Fly display

[ol' blue]

I'm putting together a fly collection to send to bassman's family from fellow tyers on FAOL, and am wondering about putting them in a display. A shadowbox was suggested, but I'm not sure how well it will work out with the 40+ flies that will be coming in. Does anyone have any ideas of a good display method for that amount? Or should I just hit the craft stores for a large shadow box of some sort? Thanks in advance.

[G-man]

Blue,

I usually pick a standard frame and build up the back with pine to get the thickness i need if i cant find a shadow box i like,let me know if you need anything else my e-mail is in my profile
G

[Bamboozle]

While it doesn't prevent fly mashing or look as dramatic as a shadow box, I saw a really cool old fly display in an upstate fly shop. It was nothing more than a deep frame with what appeared to be felt as the backdrop.

The flies were sort of held in place by being pressed against the glass by the felt. While it does mash the hackles of dry flies, it still looked cool and can easily be put together with any amount of flies in a flash for a reasonable amount of money. Small labels could also be added easily with the name of each tyer.

Another idea is just a wide open deep frame with a background of card stock and short posts glued on the backing to hold each fly. Small lengths of balsa could easily be glued to the backing board and thin piano wire can be pushed in like a staple to secure the flies as well as adding a drop of glue afterwards. Loon UV Knot Sense would also work well to secure the flies.

Just a thought...

[Normand]

http://rothangling.com/shadowboxes-kits.htm

[bdesavage]

Greg,
When you decide what is going to be done let all of us know so we can share the cost.

[PRM]

http://www.sawdust-stitches.com/

[Betty Hiner]

PRM,
That's a nice looking site!!

[CoachBob]

I made my Dad a present of a shadow box with 40+ fly patterns showing.
I went to Michael's and got a large shadow box.
I put social studies fair poster foam on the back side.
I took straight pins (hat pins for larger flies) and a drop of Goop and stuck each fly to a pin.
I stuck the pins into the foam in a pattern that suited my artistic senses.
The flies stand out from the foam, no hackles are bent and they look 3D like they should.
Easy Greasy.

[Betty Hiner]

Whoa! That does sound pretty easy! Certainly easier than anything I have come up with!

[ol' blue]

I might be able to do that! I'll see what I can find for shadow boxes. I think I'll also attach a list of flies and tyers. Perhaps in an envelope on the back of the box along with something fitting to honor John.