DIY Runner’s Race Bib and Medal Holder

A while ago a good friend asked if I’d make her a display to hold all of her race medals.  She is a health and wellness rock-star. I can always count on her to provide motivation on a daily basis to get up and move.  Sitting at home on the couch vegging out is never an option.  She does it all. She runs, swims, lifts weights. She’s a triathlete.  She works out literally every day of the week.  And she still manages to take care of others.  She is a mother, a wife, a sister, daughter, friend and she is a survivor. She runs with a purpose. For her, running is a gift from God and she believes ‘as long as someone can benefit from [her] testimony, beat cancer, begin to exercise and live healthier…WE ALL WIN!’

So to make this medal holder, for a dear friend who is an absolute inspiration to those privileged to be in her presence, was truly an honor.

I made the holder using the drawer fronts of an old wooden dresser.  Earlier I’d used the trim molding from these drawer fronts to create a picture frame.

 

 

 

 

   

So taking the remaining lower portion of the two drawer fronts, used earlier to create picture frame, I joined it using pocket screws and wood glue to create 1 larger board.

     

Next was creating the trim.  I had a huge stack of cherry flooring I’d found at my local thrift store.  It was perfect because it was 3/4″ in thickness (same as the thickness of the actual boards). Using a table saw I cut flooring lengthwise in half. Then using a miter saw cut the 45 degree angles for the frame.

Using Wood glue, painters tape and a small Brad nailer/Stapler gun I attached the cherry trim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For additional detailing to provide a more finished look, I added quarter round pieces within the cherry trim. Then I applied wood putty to cover any nail holes or imperfections in the wood and proceeded with a light sanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Finally I applied a stain and on the back of the holder placed hanging hooks.  You have the option of using anything from strap hangers to sawtooth hangers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the actual frame is complete you can personalize to your need.

 

 

I used stickers from a local craft store.  I attached the stickers and picture and race tag clips using a hot glue gun.

For the hooks, I spray painted half dark brown metallic color and the other half pink.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once completed I couldn’t wait to share with my friend. She’s the only person I know that still uses the word “playa.” 🙂

“LIFE is a song…sometimes a hymn…other times a ballad…upbeat…or slow tempo…nonetheless…its your song..listen to your life’s music…dance to it, cry with it and most important…RUN wit it! ‪#‎letHIMuseU‬ ‪#‎canUsing‬ ‪#‎ifNotdenjuswaveyoHAND‬”  ~The words of a true “Playa”