A common problem we scrapbookers face is how to creatively display our precious memorabilia. There are certain items that just cannot fit into a scrapbook. Perhaps they are too bulky or too large. However, they are still an important part of a memorable event and can be preserved nicely and safely in a shadow box display.

What Is a Shadow Box?
A shadow box is a framed box that hangs on a wall just like a photo frame. However, it's the perfect solution to protect and display bulky or large memorabilia because of the added space between the front of the frame and the back. Often there are several inches of space to place larger memorabilia items inside of them.

Shadow boxes come in a variety of sizes and wood finishes. They also come unfinished so that you may customize yours to coordinate with the items displayed inside or to match with the decor of the room within which it is going to be displayed.

Creating a Shadow Box
Step 1: Choose the memorabilia. Shadow boxes can be used as a way to display mementos from many different types of events. They make fantastic gifts as well as personal decorations. Some examples include:

• Baby - Birth announcement, booties, rattle, spoon, hospital photo
• Wedding - Invitation, favor, sample menu, wine glasses, wedding portrait, cake topper
• Graduation - Tassel, program, cap, graduation photo
• Heritage - Heirlooms, jewelry, vintage fabrics, heritage photos

Step 2: Cover the backing. The back of a shadow box usually comes as a flat piece of wood that you can alter with papers, paint and embellishments. The backing is the piece that you will attach all of the memorabilia to, so it can be helpful to create a straight pin type of backing with batting and fabric. That will allow you to attach the memorabilia with pushpins instead of having to glue each item permanently to the back. Since often the items are irreplaceable, it's a safe way to protect the memorabilia and prevent ruining it with adhesives.

To create a straight pin backing on the back of your shadow box, cut a piece of batting to fit the size of the back of your shadow box. Then cut a piece of fabric that is 2" x 2" larger than the batting. Stretch the fabric across the batting, wrap it around to the back of the backing board and adhere with fabric glue. You can then use tacks or straight pins to hold the memorabilia in place.

If you want to more permanently adhere the items to the shadow box, you can also use a strong liquid adhesive or double-sided foam tape to adhere the elements directly to the wood backing.

Step 3: Create dimension. Since there's room to spare in a shadow box, use the space to your advantage. Layer items and create a three-dimensional design. Mount the items on various widths of foam or wood blocks before attaching them to the background to raise certain elements above others. You can hide the blocks with your embellishments and memorabilia.

Step 4: Add embellishments. In addition to the memorabilia that you are preserving, you may want to add additional embellishments. Items such as silk flowers, fabric, lace, beads, jewelry or tulle are all fantastic textured items that will add to your shadow box. Consider the theme of the box when choosing your embellishments to be sure that they flow together nicely.

Step 5: Put it all together. Once you�ve finished mounting, decorating and layering, you're ready to put it all together. Before permanently attaching the back, place it inside the frame and hold the entire piece out in front of you to examine it. Check for drooping corners, loose items or any other details that you want to fix before permanently attaching the back to the frame. Once you're satisfied, assemble your frame and enjoy!

So, the next time you are having a hard time displaying some of your larger more bulky memorabilia, remember to try a shadow box.