Shadow Box For Memories: DIY Display Case for Mementos

Instead of storing your cherished mementos in a box, consider creating a shadow box to showcase your memories with our simple instructions! I made a shadow box display case for my home and wanted to share the results with you all. It turned out perfectly!

How To Make A Shadow Box For Memories

For me, memories should not be hidden away in boxes in the attic. I enjoy displaying these items around my home because they add a unique touch of nostalgia to any room. The best way to showcase them? A shadow box display case!

Supplies Needed To Display Mementos

• Shadow Box (I love unfinished ones that come in a variety of sizes.)
• Stain (I used this Americana Color Stain in white.)
• Craft Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Rag
• Mementos
• Glue Dots

Step 1: Gather Up Your Mementos

I wanted to use this project to showcase my father-in-law’s horse show ribbons won over the years. We have many of these, so I selected just a few for this project.

I used a 9.625×16 shadow box because my items were long. When ordering a box, it’s important to consider the size of your items. These had been stored in a drawer for quite some time, and they were very wrinkled. To make them look fresh again, I used an iron with a damp pressing cloth.

Step 2: Remove The Back Of The Shadow Box & Paint It

Remove the back from your shadow box and paint it. I used a dark charcoal color, but you can use any color that you wish. Then set it aside to dry.

Step 3: Glue Down Mementos

Once dry, you will want to secure your mementos to the back. I used Glue Dots as they hold strong but are also safe for projects like these.

Step 4: Stain Outside Of Shadow Box

You also want to finish the shadow box itself. I used a white stain on my project. Just brush on the stain, allow to sit for a few minutes, then wipe away with a rag.

I love stain for projects like these, as you don’t have to mask off your glass. Just wipe the product away if you get any on the glass surface. Allow everything to dry completely.

Step 5: Assemble Shadow Box

Once your shadow box is dry, reassemble it, and you are ready to hang it up!

You can use this same technique to display just about anything in your home. Think about those gorgeous items that have long been shoved in drawers and boxes. Don’t they deserve a special place in your home? And what can be more special than decorating with things that bring back such good memories?

I love how this shadow box display case turned out, and I can’t wait to create another one. Will you be adding one to your home? I think you will love the results!

Tips and Tricks for Shadow Box

Now that you’ve seen this fun shadow box for memories, are you ready to make your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your success!

• Skip The Craft Paint – If you don’t want to use craft paint for the back of your shadow box, you can use a piece of scrapbook paper instead! To do that, cut out a piece of scrapbook paper that fits the size of the back of your shadow box and glue it into place.
• Take Time To Lay Out Mementos – Before you glue down your mementos, take time to play around with the layout to get the look that you like!
• Take A Picture of Your Memento Layout – Before you move your mementos around to glue them into place, take a photo of the layout with your phone! By doing this, you can easily see where to place all your mementos when you are gluing them into place.
• Display All Your Mementos – If you are wondering what mementos to display in your shadow box, below are a few ideas!
  • Travel Mementos
  • Wedding Mementos
  • Baby Mementos
  • Sport Mementos
  • Pet Mementos
  • Military Items
  • Groups of items like:
    • Tickets
    • Pins
    • Shells

5 More Shadow Box Crafts

Do you love this shadow box for memories, and want more shadow box crafts? Then check out the projects below!

• Beach Themed Shadowbox Art
• Ticket Memory Box
• Wedding Keepsakes in Shadowboxes
• Driftwood Shadow Box Art
• Paper Rosette Shadowbox