Fun for kids: make a box like Cornell

By Asha McLoughlin

Published on 31 August 2015

We invited families to create their own shadow boxes inspired by the work of Cornell. Here's how to do it...

In his own practice, artist educator Andy Malone works with found objects to create stories in matchboxes. Remind you of anyone? Malone recently led a Cornell-inspired Family Studio using retro stamps, driftwood, paper cuttings, maps and more to fashion box creations like those of the American master – who made modest, glass-fronted cases filled with poetic assemblages of tiny items collected during his explorations around New York City. Here's how to create your own boxed treasures with your family at home...

1. So, get a box...

You can create your own Cornell-inspired treasure box at home. It’s a fun and simple challenge if you have a shoebox or an old picture frame (or any other box with a transparent lid) lying around at home. An A6 or A5-size box is ideal – though you can use square boxes, too.

2. Choose a background

To create the background for your treasure box, you could use a piece of patterned wrapping paper, an old map, or a page from a magazine.

3. Gather items to tell your story

Now it’s time to create your own personal story. Gather small objects that mean or symbolize something to you. Cornell filled his shadow boxes with feathers, pipes, shells and marbles. You could include things like passport photos, puzzle pieces, scrabble letters, old stamps, photos, or clippings from magazines and newspapers.

Cornell family studio: a finished shadow box

4. Consider your tools

You will need glue and scissors or a craft knife to cut out fine details. To raise things up in the box to create a sense of depth, use a layer of cardboard underneath the image or objects. To hang objects from the top of the box, use wire or string.

Cornell family studio: three finished shadow boxes

5. Arrange and secure your items

Arrange your objects and images in an interesting and quirky way. Take a look at Cornell’s shadow boxes, which often told stories or captured the feel of a distant time or a faraway place.