Is it possible to fall in love with a project? I swear I did- while I was working on this it was all I could think about and I felt a little giddy. Is that strange? I am sure you can relate...
While guest blogging at Write, Click, Scrapbook, last month I shared my process for making shadow box displays. I shared two different boxes a Christmas traditions one and the ABC curio which I am sharing with you today. (and sharing with locals on Studio 5)
Thanks to AdornIt for supplying my wardrobe for my Studio 5 appearance today!!
Let's get started
Steps
1. Purchase box and finalize Concept
Before you start ask yourself these questions to narrow in on a theme for your display.
- who is it for?
- why are you making this?
- where will it go?
- what do you want to display?
- how large do you want it?
- will your items have a theme, like heirloom or travel?
I used the divided shadow box from Adorn It.
2. Gather and Collect
Now that you know the why it is time to start gathering goodies to go inside. Print photos, find paper, look for small trinkets, and select embellishments that might fit the theme. Gather more than you think you will need to keep your options open.
A few suggestions for abc items
- souvenirs
- hardware
- shaped brads or buttons
- toys
- beads or charms
- images from books
Sources for the abc items
- party store that sells individual favors like Zurchers
- thrift stores for game pieces, vintage notions, small toys
- local craft superstore Hobby Lobby carries a line of miniatures
- scrapbook store for shaped brads or buttons, and other trinkets
- craft superstores have tons of objects; try their cake decorating section, kids crafts, beads, or wood objects
- your own stuff
To keep my trinkets organized I used two muffin tins they are nice and tidy + easy to see
(and yes the tins are swapped, whoopsy!)
3. Prepare your Box
If you are not interested in changing the starting look of your display box then you can move to the next step, if you want to alter the foundation of your box, now is the time.
A few basic altering suggestions are
- cover with paper
- paint
- distress
For my curio box I painted and distressed the box and covered the shelves in book paper, to create one like mine follow the steps below
- remove the shelves
- paint the box ( I used Fresh Foliage Folk Art green)
- sanded the edges of the box and a little bit of the sides using emery boards, or your favorite sanding tool
- apply a wood walnut stain to distress and age the box
- seal to add a shine and protect the finish
- to cover the shelves I used book paper making sure the direction of the paper matched the direction the shelves were going to go and applied with mod podge
shelves in, box painted ready to move on!
4. Fill in the Cubbies
Time to add your treasures. I used a hot glue gun because it adheres quickly and is strong. Place the items in place and move them around until you like the look. Use the entire space, hang from the top, adhere along the side, or layer on the back
Display and enjoy!!
