For an inspirational and kitschy décor item, consider constructing a shadowbox. These unique, framed accents house smaller items and objects, typically all lending to a theme of some kind. Some shadowbox ideas are dedicated to sewing, featuring mementos and notions, making this the ideal accent for anyone who loves to stitch or craft.
Create your own shadowbox to display in your sewing space or to gift another seamstress or seamster.
The Frame
The first thing that you will need is your shadowbox frame, found widely online or in crafting stores. These are typically the size of a photograph, around 8 ½ inches by 12 inches, and they are a couple inches deep to allow items and mementos to fit inside. This box has a glass front, like a photo frame, usually with a hinged door for easy access.
Lining Ideas
Next, you will line the back with photos, pictures, notes, or fabric; in this case, you could line the shadowbox with tissue from old patterns or the pattern envelopes, themselves. Attach these with sewing pins gently secured to the cardboard backing of your shadowbox.
Layers
Go ahead and layer photos, notes, fabric swatches, and anything that goes with your sewing theme. Play with the placement and layout before securing these layers down with sewing pins and a glue stick if needed.
Focal Point
Your shadowbox needs a focal point, so make it something special that conveys the theme, like a sterling silver thimble. Place this object front and center of the shadowbox and arrange the other items and trinkets around it.
Notions and Objects
Finally, add other three-dimensional items for depth and visual interest, such as a pincushion, tiny figurines, or buttons. Take a look through your sewing chest to find unique pieces that you can memorialize forever in your sewing-themed shadowbox. Position items like needles, small scissors, measuring tape, or bobbins, and secure them with a drop of hot glue that will keep them in place but that you could gently pull apart later if you wish.
If you are giving the shadowbox as a gift, consider using the recipient's birth year to inspire the patterns and notions that you use inside. For instance, if they are born in 1975, you can use vintage 70s patterns to line your box.
Want to make your own sewing-inspired shadowbox? Use these tips to create an inspiring and impressive shadowbox to display in your own sewing space, room, or home that commemorates your love of the craft.
Share17 March 2020
About a year ago, I realized that I was running out of disposable income to use for decorating my place. Instead, I was working hard to pay my bills each and every month, and it was really frustrating. Fortunately, a friend of mine suggested saving money by crafting in my spare time. I started spending a lot of time looking around my house for things to fix up or use for crafts, and it was a great use of my spare time. Within a few weeks, I had made a few great wreaths for my front door and updated the crown molding around my house. This blog is all about improving your place with a few nice crafts.
