Shadow Box Displays

Interested in having us build a custom shadow box frame for your piece? Below are some common questions:

What is a shadow box?

A shadow box is a wall-mountable case with a glass front which encloses one or more three-dimensional objects.

What process do you use to create a shadow box?

The depth of a shadow box allows us to preserve three-dimensional pieces to the same archival standards as your prized art or diploma. To build a shadow box we line the side of the frame (anywhere from 1/2 inch to 10 inches or more) with a conservation mat board that matches or complements the mat board used as the backing. The piece can then stand on a shelf or be hung conventionally from a wall.

Do many people ask you to create shadow boxes that are summer themed or that included such items as nautical maps, sea shells, star fish, fishing materials, sand, sea glass, beach photos, or anything of that sort? If so, what is the most memorable shadow box like this that you have worked on?

We have a lot of different requests for shadow boxes. One summer-themed shadow box included lovely antique seed packets. We worked with the customer on a design and then installed it in a rustic wooden frame. The result was a one-of-a-kind memory, with unique meaning for that one customer, built for decades of enjoyment. We have done shadow boxes of fishing flies and a beach stone in the shape of a heart.

What other types of shadow boxes do you work on?

We have created hundreds of shadow boxes over the years at Casco Bay Frames. We have framed a piece of bark from a tree involved in a car accident, medals of honor, a shaving set, a child’s christening gown, numerous original professional sports jerseys, a teacup, and even the skin of a rattlesnake. The shadow box pictured here is a military hatchet given as a gift to the customer by his Navy Seal friend.

What other materials are used in your shadow boxes?

We can custom build shadow boxes from 200-year-old barn board from Topsham, local cherry, or the customer can bring their own wood and we will custom mill a shadow bow for them. All shadow boxes are finished with a piece of conservation clear glass, UV non-glare plexiglass, or premium museum glass to protect the items from light and dust.

Generally, how much time goes into creating a shadow box?

A shadow box can take anywhere from one half to 5 hours, depending on the intricacy of the design. An average shadow box takes about 2-1/4 hours to complete.

What are the range of sizes of shadow-boxes that you have created? Could you share information on the Art for Small Spaces shadow boxes that you had mentioned?

We have created shadow boxes as small as 1″ by 1″ up to 48x 52. We can easily make them up to 48 x 96 inches which is the largest size plexiglass is readily available. We can find larger glazing if needed and will be glad to build you a shadow box as large as 12 feet by 12 feet.

Art for Small Spaces is a line of work by staff framer Holly Karolkowski. They are all one-of-a-kind, using found objects, papers, and images. Each one tells its own little story. All Art for Small Spaces are custom framed as well as signed and titled on the back by Holly. Sizes vary from 5 to 7 inches.

What are the price ranges of your shadow boxes?

A small 7×7 shadow box can be created for as little as $60, where as a large intricate one can reach as much as $1,000. We only use archival materials which keeps the items safe from the environment.