Hobbies And Interests
Player Themed
Create a displayed centered on a particular player. Include several of the player's most important cards, such as his rookie card and cards from all the teams he played for, as well as a ball or puck autographed by the player. For example, a Pete Rose-themed box would feature his rookie card and cards of him in both a Reds and a Phillies uniform. You could also create a tribute-type display for someone like late NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. Add newspaper clippings about the player's deeds and accomplishments alongside the trading cards.
Event Themed
Create a shadow box with an event theme that incorporates ticket stubs and a program from the event, as well as trading cards of players who played in it. The box could be a World Series theme, All-Star game theme or Super Bowl theme. For example, a Super Bowl XLII shadow box would depict the New York Giants upset over the undefeated New England Patriots in 2008 and include trading cards of renowned players from the game such as MVP Eli Manning and Patriots QB Tom Brady. Some shadow boxes are large enough to accommodate a commemorative T-shirt that could be used as a backdrop.
Valuable Cards
Create a shadow box that displays some of your most valuable cards. These could include vintage cards from the early 20th century, cards that have been autographed and relic cards. Relic cards include a piece of the player's uniform or equipment. They could also feature rookie cards--many are quite valuable--or cards that simply have sentimental value. You could also highlight recent premium cards of star players, such as Albert Pujlos from baseball, Alexander Ovechkin from hockey and Aaron Rodgers from football.
Team Themed
A shadow box trading card display could center on a collector's favorite team. Include cards of players from a team's various eras and feature a ball or puck autographed by the team's players. Ancillary items could include yearbooks, T-shirts and a team pennant.
Rookie Card Theme
Trading card collectors collect in different ways, such as a favorite player, a particular team or era and manufacturers' sets. One of the most popular methods is collecting rookie cards. Create a shadow box display that focuses on prominent or unusual rookie cards. Rookie cards, particularly in baseball, can be quite valuable. For example, a Mickey Mantle RC can fetch as much as $8,000, and a Willie Mays RC is valued as high as $2,500, depending on the condition.