Monday, June 4, 2012

Framed Sunglasses Rack

 I made a display for my sunglasses that hangs on the wall.  It's artistic and functional, keeps them all in one spot, keeps them from getting knocked around and scratched up, and looks pretty nifty, too.  I used the same idea as the framed note board a few posts ago, but added one key feature: an elastic band.  I got this idea from a few blogs around the internet and kinda combined a couple different styles.  Some used wire instead of elastic, some used an antique frame, most didn't keep the glass, some didn't even use any backing on the frame at all.  I decided to keep the glass as I think it lend to a more "finished" or professional looking piece.  If you have trouble with it (you'll find out why soon enough), feel free to scrap it and use it for some other project.

This project is a simple modification to the aforementioned marker board.  Follow the directions to that project until you're about to put the wrapped back board back into the frame.  Instead, cut the length of elastic that you think is appropriate.  Your length depends on the size of your glass and frame, the thickness of your elastic, and desired tautness.  It shouldn't be so taut that it's strained or the inner threads are very visible, but not so loose that it hangs or will arc under the weight of your sunglasses.  I actually could've probably stretched it a smidgen more.  

Center it between the glass and the frame so that when the glasses are on the elastic, they'll sit just in the middle, about one third of the way down in my case.  When you have the desired location and tautness, tape the ends to the edge of the frame so you can press all the layers in on top of it and adjust them as necessary without having to redo your elastic.

Gently press the glass down around the edges, to make sure there aren't big gaps, and place the backing into the frame.  Press around the edges gently as well, to get a tight as fit as possible.  This will be tricky.  With these additional materials being wrapped around the backing, it probably won't fit, but don't force it too hard.  Just do your best.  Remove the tape from the elastic and re-tape it to the backing, keeping the tautness in tact.  Tape the back board into place when your satisfied with everything (just like with the note board).  

Turn the whole thing over and admire your handiwork!  Now you can mount it to your wall location of choice.  I used a couple of poster mounting strips, like the kind on the back of removable wall hooks.  They're right next to each other at the store, made by the same people.  

Load up your sunglasses collection and you have a functional, conversation starting art piece!