If your special someone got you some great mementos this Valentine's Day, don't stick them in a drawer or on a shelf to be forgotten. Show them off and preserve them for posterity with a unique shadow box. Shadow boxes look great and turn your mementos into a piece of art that will become the focal point of whichever room you put it in. Even if craft projects aren't really your thing or if you are worried about your lack of artistic ability, shadow boxes are so easy to make that you shouldn't have any trouble with it at all. However, if you need help, we at DeSola Glass have custom shadow box services for you to use! Here's how to create your own. 

What You'll Need 

To start, all you'll need is a simple box. You can find one around the house, build one or buy one. Make sure that the box is deep enough for the items you wish to put inside. You'll be putting a glass or plexiglass front on the box, so you don't want your items sticking out. You'll also need glue, pins or even broaches to hold your items in place if you don't want them just sitting there in the box. Finally, you can use wrapping paper, tissue paper or even a mirror to create the backdrop behind your keepsakes. A mirror will reflect your items, making the box look bottomless and creating a unique look. 

Arranging Your Mementos 

First, apply your chosen backing to the bottom of the box, opposite the open side (the top). Next, stand the box up on its side so that the open part is facing you. Arrange your items inside however you like. Play around with a few different layouts, and wait until you find the one you like best before securing your items inside. Once everything is pinned or glued in place, attach the glass or plexiglass to the front with glue or any other adhesive you like. The last step is to attach a hook to the back so that you can hang up your shadow box in a prominent place in your home. 

Adding the Finishing Touch 

To make your shadow box look truly spectacular, try adding a frame to the front. This will take it from just a box with some stuff in it to a beautiful piece of art that you can be proud to display in your home. Here at DeSola Glass, Art & Frame Gallery, we are proud to include art framing among our services. Our associates will be happy to help you select the perfect frame to complement both your shadow box and your existing décor. Stop by and see us today to have a look at some of our amazing frames. If you don't find the perfect frame in our selection, we'll be happy to create a custom one for you.