DIY Polar Express Inspired Shadow Box

Jaime LaPlant
by Jaime LaPlant
9 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy
If you have someone in your family that loves The Polar Express movie, then this could be the perfect gift for them! It is easy and inexpensive to make.
Needed materials:
1/8" Plywood scrap
1" x 4" Board
Wood Glue
Finishing nails
Bell
Ribbon
Twine or String
Paint for the background
Paint Marker
Paint or Stain for the frame
Step 1: Cut your wood. I used a piece of scrap plywood for the back that was about 8" x 10". Cut your 1" x 4" board to fit the size of your plywood. Bevel the ends at 45 degrees.
Step 2: Paint your plywood. I used Black for my background.
Step 3: Using a paint marker, write your message.
Step 4: Glue and clamp your frame. You could also use finishing nails.
Step 5: Sand the frame.
Step 6: Paint or stain the frame. I wanted to give mine a weathered wood look. So, I first painted it a Nutmeg color. Then, I painted over the Nutmeg with an Antique White. After the paint dried, I sanded off some of the white paint to create the weathered look.
Step 7: Tie the twine to the bell and make a small bow with the ribbon. I secured the bow with a dab of hot glue.
Step 8: Put the wood glue around the border of the background. At the same time, decide where you want to place the bell.
Step 9: With the bell in place, nail the background to the frame. You may want to also secure the bell to the back to ensure it stays put.
Step 10: Enjoy your shadow box!


For more details and pictures, be sure to visit my blog!
Suggested materials:
  • 1/8" Plywood   (Menards)
  • 1" x 4" Board   (Menards)
  • Wood Glue   (Menards)
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Jaime LaPlant
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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