How to Attach Items in Shadow Boxes
Shadow boxes creatively display treasured collections and memorabilia. After selecting keepsakes, you must contemplate the background and how the objects will be attached. Most prefabricated shadow boxes are primed with felt or Velcro. All that is needed is organization of the arrangement before inserting items for display. However, when inserting different types of backing, consider object specifics such as weight and material before gluing. Handcrafted backings include decorative papers and velvets to woods and foam core board.
Things You'll Need
- Backing, fabric or other material
- Decorative paper
- Decorative push, straight or T-pins
- Double-sided foam tape
- Foam core board
- Acid-free adhesives
- Sticky-back Velcro strips or dots
- Epoxy glue
- Spray mount glue
- Needle and thread
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
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Smooth out vintage and valuable clothing such as an autographed sports jersey, rock concert shirt or confirmation dress to remove any creases or wrinkles. Place a piece of cardboard or foam core board under the shirt to give it shape before laying it onto a felt or velvet backing. Pin the item through the cardboard to a batting and fabric backing with decorative pins, which are found in craft and fabric stores.
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Fasten softer objects such as a graduation cap or wedding mementos using Velcro strips or dots against a Velcro backing material. Cut off a small piece of Velcro and place the sticky side onto the back of the object. Stick the object against the Velcro backing, which allows items to be reorganized with ease. Alternately, sew the items directly onto the backing, which allows objects to be moved with minimal damage.
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Glue objects directly to the desired backing for permanence. For heavier objects such as collectible plates and memorabilia such as spoons, rattles or seashells, use epoxy glue. For paper materials and lightweight objects such as birth announcements, wedding pictures or medals, use acid-free adhesives or spray mount glue.
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Measure and cut balsa wood strips to fit along the back interior of the shadow box. This will bring smaller objects toward the front for three-dimensional appeal. Apply hot glue to the back of the frame in bands and affix the wood. Apply pressure until stationary and secure. Arrange objects onto the wood and glue into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Mount items onto foam core board or Styrofoam blocks to create dimensions. First fasten the item to the board or block and then attach the three-dimensional backside to the backing material of the shadow box. Hide any backboards or blocks by layering the items or using embellishments.
Do not permanently affix valuable objects and memorabilia with adhesives as it could potentially ruin the item and its worth.
