Whether you hang it on the wall or lay it on your coffee table, a shadow box is an artistic way to remember and showcase your Hilton Head vacation.
It’s easy to make one of your own, so while you’re visiting Hilton Head, you might begin to put aside little things that will later spark memories of your getaway. You could save, for example: a menu from a special restaurant, a post card, shells, pebbles, pressed leaves and flowers, a plane ticket, an event ticket, a book of matches, tiny trinkets, tiny flags or a map.
Also be sure to take lots of photos so you can select one or two for your shadow box. Depending on your style, it might be fun to have your photos developed with a retro border around them, or perhaps in black and white.
Martha Stewart’s website has some great DIY shadow box ideas. And if it’s good enough for Martha, it’s good enough for us! She says to make your shadow box you’ll also need:
Sturdy gift box with lid
Glass cut to fit inside box lid
Utility knife
Fine sandpaper
Scissors
Map or decorative paper (for the outside and top)
Spray adhesive
Bone folder
Contact cement
Sheet of colored paper (for the inside)
Craft glue or museum wax
Jewelry boxes (optional)
Paper label (optional)
Here’s how to do it:
1. To create a frame for a glass insert, draw a rectangle in the center of the box lid. Carefully cut out the rectangle with a utility knife; smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.
2. Cover the box lid with a map or decorative paper. Also cover the outside of the bottom of the box. Cement the glass pane in the box lid; weigh it down with a book and let it dry according to directions.
3. Line inside of the box bottom with colored paper; secure with spray adhesive. Affix the items you’ve collected in position with glue or wax. You can also line and mount small jewelry boxes for dividers and use paper labels to create captions.
Here are more details on putting together a shadow box of your vacation memories. Have you ever made a shadow box? We’d love to see your pictures!
To learn more about Sunset Rentals, please visit www.sunsetrentals.com.
