Cabinets for collections … you start with ready-made frames

Sunset, Feb, 1992 by Peter O. Whiteley

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESERVE distinguished display, and these little wall-hung cabinets make colorful homes for favorite figurines, cars, or tin soldiers.

The cabinets start with a square-sided wooden picture frame. Collection size dictates frame size. Determine the linear amount of shelving needed and the height required between shelves.

The frame is mounted to a same-size box. Make the box and its shelves with pine molding, 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick and 2 1/4 to 3 1/2 inches wide. Use 1/4-inch plywood for the back, and cut designs like the cat and triangle as part of the back.

Cut sides and shelves, then assemble with glue and finishing nails. Cut and add back, fill nail holes, sand, and paint.

Instead of glass, we put acrylic in the frames. Brass hinges and hook-and-eye catches hold the frame to the box. To hang, put eye screws in each side of the box (4 inches from the top) to slip over L-screws in the wall.

Designs were by Francoise Kirkman.