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Well it sounds like you've picked a nice genre of material to go in it, you just don't know how to get these ideas aesthetically portrayed in the box.

I would make a collage background of copies of the photos of her freinds, if the box is big enough I would put a graduation cap in it with the name of her high school and graduation date, just to allude to the fact that this is a graduation present, and whether she likes it or not that high school is a big part of her life.

But it doesnt have to be a rel grad cap, you can get little miniature teddy bears and things for cheap. Just get like a small version of a grad cap and label it. Put that up front in probably the lower right hand corner, just because thats kind a signiture area, and then don't focus any more on the high school theme.

Maybe get a miniature of the instrument that her boyfreind plays, or a script of his music, probably her fav song of his. Print it off in a cool font and work the paper so the it is kind of work and maleable, then take a dowel and a lil dab of glue and role up the ends so that you can only see part of the music, like the best part or the chorus lyrics. And attach that inside. You will definitely need something like a hot glue gun to keep these things together.

I mean, just try to find or make creative replicas of certain things she holds dear. You will want to have at least three bigger items, with the one that draws the most attention in the very center, and several filler items. But remember that odd numbers are key in creating a focal point.

Also, depending on how deep your shadow box is, you can take some scrap cardboard and make a little "stage" at the back of the box that you can sit the items in the back on, to create more depth. And also have more visual area to be able to fill. I would recommend painting the stage with some color that matches or contrasts with the back ground. If you decide to do the collage for the back ground, pick either the color that is most seen in the collage or the color that is least seen, or black, you can never go wrong with black because it creates a more professional look.

You can include fashion cut outs, buttons, zippers, fashion sketches, etc- anything that has to do with clothes or fashion. You should also include things that have to deal with music such as the instrument her boyfriend plays, music notes, maybe take some of her ticket stubs (from whatever they are from- maybe music shows and stuff) and include them in there too. Since she wants to be a photographer you can include a picture of a camera or a lenspeice or something. Also include some of her favorite bands, a picture of her and her friends, or her and her boyfriend. Find out what her favorite quote is or google a quote that can pull it all together and put that in there. Such as "Fashion, Friends, & Music<3" Or something like that.

I love making shadowboxes, especially for other people, they really do make wonderful, personal, and unique gifts. :)

If you need inspiration you can always look up shadowboxes on www.etsy.com or google or something.

This might require some foot work, but could pay off. Not sure how big your shadow box is, to take the ideas that fit and those that don't.

On a side note: cover the inside of your box. While paint is great (and if you have alot of 3d items, it might be better), fabric gives a great texture.

1) Head over to your local craft and hobby store. There's several areas you may want to check for small items. First off, the scrapbooking area. Here, you'll find fun stickers (fabric ones in 3d that are usually themed, from cooking to travel to hearts). You might find some paper for the back ground or to write sayings on. Since your project is small, its kinda like the scrap fabric for a quilt. You can get several small pieces, from hand made to her favorite color.

Another section to check out is the doll house area. Check out the doll furniture! You may find tiny easels, dress making manakin, or a guitar! (You may also find some fashion, though the barbie bin at the thrift store may be a better price).

2) What are her favorite bands? I did an album cover for a friend this past christmas: it was for a fake band in the style of his favorite genre of music. I made the guests performances by all the friends that were at the christmas party. Also, I made a guitar pic (painted over one and added the fake bands symbol) and a ticket stub that was a scan of an actual local concert, but digitally changed the title and so forth). Music memorabilia may be fun and a mix of fashion and bands she likes.

3) Scan her friends. If you know them well, make small frames and print out the pics of each. Then add items that are symbolic of each friend (one friend bakes alot, one friend is an artist, etc). Then clutter the rest of the shadow box with fun stuff, like popcorn, fashion, music, and other things that the friends might have done together.

Bon chance.

I have a cornice above my living room window and I display my colored bottles on it. +