Book excerpt: In the multimillion-dollar crafter market, this is one art form that appeals to artists and makers of all kinds, whatever their other mediums may be. Also termed 3-D collage, shadow boxes, or assemblage, it's 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. Includes examples to teach arrangement, grouping, and assembly and offers extra inspiration with a 40-page gallery of a wide range of works by expert artists.