Photo of a shadowbox

Hello everyone,
would someone post a picture of a shadowbox that they have done? More than one would be even better so I can get a good idea how to put mine together. I have received nearly everything I want to put in it for my great uncle (still waiting on his medals). I'm not sure if I should do a name plate or not and thought if I saw some others I could decide what else I needed. We want to put his photo somewhere in the center. I have seen ones with room for a flag and we have the flag that was given to his mother so we plan to use that as well. Thank you
Krystal

 

I can't post a photo yet, but I have all my materials for one. I'm placing everything on a wool background. I bought an old WWII shirt and cut a square to go in the back. The medals, ribbons, etc, will pin on it. I'd like to see some other guys' photos too.

 

Thanks.
Maybe I should have my dad make a box, he's great with that sort of thing. I was going to buy one, but to include all the things I want, the bigger ones are pretty pricey.
I like the idea about the article, but I'm not sure I can find one. The community that he was from did a book on all the people from that area that served in all the wars, the ones that made it home and the ones that didn't. Maybe I can include the small write up that was next to his picture.
I have his Pfc badge, Unit Insignia, picture, metals are on the way, I'll get the write up about him, and I thought about a brass name plate that has his name, Pfc, US Army and should I put dates of service or birth date and date of death?

Any more photos or ideas would be great!
Krystal

 

Try visiting some shops/galleries which do framing as they often have examples of shadow boxes on their walls. I've seen several at the various framers I've used for my paintings.

I think of doing one with my father's items, but am still using some documents for research and while it is not recommended from an archival viewpoint, I still like to hold some of the items which meant so much to him.

 

Display Cases & Boxes at MedalsofAmerica.com

Click on this link and ask for a catalog--it is loaded with display ideas. (the website has few examples) I make displays for any vet that wants one around here. I use a piece of foam panel (it's 1/8" thick and comes in small sheets--I get it at Michel's) cut it to the size of the frame, glue Velcro cloth to the panel (Velcro is called "loop and hook" the cloth is the loop, comes in different colors and looks much like felt). Now you can tape a piece of the hook tape to your medals, and whatever else for the display, and simply place them where you want them. This serves a couple functions, first, it doesn't damage the medal like glue does, everything really stays where you put it, and if you want to add things or move them around all you do is pull them off without any indication it was ever changed. I make my own frames in the shop and leave 1" between the glass and the display. I rout an 1/8" landing on the back of the frame so the foam board sits flush and add little keepers to the frame to hold it in place. You can buy a case already built for about $60/$80 bucks depending on the size--if you only do one display that may be the best way to go. I've seen original, irreplaceable items ruined by using epoxy or Gorilla glue to hold them on a display--Velcro is much better.

 

Can I find the ones at the store that use the velcro? That does sound like a better way to go.

 

Krystal, All the displays from Medals of America use velcro. I bought a couple from them before I started making them. I don't know what the other display guys use--I'm guessing everyone use this because it's so much easier and better. I've never seen one in a store, like at the mall-always ordered them. Please post a picture when you get finished. There are several posted on the Forum--I used the ideas from a couple. Good luck

 

You did a very nice job. Thank you for telling me about it. I'm pretty sure I can make a nice one once all the medals arrive.

Anyone know how long it can take for them to arrive? When I check the # assigned it says they are out of stock on some of the items and will ship when they arrive.

 

Krystal, I am in the same boat. I ordered my grandfather's replacement medals and I am getting the same message. There is a number to call to speak to a real person. She was out of the office until this monday. Have you tried calling them?

 

No I haven't tried that. I'm pretty bummed that it looks like it may take awhile. I would like to get his shadowbox completed so he can enjoy it, heck he's 85.

 

My father was 2yrs old when his father died in the war. My father is 67 now. I have been able to provide him a wealth of information he may never have known about his father's service and death. I too am racing to get a shadow box together. I did get a response back on what medals he was eligible for, but they were missing a couple important ones, like his silver star. Now I have to appeal the decision and hopefully convince them that they were in error. Then I have to wait for them to re-issue the replacements. I'm hoping to give them to my daughter before I pass on...lol

 

I hope you have some luck. It's very rewarding, but takes so much time. I'm hoping to keep my grandpa's shadowbox in the family so my son and the younger generations can appreciate what he did for us.