Shadowbox help

[MSTC Corey King]

I've been asked to put together a shadowbox for a retiring member of our mess. I've only done this once before but didn't in my mind do a very good job (the LTJG responsible for it mentioned THE DAY IT WAS TO BE PRESENTED that he hadn't assembled it :mad: ).

This time I have about a month of lead time. I'm just wondering if anyone has a how-to guide or maybe just suggestions. Or if anyone has pictures that would give me some design ideas, that would be much appreciated. I'm what you could call "creatively challenged" :rolleyes: so I need all the help I can get. I already have the box but am looking for layout ideas and such. Also, what is the best way to physically mount items in the box?

Thanks in advance.

[MKC Art Bailly (ret)]

Depending on what you’re mounting them on. You could pin every thing onto a velvet covered thin piece of poster board or a thin piece wood then mount that to the box or a glue gun works well also.

[BMC James M. Clark]

Corey,
Go to Google.com, type in the text box "military shadow box", click on search, and then click on "images" (just above the text box). That should pull up several pictures of other people's ideas, and you might find inspiration there...

Jim

[MSTC Corey King]

Art,

After reading your reply, I gave the box a closer look. There's actually a styrofoam backing under the felt so most everything should stay just being pinned in. I'll use the hot glue as insurance and to mount anything without pins. Thanks.

Jim,

I can't believe how many times I've forgotten to look there. Your suggestion did return some good images that will be of help. But I'd still appreciate anything anyone has to offer. Most of the Google images are for other services so I'd like to see some with CG items in it. By the way, retiring member is an ET (former ST).

Thanks again.

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

We have done three at my unit in the last year. I have links to sites that offer some good prices.

A couple of notes.
Since this is something for the member, they should have input on it. I know some would like it all to be a surprise but rust me, it is appreciated more if you get some input from them.
Find out if they have all their medals, use theirs if they are not wearing them for their retirement.
Dose the member have prior svc, if so do they want that represented in their box?

What we did to help figure out the layout was to cut some cardboard in the shape of the INSIDE of the box and use that to hold all the devices in place and see how they looked.

Then, when it was time to mount them, we used a push pin to make a small hole in the back piece of wood and that helped make it easier to push the devices in place. If you have a thin back the devices may push through, it did on the one I worked on so I left the items kind of standing off of the back velvet. It gave it a nice finish.

If you want give me a call and I'll send you the links I have.

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Get in touch with BMC Ken Gouge. He is awsome with wood work and very creative. He may be tough to get in touch with as he is on a ship, but if I were you, I would start with him.

[PACS Steve Carleton]

I just picked up a shadow box from Vanguard Military -- I'm lucky to have them just down the road in Norfolk. They did a spectacular job, and the best part was all of the medals and ribbons were brand spanking new right off the shelf.

I have a phone number and contact if anyone is interested.

[DCCS Todd Holcomb]

Corey, Get some input from the member. I am building one for a member of our mess retiring this summer, he wanted it made to match his hatbox so I will be using the same wood, finish, etc. We will also be including both BM and OS items.

My DC1 made one a couple of months back for another Chief, it was great and we included some of his Navy stuff in it. When I retire I will have some items from my Army days included, it's all service and plays a part in where I'm at today and will be come retirement time.

Ron, I like the idea of the items sitting off the velvet a little, sounds like it would give it more depth.

Todd

[FSC Jayare Parker (Ret)]

I thought this site had some good examples. It was about the 3rd one down on the page when I googled it.

majesty@hismajestysservice.com


Jayare

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

It really does Todd. When the light casts slight shadows it reallys looks nice, 3D. I had forgoten that Vanguard will do that. I just came from the norfolk area and I have seen some of the boxes they do for Navy Folks. Wow, they were BIG.

[BMC Ken Gouge]

Thanks for the faith Jim, but I've never done one of those.

I've seen several, and the ones that stood out had the ultra-thin ribbons and mounted medals. Both could be off-set just by putting a spacer between them and what you're mounting them to for that 3-D effect.

Another thing I've seen is a box with a woodwork design on the outside of the box (kind of like a frame around it). One had an eagle looking down with the wings stretched down to the top corners of the box.

I agree about asking. Maybe they have something special they want in it like their first anchor, cuttermans pin etc. Awards from other services don't show up on peoplesoft unless they are worth points, but they might want that in too.

[MSTC Scott Garcia]

Corey - I've been told I can be a little creative at times, hell my fines at CCTI should be proof enough! I'm one deck above you, let me know if I you still need a hand.

Scott

[MSTC Corey King]

Thanks for the replies. I actually already have the box as the member had a special request for that. I like the idea of setting the items off with spacers, I'll try that. Based on everyone's advice I asked the member if he had items he wanted to add. Slowly it's coming together. Thanks again for the help. :)