Beach Shadowbox DIY

My brother visits family in Fort Lauderdale three or four times a year.
It feels like a second home to him.
The first time he visited, he brought back lots of seashells and quite a bit of sand.
I thought I'd make him something to remind him of the place he so loves. 

I started with a 5"x 7" shadowbox.

I removed the backside and poured sand into the bottom 2/3 of the frame.

Then I filled the rest of the space with small seashells.

 

I added a tag that I stamped with "My own piece of Ft. Lauderdale Beach."

 

I sure wish I had collected sand and shells from all the places we've been.

Wouldn't several of these look cute on a wall with vacation photos?

 

The weather is getting nicer- it's been in the 80's all week here.
We're heading out for a three day camping trip this coming Sunday, so the weather will be perfect.
Our boys are 16 and 14. I was just telling my hubby that we need to enjoy what few family vacations we have left before they leave home!
I hope you all enjoy your weekend.

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

Job 37:14

 This post is linked to Embracing Change, Life With Lorelai, Artsy Fartsy Mama,
Tatertots and Jello, and Pretty Handy Girl.

A "Box" of Memories--- Memory Shadowbox

I am a huge fan of saving memories, and although I am an avid scrapbooker,
I don't think that's the one and only way to document our lives.
I also keep photo albums and a Memory Jar for each year.

I've shown how you can keep a large office ring to keep your cards and memories in one place.
I've also shown you how to use index divider cards to do the same thing.

Today I'm going to put a different twist on this idea. . .

by turning a shadowbox into a Memory Box.

All you need is a shadowbox.

I got this 5"x 7" shadowbox at Michaels.
You don't want to go too big or it may feel a bit overwhelming.

Then you just need to start filling it with mementos: love notes, business cards from places you've been, fortune cookie notes, ticket stubs, receipts, souvenir pennies, and anything else that will fit.

If you like, you can place a title on the front- I placed a scripture.
 You could add your name and the year.

This was my inspiration.

I just looovvveeee how full it looks!

I made this one for a young friend who left home and got her first apartment.
I can't wait to see what she puts in it.
What I wouldn't give to have one of these from my first year away from home!
Or to see one from my mom or grandma's first year away.

Can you see how excited I get to document life?

Thanks for stopping by and God bless.

The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness

Psalm 18:28

This post is linked to Life With Lorelai, I Heart Naptime, and The Crafted Sparrow.