The Summertime Beach Scene Shadow Box.
When you think of summer, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the sound of waves, the feel of sand, and the joy of slowing down. That’s exactly what inspired my latest shadow box design. I wanted something that captures the warmth and nostalgia of a perfect beach day.
This piece combines layered paper craft, engraved accents, and—for the first time—my new Hot Foil Tool to add a shimmer of gold to the sun motifs in the frame. Every element was designed to evoke that laid-back Jersey Shore feeling, from the iconic beach badge to the hand-inked seashells. Whether you're dreaming of the coast or gifting a piece of summer to someone special, this shadow box brings sunshine to any space.
Starting with the Design
This is a remix of a card I made for someone. Working in the design software to scale it, and modify how it would sit in the shadowbox to provide just the right amount of depth.
To create the depth between layers of cardstock, I designed a 3D printed object that is sturdy enough to fit between the two layers and ensure the cardstock does not droop.
Making Space
The Hot Foil Pen Tool
I recently added the new XTool Hot Foil Pen Tool to my workshop and wanted to find a fun way to test it out on a real project. This summer shadow box was the perfect opportunity. I used the tool to add gold foil to the sun motifs on the frame, giving them a subtle shimmer that ties in perfectly with the gold backdrop behind the beach scene inside the box.
Putting it all together
Here’s a closer look at the finished shadow box. It is complete with shimmering gold foil suns on the frame and a layered beach scene accented with bold blue and gold foil inside. Every detail is customizable, from the beach name on the badge to the background colors and even the wood tone of the frame.
Have something specific in mind? Click below to start your custom order.
