How to display Featured images Grid using Genesis Sandbox Featured Content Widget via a Shortcode

In the comments section of my A simple Portfolio Archive Grid in Genesis tutorial, Tom asked:

I am trying to create a page template so that I can have the portfolio on a different page (no luck so far). Or is there a simpler way to accomplish this?

There are several ways this can be done depending on where the portfolio grid should appear on the page. For maximum flexibility, in this tutorial I am going to show Genesis Sandbox Featured Content Widget can be used to display grid of Portfolio Custom Post Type entries via a custom shortcode.

Summary:

1. Register a custom image size for Portfolio images
2. Register Portfolio Grid widget area
3. Create a shortcode that outputs the above widget area
4. Populate the widget area with Genesis Sandbox Featured Content Widget
5. Place the shortcode in WP editor (Page or Post) wherever the Portfolio Grid should appear

Sample Screenshot:

Admin:

Front end:

Step 1

Register a CPT for Portfolio either using code or a plugin like Portfolio Post Type.

Add CPT entries while setting featured images for each.

Step 2

Install and activate Genesis Sandbox Featured Content Widget plugin.

Step 3

At Appearance > Widgets drag a 'Genesis Sandbox - Featured Content' widget into the 'Portfolio Grid' widget area and configure it.

Step 4

Add the following in child theme's functions.php: