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How to Mount Items in a Shadowbox

Shadowboxes are similar to picture frames, but they are often deep enough to display bulky items. They can be ideal for displaying wedding items, baby memorabilia or just decorative items for a wall. Some shadowboxes are already finished and ready to hold items. Some specialty shadowboxes are even designed to hold particular items, such as a triangular shadowbox for a flag. But if a shadowbox is unfinished, it will take a little preparation before adding items to it.

Things You'll Need

Batting
Fabric
Fabric glue
Push pins
Double-sided tape

Instructions

Prepare Shadowbox Back
- 1
  Remove the back of the shadow box.
- 2
  Cut a piece of batting to the same dimensions as the shadowbox.
- 3
  Cut a piece of fabric of your choosing two dimensions two inches longer than each side of the shadowbox.
- 4
  Center the batting on the shadowbox back and stretch the fabric across the batting. Wrap the sides of the fabric around the opposite side of the back of the shadowbox, stretch the fabric taut and secure the edges with fabric glue.
Mount Items
- 5
  Position items in the shadowbox in a staggered or even layered pattern. This may be more attractive than placing items in orderly rows.
- 6
  Place some items on different thicknesses of matting to add layers and depth to the presentation.
- 7
  Mount valuable items with pushpins, string or other removable methods.
- 8
  Mount permanent items with fabric glue, craft glue or double-sided tape.
- 9
  Add any finishing touches or decorations, such as beads or flowers.
- 10
  Place the back of the shadowbox inside the frame to check the finished look. Make any adjustments to the mounted items, if needed, and then secure the back to the frame with the attached clips.

Other Collecting