How to Shadow Box Tools
A shadow box is a great way to display different items, whether it be sports memorabilia or antique tools. Put small tools that you want to share with people, but not allow them to touch, in the shadow box and hang it on the wall. When placing any kind of item in a shadow box, you need to secure it so that it does not slide down. Use any of several different options for securing items, depending on what the items are and the weight of the items. Make shadow boxes for yourself or for one-of-a-kind gifts. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tools
- Measuring tape
- Shadow box
- Felt or velvet
- Scissors
- Spray adhesive
- Cutting board
- Floral wire
- Wire snips
- Awl
Instructions
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1
Arrange the tools that you want to put in the shadow box roughly the way you would like it to look at the end of the project. Use this arrangement as a guide as to what size shadow box you need to purchase by measuring the length and the width.
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2
Take the shadow box apart. Measure the size of the backing and cut a piece of felt or velvet to match.
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3
Flip the fabric over and give it a light coating of the spray adhesive. Place the backing to the shadow box on the fabric. Press firmly to secure the two together.
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4
Set the backing on a cutting board to protect your surface. Place your tools in the same arrangement you had in Step 1. Adjust the arrangement of the tools if necessary, making sure you leave at least three-quarters of an inch around the outside edges.
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5
Start securing the tools in the middle of the shadow box first. Use the awl to poke holes alongside the items so that you can thread the wire through from the front to the back of the backing. Poke holes where they will offer the most support, such as one on either side of the handle of a hammer, just below the head.
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6
Cut a length of wire, at least 12 inches long, using the wire snips. Thread the wire through the holes for one tool so that both ends of the wire are at the back of the shadow box. Center the middle of the wire over the tool at the front of the shadow box and pull tightly.
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7
Twist the wire together at the back of the shadow box to hold the tool securely in place. Repeat with the remaining items.
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8
Trim the excess ends of wire. Put the shadow box back together.
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Tips & Warnings
If necessary, twist the wire around the tool and then thread it through the back of the shadow box to make heavier items more secure.
If some of your tools are very lightweight, you can use adhesive hook-and-loop-tape buttons.
