Montauk Pioneer - June 13, 2008 - Crafting with Kelly

Father's Day is day to celebrate fathers or our father-like figures in our lives. This year I keep hearing the same thing from people, "How am going to afford to buy anything for my dad?" Many people are struggling right now with the economy and gas prices but that is no reason why you cannot celebrate one of the most important men in your life. This year show your dad how much your truly love him by making him a gift straight from your heart.

This Father's Day shadow box is the perfect way to ensure that your dad will love his gift. This gift will feature a picture of you and your Pops, plus you can personalize it featuring your dad's favorite hobbies or colors.

Unfinished wood shadow box
Brown acrylic paint
White acrylic paint
Scrapbook paper
Adhesive ribbon
Alphabet stickers
3D "family" quotes stickers
Inspirational fabric swatches
Photograph of your father and you
Glue
Paintbrush

1. Carefully remove the glass and back of your shadow box.

2. Mix 3 parts brown paint with 1 part white paint to make a nice neutral color for your shadow box.

3. Paint all the sides of your box including the interior sides. Also paint the front side of the back panel of your shadow box. Set all pieces aside to dry.

4. While your shadow box is drying, lay out ideas for your design on a flat surface.
Play with different colors and patterns of paper to see what goes best together.
Try to coordinate your background, lettering, and sayings to all have the same color scheme. Use different patterned paper to frame your picture. Use the ribbon to cover up paper seams.

5. Once your box is done drying, start gluing down the pieces of your layout. Use only a very thin layer of glue; otherwise your paper will start to warp. Don't be afraid to layer objects.