[mandie]

Hi guys and gals. I was wondering if anyone knew how to make a shadow box or plaque. We had a custom shield made and I have an older name tag and a set of bugle pins for a shadow box. Please let me know of any suggestion. He is retiring from marietta thank you

[momof 3]

mandie, on 19 August 2012 - 09:17 PM, said:

Hi guys and gals. I was wondering if anyone knew how to make a shadow box or plaque. We had a custom shield made and I have an older name tag and a set of bugle pins for a shadow box. Please let me know of any suggestion. He is retiring from marietta thank you

You can go to Michaels and buy shadow box frames. I've made several and just finished one for Hubby for running the Peachtree Road Race for the first time. They have several sizes, depths and shapes that you can choose from.

Along with the things you already have, I'd include pics from his early career, copies of any citations or awards he has received, any special or news worthy events he's been involved in, clips on promotions, etc.
You can use the paper goods as a backdrop and put the more prominent things on top of them.

A pic of his firehouse, the kind of truck he was on, his men, any kind of small equipment he may have used such as a whistle would be good too. A little firehouse dog.

Practically anything associated with his profession and him would work. Be creative and just let your mind wander over the things he has collected over the years that were part of him and his job. If it's possible, have your mother-in-law help you.

It's not as daunting as it may seem, sometimes when you begin a project like this, inspiration comes from out of nowhere and when you're done you can't believe that you actually did it.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

This post has been edited by momof 3: 19 August 2012 - 09:54 PM

[rockysmom]

Go to Michaels and pick a shadow box frame.

Gather the things that would be cool for your Dad to see as memories of his memories. Mom of 3 had good ideas.

Stare at it for a long, long time. Max it out at 1 and 1/2 hour.

It will happen, just put the love in your heart. if the first try doesnt work....there is always a second try.

Seriously, relax, its a tribute from your heart....just let it show and it will be great.

P. S. pretty cool for you to do this. Good luck.

[momof 3]

rockysmom, on 19 August 2012 - 10:22 PM, said:

Go to Michaels and pick a shadow box frame.

Gather the things that would be cool for your Dad to see as memories of his memories. Mom of 3 had good ideas.

Stare at it for a long, long time. Max it out at 1 and 1/2 hour.

It will happen, just put the love in your heart. if the first try doesnt work....there is always a second try.

Seriously, relax, its a tribute from your heart....just let it show and it will be great.

P. S. pretty cool for you to do this. Good luck.

Exactly, stare at it and don't glue anything until you have it just like you want it. I know it sounds odd, but I swear, it works.

[mandie]

Hoe would I het the things to stay on there? Lol. I'm not good at this kind of stuff. I want it to look really nice

[Animal]

Michaels has everything you need,visit that store and that department is great.

[El Zorro]

It all depends on what it is you're putting in the shadow box when it comes attaching them.

[LisaC]

Michael's is a good place to look, but also look online. I got hubby an awesome shadow box in the shape of his rank when he retired from the Air Force.

[ButterflyLion]

mandie, on 19 August 2012 - 09:17 PM, said:

Hi guys and gals. I was wondering if anyone knew how to make a shadow box or plaque. We had a custom shield made and I have an older name tag and a set of bugle pins for a shadow box. Please let me know of any suggestion. He is retiring from marietta thank you

You can scroll down at this link and find an example of a shadow box done for a retiring fire fighter:

http://www.yourkeeps...w_box_main.html

If use google you can find more images and also how-tos that might give you some ideas; some are made by professional businesses and others by friends and/or family.

[ButterflyLion]

Will he be receiving any other gifts? I think the shadow box is a good idea. Since retirement usually comes with mixed feelings I would also consider getting him something tied to the future in a positive way, based on his interests, for example sports tickets, or if he likes woodworking a new tool, etc.

[ButterflyLion]

The scrapbook depts. at Hobby Lobby and other stores have various numbers if you want to include his years of service, for example: 1992-20012. When do you need it finished?

[mandie]

Thank u all for the suggestion. I am working on it. I ordered a brass plaque from a trophy store so we will see how that for a LOL