DIY Wood Nichos

How to make DIY wood nichos – from rulers! These little shadow boxes are so artful and strong. You’ll love designing your own!

Last month I spent a week in beautiful San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. I shopped like nobody’s business!

Small wood and tin nichos (shadow boxes) were my faves! The result? I came up with a DIY Wood Nichos method to make more at home! The key ingredient? Yard sticks! You can also use paint stirrers (they are free!), Popsicle stocks or wood shims.

I bought these yard sticks at Lowe’s they are cheap and plentiful and you can make a LOT of boxes with just a few. Come to find out, I also had several at home, so yup, I made a lot of boxes!

One thing about crafts in Mexico, there is a LOT of recycling! Making use of anything and everything to make beautiful art.

Supplies for DIY wood nichos:

2-4 wood yard sticks (or free paint stirrers found at home improvement stores)

Wood glue

Saw

Craft paint

Watercolor paper

Brushes

Directions:

To make them, start off by marking off each section on the yardstick that you want to cut.

I used a small electric saw to cut up the pieces. 

For the backs of the boxes, you can use more sticks or boxes that you already have. Great way to recycle!

Glue the pieces to the fronts of boxes, or you can use the cut up pieces to make the boxes if you want.

Whatever works! Be creative and resourceful!

To get the designs for the tops of the nichos, like the ones in Mexico, I cut out shapes from watercolor paper.

You can use thicker cardboard or chipboard if you want.

Next – paint everything!

First base coat the boxes and the watercolor paper separately. Let dry. Then use craft glue to attach the designs. I used a liner brush to add accents.

Here’s the fun part – finding items to showcase inside! Look for small objects, pictures, jewelry pieces, or even ornaments!

Attach a saw tooth picture hanger if you want to display them on the wall.

Five other ideas for how to make DIY Nichos

Popsicle stick nichos
Use jumbo popsicle sticks or craft sticks to construct a simple box frame. Layer them in different patterns for added texture. Paint, stain, or decorate with glitter and decoupage for a colorful folk-art look.

Laser-cut wood nichos
If you have access to a laser cutter (or know someone who does), you can design intricate frames and cut them from thin plywood. Assemble the pieces with wood glue and add layers for a dimensional effect. Create cutout designs like hearts, flowers, or sacred hearts for a classic nicho aesthetic.

Wood crate nichos
Repurpose small wooden crates, like mini produce crates or cigar boxes, as ready-made nicho bases. Sand them down, paint or stain them, and embellish with trim, papel picado, or metallic accents. Add small shelves or dividers for multiple levels inside.

Wood shim nichos
Use wood shims, reclaimed wood or small scraps from a hardware store to build a box with a more rugged, rustic aesthetic. Secure with nails or wood glue and distress the edges for a timeworn look. Add metal accents, tin foil embossing, or hand-painted details to enhance the vintage feel.

Rolled paper nichos
Hollow out a thick hardcover book to create a secret nicho inside. Secure the pages with Mod Podge or glue and cut out a deep niche in the center. Decorate with paint, collage, or a Día de los Muertos-inspired altar scene.