How To Store And Display Awards.

[EricFG]

Originally Posted by latinmajorac

as, the sweet smell of success, or is it hot glue? anyways, here are the final pictures for this display.

What size did this frame end up being?

[latinmajorac]

the outer frame is 16x26 inches, and the inside is just under 22x14

[EricFG]

I got a *lot* done today, more than I had planned actually!

Image1 (I1) is the backingboard(b/b) of the frame/shadowbox(f/sb) centered over a piece of the cloth I picked for the background. I lightly marked the corners of the cloth in pencil to keep the whole mess straight.

I2 is the cloth with the first row of medals pinned to it. My plan was to mount (most of) the medals (and not the screwbacks) to the cloth first and then afix the cloth to the b/b. Note the ruler I used to keep my ducks in a row.

I3 is two rows mounted and both the reverse of the cloth and the b/b sprayed with adhesive after which I slipped a thin pice of plywood between the two. As I slowly pulled the plywood out I smoothed each horizontal section of cloth to the b/b so there weren't any bubbly areas. Underneath everything you can see the big sheet of cardboard I put down to protect my marble tabletop from overspray.

I4 is the cloth fully glued to the b/b. You can faintly see the outline of the b/b here. Since the glue wasn't fully set at this stage I mounted the last for pinback medals at this stage. Not an easy job!

[Riley1965]

Eric,
I like your style !! That will make one great display!!! I can't wait to see more.

Doc

[EricFG]

I1 is the mounting of the screwbacks. I simply drilled a hole throught the entire display. At this point it seems the tiny wooden wheels I got earlier didn't make a great deal of difference. Although I did use one of them to hold over the cloth as I pushed the drill bit through feeling that it might keep the cloth from tearing or pulling away as the bit passed through.

I2 is everything mounted just the way I wanted it after I trimmed the 4 sides of the cloth backing. Things are now taking shape. I put the b/b in the f/sb briefly and it looked good. I took it out again just to let the glue set up.

I3 is a shot of the reverse. Notice the 5 screwback plates in place.

I4 is the b/b clamped and weighted to ensure a good glue adhesion. My biggest fear at this point is the weight of the medals when the frame is mounted vertically on the wall will pull the cloth off the b/b. Another concern is I used a chemical adhesive*; hopefully said chemicals do not affect the awards in this display in a negative manner.

It looks like I get tomorrow off, too!!! So after some coffee tomorrow morning I will set this whole thing up in it's f/sb and mount it in a place of honor on my wall.

*Krylon Spray Adhesive - All-Purpose 7010.

NP: Nazareth - Razamanaz!!

[ekclete]

Nice looking case latinmajorac. Nice work. Clete

[Nack]

Looks good

[latinmajorac]

thanks everyone! i am happy with it so far, but today i have my advance microeconomics test so i actually have to 'work' today. but i think i am going to wmouth them first. pics will be forthcomming

[EricFG]

And here we go!
I1&2 is the whole thing, finished, outside in the sun for a good photoshoot.
I3&4 is the unit mounted on the wall above my workstation here at the ranch.

A couple of notes:
The frame itself seperated at one corner joint this morning. I had to glue and clamp for a few hours before the final assembly. I guess that's what we should expect from a $20+ frame that was made in China. You get what ya pay for.
Sitting here admiring it I notice that the dark background cloth might have been the wrong choice. It seems there should be something brighter behind the medals to make them stand out more.
The spacers behind the screwbacks *is* a good idea. They push the medal 'out' a little and the resulting depth makes them display better. Ya can't really see it from the shots, but if anyone wants to stop by for a look I'll show ya my latest.

[Riley1965]

Eric,
That's a very nice display!! What did you use for the spacers? A brighter color might have made them stand out more, But I use the instant shadow boxes and they have a black backing. I do use red or yellow felt for my smaller displays. Anyway, A job WELL DONE!!!

Doc