Art in a Box

30 intriguing projects to get you started in mixed-media, including techniques for arranging, organizing, mounting, and creating narratives using readily available boxes of various types.

Also termed 3-D collage, shadow boxes, or assemblage, this compelling art form is based on how you choose and arrange items in a "box" (term used loosely) to create a visual message.

With 30 intriguing projects of varied complexity, this complete guide teaches techniques for arranging, organizing, mounting, and creating narratives. The boxes use easily available items like cigar boxes, unusual packaging containers, or mint tins.

The form's history is covered too, including the curiosity cabinets of Renaissance Europe, the found-object assemblage boxes created in the 20th century by Joseph Cornell, and the works artists create today. You'll find examples that teach arrangement, grouping, and assembly, and a 40-page inspirational gallery of works by expert artists.