You have probably seen some Christmas shadow boxes on Pinterest. As I was going through the Christmas cards last week, this Santa card caught my attention, and I could visualize him in a shadow box. This is just another way to recycle those Christmas cards you’ve been hoarding!
This card is a Hallmark reproduction of a card originally printed in Germany in the late 19th or early 20th century.
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I found this Tim Holtz idea-ology Vignette Shrine and thought it is perfect for making a Santa shadow box. The two base pieces can be glued under the box in stair step fashion. I’ve also seen examples of the pieces glued to the front edge of the box to create a larger base for adding more elements.
I found this 6 x 6 -inch Old World Winter pad of paper at Hobby Lobby.
Supplies:
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Tim Holtz idea-ology Vignette Shrine
- Old Santa Christmas card
- Christmas Paper or Cardstock
- Sharp Scissors
- Paper cutter
- Scrap Foam Board
- Polyfil cluster stuff
Bottle Brush Christmas Trees
- Tacky Glue
Christmas Shadow Box Directions
The Shadow Box Background
First, make a template for the back of the box from some scrap paper. You can see that I used yellow construction paper. Cut the paper the width of the inside of the box. In this case, it is 4-1/4 – inches wide.
Then, lay the paper inside the box, matching the bottom and sides. Push both sides of the sloped top into the crease. Cut away the excess on the folded creases. Now, use the template to cut paper for the back. Remember that both sides might not match exactly. (You might want to mark the front of the template to be sure you face it right!) Make sure that you cut the paper the same way. Place the template on top of the decorative side of the paper.
I used the TIKTECK LED Tracing Light Pad for this project, but you can use a sunny window or glass door. Lay the card face up on the bed of the light pad. Then, lay the template on top of the card. Once you have it positioned where you want it, trace around the template.
Use the template to trace and cutout decorative paper for the background. Since this card is wide enough to cover the lower third of the back, 6 x 6 – inch paper covers almost enough. When I position the Santa, there is a tiny area on the right that is needed. So, a small rectangle glued and butted up to the edge of the top paper will suffice. Notice that the distress ink around the edges gives a little aged feel.
The Christmas Card Cutout
Instead of just gluing the rectangular card to the back of the wooden shape, I cut around the Santa. It is a little tedious, but with some sharp scissors ◄ like these, it is pretty easy. (I love these scissors. You can cut precisely all the way down to the point and easily cut areas it would be difficult to cut with regular scissors.)
Aging Papers for Christmas Shadow Boxes
To give the papers an aged effect, it’s easy with water-based distress ink by Tim Holtz. This ink stays wet a little longer and allows different colors to mix. You can use a sponge or foam to pick up the ink and use a circular motion to apply the ink. I used the stamp pad to just add a little aging, especially to the edges. You don’t want the white cut edges to show.
The link in the supply list above for the distress ink is for a four-pack mini version, which is what I use for this project. It includes an antique linen that is perfect for aging the whites. I used it for the cardboard ornament that was a little too stark white.
Covering the Inside and Outside
Cut to size and glue decorative paper to the inside edges, the outside, and the back of the box.
My plan was to purchase some foam tape for this project but couldn’t find any at the store. Not to be deterred, I brainstormed and decided to use a foam board. It works perfectly!
Cut squares from scrap foam board and glue it to the back of the wooden box in the corners, and or, on the back side of the card cutout. Then, apply glue to the foam blocks and adhere them to the back of the box.
Glue trim to the front side edges. Notice that I also added a decorative Christmas wreath to the background.
Adding Decorative Elements to Christmas Shadow Boxes
Add some faux greenery and berries to the peak of the box with glue. Then, make a pretty bow and glue it at the very top.
My plan to add Epsom salt and glitter to the base, in this case, seems needless. It really isn’t visible. After I glued the tree onto the base, I ran to the basement and a bag of Polyfil cluster stuff caught my eye. I tucked a little under and around the tree and the presents. It works better than salt and glitter.
Don’t you love vintage cardboard decorative pieces? This little ornament seemed perfect for this project, but there is a hole for the hanger. By removing the hanger and gluing a little gem over the hole, we’ve solved the problem.
Cut and glue some red berries and a silver snowflake to the bottle brush tree. Then, use hot glue to attach the tree to the base of the box.
Make some tiny boxes from cardstock. The larger box is 1-inch square and the smaller is 3/4 -inch square. A sheer 1/4-inch ribbon is tied into a decorative bow.
Glue the cardboard ornament to the base of the box. Then, tuck a little more of the cluster stuff behind it.
The Christmas Banner
To finish the shadow box, I found this plastic banner in a box of Christmas craft supplies. It seems the perfect banner for this Christmas shadow box! My plan was to use a cardboard banner in one of my purchased packets of ornamental stickers. When I saw this banner, it was a no-brainer.
The very last detail is the Dec. 25 medallion. It is a little detail, but you can see in the pictures above that it does add the perfect touch.
There it is! Don’t you love it? My plan was to make more Christmas in July projects this month, but it has been a busy month! Hope you enjoy the two I actually finished.
How to Craft with Old Christmas Cards
Here are a few projects for you to make for Christmas this year!
How to Make Heart House Christmas Ornaments
Use recycled Christmas cards to create this ornament!
How to Make Christmas Shadow Boxes
Step-by-Step how to put together a Christmas Shadow Box.
How to Recycle Christmas Cards to Make Ornaments
How to Craft with Old Christmas Cards
Recycle Christmas Cards Easily – Ornament Frame Decor You’ll Love
How to Make Putz Houses from Christmas Cards
How to Make Bigger Putz Houses from Christmas Cards
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Oh, I like it, looks nice. Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 79. Pinned.
Thanks, Dee! I love Santas. He will fit right in with my Santa collection display.
CONGRATS Debra! Your post is FEATURED at the Unlimited Link Party 80!
Thank you, Dee! Heading over to see all the other posts…