Need help turning your post-vacation keepsake clutter into a divine display? Our resident do-it-yourself expert, Ashley Campbell, has just what you’ve been looking for:

As spring break and summer approach many families begin planning vacations and time to just enjoy being together. In my family unpacking from a trip often includes trying to find places to store or display random keepsakes we’ve picked up along the way. A shadow box is a great way to show off those little items in an clean and classy way.

Filling your shadow box with too many pictures or items and result in framed collection of clutter. After a recent trip to beautiful Hawaii I had a few things to display and more pictures than could ever fit into a frame. To avoid the overly cluttered look I used the Alphabet Frames and some favorite pictures all with the same color tones to create the words “Hana Hou” (used in Hawaii to say “once more” or “again”). Once I had my background created I added a select few of our keepsakes.

Supplies:
12×12 Shadow Box
12×12 print
a select few of your keepsakes
double sided tape
craft supplies (clothespins, masking tape, decorative labels, hot glue gun, etc.)

Step 1:
Create your background using the Alphabet Frames templates. These are so perfect for shadow box displays since they allow you to use several photos while maintaining a simple and clean looking display. I also recommend thinking outside the box on the words you use.

Step 2:
Remove the label inside the shadow box and attach your 12×12 print using the double sided tape.

Step 3:
Begin creating simple displays for some of your items. I wanted to include airline ticket stubs from each of the members of my family. I used a small clothespin to hold them and hot glued that clothespin directly to my 12×12 print. We had just a bit of sand from two of our favorite beaches to include as well. I used old lab beakers (turned upside down) to hold my sand. I also included little flag labels made from paper and toothpicks to designate the origin of the sand. If you can’t find old beakers you could use spice containers for a similar look.

Step 4:
Tilt the shadowbox and begin placing your keepsakes inside. After putting in my sand beakers, I added shells and rocks. Once all your items are inside you can close the shadow box.

Finally you can sit back and enjoy little reminders of your trip while wishing you were there again!