Bring your Lake Life Shadow Box to life with this simple faux wood stain technique!
This method adds a rich, natural wood effect to the chairs and outer rim—giving your piece a rustic, cabin-by-the-lake feel.
A watered-down brown paint mimics the look of real wood grain while letting subtle texture show through—perfect for creating depth and warmth in your design.
• Add a small amount of water to your paint palette (or use tinfoil with edges folded up as a quick DIY palette)
• Mix in a small amount of brown paint and stir until fully combined
• Test the colour on the back of your chairs or a scrap piece—add more water to lighten or more paint to darken
• Apply the stain in thin, even layers, letting it dry between coats for a deeper shade
See the step-by-step in the video and try it for yourself! Share your finished shadow box—we’d love to see your take on this cozy lakeside look.
Bring your Birch Tree Shadow Box to life! Learn a simple technique to create realistic birch bark with layers of white, grey, and brown—perfect for adding cozy, autumnal forest vibes to your design.
Boost Your Creativity in 3 Simple Steps
Whether you’re painting one of our shadow box kits or tackling a new DIY at home, these easy tips will help you shake up your colours, add more depth, and create without the pressure of perfection. Get ready to flex your creative muscles and see your projects in a whole new way!
Seven years ago, Our Little Makery began as a small dream and today, it’s a full-on family adventure. My three kids are right at the heart of it, helping at markets, knowing every design, and proudly wearing their vendor badges. This time of year is busy and chaotic, but it’s also full of joy, teamwork, and memories we’ll never forget. Thank you for supporting not just our business, but our family too.