Disney Shadow Box Savings Bank

We love Disneyland, like really L-O-V-E it! And since moving closer we’re fortunate to be able to visit more often. We try to go at least once a year, but it’s not inexpensive and I want the kids to help out a little with the extras we might purchase while we’re there. We made a Disney Shadow Box Savings Bank so the kids could contribute to our trip and watch their money grow. It gets them more excited about the trip and who doesn’t like to count money? It’s a fun and easy project the kids can help with.

Supplies you will need:

Shadow Box Frame (Hobby Lobby) this one already had the slit in the top for coins
Scrapbook Paper (Disneyland theme paper, of course)
Stickers (I decided on different stickers after I took this picture) use any you like
Paint (I used Gold Shimmer)
Tape (I used washi tape)

Start by taping off the frame so the glass is protected while painting. I used washi tape because I was too lazy to go the garage to get the painters tape. It worked perfectly. I only needed to paint one coat of the gold shimmer paint because it seems to be a little thicker and the coverage was good. Peel the tape off the front of the frame as soon as the paint is mostly dry. Repeat the process on the inside of the frame because it’s going to show through the glass. Cut the scrapbook paper to fit the back of the frame. There is no need to glue or tape it in place, just secure the back in the frame and it will hold it.

Clean the glass inside and out, then assemble the frame.

Add the stickers to the outside of the glass. I had these glitter stickers on hand and decided they looked best with the gold paint and paper I chose.

Ammon was excited to start adding to the bank as soon as possible. The slot was already in the shadow box so I didn’t need to cut it. Bonus! If you can’t find one with a hole already cut in the frame, you can use a saw to cut one yourself.

I think we have a good start and of course they can add bills to help it grow faster. The last time we saved for Disneyland they had a couple hundred dollars to spend on treats and souvenirs. This could also double as a souvenir display case if you didn’t want to use it as a bank anymore. Add all the tickets, pins, flat pennies, pictures, postcards, or anything else from your awesome trip you would like to display.

I love this statue of Walt and Mickey. Our kids gave it to us as a Christmas gift a few years ago when we took all the kids and grand kids to Disneyland. It is filled with so many great memories and I love having it on display.

This is a fun way to save for your trip to Disneyland!