Making the Shadow Box Frame Part of the Masterpiece | Jody Morrow

When a frame becomes part of the art itself, the result is breathtaking. In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll share how I created a dimensional shadow box card featuring the Dreamer’s Forest stamp and stencil. By blending the frame pieces in the same manner as the stamped background, the design transforms into a unified masterpiece where the frame and scene flow seamlessly together. 

*Disclaimer: All products used are linked below as clickable images. If a product isn't listed, it's been discontinued. 

How to recreate this card:

1. Cut and fold an A2 top-folding card base from white cardstock.
2. Stamp the image on a white A2 panel using Detail Black Ink. 
3. Add color using the coordinating stencils: 
   1. Stencil 1: Ocean Breeze, Aquamarine, Tidal Pond
   2. Stencil 2: Ocean Breeze, Aquamarine, Tidal Pond
   3. Stencil 3: Ocean Breeze, Aquamarine, Tidal Pond
   4. Stencil 4: Misty Coast, Rocky Slope, Metropolis
   5. Stencil 5: Sage, Eucalyptus, Lush Forest
   6. Stencil 6 A & B: Raspberry Bliss, Blue Jay, Stargazer
4. Die cut 2 each of the pieces in the Shadow Box Frame die in white cardstock. Using the ink-blended as a guide, use the same colors to ink-blend the flat shadow box pieces, creating an ombre effect down the sides of the frame, and solid coverage on the top and bottom pieces of the frame. Allow the frame to dry, and then assemble it. 
5. Adhere the ink-blended image to the backside of the frame. 
6. Lay a piece of scrap paper across the bottom 3/4 of the panel (starting where the green starts), and spatter white paint on the sky of the assembled frame and panel. Set aside to dry.
7. Stamp the sentiment in Versamark on a coordinating piece of cardstock, or on ink-blended white cardstock, and heat emboss in silver; die cut the sentiment and stack on 2 blank sentiment die cuts. Adhere to panel. 
8. Embellish with silver metallic pearls.
9. Adhere the completed panel to the card base.

This project shows how a frame can do more than just highlight a card—it can become part of the design itself. 

Now it’s your turn! Share your version of this card and tag us on Instagram—we’d love to see how you bring this technique to life. Leave a comment below with your favorite part of this project, or tell us how you might adapt it to your own style.