Step: 1
First, cut two squares of 1/4 in plywood to measure 16x16”. They will be the front and back of the shadow box.
Step: 2
Next, cut a large ornament shape from paper and trace it onto the center of one of the squares.
Step: 3
Cut some scrap wood strips to measure 14.5” in length.
They will be glued to the other square of plywood to create the back wall of the piece.
Step: 4
Next, glue the pieces onto the plywood backing, using heavy objects to clamp the wood strips down.
Leave 3/4 in of space all the way around so the frame can be “sandwiched” between the front and back pieces of plywood.
Step: 5
When glue has dried, lay out your frame around the scrap wood strips.
Step: 6
Glue / nail the frame together at the corners.
Step: 7
Flip everything over, and attach the backing to the frame.
Step: 8
Front panel cut out:
I used a table saw to ensure a perfectly straight line for the ornament “string”.
Step: 9
Cut out along the traced line with the scroll saw.
Step: 11
Attach front panel cutout piece to the frame.
Step: 12
For added effect, install some battery operated Christmas lights to the back of the front panel.
(I used painter’s tape because it’s easy to remove.)
Step: 13
…and there you have it! A unique holiday mantel display for the love of overly-large ornaments.
Thanks for reading!
*This tutorial was sponsored by RYOBI Power Tools. All opinions are my own and they are real, made so by my own real life experience. Thank you. :)