Custom Shadowboxes: A Meaningful Gift for the Holidays and Beyond
While fine furniture and cabinetry are at the heart of what we do at Cascade Pacific Woodworks, we remain deeply committed to one specialty offering that carries personal significance: custom-built shadowboxes.
Crafted with the same level of precision and artistry as our luxury millwork, our shadowboxes are designed to honor life’s most meaningful milestones—from military retirements and graduations to retirement ceremonies, family heirlooms, or commemorative keepsakes. These pieces serve as a tangible way to preserve memories, and as a Veteran-owned business, we take great pride in building them with integrity, care, and respect.
As we approach the holiday season, now is the perfect time to plan ahead for the perfect personalized gift—or to mark a future ceremony or transition with something truly enduring.
What Is a Custom Shadowbox?
A shadowbox is more than a frame. It is a hand-built display case, always made from personally selected solid hardwood, that showcases medals, flags, certificates, photos, personal artifacts, patches, or memorabilia in a dimensional and protective format.
At Cascade Pacific Woodworks, our shadowboxes are:
Handcrafted from premium materials like walnut, sapele, cherry, maple, white oak
Sized and laid out to your specifications, with fabric backings and mounting design assistance
Made with military precision, honoring the structure and symbolism of service displays
Finished in-house with long-lasting, beautiful low VOC oil finishes
These are heirloom-quality pieces designed to last for generations—created with the same craftsmanship we apply to our cabinetry and fine furniture.
Perfect for More Than Military Retirements
Although originally designed to celebrate military discharge and promotion ceremonies, our custom shadowboxes have also been used for:
High school and college graduations – capturing tassels, pins, cords, photos, awards and more
Firefighter, police, and public service retirements
Sports recognitions and achievements
Tributes to loved ones – memory boxes for anniversaries or memorials
Collectors or hobbyists – displaying coins, awards, vintage tools, or sports memorabilia
We work directly with you to determine the ideal size, materials, interior configuration, and mounting layout—whether the display is standing, wall-mounted, or sealed behind glass.
Holiday Orders and Gift Planning
Because each shadowbox is made by hand and to order, we recommend reaching out well in advance of important milestones. The holidays are a popular time for gifting, but we also encourage clients to plan ahead for:
Spring graduations
Upcoming retirement or promotion ceremonies
Veterans Day, Father’s & Mother's Day, or Memorial Day gifts
Surprise celebrations or reunions
Ordering now ensures that your piece will be ready when it matters most—built with attention to every detail and a true understanding of its purpose.
Crafted with Purpose by a Veteran-Owned Shop
Cascade Pacific Woodworks is proud to be Veteran-owned and operated, and our shadowbox work remains a meaningful extension of that legacy. Owner Tobias Olsen, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, brings the same sense of discipline, honor, and precision to these boxes as he does to every kitchen, table, and custom cabinetry project in our portfolio.
When you choose one of our custom shadowboxes, you’re choosing to preserve what matters most—and to support local craftsmanship rooted in service.
Order Your Custom Shadowbox Today
Whether you’re planning for the holidays or preparing for a milestone in 2026, we’d be honored to help. Each shadowbox is made to order, so early contact is key.
We serve Waterford, Connecticut, and surrounding communities. Contact us today to begin your custom shadowbox order.