Left case: work in progress, Right case: completed
A request for MR stands in the Junkyard has lead over time to the above solution.
I've needed several MR cases for loose lightsabres in order to complete my prop display. Little did I know how impossible they've become to find--and how expensive they are when you do. I want my collection to have quality displays-- but I'm too stingy to spend $100 + on a case. To me, that's money much better spent on more necessary items. Plus, with the number of lightsabres I have still to display--trying to buy up MR cases or similar would totally break the bank.
So after many weeks of frustrating searches, I finally decided to go the Total Craft Store Route. I know tons of you guys have probably done this long ago, but it seems there are so many folk looking for cases, figured I'd show a quick, cheap solution.
I hit Hobby Lobby/Michaels--whatever large craft or hobby store you have in the area. As long as they have a section for model building--you're good. I got a bunch of plastic display cases for model cars. They're not as high class as MRs stuff--but they're fine in my book.
The cases vary from maker, but essentially they're all thin, clear acrylic without nice bases.
I built some black, raised bases for the car cases--and added a 'mirror' base--that's really just a high gloss silver/chrome card stock. Once it's cut down and fitted to the base, you'd hardly notice the difference between real and fake mirror. I've used both wood and black foam core for the bases. If I wasn't trying to conserve materials and keep this cheap, I'd make the bases bigger--it'd be easy to do for anyone who wanted that look. But I'm low-balling this project from start to finish.
I waited to purchase all my supplies during the 'back-to-school' period since craft/hobby places have great sales then. I got all my cases and supplies for 50% off. So now, having spent maybe $70--I have 12 completed cases. But craft stores routinely have good sales & coupons for 20%-50% off, so with a little patience and good timing it's easy to save major $$.
Just thought I'd post this for those of you who are tired of trying to find MR-style cases or who can't budget them in. Like I said--I've now made 12 cases that have cost under $70 (and that includes all my misc supplies).
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