Give your bare wood shadow box the look of aged wood with Varathane Aged Wood Accelerator. Plant succulents into the box and hang it on the wall for a unique piece of living art.

Step 1: Lightly stir the can of Aged Wood Accelerator.

Step 2: With a 2" foam brush, apply the Aged Wood Accelerator to the bare wood, following the directions on the can.

Step 3: Let the Aged Wood Accelerator dry for approximately 1 hour. 

Step 4: Cut the wire chicken netting to the size of your planter. Be sure to trim each side 1 inch shorter than your frame. Attach the netting to the back of the outer frame using a staple gun. 

Step 5: Nail the outer frame into the inner frame. Galvanized nails are best for this.

Step 6: Use a nail punch to tap each nail below the frame’s surface to minimize visibility.

Step 7: Measure your landscape fabric to be a few inches longer than the netting and the inside of the planter. Secure all sides with a staple gun.

Step 8:  Drill the top of the frame and use washers and nuts to secure your bolts and hangers. Make sure your hangers are strong enough to handle the weight of your succulents. You can also drill small holes along the bottom of your planter to drain excess water.

Step 9: Mix a blend of perlite, gravel, and potting soil together and scoop it in the planter.

Step 10: Attach the back panel to the planter with a staple gun. Be sure your back panel is made from pressure treated plywood, cedar paneling or waterproof plywood.

Step 11: Make a small hole in the dirt where you want your first succulent to be. Pat the dirt firmly around it and follow the same process for all additional plants. Cut and bend any wire to help secure the roots. Once your planter is completely filled, use a soft-bristled brush to clean any dirt off your succulents. 

Step 12:  Lay your planter on the ground for about a week. This will allow the plants and dirt to settle.

Step 13: Hang your shadow box planter on a wall.      

Step 14: Spray your succulents once a month to keep them hydrated and healthy.