Vintage Map Shadowbox

diy tutorial | how to make your own vintage map shadowbox | the johnsons plus dog
Wondering how to make your own shadowbox? Here's how I made a vintage map shadowbox that's perfect for anyone that's a lover of travel!

At a recent trip to the thrift store, I found this awesome shadowbox for just $3. I thought it would make an easy craft box with a fun quote and vintage map.

I was inspired by my vintage euro map, which I found at a yard sale a couple of years ago. The map has already been used for many projects! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Learn how to make this vintage map shadow box craft! Image shows a black framed shadow box with a vintage map background, traveling quote, and a key inside the box.
Supplies needed to make a vintage map shadow box: an empty shadow box, vintage map, mod podge, and some vintage trinkets to place in the shadow box.

Vintage Map Shadowbox Supplies:

How to Make a Vintage Map Shadow Box: Step By Step Instructions

Step 1. Make background paper.

Remove the backing from the shadow box and trace it on your background paper or map. Cut along lines with the paper cutter.

Using a pencil to trace out the size of the shadow box background onto the vintage map.
Using a paper trimmer to cut the vintage map perfectly down to the size of the shadow box background.

Step 2. Distress background paper.

Blend distress ink on edges. I used the inkssentials blending tool and rubbed in circular motions until it had the look I wanted.

Use a distress ink pad in antique linen and a stamper to give the vintage map for your shadow box and aged look.
Using a stamper and distress ink around the edges of the vintage map to give the map a more aged look for the vintage shadowbox background.
Using distress ink and a stamper to add an aged effect to the travelers quote paper, which will go inside the vintage map shadowbox.

Step 3. Attach paper to back of shadowbox.

Mod podge map to your shadow box backing.

I spread a think coat of mod podge on the backing, then pushed the paper onto that, starting from the middle smoothing out all bubbles.

Then did another 2 coats on top of the paper to seal it.

Using a craft box, spread mod podge on the cardboard background of the shadowbox - this will help attach the vintage map to the shadowbox background.
The shadowbox background completely coated with mod podge, which will adhere the vintage map to the shadowbox background.
Place the vintage map cutout onto the shadowbox background coated with mod podge. Use your hand to gently smooth out the paper.
Use a craft sponge to gently smooth out the vintage map on the shadowbox background.

Step 4. Add your decorations.

Once dry (I waited one day), arrange your decorations, put the backing on shadow box and enjoy!

How easy was that?

The completed vintage map shadowbox is perfect for anyone who loves traveling. This vintage shadowbox has a black frame and is filled with a vintage map and trinkets.
A close up look at the map inside the vintage shadowbox.

Vintage Map Shadowbox

Vintage Map Shadowbox

Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $10

Instructions

    1. Make background paper. Remove the backing from the shadow box and trace on your background paper or map. Cut along lines with a paper cutter.
    2. Distress background paper. Blend distress ink on edges. I used the inkssentials blending tool and rubbed in circular motions until it had the look I wanted.
    3. Attach the paper to the back of the shadowbox. Mod podge map to your shadow box backing. I spread a think coat of mod podge on the backing, then pushed the paper onto that, starting from the middle smoothing out all bubbles. Then did another 2 coats on top of the paper to seal it.
    4. Add your decorations. Once dry (I waited one day), arrange your decorations, put the backing on the shadowbox and enjoy!

Did you make this project?

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