I had several people ask me about framing after we posted pictures of our apartment so I thought I would share this little framing trick that Paul taught me. It works best with artwork that is on paper like from a sketchbook because it shows off the texture of the paper by “floating” it. We just use Ikea frames for these but anything will work as long as it is deep enough. I used this method when I framed these sketches from the Alameda Flea Market. Click through below for full instructions!

Materials: Ikea Frame, 1/4 or 1/8 Inch Foam Core, Masking Tape, Double Stick Tape (We used Shure,) X-Acto Knife, Rule, Artwork (Smaller than your frame)

Step 1: Take the frame apart.
Step 2: Measure the inside brim of the frame – the length, the height and the depth.
Step 3: Taking those measurements, cut out strips from the foam core.
Step 4: Place the foam core strips around the inside edges of the frame taping them into place. (These will act as ledges.)
Step 5: Cut out another piece of foam core out, 1 – 2″ smaller than your artwork (but same shape as the artwork)
Step 6: Using the double stick tape, adhere the artwork to the foam core you just cut out. This will allow it to “float.”
Step 7: Tape the foam core to the back of the frame.
Step 8: Lay the artwork/foam core/back of the frame onto the ledges, face down.
Step 9: Re-assemble the frame, and you have your new shadowbox!

Still looking for unique (and affordable) ways to get art on your walls? Don’t miss my posts on making your own frames, abstract art, potato prints, and painted words!

Photography by  Heather Zweig for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting and styling by Caitlin Barker