Create a Baby Shadow Box — DIY Your Newborn Keepsakes into Art

Step 1: Gather Your Keepsakes

First, decide what to display. You could include a sonogram, baby's first photo, hospital ID bracelet, hospital hat, first socks or booties, baby's going-home outfit, the first pacifier, birth announcement, tiny footprints, crib shoes, or a piece of a beloved swaddling blanket. We love what Alli from Taking Care of Monkey Business included in hers (see above).

Step 2: Buy the Supplies

Head to your favorite craft store (or open Amazon) to pick up items for your keepsake shadow box. First, you'll need the shadow box itself. We like the Studio Decor 4-Way Adjustable Shadow Box because it's flexible in depth so it can accommodate larger items like crib shoes or lovies. It's also sized well for this project at 12 inches square. 

You may also want to include small wooden letters for your baby's initials. To add color or a pattern, use scrapbooking paper for your background.

And finally, you'll need something to hold your keepsakes in place inside the shadow box. Try a few pretty pearlized pins or mini clothespins so you don't have to cover your keepsakes in glue. Visit the Or So She Says blog to see how Aimee put her shadow boxes together.

Step 3: Put It All Together

Once you have your items, it's time to create your baby shadow box. Start by lining your shadow box with scrapbook paper. Next, place your keepsakes on it, collage style, including any letters or other items you'd like to include. When you have an arrangement you like, pin it into place.

Once you're done, hang it in your baby's nursery, on a family photo wall or place in a bookcase where you can pause to treasure those first memories of your newborn. The Crazy Picture Lady blog has detailed images of how the boxes are arranged.