Easy DIY Baby Shadow Box Keepsake

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Learn how to make a DIY baby shadow box to display cherished keepsakes like hospital bracelets, photos, and tiny outfits.

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Years ago I created a baby shadow box for my now 35-year-old son, Derek and my 30-year-old daughter, Amanda, who is expecting her first baby.

This felt like the perfect time to preserve special memories to include in a baby shower gift for Amanda.

Instead of leaving them tucked away I thought it would be nice to have new artwork to hang in my updated master bedroom that showcases these trinkets along with their baby photos.

DIY Baby Shadow Box

As I was working on this makeover, I cleaned out my hope chest and found the baby booties from my now

That inspired me to create this DIY baby shadow box to preserve these precious keepsakes.

Supplies

• Shadow Box Frame
• 8×8 Shadowbox Frame
• Glue Dots
• Dimensional Foam Dots
• Double Sided Tape Roller
• Baby Decorative Scrapbook Paper

Tips for Making a Shadow Box

Step 1. Gather Your Mementos 

Start by gathering a collection of mementos that you want to include in your shadow box. I went with just a few photos, a baby bootie for both my son and daughter, some decorative paper and adhesive. 

Include items that are meaningful to you. It is best not to include too many items. You don’t want the box to be too busy.

Step 2. Attach Decorative Paper

The first step is to secure decorative paper to the base of the shadow box. I recommend using a double-sided tape runner rather than hot glue, which can cause the paper to bubble.

Step 3. Secure Baby Keepsakes

Next up, secure your keepsakes using glue dots or dimensionals.

This came together in under 30 minutes which is great! I’m bummed I couldn’t find the hospital bracelet or hat, but those would be perfect for this.

Here are the shadow boxes side by side:

For the shadow box I gifted Amanda to hang in the nursery, I included her favorite “dolly” that she had as a baby. Look at how loved dolly is! My late husband sewed and re-sewed this doll so many times.

I also included photos of Amanda holding the dolly when she was a baby. Yes, the dolly was originally pink, but we switched to blue when we could no longer find a pink one. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to mind!

There may have been a few tears shed when Amanda saw this shadow box, as I have had dolly in my hope chest for many years.

See all the details from her baby in bloom baby shower. If you are planning a baby shower, you may also want to check out these baby shower centerpieces with hydrangeas and this great collection of baby shower snacks.

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Thanks for stopping by. Happy crafting!

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