unicorn Wall Art Tutorial & Free Printable
I love this cute shadow box idea! Making your own decor for your child's room has no limits when using a shadow box.
Who wouldn't love this adorable unicorn wall art shadow box??
DIY Nativity Shadowboxes
I love this creative way to display a nativity scene during the holidays. Adding some vinyl and a little hay inside a shadow box is quick and easy!
Polar Express Sleigh Bells Shadow Box
I love this Christmas shadow box idea. Polar express with bells? Too cute!
Welcome Fall Cricut Shadow Box
Say hello to a new season with this cute shadow box customized with paper and vinyl.
DIY Father's Day Superhero Shadowbox
A great example of a shadow box gift idea! This is such a creative Father's Day gift idea that any Dad would love.
DIY Acorn Shadowbox Art
Such a simple and easy fall decor idea. I love the rustic look of this shadow box.
Wooden Christmas Tree Shadowbox Sign
Make your own shadow box and a Christmas tree inside with some wood. The perfect addition to any Christmas decor.
Shadow Box Crafts - Julie Measures
I love this simple idea of using a word for the year and then creating a shadow box frame around it.
Memories Shadow Box Anniversary Gift
Another fun example of a shadow box idea! Store your memories inside with a beautiful quote on the outside.
How to Make an Inspirational Glitter Quotes Frame
Of course, I had to include one with glitter! This sparkly DIY shadow box decor will add a pop of color to any room.
Meaningful Pet Memorial Shadow Box
A shadow box is a perfect way to showcase a beloved pet. I love that she includes the collar and tag inside. What a beautiful tribute.
Coffee Emergency Shadow Box
LOL! Perfect shadow box gift for the coffee lovers in your life!
Paper Cut Light Box DIY with a Cricut!
A little different use of a shadow box, but using one to make a layered light-up scene is another one of the beautiful ways you can use a shadow box.
DIY Confetti Filled Shadow Box
I love this finished project! Just by using a simple frame and some confetti, you have a lovely way to display memories!
I hope you got some great inspiration for shadow box ideas! There really is no right or wrong way to make one. If it’s a gift, what counts is the thought you put behind it.
If you’d like to save these ideas for a shadow box for later, simply hover over the top left of the image below and PIN It now!
Thanks for stopping by and have a creative day!
