Christmas is coming, and it’s coming fast. It’s that time of year when weeks take days and days seem to pass in the blink of an eye. Chances are that you’ve barely started your Christmas shopping, or even come up with nifty gift ideas for that one person in your life who is notoriously difficult to find the perfect gift for.
Is this you? Have we hit the nail on the head? If so, don’t worry. We’ve got the perfect solution to your dilemma that will catapult you to the top of Santa’s “Good” list.
Memories That Last
Over the years we collect small items that mean something to us, whether a concert ticket, a T-shirt from an event, pennant from our favourite sports team or competition medals. We’re a sentimental race, and set great store by memories and things from our past, which is why we can’t bring ourselves to discard these items. The memories that they evoke are just too strong and the emotions they dredge up are too valuable to our psyche. We need that tangible connection to our past.
But what happens to this memorabilia as we get older? They are generally confined to a box or drawer, and we only delve into this treasure trove of memories when we’re feeling nostalgic and need a sentimental hit. As enjoyable as it is to reminisce about long-ago moments every so often, wouldn’t it be better to have these special items on display? Lasting memories, as it were, that will always bring those special times to mind.
This is where Kelso Frames can provide the solution: shadowbox framing.
What is a Shadowbox Frame?
A shadowbox frame, or box frame, is a type of frame that encloses a 3-dimensional item to create an attractive display. These frames are usually deeper than your standard frames, with a more significant gap between the back of the frame and the glass, allowing for the 3-D aspect of the object. The depth depends on the size of the item being displayed, which is why bespoke framing is a better option here than purchasing a frame off the shelf.
Shadowbox frames don’t have to portray just one object. They can tell a story through a meaningful display of several linked items, or memorabilia from the same activity, event or holiday. If your partner is a rugby fan, consider a shadowbox frame that includes a signed rugby jersey, tickets from a memorable game and the team’s flag. If he or she is an avid runner, you may wish to frame medals and race numbers from races that they excelled at or have special memories from.
In custom framing your objects, you can dictate the size of your shadowbox frame and decide how you wish the items to be laid out. You also have free reign on the colour and style of the frame as well as the mount. Remember that the frame and mount serve to showcase and complement the display and shouldn’t detract from it.
Identifying Special Mementos
To create a truly meaningful shadowbox frame, you need to identify the memorabilia that will have the best effect and evoke the feelings you’re striving for. Not every event or occasion is frame-worthy, but if you have a close relationship with the person you’re creating the frame for, then you’ll know which one to choose.
Finding the items to include in the shadowbox frame, on the other hand, may be trickier. If you’re intending this frame as a surprise for your partner or friend, it may require some detective work or cunning to locate the best items to use. Simply prising your beloved’s favourite rugby jersey off him unsuspectingly will leave him very confused and perhaps a bit suspicious. Then again, if it’s his favourite item of clothing, he may not want it in a frame!
Consider including photos of the day that the event took place. In this digital age, photos last indefinitely on your device unless deleted, but in days gone by, developed photos didn’t last well unless kept in albums. And even then, they faded or became discoloured. Memorialising photos in a shadowbox frame preserves them for future generations, and adds to the effect of the enclosed display.