How to Make a Custom Shadow Box | I Like To Make Stuff

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This project began with one of the Lego Brickheadz figures. I wanted each individual space to hold a figure, so I measured one with a lot of extra pieces. Adding a 1/2" buffer on all sides gave the toys a comfortable space to sit inside. I took those measurements and scaled the shadow box to fit our favorite figures.

For this project, I used some left over 1/2" plywood. I began by ripping the pieces that would nest together to become the support shelves. This rectangular box was made up of 4 vertical slats and 2 horizontal ones. To get those pieces to snuggly fit together, I used my dado stack on the table saw. I made some test cuts to dial in the settings so that the boards would be cut half-way through. This way, the two boards would sit perfectly flush together when combined. I taped all of the vertical pieces together and cut them at the same time. The same method was used for the 2 horizontal boards as well.

Now that I had a hashtag-looking shelf, I wanted to surround it with walls to make the shadow box. I ripped the four sides 1/2" wider than the shelves to make room for a back panel. Using my table saw, I cut 45-degree corners on the 4 pieces and glued them together in the rectangular shape around the shelf. Using some CA glue, I glued the shelves tightly into place within the shadow box.

Depending on your style choices, this step may be optional. I chose to block off the back of the shadow box with a 1/2" plywood panel. I cut the piece to fit and glued it into place behind the shelves, inside the box. If you wanted the spaces inside the shelves to match the wall color, you could simply leave this step out and cut the box walls the same thickness as the shelves.

I am choosing to hide the plywood's exposed layer lines. This process is called edge banding, we went over it in a previous Bits video. But instead of using pre-glued veneers, I am cutting up some think strips of scrap walnut to attach to the face. The scraps were cut down to 1/8" thick and glued directly to the plywood edges. I used a knife and a flush-cut saw to miter the shadow box's corners, matching the wall joints. I sanded the whole box smooth and applied a few coats of spray-on polyurethane.

I know that people collect all sorts of trinkets, I'm no exception. I was really happy at how quick this shadow box came together and how the end result looks filled with our Lego Brickheadz. Of course I can always make more to hold our ever-expanding collection. And by using the link below, you can make this shadow box as well! We've made a simple set of plans for you to follow to make a shelved shadow box. Even if you aren't collecting Brickheadz, you can adjust the dimensions to fit whatever keepsakes you are hoping to display.

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About I Like To Make Stuff:

We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!

These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!

How to Make a Custom Shadow Box | I Like To Make Stuff

I Like To Make Stuff

[ScottayH]

I can never understand why people Thumbs Down the videos on this page. Everything he does is well thought out, educational and super well done. Keep up the great work!

[AGlimpseInside]

Really fun project. Especially that it displays things that you and your kids built together. I member we made one for all of the Skylanders we had accumulated. As always great video. Keep it up Bob

[hunterdavis]

I actually learned quite a bit from this project! I love how informative this one was! The tips with the table saw were super helpful.

[BensWorx]

Looks great Bob! I think I’ll have to make one for my son’s pop vinyl collection

[Marco_Carlucci]

Who else watches these and has never built anything in their life. I watch these because I enjoy Bob’s creativity with his different builds!

[JkCanvas]

Agree this is a fun little project. I like how you left the booged pieces in the project showing that just because it is not perfect it still can work. Thank you for the idea.

[artelliott]

Hell yeah. This one goes on the To Do list

[mynameazeus]

I look forward to your videos every week after school

[JasonPatz]

Thank you Bob! You are the first guy I can recall that has shown the use of a stop block on table saw cross cuts. Maybe others do it and I just miss it. I appreciate the emphasis and explanation. The only time I've really hurt myself in the shop was trying to cross cut a piece of wood like this without stop block. It bound against the fence and came spinning back into my stomach. Ouch! With many years of woodworking behind me I'm thankful this has been my only real injury, but I'll never forget the stop block again. :)

[ana-zcbx]

LOVE your videos! For some reason there satisfying!

[raymondcanning]

Thanks for the awesome video and the skill share subscription

[BuildDadBuild]

Might have to build one of these myself. Nice work!!👍🏻👍🏻

[sarahm]

So nice to watch! Love the way the slots cut fit it together and the walnut finishing

[jordongingrich]

I like how you're using materials that are readily accessible to everyone.. Tape for clamps, CA glue, basic skills with a bit of added skilled flair! Well done

[MakingAndFixing]

I really like how this came out. Love the 2 tones of wood color. Simple build but great information provided in this video.

[BruceAUlrich]

I like how you were able to grab some of your scraps of walnut from other projects to dress this one up. Good tips about cutting the halflaps!

[theaftermilktv]

love the simplicity of this one. I need one of these.

[northshorepx]

Hey Bob what a great simple build. I just wanted to highlight that this idea for overlapping joints is really great for making drawer dividers if you ever want to stop clutter in you house or workshop drawers. Thanks for the great tips!

[ZERO_]

I love the way the walnut looks, makes the whole thing pop

[woogaloo]

I wasn't a big BrickHeadz fan originally, but my son and I have gotten a decent collection. This is a great idea because all we do is set them on a shelf so they don't really get "displayed" easily. Will be making this soon.