Expert: Sheila M. Krueger - 4/30/2008

Question
I have a 9"x9" shadow box wooden frame. I want to decorate it  with my dog Jen's belongings. I have collar, pawprint in ceramic, photo, poem etc. We had to  put her down last month, she was 14yrs old & ill.
How can I display these items & what do you use for  securing them? I have acid free paper asst. designs for  inside, I would like to use more that one print, Also have scrapbook items for pets i.e. little bones, collar, stickers etc. thanks

Answer
Ingrid:

What a beautiful tribute to your loyal friend! Like your acid-free scrapbook items and papers, there are acid-free glues and adhesives available as well. For a project of this size, I would suggest Elmer's Craft Bond Fabric & Paper Glue. It is acid-free and should have enough bonding power to hold the collar if you choose to use it on that.

Putting a photo of Jen in the collar (like a frame) would be cute. You could even hang the collar from the top of the box with a leash as a tether! Lining the box with the scrapbook paper will add a nice dimension, then attach your little scrapbook items around (never on photos though!)

You can decorate the outside of the box as well. Using a stronger adhesive or even Mod-Podge, you can add some of the smaller paper items to the frame of the shadow box.

Sounds like a terrific project and one that will enhance your memories of your beloved pet!

Good luck!

Sheila K