How to Make a Woodland Shadow Box with a Frosted Twist

Have you ever wanted to add a magical touch to your crafting? Something that combines delicate decoupage with the dreamy look of frosted glass—all without using a single harsh chemical? You're in for a treat!

We're excited to introduce Polyvine Acrylic Glass Frosting, a water-based, low-odor medium that creates a stunning etched glass effect. It's perfect for adding a frosted finish to your projects without the need for harsh chemicals.

Donna from Mason Creations etc., one of our favorite creators and a treasured affiliate, has put together a beautiful tutorial showing you exactly how to make a woodland-themed frosted shadow box. It’s a beginner-friendly project with advanced-looking results.

🎥 Watch the full step-by-step video below to follow along!

✂️ Step-by-Step: How to Make a Frosted Glass Woodland Shadow Box

Step 1: Prepare Your Shadow Box
Start by filling any gaps in your wooden shadow box frame using texture paste. Let it dry, then give the surface a good sanding with medium-grit sandpaper. Brush out the dust and wipe clean with a soft cloth.

Step 2: Base Paint the Background and Frame
Paint the back interior of your box using Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton. This white base makes your rice paper images pop. Then, paint the frame and sides with Pentart Pine Green, a rich shade that pairs beautifully with botanical designs.

Step 3: Apply Your Rice Paper
Choose a vibrant rice paper design like birch trees with colorful florals. Trim it to fit the box interior. Adhere it using Polyvine Decorators Varnish—first as a glue, then as a topcoat. Smooth out bubbles using a dampened plastic sheet to avoid tearing.

Step 4: Seal It In
Once your decoupage is dry, seal the inside with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in satin. This adds durability, especially before the shadow box gets closed up.

Step 5: Make the Frosted Glass Window
Cut a clear plastic sheet to fit your shadow box. Tape a dragonfly stencil on top, then use Polyvine Acrylic Glass Frosting and a Polyvine stencil brush in a circular motion. Dab lightly to prevent bleed-through. Let it dry for an hour.

Step 6: Craft Your Clay Branches and Leaves
Use Das air dry clay and your favorite molds to create tree branches and leaves. Freeze the filled molds for 20 minutes for easy release. Glue them to your box using tacky glue while the clay is still soft, so they conform to the shape.

Step 7: Paint and Add Texture
Paint branches with  Pentart Black Paint and leaves with a mix of Pentart Pine Green, Leaf Green, and Vintage Green. Add 3D dimension to your branches using 3D powder mixed with paint and tap it on for a bark-like texture.

Step 8: Highlight and Antique
Seal the leaves with Polyvine Heavy Duty Wood Varnish in satin. Then, mix a custom glaze using glazing medium and a light brown paint to antique the leaves—dab away excess carefully.

Step 9: Finish with Gold Accents
Highlight the leaf edges using Decor Wax in Eternal Gold, applied with a fine brush for control. No extra varnish needed—this wax shines beautifully on its own.

This project is full of texture, shimmer, and woodland magic. Whether you're new to decoupage or looking to expand your skills, this tutorial is a joy to follow. Huge thanks to Donna for sharing her creative genius with us!

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Happy crafting!