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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

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Time: 8h00

Display your collection!
We love collecting squished penny souvenirs, and always wanted a perfect way to display them. We used an Ikea table as our base, and added this shadow-box style compartment top, with a glass cover. It takes a little while, but it's well worth it!

Posted by Tom from London, United Kingdom • Published 9th July 2013 • See Tom's 22 projects »

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Ikea

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Step 1
We picked a table out from Ikea.
Step 2
Double-check your measurements, and cut 4 pieces of the thicker wood to make a frame.
Step 3
Keep measuring and cutting...
Step 4
...and then nail the frame together.
Step 5
It should all match up just right!
Step 6
We painted our outer frame white to match the table.
Step 7
Once you've decided on the size of each compartment, divide up the wood into those lengths.

Set your mitre block to cut to half the depth of the thin wood.

In groups of 4-5 strips, work your way along, making two cuts, as far apart as the width of the wood.
Step 8
Then, using a small chisel, or a small flathead screwdriver, chip the inner piece of wood out to leave a small notch.
Step 9
Slot each piece of wood together. The notches should match up. Use a soft mallet to flatten out any tough ones!
Step 10
Paint all of your pieces white.
Step 11
Lay all of your pieces together, and take a final measurement of the inside area for the glass. Take off 1 or 2 mm to allow the glass to fit snugly - but not too snug!

I nailed down my inner frame to the table with small tacks. The outer frame is held in place by small dowels. I drilled holes into the tabletop, and into the outer frame on each corner. Then, the outer frame sits snugly on top. That way, I can change the display by lifting the outer frame, and then the glass.
Step 12
Head to a glazer, and ask for some glass cut tot size. We picked 4mm safety glass. Toughened, or thicker glass costs a lot more. For our table, it shouldn't have to take any weight, and it's well supported, so we went with the cheapest option.
Step 13
Remember, untoughened glass will shatter into sharp pieces. Get toughened if you're worried about that!
Step 14
Lay all of your pennies out in a pattern
Step 15
Then, lay the glass on top. If you've still got spaces for pennies, go do some tourism!