PROJECT 2: Memory Boxes, Continued

Dear Martha:

I regret to inform you that your instructions for the Memory Boxes (specifically, shadow boxes) were unclear...

These instructions involve cutting balsa wood to make a false backing for a deep picture frame to give yourself room to create 3-D images inside of the frame. I did not realize the point of the balsa wood until I finished the background, realizing something needed to hold up the glass if it was not to be the back of the frame. I was lucky enough to have gotten a frame that already had inserts to hold up the glass because the frame itself came with border inserts. I started off by cutting the balsa wood and then ended up feeling totally confused as to what to do with it. So I skipped ahead to making the background and only then realized what it was for. I ended up just using the inserts the frame came with as they seemed just as good or better than the balsa wood.

I would recommend you all try to find a frame that does not involve the cutting of balsa wood. You will cut down on expense because you would not need paper tape. You will also cut down on the tedious extra work of removing clips and such as Martha instructs. (By the way, when clips are fastened with bolt like strength and have no places to insert a screwdriver, that task is impossible).

I chose my trip to France as the subject of the shadow box because Paris is just the right amount of whimsical.

I made my decroative paper background by using pink paint and a sponge. The cloud is a cotton ball and to give the Eiffel Tower just enough "umph" I mounted it on balsa wood.

This project took me a little less then two hours and cost me about $25 but that was thanks to the half price sale Hobby Lobby was having on most of the items I bought.

So let me say thank you to Martha for this project as it was just the distraction I needed on a night when nothing and no one else could do that for me.