Some memories are too valuable to be tucked away in a box or hidden in a drawer. A memory shadow box allows you to celebrate and proudly display sentimental items. They are beautifully showcased in a shadow box in a way that offers comfort and connection. They differ from a keepsake box, where items are tucked away in drawers or cupboards, a memory shadow box displays them in a framed arrangement, allowing you to see and cherish them every day.
This article is about what memory shadow boxes are and how to make one yourself!
So What is Memory Shadow Box
It’s a form of art, a shadow box allows you to arrange items of sentimental value in a framed display as elaborately or as simple as you want. It’s an artform as you decide what it’s made up of, how it’s displayed, and where to display them.
Why People Love Shadow Box Art:
- Adds dimension and depth to traditional flat artwork.
- A great way to preserve and display meaningful items.
- Allows for a creative mix of materials and techniques.
- Can be highly personal and customized.
What Makes a Memory Shadow Box So Special?
The best shadow box designs are more than the items inside, it’s how they tell a story. You’re probably familiar with other forms of a shadow box like those that tell a story of a wedding, a new baby or remembering the life of a loved one.
Each item in a shadow box holds such significance to its owner, filled with personal items that together tell a story of that life, like a handwritten letter, a pressed flower, a piece of fabric, or a ticket stub.
Why Memory Shadow Boxes Work for Dementia?
Memory shadow boxes can provide comfort and a sense of security for your loved one living with dementia. Familiar objects can help remind them of happy times, which in turn can help reduce anxiety and confusion
No matter what moments you wish to capture, a shadow box can bring it to life in a personal and meaningful way. So think about your life or your loved ones life, and ask yourself what are the elements that tell a story that can resonate with them to create a memory shadow box, and it doesn’t have to be just one.
Ideas for Your Memory Shadow Box
You can make a memory shadow box from anything that is dear to your heart, it could be baby keepsakes, wedding memories, those wonderful holiday adventures, music or sporting moments that you cherish etc. You’re celebrating a passion that you have and taking those items that bring back that memory and making a beautiful memory shadow box to display them for you to see and touch everyday.
Not sure what to include, then check out the article below on ideas and themes for creating your own shadow box
Related: 11 Heartwarming Memory Shadow Box Themes To Create!
How to Make a Memory Shadow Box
Choose the Right Container
A shadow box frame is different from a regular picture frame because it has depth, allowing you to display three-dimensional objects, large enough for items but not overwhelming especially if you’re adding 3d items. But if you’re using items that are fairly flat you can probably get away with finding a deeper picture frame to use instead an actual shadow box if that helps!
Things to consider when choosing a frame:
- Size: Make sure it’s large enough to fit your items but small enough to display easily.
- Depth: A deeper shadow box can hold bulkier items like fabric or souvenirs.
- Colour & Style: Pick a frame that complements the items inside and the space where you plan to display it.
Think about the depth of the frame to accommodate items and whether you’ll want to access the items later, so whether the frame can be opened on a hinge or whether it’s sealed shut after you prepare it. .
Select Meaningful Items
What’s the theme or the story you’re trying to tell? If you have a clear focus on that it’s much easier to choose the items that go into that hold emotional value and connect to your loved one’s life experiences. Things you can include are photographs, personal notes,cards, letters, and objects with different textures like jewellery, medals, dried flowers, fabric items, anything that you see or feel that touches you . You can even include items with familiar scents that can bring back memories of that time.
The most important part of any memory shadow box is the story it tells. Select items that hold emotional value and connect to the memory or moment you want to showcase. Consider items such as:-
- Photographs: Use snapshots that capture the essence of the memory.
- Personal Notes and Letters: Handwritten notes, cards, or letters add a sentimental touch.
- Keepsakes: Collect objects that relate to the memory—anniversaries, vacations, dried flowers, jewelry, medals, ticket stubs, or small souvenirs etc
- Textures and Scents: Add sensory items such as fabric swatches, ribbons, or even items with familiar scents (like dried lavender) to enrich the experience.
- Themed Objects: Choose a theme for the story you want the box to tell. Examples could include a favorite vacation, or memorabilia from a loved one.
Layout & Attaching items
Once you’ve gathered everything, then we need to think about how to organise the layout. What personal touches can you add to frame the design? Do you want a central focal point, do you want items to be raised so that they stand out by layering with fabric or paper.
Less is more, think about spatial design so that the frame isn’t over crowded.
Tip: Lay everything out on a flat surface before attaching anything to make adjustments as needed.
You can use different methods to attach items into the frame from glueing items into place or pinning them, or even using double sided tape, whatever can hold items in place when positioned vertically. The method you choose should depend on the type of item and whether you plan to rearrange or remove items in the future.
- Glue: A hot glue gun works well for permanently securing heavier objects.
- Tape or Adhesive Strips: Double-sided tape or adhesive dots are ideal for items that you may want to reposition later.
- Pins: Decorative or plain pins can secure lightweight or fabric items into place while adding a charming touch.
- Magnets or Clips: For items you want to change often, consider using small magnets or clips for easy adjustment.
Make sure everything is firmly anchored, especially heavier items, so they stay in place when the box is upright.
Seal and Display
Once everything is secure, close the frame and decide where to place it. Memory shadow boxes work beautifully on walls, bookshelves, or bedside tables, or anywhere you can bring down to look over with your loved one with dementia. You just want somewhere that you’ll see it often and be reminded of what they represent, and don’t forget you can make multiple memory shadow boxes for different memories
Think about:
- Wall Mounts: Hang it on a prominent wall where it can be admired often.
- Surfaces: Place it on a bookshelf, desk, or bedside table to keep memories close at hand.
- Accessibility: If the box is for someone with dementia, consider positioning it at eye level and in an accessible location where they can easily see and engage with it.
Finally
A memory shadow box is a way to keep sentimental items in the open to be admired and to keep what matters close. Whether it brings comfort, joy, or a daily reminder of love, it’s something you can treasure for years to come. These boxes can provide comfort, stimulate memories, and create special moments together especially when creating a memory shadow box and also support you when looking at them especially during challenging times.
Are you planning to make a memory shadow box? What memories do you want to preserve?
