Create a cute and functional shadow box coin bank using only a few tools. A creative and fun way to save for a special occasion.
Hello, Summery Umbrella fans! I’m Kimberly from Bugaboo Creates and I’m back with an easy but eye-catching idea for saving your change! You can see my other forays into DIY, crafting, photography, and more on my blog, including all my ideas for creative family fun.
You’ve probably got some sort of occasion you like to save your pennies for – be it a vacation, Christmas shopping, or something more specific like college or a wedding. Whatever your loose change helps fund, here’s a great way to collect it that will keep you motivated toward your goal!
Want this freebie? Sign up for access to my resource library below.
Get freebies and more!
Sign up below to gain access to the resource library and for all the latest.
First name
You’ve successfully signed up! Check your email for the resource library link and password.
How to Make DIY Shadow Box Coin Bank
A shadow box coin bank is a fun and personalized way to save your extra cash. It’s like a grown-up version of a piggy bank, and it doesn’t take many materials or tools to make, either.
What you need:
Instructions to Make Your Shadow Box Coin Bank:
1. Carve a Slot in the Top of the Frame
Take the back off your frame.
Mark a spot in the middle of the top of the frame that is about 2-3 inches long. (Make sure your frame is right side up!) Using your Dremel tool or woodcarver, cut or carve out a slot in the top, and sand it down as best you can.
2. Add Your Background
Clean your frame off and wipe down your glass.
You can choose any printable that matches the occasion for your savings (this one would be adorable for a wedding for example!), but I chose this vintage bicycle with Flowers. Print your printable out on white cardstock, and cut it to 8×10.
Use your glue or tape runner around the edges of the back of the printable.
Adhere your printable to the frontside of the backing of your shadow box frame.
Then, place your back onto the frame with the printable facing the front.
3. Add Letter Decals to the Glass
Now, just add your stickers to describe what you’re saving money for! Vacation fund, wedding fund, college fund, etc. My husband and I love adventuring together, so that’s what I added to mine.
And you’re already done! Now just drop your extra cash and coins in the slot on top!
It’s a great personalized visual reminder of what you’re saving that extra cash for. And the harder it is to get out of the bank, the more likely I won’t spend it on donuts!
Though, it’s actually very easy to get the money out without breaking the glass – you just lift the back off. An easy and fun way to collect those superfluous coins!
What Can You Use Your Shadow Box Coin Bank To Save For?
There are so many great ways to make a coin bank at home, but if you like the idea of using a shadow box, here are a few more ideas of what you could use it to save for.
- Create a coin bank to save for a second honeymoon or a romantic getaway. This “We Still Do” SVG File is perfect if you have a Silhouette or other cutting machine to make the letters.
- Start saving for your Christmas shopping, but use your shadow box coin bank as part of your home decor with this beautiful hand-drawn Santa Reindeer printable.
- What have you always dreamed of doing or buying? This “Don’t Quit Your Daydream” printable is perfect to keep you motivated in your savings. You won’t even need to add any adhesive letters to the front!
What’s Next?
Take a look at a few of my other DIY projects over at Bugaboo Creates like my Fence Panel turned Family Tree or my Light Up Reclaimed Wood Sign.
Don’t forget to check out a few of these other creative ideas!
Let’s be Social
- Instagram @thesummeryumbrella
- Pinterest summeryumbrella
This post was originally created in May 2019 but was updated in June 2021.
