Steps
STEP 1
First, cut two squares of 1/4 in plywood to measure 16x16”. They will be the front and back of the shadow box.
Tools
![cutting plywood to size](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/7a0ef594c47f4418b8e05b45452d52b6.jpeg)
STEP 2
Next, cut a large ornament shape from paper and trace it onto the center of one of the squares.
![cutting out ornaments](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/695ff4917d884360af9d042e709db3cd.jpeg)
STEP 3
Cut some scrap wood strips to measure 14.5” in length. They will be glued to the other square of plywood to create the back wall of the piece.
Tools
![Cutting scrap wood to size](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/a7e976bbc0ea487ca9eba07cdad6433f.jpeg)
STEP 4
Next, glue the pieces onto the plywood backing, using heavy objects to clamp the wood strips down. Leave 3/4 in of space all the way around so the frame can be “sandwiched” between the front and back pieces of plywood.
![Gluing pieces onto plywood backing](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/0387067ab534495f834bc6023736ce40.jpeg)
STEP 5
When glue has dried, lay out your frame around the scrap wood strips.
![Arranging wood pieces](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/2a93431568e94a58afcd6db534957369.jpeg)
STEP 6
Glue and nail the frame together at the corners.
Tools
![nailing frame together](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/c5288aad5c0742e5aaa83587de1fe6c3.jpeg)
STEP 7
Flip everything over, and attach the backing to the frame.
Tools
![flipping over art piece](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/e5cfa51b56cc4e60b701fe9e0be0bc40.jpeg)
STEP 8
Front panel cut out: I used a table saw to ensure a perfectly straight line for the ornament “string”.
Tools
![cutting ornament string line](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/73f7c5253fd64f9e9cf41ff3b6541b71.jpeg)
STEP 9
Cut out along the traced line with the scroll saw to cut out the ornament shapes.
Tools
![cutting out ornaments](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/1ce2635a4eaf4af880cad4070f8c17ec.jpeg)
STEP 10
Sand any rough edges.
Tools
![sanding the wood](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/ee61be7800fe4293a1ce2158ce61689f.jpeg)
STEP 11
Attach front panel ornament cutout piece to the frame.
Tools
![attaching front panel piece](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/bd8ee2c5223245c381f95b78ad0f5d18.jpeg)
STEP 12
For added effect, install some battery operated Christmas lights to the back of the front panel. (I used painter’s tape because it’s easy to remove.)
![Installing lights](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/6814829625664b06b6244597db2c9bc6.jpeg)
STEP 12
…and there you have it! A unique holiday mantel display for the love of overly-large ornaments!
![holiday ornament](https://2e1293630802db8d0d56-50fcdb1c10e3e49a3d1b0541a2f13b69.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/projects/steps/8a14628a9fb14d9191d37175ecdc110a.jpeg)