DIY Network

Frame Display for Military Collectibles, Part 4 Putting It All Together From "Get Framed" episode DGFR-103

The finished display

Expert framer Shahnaz LaCaze helps a war veteran create a suitable display for his military badges, medals and keepsakes. In this final phase of the project, we see how the pieces fit together to create this unique and patriotic display.

Materials:

UV Plexiglas® (pre-cut to fit frame)
glue
double-stick tape
tape measure

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Steps:

1. Attach the "medal pedestal" on top of the slightly smaller backing (the second piece of foam core you cut out after the pedestal). Use double-stick tape and glue to secure the two pieces together.

2. Position the completed medal pedestal underneath the uniform jacket. Be sure to measure on all sides to make sure the pedestal is centered correctly underneath the jacket and is also the same distance from the bottom of the frame that the collar of the uniform is from the top of the frame (in this case, 2 inches).

3. Using double-stick tape and glue, secure the pedestal to the backboard underneath the jacket (figure A).

4. With your frame face down, insert the UV plexiglas. Be sure to pull off the protective cover.

Tip: Make sure when you're working with plexiglas that you pad your work surface to prevent scratches.

5. With double-stick tape and glue, insert the fabric-covered spacers and adhere to the inside walls of the frame (figure B).

6. Insert the backboard with the attached uniform and medal pedestal (figure C).

7. Finally, cover with the final piece of foam core as your dust cover (figure D) and hammer small nails into the insides of the frame (figure E)--1/4 inch from the edge--to hold in all the contents. Depending on the size of the project, you may need about 2 to 4 nails per side.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Now your collectibles are ready for display (figure F).

Web-Extra: Hanging Heavier Pieces

Framed collectibles can often make for heavier pictures than framed artwork. For heavier pieces, strap hangers are a good solution when hanging on the wall. Install the strap hangers one third of the way down from the top of the frame. Measure to keep both sides even. Mark your spots and start a pilot hole using a 1/16" standard drill bit. Then secure the strap hangers.