Shadowboxes · memorabilia · dimensional work
Object framing begins with a safe way to hold the object.
Medals, garments, keepsakes and dimensional pieces need more than a deep box. First we work out where the weight goes, what can safely touch the object and how much room it needs.
Mount first
Design the mount before the decorative frame.
If the mount is wrong, a beautiful outer frame does not fix it. The object needs a support that carries the weight, limits movement and avoids unnecessary permanent attachment.
Depending on the piece, that support may use sewn attachments, formed acrylic, hidden mechanical clips, shaped supports, recessed cavities or another support suited to the object. The mount material and contact point have to be compatible with the object; the safest solution is specific to the piece.
Depth is a design dimension
Depth affects both the structure and the look of a shadowbox.
The object needs clearance from the glazing, room for its natural relief and enough back structure to carry the mount. We also want the depth to look right from the side.
Leave clearance around the object
The object should remain clear of glazing and have enough room for natural surface relief.
Hide the mount where possible
A liner, inner wall or deeper frame recess can hide mounting hardware and create a cleaner transition.
Build enough structure into the back
The back of a dimensional frame may need more structure than a conventional paper frame because the object and mount can be heavy.
Make the depth feel intentional
A deep cap, architectural moulding or layered frame can make the shadowbox depth feel like part of the design.
Garments, ribbons and medals
Garments, ribbons and fabric objects are mounted like textiles.
Sewn supports and shaped forms can carry weight more gently than glue or a few hard attachment points.
Garments+
A form or padded support can give a garment enough volume to read naturally without pretending someone is wearing it. Stitching can be placed where seams and construction can carry load.
Medals and ribbons+
Hard and soft components often need different attachments in the same frame. The mount should keep metal from pulling on fabric and keep hardware from striking the glazing.
Mixed objects+
Photographs, documents and objects can share a frame, but each may need a different support method and separation from potentially reactive materials.
Selected dimensional objects
We take on object projects that make sense in a framing shop.
Our strength is combining selected dimensional objects with good frame design and a well-planned mount. Very heavy, highly complex or casework-style objects may belong with a different specialist.
Float or recess the object
Objects can be recessed or floated so attachment is minimized visually.
Give groups enough space
A group of related objects can use labels, open space and clear visual order. They do not need to be packed edge to edge.
Match the attachment to the material
Smooth metal, brittle ceramic, wood, paper, textile and mixed media should not all be treated with the same adhesive or clip.
Know when a shadowbox is not enough
If weight or structural risk exceeds a conventional shadowbox, a different mount, cabinet or specialty fabricator may be the safer answer.
How we approach an object frame
Weight, condition and contact points come first.
Before we choose the frame, we need to know what will carry the object, which surfaces can be touched and what must stay visible and clear of the glazing.
- 01
Examine
Identify materials, fragile areas, center of gravity, moving parts and any existing damage.
- 02
Choose orientation
Decide what the viewer needs to see and how much depth the object requires.
- 03
Build the mount
Select a mount or attachment system that carries load without unnecessary alteration.
- 04
Design the frame
Build the visual composition around the mount depth, background field and glazing.
- 05
Fit and test
Check movement, clearance and hardware before sealing the back.
Technical references behind this guide +
Canadian Conservation Institute — Mount-making for Museum Objects — Open reference ↗
Smithsonian National Museum of American History — Museum Mounts — Open reference ↗
Bring the object and anything that belongs with it.
Photos, labels, medals, documents and related pieces are easier to compose when we can see the whole group together.