Build your own shadow box frame to house treasured keepsakes.

Using construction adhesive, permanently glue in the glass panel so it won’t shift around or fall out.

This glass panel is essential to keeping your items protected.

modern blue wall with shadow boxes

Measure and Cut Wood

Measure the openingon your frame.

The lengths will vary depending on the size of your frame.

Transfer measurements to your 1x3 wood board, and cut four pieces.

gluing glass from picture frame to frame

Butt it against a long piece to form a 90-degree angle and clamp.

Tack it in place with a nail gun.

Continue this process with the other sides to build the box.

marking off measurements for shadow box

We used white paint on ours.

Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before proceeding with the next step.

Decoupage paper or hot-glue fabric onto one side of the craft board.

attaching two boards at perpendicular angle

Fold over and hot-glue any excess fabric.

Nail the craft board to the back of the box for security.

Attach Box Hardware

Drill in the two hingesalong one side of the front of the box.

adding glue for fabric on shadow box

Secure them to the back of the front frame.

Your shadow box should now open and close.

Next, attach the hook-and-eye fastener on opposite sides of the box and frame to hold it closed.

getting length for shadow box backing

Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Secure Mounting Hardware

Attach D rings to the back to hang your shadow box on the wall.

Fill with keepsakes and display your memories.

overlapping fabric on shadow box

using nail gun to tack up fabric

screwing hinges to side of shadow box

shadow box with glass hinge lid

add latch to side of shadow box

screw on d-rings to hang shadow box