An object frame, also called a shadow box frame, refers to any collection of items enclosed in a frame where depth and special mounting techniques are employed. Many different kinds of objects including memorabilia and collectables, antiques or personal items can be arranged beautifully inside of a frame and preserved for future generations. Items may have historical, monetary or sentimental value with the ultimate goal of bringing a sense of appreciation or emotion to the viewer.
For the custom picture framer, the interior construction of the frame is the primary concern. During the process of choosing the color, fabric, wood products and perhaps theme, decisions are being made to accommodate the items correctly and with preservation in mind within the framed environment.
UV or ultra-violet filtering glass and acrylic are available to protect against light damage. Most newer windows already have a UV coating that is primarily intended to protect flooring, wall and window treatments, and interior furnishings from damaging sunlight. This technology, however, offers zero protection for artwork or other collections because interior lighting will cause colors to fade and general deterioration as well. Acrylic is always the choice for oversized pieces because of its light weight and durability.
A wide variety of attachment devices are used by picture framers to hold onto and preserve almost every kind of object imaginable. Adhesives are avoided whenever possible as they can sometimes cause damage in their application and through time, most adhesives will age, dry and crack, and ultimately fail. Preferred methods involve but are not limited to bent wire inside plastic tubing, nylon filament, synthetic fabric mesh, Japanese rice papers, tacks and clips of all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the good old fashioned needle and thread. Objects usually require some kind of special tools or handling. Things like cotton gloves and even dental tools are common professional frame shop necessities.
Event boxes are some of the most fun and creative framing projects. These consist of photos and a collection of souvenirs from any particular moment in time. Weddings are one of the easiest to ensemble because they are often color coordinated with many choices of party favors created just for the event. Linens, flowers and lace, announcements and invitations, even the postage stamp can be of significant or sentimental value. Always remember to include some photos. Those are always what tell the real story years and even decades after the special event changed from something to plan and look forward to and became something to show your grandchildren some day. Vacations are also great for memory boxes to hang on the wall where you can revisit those locations every time you walk through the room.
Sports jerseys are a popular collectable. The picture framing industry manufactures color choices to match every sports team across the country, so we can frame yours to the exact team colors. It is definitely recommended for you to have the uniform signed if possible before framing. We also frame balls, bats and rackets and any other kind of sports memorabilia and even musical instruments sometimes accompanied by signed photos and ticket stubs.
At High Street Gallery, we have framed some really interesting items throughout our more than fifteen years. Everything from postage stamps and foreign coins to antique surgical instruments have been framed. We have created memory boxes displaying family heirlooms such as a grand father’s wallet, watch and eye glasses, military dog tags and discharge papers along with medals and enlistment photos, religious icons, and the list continues. .
One favorite project was an eighty year old Christening gown along with a portrait of the original owner of the gown sitting in an antique rocking chair holding her great granddaughter in her arms with the baby wearing the gown and just being home from church herself. Another time a one hundred year old, international, hand-made button collection made its way across the work table. Each button had been individually researched and its origin and material was labeled on the backing, and there were more than two hundred of them. Pet memorials, pressed flowers and poetry, concert tickets to ceremonial items, it can feel warm and comforting to have some treasured possessions on the wall instead of in a box, a drawer or in the closet somewhere, lost and forgotten.
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