A Gift with Meaning

At JW Frame Crafters, some projects are more than just framing—they are acts of storytelling, celebration, and honor. This shadowbox was created as a surprise gift for a civilian employee who dedicated 30 years of service at the Groton naval base print shop. Over his career, countless service members thanked him by presenting challenge coins from their deployments, along with commendations recognizing his own excellence. For decades, these tokens of gratitude remained tucked away. For his birthday, they were transformed into a stunning showpiece that celebrates his dedication and the bonds he formed.

The Challenge of Design

This project required more than arranging coins—it demanded precision engineering. We began with the outline of a Seawolf-class submarine, chosen as the vessel to carry the story of his career. Each coin had to fit seamlessly into the design, like pieces of a puzzle. Using calipers, every coin was measured down to the millimeter. A digital file was created in Adobe Illustrator, allowing us to map the submarine’s surface with exact accuracy. After several rounds of testing and adjustments, the layout was perfected.

Building the Submarine

Once the design was finalized, we cut the shapes from MDF and Plexiglass using a laser. The MDF was spray-painted in a hammered gray finish, giving the surface a metallic look reminiscent of a submarine hull. Each coin was carefully mounted with a touch of adhesive, ensuring it remained secure while retaining its original detail. The Plexiglass overlay protects the coins while keeping them visible, safeguarding both the memories and the artistry.

Depth and Dimension

To add realism and impact, the submarine components were mounted on a printed underwater background. The backdrop, also shielded with Plexiglass, evokes the environment where submarines operate, tying the theme together. Each piece of the submarine was raised slightly off the background using bolts, creating depth and dimension. The result was a three-dimensional effect that makes the shadowbox feel alive, as though the submarine is moving through water.

Framing with Strength

For the outer frame, we selected a Larson Juhl Soho shadowbox, chosen for its depth and strength. To match the submarine’s industrial look, we spray-painted the frame with the same hammered gray finish used on the MDF. This unified the design, making the entire piece feel cohesive and powerful. The sturdy profile of the Soho frame ensures the artwork will endure as a lasting tribute to decades of service.

A Legacy Preserved

This project was the culmination of many hours of work, precision, and care. What began as a collection of coins became a one-of-a-kind showpiece, honoring not just a career but also the relationships and gratitude earned along the way. For the recipient, it is more than a birthday gift—it is a reminder of the impact his work had on countless service members and the recognition of a life devoted to excellence.

Display Specifications

• Frame – Larson Juhl Soho Shadowbox, painted hammered gray
• Matting/Structure – Custom MDF and Plexiglass submarine cutouts, underwater background print
• Glazing – Plexiglass overlays protecting coins and background

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