How to Build a Shadow Box Display Case for a Jersey

Sports jerseys are often part of memorabilia collections. These jerseys can be displayed and stored in a variety of ways. One display method is to mount the jersey in a shadow box. This preservation method protects the jersey from roaming fingers, dust and dirt.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • 1-by-2 inch lumber, 8 foot length - 2 each
  • 1/4-inch plywood, 3-by-4 foot sheet
  • Circular saw
  • Miter saw
  • Router
  • 1/4-inch router tip
  • Wood glue
  • 1-inch finishing nails
  • Hammer
  • 1/4-inch acrylic, 3-by-4 foot sheet
  • Velvet
  • Scissors
  • Fabric glue
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure, mark and cut two pieces of 1-by-2 inch lumber 32 inches long. These are the left and right side of your shadow box. Measure, mark and cut two pieces of 1-by-2 inch lumber 40 inches long. These are the top and bottom of your shadow box.

    • 2

      Set the miter saw at a 45-degree angle. Cut both ends of the sides, top and bottom at 45-degree opposing angles. The lumber should be shaped like a trapezoid. The cuts should be made on the 1-inch edge of each piece.

    • 3

      Place each piece of lumber on the widest 2-inch side on a flat surface. Place a 1/4 inch router tip in the router. Rout 1/2 inch from the right edge of the top and right side piece. Rout 1/2 inch from the left edge of the bottom and left side piece. The lines should run the length of each piece.

    • 4

      Lay the bottom of the frame on a flat surface with the narrowest edge of the 1-inch side facing up. Place one side on either edge of the bottom. Align the edges and routed lines to form 90-degree, flush corners.

    • 5

      Run a bead of glue around the edge of each corner where they join the next piece. Replace the boards and nail the sides to the bottom using finishing nails at each corner.

    • 6

      Measure, mark and cut a piece of 1/4-inch plywood measuring 32 inches wide and 40 inches long. This is the back of your frame.

    • 7

      Center the back of the frame over the frame edges assembled in steps 4 and 5. Nail the back to the sides and bottom using finishing nails.

    • 8

      Measure, mark and cut a piece of velvet measuring 35 inches wide and 43 inches long. Measure, mark and cut a square out of each corner measuring 1 1/2 inches.

    • 9

      Place the velvet face down on a flat surface. Fold down 1/2 inch of the velvet around the four edges. Crease well and maintain the fold. Fold down 1/2 inch around the corner cutouts. Use the scissors to release extra fabric to enable the material to be folded flat. Crease well and maintain the fold.

    • 10

      Pipe fabric glue around the edges and back of the shadow box. Turn the fabric texture side up and center the fabric over the frame. Use your hand to smooth the fabric over the back and sides of the frame. The folds should align with the front edges of the frame and be smoothed inside the routed lines. Leave the top of the fabric free.

    • 11

      Position and mount the jersey into the frame as desired.

    • 12

      Measure, mark and cut a piece of 1/4-inch acrylic which measures 30 1/4 inches wide and 38 1/4 inches long. This is the glass for your shadow box. Slide the glass into the routed lines.

    • 13

      Apply fabric glue to the top of the shadow box. Smooth the fabric into place. Position the top against the side corners.

    • 14

      Nail the top to the sides using finishing nails at each corner.