The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time and definitely one that needs to be documented. Most of the items such as baby announcements and then the birth announcements will be arranged in a scrapbook. However, some items will not fit in a scrapbook. A shadow box is an ideal solution for displaying memorabilia such as these. A shadow box is simply a shallow box with a frame on the front. Items are arranged inside and a glass panel is placed across the front within the frame like a window looking in on the items. Because it contains 3-D objects rather than just flat photos, a shadow box is visually interesting to the baby and to anyone else who views it.
If the shadow box will be displayed in the nursery, it should be made to match the color scheme and décor in the room. Consider whether to use bold, bright colors or more subdued and soft ones. Does the nursery feature a prominent decorating element such as polka dots, flowers, checks or stripes? Where will the shadow box be displayed? Does the mother-to-be have a specific item she would like to include? The answers to questions such as these can help you to determine the size and style of box you will create.
The items in the box can follow the theme of the birth announcements and baby announcements. A few examples of themes would be circus animals, the alphabet, princesses, baby animals, nature or music, to name just a few. The finished box makes a great centerpiece for the baby shower as well as a wonderful gift for the new parents. Using a theme serves to tie all the elements of the shower together in a clever and attractive way.
Another idea for a theme not related to the birth announcements, baby announcements, nursery or baby shower themes is a vintage box filled with baby items from the baby’s grandparents or parents. Rattles, stuffed toys, clothing or photos of ancestors are perfect examples. Instead of being stored where nobody will see them, they will be enjoyed and will be preserved well while they are enclosed in the box.
To keep the box from becoming too heavy if you are hanging it on a wall, you will need to use lightweight materials in its construction such as plastic or thin wood. Be sure to secure the box to the wall with quality hardware. If you are not sure the wall can bear the weight, the box can easily be placed on top of a dresser or on a shelf.
The baby’s name and birthdate are important to include in the display to make it personalized. Birth announcements and baby announcements are important pieces of the baby’s history because they contain all the pertinent information related to his or her debut into the world. You could get an enlarged copy of birth announcements and cut out the pictures as background or foreground pieces. A photo of the expectant mother surrounded by cutouts from baby announcements adds a nice touch, for example. Play around with the items, arranging them in different ways until you find the arrangement that works for you. Planning and some assembly are required, but the end result is a precious, priceless keepsake.
Lauren Roland is a guest blogger on behalf of Expecting-Parents.com and PaperStyle. She enjoys spending time with her adorable baby boy and spreading tips for new mothers.
