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Shadow Boxes
|  | A shadow box is a shallow frame fronted with glass. It is a very creative way to showcase and protect collectibles and memorabilia, including photos, family heirlooms or souvenirs. Shadow box framing can be an extremely profitable option, especially when using Foam Board products. There are a number of ways to create a shadow box. The Mikado box, described here, is a one-piece design with the side strips of the box a hinged part of the backing board.
Materials Needed:
Expression® Masterpiece® 550 or Expression® Vacuum Press
Expression® Fusion® 4000 Adhesive or
Acid-Free Foam Board
Chinese silk paper
Straight edge
X-ACTO® Knife
Process:- Determine the size of the backing board, taking into account the length and width selected for the backing, the height (or depth) for the sides and the thickness of the board being used. To calculate the overall dimensions of the backing for an object box that is to be 16" by 20" with 1-1/4" deep sides and cut from 3/16"-thick foam board, the formulas are:
W + 2H - 2T = Board Width; and L + 2H - 2T = Board Length.
Example for Width: 16" + 2.5" (2" X 1-1/4") - 3/8" (2" X 3/16") = 18-1/8"
Example for Length: 20" + 2.5" (2" X 1-1/4") - 3/8" (2" X 3/16") = 22-1/8"
When you've completed the calculation, cut the backing board to this size. - Mark the width of the side strips of the box, top to bottom and side to side. Using a straight edge and an X-ACTO Knife, cut the backing board all around, being careful not to cut all the way through to the front. Later, you will score for hinging. Also, do not bend the sides at this time, but keep the board flat for mounting.
- Heat the press to 190ºF.
- Cut the Chinese silk paper slightly larger than the backing board, leaving enough extra to wrap around the edges of the board to prevent them from showing beneath the rabbet.
- Using Fusion® 4000 adhesive, mount the silk paper to the backing. Place in the Masterpiece® 550 Mechanical Press for 1 to 2 minutes at 190ºF or in an Expression® Vacuum Press for 3 to 4 minutes at 190ºF. Remove from the press and cool under a Weight while the adhesive sets. Self-Adhesive Foam Board also provides excellent results for this type of shadow box.
- Mount the chosen fabric or decorative paper large enough to wrap around the edges of the raw foam board after mounting to prevent exposed edges of raw foam board from showing beneath the rabbet.
Tips and Tricks:- Create spacers using separate pieces of backing board, wrapping them with the same fabric or paper as the backing support. These will separate the objects from the glazing, the side support walls and the back surface.
- To fill and fit the box, use 1/8" and 3/16" reverse bevel cut foam boards as pedestals. Wrap them with Fusion® 4000 and the Chinese silk paper.
- Use a free-form window mat to top the box. This creates the effect of peeking inside a memory chest.
Product information
Expression® Fusion® 4000 is a clear, pure, acid-free adhesive film that melts best at 185°-200°F. It is perfect for textured surfaces, fabrics and most creative applications because it melts smoothly, evenly and completely. Materials are bonded as the adhesive cools and can be reheated to remove. It is the most versatile, porous, removable film adhesive available. Its clear nature, when melted, allows it to be used for tiered matting, wrapped and deep bevel mats with ease.
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