Finally — I have a dedicated place for all my race medals and bibs.
This was a simple, affordable DIY. I bought paintable, louvered shutters from Home Depot — the kind with slats and gaps rather than a single solid panel — and some spray paint. Note: the “paintable” shutters come in a smoky gray, so ask for the paintable version if you want to customize the color.
Then I handed the shutters and paint to a handy friend (in my case, my husband, who’s a skilled craftsman). He took them to his workshop, refinished the shutters, and had them ready in no time.
About a week later I gathered every medal I could find and started arranging them. To keep ribbons from slipping back through the slats, I clipped clothespins onto the ribbons from behind. For race bibs I used coated paper clips and hung them like ornaments — an easy, removable solution that looks tidy and accessible.
I also added small temporary signs for a personal touch; I plan to make them permanent soon. One of my favorite quotes — from The Courage to Start by John “The Penguin” Bingham — felt especially fitting to display. It captures the idea that the medal comes after the courage to put on the bib.
I think this is most appropriate. Before I can finish and get the medal, I have to get the courage to put on the bib.
I hung the finished shutters on wreath hangers over the closet doors in our new office/rec room. The display not only organizes the medals and bibs, it also makes it easy to read race names and times — a fun way to revisit memories and milestones. I wish I had made a display like this sooner, but I’m thrilled with how it turned out.
Materials summary:
- Paintable, louvered shutters (choose the size that fits your space)
- Spray paint in your chosen color
- Clothespins to secure ribbons from the back
- Coated paper clips for hanging bibs
- Wreath hangers or similar hardware to hang shutters on doors
The project took very little time and cost under a typical budget for a simple home craft. It’s flexible, so you can rearrange medals as you earn more, and the materials are easy to paint or change later. I enjoy walking by the display and remembering each race — it’s a small, daily reminder of progress and persistence.
