Shadow boxes are a creative and unique way to encapsulate your memories and artwork, whether it be from a special trip away, a scrapbook-esque mixture of trinkets and photos or a decorative floral arrangement.
We love shadow box displays as they are always truly unique to the creator, plus they're very low cost to make, which makes them wonderful gifts to give to friends and family.
We have put together a hefty round-up of our favourite shadow box ideas from a range of talented designers and trusted retailers, we are sure you'll find something to inspire your shadow box project.
There are many ways to put together a shadow box, you can make your own frame, buy a frame or buy a completed shadow box ready to give as a gift or keep for yourself.
However you'd like to take part in this special craft read on to discover shadow box ideas and shadow boxes to buy.
What should you put in a shadow box?
- Floral arrangements, perfect for wedding celebrations
- Keepsakes, photos and trinkets
- Love letters, cards
- Awards, medals or certificates
- Clothes, football shirts etc
- Money, corks, bottle tops
- Ticket stubs, plane tickets, travel mementoes
- Almost anything...
12 shadow box frames to buy
First things first, you're going to need to find a frame that suits you and your shadow box project! We've put together this list of our favourites, you'll find high-quality shadow box frames in all sizes and shapes to get started on your unique shadow box idea.
1. Rustic-style shadow box frame
How gorgeous is this rustic style frame for shadow box artwork, it would make a wonderful frame for travel-related shadow boxes, items like scraps of plane tickets, photos, or a small jar of sand from your favourite beach.
It' i's a very versatile box frame and is available in two different colours and sizes, the front of the frame swings open for easy access and is secured with a pretty metal hook. The frame is backed with a linen fabric backing which makes it easy to attached unusually shaped memorabilia.
2. White shadow box frame
This sleek and modern shadow box frame beams simplicity, making it the ideal frame for floral or wedding-related shadow box ideas.
If you're looking for a gift idea for a newlywed couple, or something to honour your own wedding this frame will be the perfect housing for pressed flowers, wedding photos and anything else wedding-related from the big day. Why not try adding the date of the wedding for that extra touch of personalisation?
3. Light up shadow box frame
If you're looking for something with that extra special touch these fabulous light up frames sure do feel magical! Perfect for almost anything inside, add photos, flowers or even medals and trophies or a special piece of jewellery you don't want to hide away in a drawer.
Available in three colours and embellished with warm white LED lights around the edges, what's not to love!
4. Pine shadow box frame
This handmade pine box frame is high-quality and modern. The box frame will arrive as a kit for you to assemble, don't worry though it comes with super quick and easy instructions to follow.
This frame would be suitable for most shadow box ideas, we did love the one we saw on the reviews in Etsy of the shadow box containing clay versions of themselves, how creative!
- But the pine shadow box frame on Etsy
5. Ornate shadow box frame
This gloriously ornate frame will really take your shadow box ideas to the next level, if you're looking for something really special, look no further!
The antique gold finish would really emphasise the items you decided to put inside, it would work well with particularly special items, casts of baby's hands and feet, first booties or special medals and achievements would also work well in this frame.
This handmade shadow box frame really will be a for-life piece in your home.
- Buy the ornate shadow box frame from Etsy
6. Wider shadow box frame
Perfect for displaying a larger amount of memorabilia, from photos to trinkets and everything in between, you won't run out of room quickly with up to 20 inches in width of space!
You can find a range of colours too, we love the pale pink for a babies room, how about framing their first booties, or a handprint cast? The front of the frame is made of perspex too, which might be more suitable for a child's room than glass!
7. Ticket stubs shadow box
If you are a household that loves cinema, gigs, events and so on you need to have one of these boxes in your life! Drop your ticket stubs at the top of the shadow box and remember all the good times!
The box is finished in stylish black wood, so would look elegant in any home, and the top of the box is cut out so you can fill it with not just ticket stubs but corks, bottle tops or any other trinkets. With this box, you'll also receive some vinyl stickers to personalise it.
8. Floral shadow box
Forget slaving over the Cricut machine making your own flowers, leave it to the professionals and get this personalised shadow box filled with pretty flowers and personalised with anything you'd like. T
here is a nice choice of flower and text colours too!
- Buy the floral shadow box from Etsy
9. Personalised letter shadow box
This colourful creation would brighten up any kid's room! Personalise with a letter and name and receive it ready to hang up.
Parts of the design have been curled upwards creating a 3D effect and revealing a gorgeous shiny background.
- Buy the personalised letter shadow box from Etsy
10 Wedding guest book shadow box
Put a twist on the traditional guestbook with this wooden hearts shadow box. Your guests can each sign a heart with a special message and drop it into the box.
This makes a lovely keepsake from your big day and is ready to display at home for years to come.
- Buy the wedding guest book shadow box from Etsy
11. Disney light up shadow box
One for all you Disney fans out there! This beautiful light up shadow box would add a touch of magic to any home. Personalise it to celebrate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and much more!
- Buy the Disney light up shadow box from Etsy
12. Pebbles family shadow box
Celebrate your family with this cute handmade pebble shadow box complete with personalisation and a painted backdrop! You can personalise however you wish to celebrate a variety of occasions, you can even include your pets.
The seller also has a whole host of other pebble designs to choose from, if you had something specific in mind.
10 DIY shadow box ideas and inspiration
Naturally now you've got your frame you're going to need some shadow box ideas and inspiration to get the creative sparks flying!
Read on to get inspired with our favourite ideas from talented designers. We're sure you'll find something you love!
1. Botanical shadow box ideas
This glorious idea from Better Homes & Gardens demonstrates how to create your very own hanging succulent garden.
Since succulents require little upkeep, just a spritz of water every now and then, they make the ideal plant for this project. You can find the step-by-step tutorial over at their website, all available for free.
Find the botanical shadow box ideas tutorial from Better Homes & Gardens.
2. Holiday shadow box ideas
Remember your top travelling moments or your favourite holiday with these sweet shadow box ideas. If you already love to scrapbook, you'll be an expert at this.
However, if you're a newbie, then just collect up things like travel and experience tickets, photos, trinkets and souvenirs and arrange them in a shadow box to create this lovely keepsake.
Find the holiday shadow box ideas from Hobby Craft.
3. Paper flower shadow box ideas
The idea display for a newlywed couple this sweet floral arrangement will definitely be a crowd-pleaser!
On their website, you'll find a walkthrough of how to make it, plus where to find ready-made paper flowers for your display.
If you wanted to add that extra touch of homemade and you have a Cricut machine you could add your own personalised message to the glass.
Find the paper flower shadow box ideas at Hobby Craft.
4. Memory shadow box ideas
Shadow boxes are almost made to encapsulate memories and trinkets, that's why we adore this sweet baby box!
Celebrate your little one's by gathering up their first shoes, cutest baby grow, maybe even a lock of their hair and arranging them in a shadow box to proudly display. So much better than storing all those precious items in a drawer somewhere!
Discover the memory shadow box ideas inspiration at Organize With Ease.
5. Sand memory shadow box
You're not allowed to take sand from the beach (yes it is actually illegal, due to removing the natural defence against the ocean) plus disturbing the eco-system.
Instead, we'd recommend buying sand online as it is fairly inexpensive, then you can go wild on creating sand crafts! This lovely shadow box will give you memories of sandy toes and warm sunshine.
Find the sand memory shadow box idea at Mom Dot.
6. Wine cork shadow box idea
Now, who doesn't love a glass of vino with their other half? Whether you are celebrating something special or having a fun night just the two of you, save your cork in this adorable shadow box to remember all the celebrations.
Why not write the date on the cork to remember what each popped cork celebrated! To create the text on the front of this shadow box a Cricut Joy has been used, however, this isn't a requirement you can use glass paint or markers if you prefer.
Find the wine cork shadow box idea at Leap of Faith Crafting.
7. Scrabble tiles shadow box
Scrabble tiles are a classic personalisation method in crafting, and we can see why! They look adorable. You can pick them up cheaply on Amazon or any craft store, and you can write whatever you like!
Find the Scrabble tiles shadow box tutorial from Cut out and Keep.
8. Baby shoe growth chart
We can't really think of a much more adorable way to show your kids growing than this! Keep their first pair of shoes and the two following ones and see the difference in size - you wont believe it.
Find the baby shoe growth chart tutorial from Today's Creative Life.
9. Shadow box using Cricut
If you do indeed own a Cricut machine, the possibilities with shadow boxes are endless! Follow along with this fabulous tutorial and create a lovely woodland scene.
Find the shadow box using Cricut tutorial from Jennifer Maker.
10. Love shadow box
Spread the love with this sweet rose petal filled shadow box.
Making the perfect gift for your Valentine can be tricky, but this homemade and thoughtful gift is sure to impress. You'll also find a free cutting template for the vinyl, or personalise it yourself.
Make the love shadow box with Clumsy Crafter.
Shadow box ideas to capture precious memories
Shadow boxes can be used to display treasured keepsakes or save memories of your adventures. You can use them to celebrate a wedding or the birth of a baby too.
However you choose to use your shadow box, there are lots of creative ways to use them!
Record your life with a scrapbook
If you enjoyed making your own shadow box, you might also love making your own scrapbooks. They're a creative alternative to a journal or photo album. The only limit is your creativity!
Explore Gathered's inspiring scrapbook ideas.
