I have explored the theme of grazing deer in a number of different shadow boxes but I kept getting requests to bring the theme to the square purchased shadow box format. It was a great winter project and so I set out to make another illuminated shadow box but I had a few ideas I wanted to explore. First I wanted to add some subtle color. I love the illuminated shadow boxes when they are lit up but I find them rather dull when not illuminated. So I wanted to add a little more color.
I also had experimented with using straws as spacers awhile ago. It didn’t go well but I was sure I could develop a quicker assembly technique than the zig zag side supports I used for my other illuminated boxes. With those challenges in mind I started designing.
The beauty of designing is that you may end up somewhere you weren’t planning to go and that is what happened with this shadow box.
It is a deer scene and it does use the purchased wooden frame for longevity. But it is no longer illuminated. I discovered once I added some limited color plus a gradated sky the addition of LED fairy lights was over kill. So I left them out. I was very excited by the flat design on my computer screen. I proceeded to split the design into layers for cutting and decided to again make an attempt with straw spacers. Sizing of the layers is easier with this technique.
After cutting all the layers and adhering the color parts I started stacking. And I didn’t try to second guess it. I added Scor Tape to the straws and glued them into the stack. That was the key. It worked beautifully, quickly and strongly. I am thrilled with this new construction technique and will be using on more shadow boxes in the future. I am collecting ideas in my Pinterest folders for the next shadow box theme. Where will I go???