I guess this is the year of the shadow box because we can’t seem to stop making them. First, it was self portrait shadow boxes. Then we went to family photo shadow boxes. And now, winter scene shadow boxes. I just think it’s so much fun to create this little worlds of wonder and these kids had a blast with them. Here’s how to create this great art project for kids.
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materials – a bunch of permanent markers (i.e. chalk markers
I’ve been collecting markers for a while because I have an art supply hoarding situation going on. You definitely don’t need this many. One pack of paint markers
Start by painting the inside of the box with watercolors. We used blue liquid watercolor and it worked really well.
Sprinkle salt over the watercolor to create a snowy feel. The salt absorbs the watercolor. Kids love this part. Glue on any little details, like sequins. *Note* if you’re watercolor dries before you sprinkle the salt, just add another coat. No problem.
Cut the transparency paper to the size of the box and draw your winter scene on top with the permanent markers. This group was into penguins and Christmas trees.
Before you tape the transparency onto the box, you’re going to need to poke a hole on the top of the box with a scissor for your loop. The hole will likely be pretty small so to help you poke the yarn or string through, take a skewer or toothpick and use it to the push the string up through the hole. Email me if you want to do it and that makes no sense : )
Tape the transparency paper to the box with decorative tape or regular scotch tape and you’re done. So cute right? You can hang it up on the wall or lean it up on a desk. If you want to leave off the loop you can tape the back right up to the wall and display your shadow box. That looks great too.
No matter what age they come out great, so let’s hear it for shadow boxes!
For more fun art projects with kids, try printmaking or spin art rocks. Have fun! xo Meri
this project is so cute and so fun!!!!
Thank you so much!
I am doing these winter shadowboxes with my kindergarteners right now and they look great. The only problem is that the washi tape keeps coming unstuck from the boxes and transparencies. Do you ever have that problem? Are you using some kind of extra sticky washi tape?
I have had that problem since. It all depends on the quality of your washi tape. The read deal from most etsy shops is great, but the newer cheaper kind by big companies is not great quality. I would recommend scotch tape over it or instead. Hope it works out for you!
I made this with my son’s kindergarten class, and it was a hit! They came out so unique and beautiful. The teacher loved how everyone got to express their creativity vs. a cookie cutter art project.
I used wooden boxes from Michael’s, and my washy tape didn’t stick so well either so we also glued the transparency onto the lip of the box, which helped (the boxes are thicker than the cardboard ones). Thank you for this fun idea- I will definitely be using your site for other art projects!
So glad to hear it!
These are adorable! What size boxes do you think work best?