Advantages - With this method you add nothing foreign to the artifacts in the display. The wires hold the artifacts firmly in the position which you place the. With a lot of time and patients you can do as detailed of a display as you would like.
Disadvantages - I really do not like this method. I have done displays with up to 800 artifacts. This would take a lot of time and patients, I don't have much of either. I do not like any pressure placed on the artifacts, in fact in the glass section you will see that I never even let the glass touch the artifacts. Don't get me wrong, I have seen some beautiful displays using this method. Most of them were beautiful due to the artifact though.
Glue - This method consists of placing glue on the back of the artifact and pasting it down to the background. The glue may be super glue, Elmers glue, or hot glue. The method is all the same, though the different type of glues have different advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages - This method gives you the ability to create as detailed display as you wish in very little time. It also gives you the ability to place the artifacts in the exact position that you want.
Disadvantages - This method requires you to place a foreign substance on the artifact. Once the artifact is in place on a display it is hard to move it to another position. If you want to pull apart a display for another one this method requires more time and effort in getting the artifact ready to be placed in the new display.
Super Glue - This glue sets-up fast put is hard to remove completely from the artifacts.
Elmers Glue - This glue takes a little longer to set-up, but gives you time to adjust the artifact to the right position. Removal of the glue requires some soaking in water.
Hot Glue - This glue sets-up fast, but is usually easy to remove from the artifact. It is more of a rubber glue and will peal off the artifact with little effort.
I prefer the glue method of all the different types of ways to attach artifacts. I think the hot glue is the easiest, but I am usually burn myself more times than I care to mention, so I use the safe elmers glue.
Everyone has a method that they prefer. Hopefully I have given you some information that will help you with your displays. When it is all said and done the method that best works for you is the one you should use.
Pressure - This method is generally seen in shadowbox displays. A thick foam is placed under the felt or whatever is used for the background. The artifacts are then placed on the foam. A glass top is placed over the artifacts so they are pushed down into the foam. The pressure between the foam and the glass hold them into place.
Advantages - This method requires placing nothing foreign onto the artifact. Later if a new display is created the artifacts can be easily removed and
placed in the new display. This is a very easy and convenient method.
Disadvantages- This method makes it hard to create a detailed display. Though I have seen this method used in a frame style display, the artifacts can slip out of place. Also, I personally do not like the glass pushed up against the artifacts, With any movement could cause scratched to both the glass or the artifact. I Also do not like any pressure being placed on delicate bone artifacts.
Next Page
Back to Tips Page
To Main Page