Step-by-Step Guide to Enhancing Shadowbox Frames
- Happy Happy Joy Joy
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 28
Enhancing Shadowbox Frames with Personalized Matting
I’ve always loved bold colors, but with my husband’s love for all things grey and monotone, finding a balance between our tastes was always tricky. I mean, I could’ve gone the route of painting an accent wall in a bright, eye-catching color, but let’s be real: I’ve been there before, regretted it later, and swore I’d never do it again. So, I had to get creative.
The solution? Picture frames. They’re the perfect way to reflect my personality and love for color without committing to a wall makeover. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to add a pop of brightness to a space without feeling like you’ve gone too far.
Now, if you’re tired of your home’s neutral tones and have always wanted that pop of color without taking the risk of repainting a whole wall, here’s your answer—hand-painting a dull frame. Trust me, it’s a simple fix! Take my husband’s cherished menu from his first time at The French Laundry. He’s a huge foodie, and this menu represents a special memory for him. It used to sit in a plain black frame in our kitchen, blending in with the background and never quite getting the attention it deserved. So, I decided to give it a little life. After adding bold, vibrant colors, it instantly became the focal point of the room and a conversation starter for anyone who visits.
With just a little creativity, vinyl paint, and polymer clay, I transformed that basic shadowbox into something special. I even used the same mooncake mold from my post on embossed bookmarks—(check it out here!). I’ll walk you through how to make your own custom clay picture matting for a shadowbox frame, adding that personalized touch, a splash of color, and a lot more excitement to your favorite memories.
Materials You’ll Need:
Shadowbox picture frame (This is one of my top picks—it's not the one I used for this project, but definitely a personal favorite!)
Polymer clay (colors of your choice; I used white and painted it with acrylic paints)
Mold of your choice (I used an old mooncake container, but really, the possibilities are endless—just use whatever you can find!)
Vinyl paint (I used AlphaNamel lettering paint for its durability and glossy finish, but any acrylic paint you have on hand will work just fine!)
Adhesive for gluing the polymer clay border (I used Loctite Power Grab All Purpose—it’s durable and dries quickly)
Craft knife or clay cutter
Ruler
220 Grit Sandpaper
Optional: Texture plates, stamps, or other embossing tools for added design
Steps to Transform Your Shadowbox Frame:
Prep the Frame: Start by lightly scuffing up the surface of the frame with 220-grit sandpaper. This helps the vinyl paint adhere better. Once you’re done, wipe the frame thoroughly with a paper towel to remove any dust.
Paint the Frame: Using AlphaNamel vinyl paint (which works great for durability), paint the frame in your desired pattern. For clean lines, use painter’s tape to mask off areas that need to stay straight. Let the paint fully cure for at least a week. Keep in mind that this paint takes longer to dry since it’s designed for lettering and automobiles. If you’re using acrylic paint (like interior house paint), it will only take a few hours to dry.
Work on the Polymer Clay Border: While the frame paint is drying, start on the inner border. Measure the image you’re framing to determine the right size for the border. Roll out your polymer clay, press it into your embossed mold (I used the same mooncake container from my embossed bookmarks project), and carefully cut it to fit the frame.
Bake the Clay: Once the clay is shaped, bake it according to the polymer clay’s specified cook time. After baking, let it cool completely before painting it with acrylic paint to match your frame or add your desired color.
Assemble the Shadowbox: Once the frame is fully dry and the clay border is finished, it’s time to assemble! Glue the image into the frame and then attach the painted clay border using the Loctite Power Grab All Purpose Adhesive.
Final Assembly: Let everything set and fully cure. Once dry, place it on display, and enjoy your beautiful creation for years to come!
This DIY is a great way to add a splash of color and fun to your home decor—it's not the one I used for this project, but definitely one I love for brightening up any space! Want more ideas to liven up your home? Follow me on Instagram for endless creative DIYs and colorful inspiration!
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