Handcrafted shadowboxes
… because life's a beach
Shell’s signature artistry is on full display in her handcrafted shadowboxes. Combining watercolour painting, illustration, die cutting, and a variety of rubber stamping techniques, each shadowbox is a unique three-dimensional vignette, suitable for display in virtually any decor.
“I want to challenge myself beyond simple diecuts and flat works, creating layered pieces with a real sense of depth and dimension. My goal is to invite the viewer into the scene.”
Looking for a unique gift for yourself or someone else? Request your shadowbox today!
Each of the handcrafted shadowboxes below is a commissioned work. Shell would be delighted to create one for you, and asks that you keep the following in mind:
- Shadowbox frames are available in black or white.
- With their classic straight lines, shadowbox frames are suitable for hanging or for display on a desk, shelf, or table.
- The white passepartout mat is acid-free and will not discolour the picture inside.
- Where a watercolour painting or hand-drawn illustration, created by Shell herself, is used as a background, it cannot be duplicated exactly from one shadowbox to the next. It may look similar, but it will contain differences.
- Similarly, where foreground layers are die cut, there will be differences from one project to another. The pieces are positioned by hand, and not by machine; therefore, their placement is variable.
- There may be also be colour variances, depending on the cardstock, paint, and inks or other colouring techniques used.

Spring/summer scene
Shadowbox in a black display frame with white passepartout mat features a summer forest scene.
This forest scene comprises several layers, creating an illusion of depth and distance. The foremost layer is a stand of trees, each with vibrant green foliage. A brown stag appears to be emerging from the woods. The middle layers comprise die cut deciduous trees and evergreens, set against a shimmering lake and stands of evergreens. The background layer is a handpainted watercolour painting of majestic purple mountains.
- With its classic straight lines, the black frame measures 8″ × 10″ (20 cm × 25 cm) and can be used hanging or standing.
- The white passepartout mat is acid-free and will not discolour the 5″ × 7″ (12 cm × 17 cm) picture inside

Autumn scene
This autumn scene comprises several layers, creating an illusion of depth and distance. The foremost layer is a stand of trees in fall colours: red-orange maples, yellow oak, and a deciduous tree with orange leaves. Behind them are more trees with yellowed leaves, standing among waves of yellowed grasses. The background layer is a handpainted watercolour painting of a red barn against a backdrop of evergreens and majestic purple mountains.
- With its classic straight lines, the black frame measures 8″ × 10″ (20 cm × 25 cm) and can be used hanging or standing.
- The white passepartout mat is acid-free and will not discolour the 5″ × 7″ (12 cm × 17 cm) picture inside