Protecting Treasured Objects Inside Shadow Boxes

Picture frames are not just for displaying photographs. Three-dimensional crafts or treasured souvenirs, like buttons, coins or seashells can be prominently displayed in picture frames. You can even display larger items and souvenirs like a signed baseball, or your graduation cap or some other memorabilia.

There are few things that you ought to take into consideration when you are organizing your objects inside of the shadow box picture frame:

• Weight and Dimensions: If the items you want to display are bigger and heavier, you will need to figure out if the box you are hoping to use will hold up the objects adequately, and whether or not the wall surface you wish to display it on will be able to hold its weight. Deep shadow box frames are typically necessary for over-sized objects, as well as strong heavy-duty hangers.

• Construction and Stability: If you are placing somewhat unsound items (things that might decay and weaken over time) inside your box then you'll need to make sure that they are properly preserved. Objects that will fall into the unstable category would include dehydrated flowers and other vegetation, dirt or clay, as well as a few fabric and metal substances.

No matter how light or heavy, steady or unstable your items may be, the next step for you is to figure out the very best way to display your item in the frame in such a manner that it will not only look good, but be held securely.

Measure Your Item

There are a couple critical measurements you need to take. One thing you'll need to measure is how long and broad the item is, and the other dimension to measure is how deep, or thick, this object is. The depth of your item will determine the depth of the shadow box frame you are going to need. When you measure for thickness, make sure to allow for the glass and backing boards.

Layout of Your Exhibit

The next portion you get to do will be the most exciting. This is the part where you get creative in determining how your items will be arranged. Don't secure anything in its place until you shift things around and figure out where you will want them. Rearrange and rearrange until things appear exactly the way you like them. You might find that an instinctive order comes into play or you can group items by specific dates or size. The best thing you are able to do is to simply arrange and rearrange until you uncover the layout that's right for you. One factor that is very important in making a nice arrangement is balancing your colors and sizes well.

Also, in order to make a finished product that will be attractive to the eye, you need to make sure the items are spaced well. If there's a certain item in your shadow box that you want to place emphasis on, then don't use too much extra space because that will overcome the object, but don't use too little on the other hand because then it will be too crowded. The same thing is true for displaying multiple items. Avoid having them look to close and cluttered, but put them close enough together so that they will all appear unified and together. Do not forget: trying, failing, then trying something different will ultimately give you the perfect arrangement.

When you are framing something inside a shadow box picture frame you abide by basically the same suggestions as you would when framing a normal photo. Select the frame color to enhance the color of the things displayed or to fit the unique style of the items. You may go one of two ways with color when framing multiple items. Select a recurring color which will unify the items or select a neutral color that will go with each item.

After you hang up your shadow box, you may want to pick some extra picture frames to display on the wall on opposite sides of the box. If you hang up matching wood picture frames on either side of your wood shadow box (wood paired with wood or black with black) with a picture that goes with the theme inside the shadow box, you can easily create a nice arrangement.

Whatever method you choose for placing your items on display, the most essential thing to keep in mind is that you should have fun doing it. Use your creativity and artistic skills to arrange your things into a memorable, eye pleasing display to share with friends and family.

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