Project Shadow Box - Prop Display How To

Learning How To Make A Prop Display Case

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(Picture above: Example of a 'shadow box' showing that you can even make a small framed diorama to mount on a wall. Something I will have to try in the future...)

I enjoy making models of props from movies, TV shows and documentaries, recently I have made several 3D printed gun models - like my Bladerunner blaster - but I was wondering what might be the best way to display these props in context of the movies that they appear in?

Things like handguns could be displayed on their own by means of a simple stand, but then the only context might be a label denoting what the prop is. Not very exciting (though handy if you are really short of space and shelves are you only means to display your collection).

There must be a more interesting way not only to display the item but also include other items with it to give the viewer more information about the prop, - a vignette of sorts.

This is where the idea of a shadow box come in as cool way to tell a little story about the prop items…

A shadow box is a deep, enclosed picture frame with a glass front used to display, protect, and showcase three-dimensional objects, memorabilia, and keepsakes. Unlike2D frames, they create a "shadow" effect that adds depth, making them ideal for items like medals, jerseys, dried flowers, or collectibles.

Above: Beautiful commercially made shadow box displaying family memorabilia.

Making My Own Shadow Box for Props...

How big and deep your shadow box is naturally dependant on what kind of objects that you intend to display in it. As mine are mainly centred around handgun props used in movies my box will have to be reasonable deep. But aside considering the actual box dimensions there is the bigger question about how you actually make a shadow box?

Above: My first ideas about how I might make my own box!

Luckily there are plenty of tutorials available online, including this very helpful 'how to' (click on image, page opens in new browser window)...

Above: 'How to Make a Shadow Box...' by bhg.com.

Luckily, the 'woodworking' described in the above tutorial is pretty basic and doesn't require any special tools, and this will be the next stage in this project. But first, let's try and come up with a ideal depth for my box.

I want it deep enough that there's some space - say an inch or so - between the biggest object for display and the picture frame glass...

Above: Here I measure the depth of my BLADERUNNER blaster for inclusion in a shadow box. A height of 2.5/3 inches (6.35cm-7.62cm) depth should be enough as all the other prop items for inclusion are smaller.

Having determined the 'depth' of the wood I require I now have to pay a visit to my local hardware store to pick up some 1x3 board. And that's where we shall pick up the story next...

Oh, though, I should mention that I have already bought the picture frames that I am going to use. I got this three frame set for quite a good price at our local B&M store, obviously the style of frame you chose will depend on the project and you personal taste. I went for a modern black frame...

Above: A modern thin framed frame :) ...I should note that unlike the shadow box tutorial, I do not intend to make the box hinged so do not need a thick frame.

NEXT: In Part 2 of this project I should have the wood to make the box.