Custom Crafts Blog

Military medals represent more than decorative ribbons and metal—they embody stories of courage, sacrifice, and service that define the character of those who wear the uniform. For families, veterans, and citizens seeking to understand these prestigious awards, navigating the complex hierarchy of military decorations can be overwhelming. The Hierarchy of Military Decorations The United States military maintains a strict order of precedence for its medals and awards. This ranking system ensures that the most significant

Medals represent some of life’s most meaningful accomplishments—from military service and athletic victories to academic excellence and years of dedicated service. Whether you’re documenting your own achievements, creating a family history archive, or simply appreciating the artistry of these symbolic objects, understanding how to photograph and display old medals properly makes all the difference. Why Medal Photography Matters Every medal tells a story. The weight of the metal, the intricate details of the design, and

When I first started organizing our company’s annual recognition ceremony five years ago, I made the mistake of ordering generic medals from the first supplier I found online. The disappointment on our employees’ faces when they received those lightweight, poorly engraved pieces taught me an invaluable lesson: the right medal can transform a simple acknowledgment into a cherished memory. Understanding Award Medals and Their Significance Award medals represent more than just metal and ribbon—they embody

When service members return from deployment or receive recognition for their dedication, they’re often handed loose medals and ribbons that need proper display. Understanding how to mount these honors correctly ensures they’re presented with the dignity they deserve while maintaining military standards. Why Proper Medal Mounting Matters Military medals represent sacrifice, dedication, and achievement. Whether you’re preparing a uniform for an upcoming ceremony or preserving awards for future generations, the way these decorations are arranged

Commemorative medals hold a special place in military tradition and personal history. These meaningful tokens serve as tangible reminders of service, sacrifice, and significant moments that deserve to be remembered for generations. What Is a Commemorative Medal? A commemorative medal is a specially designed award created to honor specific military events, conflicts, anniversaries, or periods of service. Unlike official service medals awarded by the Department of Defense, these medals are typically produced by private organizations,

Religious medals have adorned the faithful for centuries, serving as tangible expressions of devotion and spiritual connection. Among all materials used for these sacred objects, sterling silver stands out as the preferred choice for many believers seeking quality, durability, and timeless beauty in their religious jewelry. Why Sterling Silver for Religious Medals? Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver alloyed with other metals, typically copper, which gives it remarkable strength while maintaining the lustrous appearance that

When I first started collecting military medals from my grandfather’s estate, I was completely overwhelmed. Dozens of ribbons, medals, and decorations were scattered in a box, and I had no idea how they should be arranged. That confusion led me down a fascinating path of learning about medal precedence, display protocols, and the rich history behind these honors. What Is a Medal Chart? A medal chart is a visual reference guide that shows the proper

When most people think of military honors, they picture soldiers in dress uniforms covered in ribbons and medals. But there’s an entire parallel world of recognition that honors the civilians who support military operations, federal agencies, and public service missions. These non-military medals and civilian awards follow their own strict hierarchies and protocols, often confusing those receiving them for the first time. What Are Non-Military Medals? Non-military medals are formal recognitions awarded to civilian employees,

When students work hard throughout the school year, recognition matters. Academic medals serve as tangible reminders of accomplishment that students can hold onto long after they’ve moved on to new grades and challenges. Why Academic Recognition Makes a Difference I remember watching my daughter’s face light up during an end-of-year assembly when she received a medal for academic improvement. She kept that bronze medal on her desk for three years, and whenever homework felt overwhelming,

When it comes to recognition and celebration, size truly matters. Whether you’re organizing a sports tournament, corporate event, or community celebration, oversized awards have become increasingly popular for their visual impact and memorable presence. These statement pieces transform ordinary recognition into extraordinary moments that participants and spectators alike will remember for years to come. Why Choose Oversized Medals for Your Event? Traditional medals serve their purpose, but there’s something undeniably special about presenting an award

When my grandfather passed away, I discovered a small wooden box in his attic containing several military decorations from his service in the Navy. Holding those medals, I realized I knew almost nothing about what they represented or why he’d earned them. That discovery led me down a path of learning about military honors that I’d like to share with you. What Are Military Medals? Military medals are official decorations awarded to service members for

For veterans, active-duty service members, and military families, displaying earned honors with pride is an important tradition. While full-size medals and ribbon racks are worn on dress uniforms, there are times when you want to showcase your service accomplishments in other ways. That’s where military ribbon rack decals and stickers come in—offering a practical, versatile solution for displaying your achievements on vehicles, personal items, and more. What Are Military Ribbon Rack Decals? Military ribbon rack