A One-of-a-kind Shadow Box

The lovely Kathy of Kathy's Cottage
is hosting Handmade Holidays
on her blog today.


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DSC04247One of the things I used to love to do was create shadow boxes. Recently I have noticed that they are back in style.

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vintage-skeleton-keyI purchased this shadow box and wanted to make a gift for a friend for the holidays. My design is taken from a stash of Antique and Vintage objects, but a shadow box is anything you want it to be. Themes can really make it a one-of-a-kind treasure for that someone special.

DSC04249Knowing how my friend and I share the love of Antique and Vintage things got me to thinking.

newburyport-Vintage-Fair-AtiquesThrifting is a perfect avenue to find great pieces to go inside a shadow box. Then there are those Vintage shops that have finds like these lovely Vintage flower pins, which I got in the amazing Nesting on Main for just $2.00.

Peony Inspiration

vintage-skeleton-keyI had designed an annual calendar for a Spoonflower wall calendar challenge. When it was finished I printed it out onto a soft rice paper.

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vintage-skeleton-keyUsing Vintage flower pins I tacked the calendar in place and added a few details.

The Joy of Collecting Old Treasures

vintage-skeleton-keyAn old key, an Antique star, and an Antique charm added the perfect touch. I found all of these trinkets in a mason jar dating back to 1908, for just $10.00. Thoreauly Antiques in Concord always has the most unusual things. A blogging friend, Keri from Antique Therapy is at Thoreauly and she has incredible finds. I especially love her Antique prints, like the one of hers I used for my Parisian designs.

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vintage-skeleton-keyMy daughter pointed out that maybe creating a monthly calendar which could be pinned to the backdrop might come in handy.

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vintage-skeleton-keyI created postcards,

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vintage-skeleton-keyone for each month.

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DSC04246A loose Antique domino and wooden bobbin sit inside the shelf.

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vintage-skeleton-keyDesigning a shadow box with a door like this one really gives the owner the ability to change the backdrop. The cushioned backing gives a nice place to pin all kinds of things.

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vintage-skeleton-keyI have added a calendar kit to my little etsy shop with a 2010 Annual Calendar just like the one in this post and a set of "month at a glance" stamped postcards.

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newburyport-vintage-findsThe nicest part about creating a personalized gift for a special someone, is that you'll be seeing them in each detail of your design. And when it is hanging on their wall, they'll be seeing you every time they see it and be reminded how much you love them. The song for this post is I'll Be Seeing You.

Now if you stop by Kathy's place you will find some wonderful ideas for Handmade Holidays and Get Your Craft On has some wonderful links to great crafting ideas too.



Shadow Boxes
Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Oh, Karen, I adore shadow boxes! This one is so wonderful, the wound bobbin of thread is the perfect finishing touch!

Big TX Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

SharDon Exclusives said...

Karen, I love shadow boxes. I have two really clunky ones (empty) setting in my artroom waiting for me to get around to doing the finishing touches to make them into something beautiful. But there they set lonely and unused. "gotta' do that one of these days" Yours is so creative and detailed. Great job, as always.

Alison Gibbs said...

Karen what a wonderful idea and such a lovely gift
Alison

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

This is a beautiful shadow box, Karen! Just about anything can go in one, and you always know what combination of items goes well together! Just beautiful! Have a great day my dear, Anita

Kathleen Grace said...

This turned out gorgreous Karen! The calendar makes it useful, wouldn't it be a beautiful way to keep track of the days in a studio or office!? And the vintage bits and pieces make it so personal and pretty. Thanks for a great gift idea!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful gift idea!

bj said...

I, too,love shadow boxes...and..I didn't know they ever went out of style!! haaha
This is a wonderful idea...thanks for sharing.

Tristan Robin said...

I am always intrigued by shadow boxes - and your calendar idea is terrific!

Sharon's Cottage Quilts said...

Karen how lovely is that?!!! What a wonderful gift. As always you are such an inspiration to me. I love shadowboxes too! Beautiful work Karen Beautiful!!
Sharon

Blondie's Journal said...

Karen~~

I do remember when shadow boxes were in style and I loved them!! Yours has a lot of creative and original ideas that I love! Your friend is going to LOVE it. Now, I have to go see those Calendars At A Glance!! Thanks for sharing this beautiful creation! :-)

xoxo
Jane

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

It is so beautiful!!!

Snap said...

I love the door on the shadow box. What a great idea and great gift!

Delightful Dwelling said...

Wow this is awesome! I love the calendar and postcards you created along with all the little details. Just gorgeous!

Dogwood said...

Shadow boxes are so great. I love them. I adore the pictures of shadow boxes that you have posted. Such sweet thing and great ideas.

Have a fun day.

Beverly said...

I adore this. What a wonderful idea, and I know the recipient is going to love it.

LiLi M. said...

Oh your friend will be sooo pleased when she receives this! It's beautiful, it's useful and on top of that she will know that you have thought of her while making it!

I tried to comment before Karen, but your blog wouldn't load, fortunately this time it did!

Lynda said...

Your shadow boxes are gorgeous, Karen! ... and I love your calendar.
xo,
Lynda

Unknown said...

Hi Karen! You always come up with the best ideas! The shadow box is beautiful and I think it will make such a perfect gift! I love the idea of the calendar postcards too, brilliant!
Hugs,
Amy

CC said...

I love,love shadow boxes, and yours is gorgeous. And I love the calendar
postcards..jusy lovely.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Karen, that is just the cutest thing! I have always loved shadowboxes, I am going to make another one with vintage finds... thanks for sharing!!! xoxo Julie Marie

Kim -today's creative blog said...

love it! thanks for linking

glor said...

How beautiful! What a treasured gift this would be especially when tailored to the person receiving. I love the flower pins. Your blog is very nice!

Antique Therapy said...

Thanks for stopping by and posting about my blog. I am working in the shop on Thurs if you want to stop by in the afternoon!! Have a fab day!!

vicki archer said...

This shadow box is just wonderful...I don't know that I would have your skill and patience though, xv.

tea time and roses said...

Hello Dear Karen,

The shadow box is lovely. I just know your friend will cherish it forever. Hope you are enjoying a beautiful day.

Smiles...

Beverly

annie said...

Hi Karen,
I am so happy you stopped by to visit.
Oh, I just love all your wonderful ideas. I will be back a lot now!
I hope you have a lovely day today.

Sandra Evertson said...

That is So Gorgeous! I just love every little detail!
Sandra Evertson

Rhondi said...

Hi Karen
I love your shadow box. What alovely gift for someone. Thanks for all your encouragement and your friendship over these last two years.
Hugs, Rhondi

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Karen,
I adore shadow boxes, my father n law made one for daughter as a wedding gift, he put her wedding flowers in it. I also thing they are a fun project for the kids to put their keep sakes in.
Enjoy your day,
Elizabeth

Amisha said...

Karen, I love this! You are so, so creative!!

danielle said...

hello there. i like your shadow box they are cute. i was wondering if you could help me with mine it is a shadow box picture frame 8x 10 and i have no clue what to do with it.

Danielle

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