How to Make a Ribbon Display Case
Whether for yourself or a loved one, there's nothing nicer than creating a way to tastefully display awards and ribbons earned through service, competitions, hobbies or other activities. If you make your own box, you can choose the type of wood, the color of the backdrop and the exact dimensions to make it perfect for the ribbons you plan to display.
Things You'll Need
- Foam, cork board Plywood 4 pieces of good lumber at least 3 inches wide 4 pieces of good lumber at least 1 inch wide Piece of glass Velvet Hinges Hanging hardware
Instructions
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1
Figure out the dimensions of your display case. Lay out the ribbons you want to display in a vertical, rectangular arrangement, on a table or piece of cardboard, and sketch a rectangle around them. Measure the rectangle and then add 2 inches to both the width and height.
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2
Choose your materials. The wood and the backdrop are what people will notice. A dark wood, such as cherry or mahogany, and a dark velvet, such as black or navy blue, tend to be good choices. They look great without distracting from the ribbons on display. Another option is to choose a backdrop color that complements colors in the ribbons. Decide on your backdrop first, then pick out a wood that suits it. Take a scrap of the velvet with you to the hardware store and hold it next to the different wood types. Notice both the grain and the color against the texture and color of the velvet.
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3
Get a piece of glass cut in the dimensions of your box minus 2 inches in width and height.
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Prepare your wood. Cut the 3-inch-wide lumber into the lengths needed according to your dimensions. You should have two shorter pieces for the top and bottom, and two longer pieces for the sides. Repeat with the 1-inch-wide wood. Cut a piece of plywood, which will serve as the back of the box, into a rectangle that matches the interior dimensions of the frame.
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Create the case frame. Form three sides of the frame, the top and two sides, from the 3-inch wood by nailing the pieces together, or by gluing and then using small nails to strengthen the bond. Slide the piece of plywood into the unfinished frame through the open fourth side, the bottom. Nail through the 3-inch wood and into the narrow side of the plywood with small nails. Finish the case frame by installing the fourth side in the same manner.
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6
Create the backdrop. Cut a piece of foam or cork board to fit exactly inside the frame you just created. Glue or tack it onto the plywood. Cut your velvet to fit exactly inside the frame as well. Use a small nail to attach it at one corner, then carefully stretch it so there are no wrinkles and attach the other three corners.
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Make the lid by nailing the four 1-inch pieces of wood together to form a rectangle. Install hinges (two or three, depending on the size of your display case) on one longer side of the lid.
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Attach the glass to the lid, using one of two options. The first is to glue it on with a product such as Weldbond or clear silicone. Simply apply a thin line of glue around the back of the frame and press the glass firmly into place. Set the lid on a flat surface and weigh the glass down with a book or two until the adhesive is dry.
A second option is to create a groove in the back of the lid and use picture frame hardware to firmly hold the glass in. To create a groove, turn the frame face-down on a firm, flat surface. Use a router to create a small, flat groove around the innermost edge of the frame. Lay the glass inside the groove, then install the hardware, such as framing turn buttons with screws, to hold the glass in place. -
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Attach the lid to the case by installing the hinges on the lid to the corresponding long side of the frame.
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Install the hanging hardware on the back of the case.
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