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Serving the Portland area for over 30 years.

Shadow Boxes

Interested in having us build a custom shadow-box frame for your piece? Contact us today!

Describe the process you go through to create a generic shadow box?

A frame is usually referred to as a "Shadow Box" when it has added depth compared to the normal framed 2- dimensional piece of art. This added depth allows us to preserve 3 dimensional pieces to the same archival standards as your prized photograph 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, a mantel or hung conventionally from a wall or any flat surface.

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 photo's, 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 of the summer themed one have built included antique seed packets. We worked with the customer on a design and then installed in a rustic wooden frame creating the customer a one of a kind memory 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 children's christening dress, numerous original professional sports jerseys a teacup and even the skin of a rattlesnake.

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. Al shadow boxes are finished with a piece on conservation clear glass, uv non glare plexi glass 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 1/2 to 5 hours depending on the intricacy of the design. An average shadow box takes about 2 1/4 hours to complete.

What are people's reactions to the shadow boxes you create? Is there a favorite type of shadow box that people tend to favor? Are there any fun or memorable stories you could share with us regarding making a shadow box for a customer?

Presenting the finished piece to the customer is the most enjoyable part of the process. Some customers are shocked with the results. Customers are always surprised with the results custom framing can produce.

Why do you think your shadow boxes are a nice accent to any home/apt./cottage?

A piece designed by a homeowner under the guidance of Casco Bay Frames can enhance any living space. Shadow boxes are pieces of art with a story, that tells one something about the owner. Since they can be made any size and any color, they can match any decor.

What are the range of sizes of shadow boxes that you have created? Could you share information on the Art for Small Frames 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 plexi-glass 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 is small spaces is a line of work by my manager 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. You may see examples of her work at www.artforsmallspaces.net

What are the price ranges of your shadow boxes?

A small 7x7 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.

Interested in having us build a custom shadow-box frame for your piece? Contact us today!