Shadow Box Project

Hey guys, I know it's been a while since I've posted but the weather has been so nice lately (and apparently will continue to be for a few days) so we have been enjoying the sun and such.

I was thinking on my 'days off' what i would do for my next post and I thought of some cool ideas, but this is one of my favourite things to make, and cool idea as a gift for people from the east coast who live out west to remind them of home!

Basically this project involves beach combing and using things you have collected from outdoors and putting them in a shadow box to show them off!

How to make a shadow box

What you will need:

• a Shadow Box (or boxes if you want to make a cluster of wall hangings - I like to use groups of odd numbers). You can purchase these at most dollar stores (i got mine at dollarama)


• white tole paint (or any paint that works on wood)


• a paint brush


• a rag or paper towel


• glue gun or very strong glue


• shells, rocks, seaglass, starfish, flowers (pressed or dried) or anything else you would like to display in your shadow box - if you really are pressed for time and lack the ability to collect your own stuff - dollarstores work great too, they usually have small bags of pebbles and seashells, but the real deal looks so much more authentic!

First, apply a white wash to the shadow box by painting on a thin layer of paint and wiping it off with rag or paper towel.

Let it try (shouldn't take long as it is a very small amount of paint).

Take your shells, rocks, etc and lay them in place inside the shadow box.

I like to arrange them first before gluing them so I can try different arrangements - then glue them in place..
A great tip is to always keep it simple - don't over do it. Starfish work great on their own, or with a few shells. Flowers look great with larger, lush leaves.

I will make one later on tonight so I can post some pictures - the last one I made as a shower gift for a friend getting married and living in Alberta...

They look great in a bathroom with a candleholder filled to the top with pebbles and shells..

Thanks and I hope you guys really enjoy this project as much as I do !

Remember, if you have any ideas - let me know I'm up for new things :)

*note: the starfish in the shadow box pictured above was brought to me by my boyfriend Chuck. He dried it on top of the boat he lobster fishes in... They should be easier to find near wharves and boats!