Trench art is made from the everyday objects of warfare. In many cases these objects were made by soldiers passing the time in trenches or recuperating in infirmaries. Trench art was also made by civilians, small businesses were created to meet the demand of returning soldiers who wanted to transform their war relics into mementos suitable for the mantelpiece. Common materials used to make trench art included shrapnel fragments, artillery shells, bullets and pieces of masonry.

There was also an organised craft industry in internment and prisoner-of-war camps. Many prisoners made decorative boxes which were then sold for small profit. The quality and style of trinket box varied upon the skills of the men and the materials available.