Shadow Box Tips

The most important consideration when setting up a shadow box is deciding right frame to complement items you plan to frame. Shadow boxes come in a couple of different varieties. Some have shallow frames. These are usually good for displaying coin collections or award ribbons. Most of these are only up to 1/2 inch deep.

Traditional shadow boxes are about 4 inches deep. You can place virtually any item in these boxes. They help set off object inside creating a more intense and three-dimensional image. When setting your image in a shadow box, you should use double sided tape or glue to keep object in its place. If you plan to place a heavy object in a shadow box, you can use a substance called epoxy or caulking. Usually if you do this you will have to let object dry for several hours.

Occasionally you may be able to sew object you want to display into back of your shadow box. This is case with a baseball for example. You can also buy some Velcro to attach soft articles to your shadow box. Remember shadow boxes are often used for hanging or displaying objects other than pictures. You can still put your favorite photos in them with a little double-sided tape. Wedding and baby memorabilia look amazing arranged in these multi purpose boxes.

As with any picture frame, you should take time to measure items you want to display. This will help you decide right style and size of shadow box. If you want to display thick objects be sure you get a traditional style box rather than a shallow one. As with any decorating, be sure you have your picture framing supplies handy before mounting any pictures.

You don't have to hang shadow boxes for them to look great. Most shadow boxes rest easily on a nightstand, in a display case or on a hutch or available counter. Consider buying one or two shadow boxes to complement other decorative pieces in your home like digital picture frames or magnetic picture frames. The biggest mistake people make is trying to cram too many objects in their displays. When it comes to making a shadow box, less is usually better!

Pixels - - - File Size - - - Resolution - - - Print Size

1.2 - - - - - 480k - - - - - 1152 x 864 - - - - - 4 x 6 inches 2.0 - - - - - 980k - - - - - 1600 x 1200 - - - - 5 x 7 inches 3.0 - - - - - 1.2M - - - - - 2048 x 1536 - - - - 10 x 8 inches 5.0 - - - - - 2.3M - - - - - 2592 x 1944 - - - - 11 x 14 inches

Most computers will only display 2.0 megapixel image (at most) without scrolling, so you may find yourself resizing all your pictures - or not using maximum resolution of your camera - if you have a 5.0 megapixel camera.

Only ever print pictures at 5 x 7, or only view them on a computer? Then a 2 megapixel may be enough for now. The prices will be lower next year if you want to upgrade later.

Obviously, higher pixel cameras do have some advantages, especially when it comes to cropping and editing - and you know salesman will want to sell you best camera in store - but I hope this information will help in making an informed decision.