shadow box

Now that Christmas is sufficiently documented, we can move along to the project I wanted to show you last week. You might remember the shadow boxes I made with the kids' "hospital to home" outfits. Some designer (can't remember now) did it on HGTV and I loved the idea because while I can't stand keeping unnecessary items, I get sentimental about some of my kids' items.  But who wants to keep all that stuff packed away? The reason we love it is the memory associated with it. Why not put them on our walls and get warm fuzzies from them every day?

One of those items for me is the girls' ballet slippers. Natalie was 4 and Ainsley 2 when they took ballet. They were so sweet.... I mean, who doesn't love a little ballerina? I knew I would one day put these in a shadow box as well. I just didn't realize it would take me four years!

I bought the same shadow boxes from JoAnn Fabrics during a 50% off sale, this time 8x10. Then printed off 8x10 photos (turned black and white) I took of the girls those many years ago and pulled out their ballet shoes that I hoarded in the cabinet and moved twice with.

I started by gluing the picture to the slip of paper that came in the shadow box. I'm not sure this made it any sturdier, but I sure felt better.

Then I lined up the shoes the way I wanted them in the boxes. I had to put Natalie's in fourth (fifth?) position. (she told me what position this was, but I forget now)

I was able to line Ainsley's up on the sides. 

Then I put the picture into the box and pushed down gently. The shoes were thicker than the box so both times I had to lift the photo up a little and manipulate the shoes into place. The silver lining is that I didn't need any pins or adhesive to get them to stay in place. 

They are now hanging on the wall between the girls' bedrooms and their bathroom. A place we pass every day. 

I love this little reminder of that time in our life! What items do you have stowed away that you could put in a shadow box?