As a parent, your child’s achievements are something truly special to celebrate. Recently, a long-time client came to us with his son’s Taekwondo black belt, certificate of completion, and photos from the belt ceremony. His request was to incorporate all of these elements into a design that would be meaningful but not too large.
Taekwondo is a martial art that emphasizes discipline, respect, and perseverance, so framing his son’s black belt in a way that honored these values felt especially important. We began by carefully laying out all the elements using our computerized mat cutter to determine the best design. While it would have been easier to cut it down to a smaller size, we felt it was important to preserve the integrity of the belt. Kendra chose to fold the exceptionally long belt creatively to showcase the text and details.
She experimented with different ways to secure it, and ultimately, black zip ties provided the best fit and appearance. After securing them, she stitched the ties into the mat and hid the connecting pieces behind for a clean look. The certificate and photos were then arranged behind an off-white mat with a red accent to complement the boldness of the black belt. To ensure everything aligned perfectly, we lifted the photos and certificate using foam core, bringing them to the same level as the front of the belt.
We completed this shadow box with a black wood frame and conservation glass. This custom framing not only preserves the physical pieces but also encapsulates the dedication and hard work required to achieve a Taekwondo black belt. It’s a beautiful way to honor your child’s journey and celebrate their accomplishments. No matter your child’s age, custom framing is a meaningful gift that will last a lifetime.
