The Art of Framing Jerseys, Textiles and Memorabilia

Not everything worth framing is a painting, photograph, or print. Some of the most meaningful pieces we frame are objects that were never intended to hang on a wall.

A favorite jersey. A family textile passed down through generations. A collection of medals. A signed piece of memorabilia. Even an unusual object that simply deserves to be displayed rather than stored away.

At Allan Jeffries Framing, custom framing gives us the freedom to create a presentation around almost any object. With thoughtful design, proper mounting, and the right materials, these pieces can become something you enjoy seeing every day.

What Is Shadowbox Framing?

A shadowbox is a deeper style of frame designed to accommodate objects with dimension. Rather than pressing an object between glazing and backing, a shadowbox creates enough interior space for the piece to be properly mounted and displayed.

The depth of the frame can be customized around the object itself. Some projects may require only a little additional space, while others call for a much deeper frame.

The result can be subtle and refined or bold and dramatic. It all depends on the object and how you want it presented.

Framing Jerseys and Sports Memorabilia

Jerseys are one of the most popular pieces to display in a shadowbox, but there are many ways to approach the design.

The jersey can be displayed on its own or incorporated into a larger presentation with photographs, tickets, programs, signatures, plaques, or other memorabilia.

How the jersey is positioned also makes a difference. It can be folded to emphasize a player’s name and number or displayed more fully to show the entire garment.

Whenever possible, we use mounting methods that respect the object and minimize unnecessary alteration. For valuable or sentimental pieces, how something is mounted can be just as important as how it looks.

Framing Textiles and Fabric Art

Textiles present their own unique challenges. Unlike paper or canvas, fabric can stretch, sag, crease, and react differently to mounting.

We work with everything from needlework and embroidery to scarves, tapestries, flags, vintage fabrics, and other textile art.

The goal is to support the material properly while allowing its texture and character to remain visible. Depending on the piece, it may be carefully sewn or otherwise mounted using techniques appropriate for the material.

A thoughtfully framed textile can transform something that has spent years folded away into a piece of art for the home.

Displaying Medals, Keepsakes and Personal Objects

Some framing projects are less about traditional art and more about telling a story.

Medals, military memorabilia, family keepsakes, letters, photographs, jewelry, records, and personal objects can be combined into a single custom presentation.

These projects give us an opportunity to think beyond the frame itself. Background materials, spacing, depth, arrangement, and even the shape of the frame can all become part of the design.

The goal is not simply to fit everything inside a box. It is to create a composition that gives each object room to breathe while allowing the collection to tell its story.

Protecting What Matters

Many of the objects brought to us cannot simply be replaced. They may have financial value, historical significance, or a personal connection that makes them priceless to their owner.

That is why preservation is an important part of the framing process.

Depending on the project, we can incorporate archival materials, UV protecting glazing, acid free backing, and appropriate mounting methods. We can also help determine how much protection a particular object needs based on its material, age, condition, and intended display location.

Every Shadowbox Can Be Completely Custom

One of our favorite things about framing three dimensional objects is the amount of creative freedom it allows.

The size and depth of the frame can be built specifically around the object. Frame profiles can range from clean and contemporary to traditional and ornate. Backgrounds can be understated or used to introduce color and texture.

We can incorporate wood, fabric, matboard, acrylic, metal, plaques, multiple openings, and other design elements to create something completely individual.

There is no standard formula because there is rarely a standard object.

Turn Something Meaningful Into Something You Can See Every Day

Too many meaningful objects spend their lives tucked away in drawers, closets, boxes, and storage.

Custom framing gives those pieces a place in your home and a way to be enjoyed while helping protect them for the future.

If you have a jersey, textile, collection, or unusual object you have been thinking about framing, bring it to one of our Allan Jeffries Framing locations in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or Manhattan Beach.

Our frame artists can explore the possibilities with you and create a presentation designed specifically around your piece.

Some things are simply too meaningful to keep in a box.