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Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: rainbowstars on May 31, 2012, 07:32:36 PM

Title: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: rainbowstars on May 31, 2012, 07:32:36 PM
Hi all!  I'm rapidly running out of room on the (new) shelf my stepdad made for the pony collection.  I have another large shelf that is nothing fancy, but could hold a fair amount of ponies.  I'm wondering what you all do for the ones in the back row.  Someone must know something about this around here :p  I've seen clear plastic blocks that some have used.  where do I get those?  Are there any other affordable ideas? 
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Icicle on May 31, 2012, 07:35:03 PM
Right now what I'm doing is using old DVD cases to boost up my G1s and a couple of VHS boxes for my G4s.. it's not great, but it works! I really should find a way to wrap them so it looks very uniform, haha.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Taxel on May 31, 2012, 07:37:53 PM
There's a tutorial, maybe on the old Arena?, for making risers out of foam boards. It looks very easy, and its what I plan to do.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: rybett on May 31, 2012, 07:38:59 PM
Target has extendable risers in the kitchen section.  That's what we are using in addition to a CD sized bookcase.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: rainbowstars on May 31, 2012, 07:40:16 PM
Thanks Taxel, I'll check it out!

Icicle- funny, said shelf is covered in VHS tapes right now, and I've been thinking of using those and covering them with fabric or something so you can't tell what they are :p
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Icicle on May 31, 2012, 07:41:28 PM
Target has extendable risers in the kitchen section.  That's what we are using in addition to a CD sized bookcase.
What do those extendable risers look like...? o_o; Because if my fiance and I can get out to Target this month that would be something worth looking into... (He also needs risers for some of his stuff).


@rainbowstars - Haha. Yeah that's probably what I should do when I have a chance.. it looks so tacky on my shelves, aaa.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: coinoperatedgirl on May 31, 2012, 07:43:41 PM
I have a trio of perfectly sized cardboard boxes that sit behind one row of ponies on a shelf in my pony bookcase.  I should probably find some nicer risers!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: kissthethunder on May 31, 2012, 07:51:49 PM
Ohmigosh, I've cut up so many shoe boxes and covered them in felt for risers XD Cheap, inconsistently sized, but they work for now until I can afford prettier ones <3
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: rybett on May 31, 2012, 07:52:48 PM
White, with a grey non-skid top.  About as wide as say, a large soup can.  Two interlocking pieces.  If I remember correctly, in the kitchen storage area.  Does that make sense?  Not boxed, but the two layers are fastened together.   Three tiers altogether.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: PinkRosedust on May 31, 2012, 08:00:13 PM
I have used small boxes and even pieces of cardboard taped together (don't worry - arrange the ponies well and you won't see it). I have also used styrofoam, which I find works great, and it's lightweight (I used to have my collection in small wall cubbies stacked up, so I felt better about using light things). But if you ARE concerned about ugly risers showing, it's easy enough to wrap them in pretty paper or fabric.

The best part about making your own out of cheap materials is that you can cut things to the perfect size, if that's an issue for you.

Anyway, if you want something a little nicer, try spice racks, or even building blocks. Another thing I'm currently using is these acrylic  tops to little display boxes (the type of thing used for displaying model cars and such). I found them cheap at a thrift store though - new they'd probably be a little pricy. I also sometimes find plastic baseball display box thingies that I use as risers, though they wouldn't be that efficient for bigger shelving units.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: relcelestia on May 31, 2012, 08:02:06 PM
White, with a grey non-skid top.  About as wide as say, a large soup can.  Two interlocking pieces.  If I remember correctly, in the kitchen storage area.  Does that make sense?  Not boxed, but the two layers are fastened together.   Three tiers altogether.
are the called "risers"? im thinking maybe i could find them online :)
just not sure waht to google
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Icicle on May 31, 2012, 08:09:14 PM
White, with a grey non-skid top.  About as wide as say, a large soup can.  Two interlocking pieces.  If I remember correctly, in the kitchen storage area.  Does that make sense?  Not boxed, but the two layers are fastened together.   Three tiers altogether.
Ohhh, thank you! Those sound like they'd work nicely for me and my fiance.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Rhini on May 31, 2012, 08:35:20 PM
White, with a grey non-skid top.  About as wide as say, a large soup can.  Two interlocking pieces.  If I remember correctly, in the kitchen storage area.  Does that make sense?  Not boxed, but the two layers are fastened together.   Three tiers altogether.
Personally I don't like these, they're so low that all the ponies kind of get mashed together  :huh:  They were also like $10 apeice when I saw them and I'd need so many.


I just made mine out of some display board. I cut one piece to fit the shelf, scored it, and rolled it into  a block shape if that makes sense? then taped the seam. They work awesome, and I can custom size them.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: kaninchen on May 31, 2012, 08:41:29 PM
i've used a piece of spare wood painted or stained to match the shelf. like 2x4 or somesuch.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: FairyDust on May 31, 2012, 09:00:50 PM
I'm using some clear display boxes that were used orginally for displaying beanie babies.  I bought a bunch of them just to get the boxes a couple of years ago for really cheap just to get the display boxes.  I lay them flat and I can put small things in there if I want to as well. :)
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: relcelestia on May 31, 2012, 09:04:59 PM
i've used a piece of spare wood painted or stained to match the shelf. like 2x4 or somesuch.
me too!! theyre perfect! and 4x4's are even better! to allow each layer of ponies to really be seen well ^_^
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: WhispersOfTheWind on May 31, 2012, 09:08:12 PM
im reusing foam board packaging. 
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: sd_dreamcrystal on May 31, 2012, 09:16:58 PM
I've used the foam board risers... got them out of whack in measurements, G3 boxes (of the core 7 ponies), Styrofoam  from boxes for certain things (doesn't work very well for me though)

I'm planning on trying something a little later but can't do it right now x.x
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: NoDivision on May 31, 2012, 09:22:35 PM
I bought a few sets of the plain white expandable pantry risers from ebay, and I am in love with them. The ones I boguht the 2 pieces aren't locked together, so you basically get 2 sets of riders with each one - you just have to use something to prop up the back corner of one of them, but it's easy enough. I paid $30 for a set of two, so four lengths of riser.

I use them for my MH collection (this is the two halves separated, so this is full length)
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And for babies, breezies, blind bags
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I also use craft/floral foam blocks cut to size and wrapped in fabric. You can see them in this old army picture.
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Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: lunar_scythe on May 31, 2012, 10:10:05 PM
usually if you are looking for them online, the shelves are called Spice Racks.  :)

I got mine at Big Lots, $6 for a set(about 24 inches long when they are opened as far as they'll go.)
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: hathorcat on June 01, 2012, 02:02:06 AM
I use empty cd cases opened up and glued together...kind of difficult to explain but basically the back of the cases are the "support" legs and the front of the cases are the "riser" shelf.

I open up one case into an upside down L shape then glue the "front" to the "back" of another case...then open up the next case and do the same until I get the length I need and then the last case has the front removed so its just a "leg"

And then I cover the whole thing with a plain fabric - normally something light pastel coloured - cheap and cheerful!

However, here is SailorEarths much more professional tutorial! http://www.mlparena.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=282591/postdays=0/postorder=asc/start=0.html
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Pangel on June 01, 2012, 03:57:21 AM
I had used cardboard boxes on my shelves, but it is a little cramped now, and can't see the ones at the back as they are double-stacked  >_< I'd actually forgotten about several that I owned!  :blush: Here is the chaos:

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For my birthday I treated myself to shop-display step risers. They were quite expensive, but are made of hard clear plastic. I've also bought some model display boxes as I want to make pony scenes with my accessories without fear of losing them.

Hopefully they will arrive soon! This is what they look like:

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Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: CasseminaPie on June 01, 2012, 04:06:44 AM
I bought a few sets of the plain white expandable pantry risers from ebay, and I am in love with them. The ones I boguht the 2 pieces aren't locked together, so you basically get 2 sets of riders with each one - you just have to use something to prop up the back corner of one of them, but it's easy enough. I paid $30 for a set of two, so four lengths of riser.

I use them for my MH collection (this is the two halves separated, so this is full length



This is awesome! I'm going to have to look them up :) I am using old clear plastic ferreo rocher boxes but they are expensive and require me to eat a lot of chocolate!


*EDIT* Just purchased a set of display risers from ebay. I am so glad I found this thread because I had been looking for this stuff for ages but never knew what they were called!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Pangel on June 01, 2012, 04:08:56 AM
I bought a few sets of the plain white expandable pantry risers from ebay, and I am in love with them. The ones I boguht the 2 pieces aren't locked together, so you basically get 2 sets of riders with each one - you just have to use something to prop up the back corner of one of them, but it's easy enough. I paid $30 for a set of two, so four lengths of riser.

I use them for my MH collection (this is the two halves separated, so this is full length



This is awesome! I'm going to have to look them up :) I am using old clear plastic ferreo rocher boxes but they are expensive and require me to eat a lot of chocolate!

Hehe! Wish I'd have thought to do that - perfect chocolate justification!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: rainbowstars on June 01, 2012, 04:41:19 AM

This is awesome! I'm going to have to look them up :) I am using old clear plastic ferreo rocher boxes but they are expensive and require me to eat a lot of chocolate!


Ahahahaha!  That was a great way to start my day!  I freaking LOVE ferrero  rochers!  Glad this thread helped though.  I too have been pondering this for a while.

So many good ideas!  I love those clear store display things.  I also love the white ones that the MH dolls are on.  I think I need to wait to actually purchase something like that though.  My husband is a carpenter, so maybe I could get him to give me some wood :blush: ....Aaaaanway....That sounded off.  I don't really want to bring him into it as he said I am on my own with figuring out risers.  But if it means I won't be spending money, he would probably agree. 

Where do you buy foam? 

Rhini-  I am totally confused.  How do you roll something into a block shape? 

Pangel-  OH MY!  That is a lot of ponies!!!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Pangel on June 01, 2012, 05:15:28 AM

This is awesome! I'm going to have to look them up :) I am using old clear plastic ferreo rocher boxes but they are expensive and require me to eat a lot of chocolate!


Ahahahaha!  That was a great way to start my day!  I freaking LOVE ferrero  rochers!  Glad this thread helped though.  I too have been pondering this for a while.

So many good ideas!  I love those clear store display things.  I also love the white ones that the MH dolls are on.  I think I need to wait to actually purchase something like that though.  My husband is a carpenter, so maybe I could get him to give me some wood :blush: ....Aaaaanway....That sounded off.  I don't really want to bring him into it as he said I am on my own with figuring out risers.  But if it means I won't be spending money, he would probably agree. 

Where do you buy foam? 

Rhini-  I am totally confused.  How do you roll something into a block shape? 

Pangel-  OH MY!  That is a lot of ponies!!!

I need someone to help me co-ordinate my ponies. Wish I had some pony friends near-by to help me decide how best to display them. I worry one day that there will be a pony avalanche in my garage, and I will get crushed by them XD
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Rhini on June 01, 2012, 07:41:40 AM
Rhini-  I am totally confused.  How do you roll something into a block shape? 

I knew that wasn't the best description XD Here, this is kind of what I did http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/10/rapunzel-cardboard.html (http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/10/rapunzel-cardboard.html)


Except instead of scoring it many times like they did, I only scored it 3 times, then kind of folded it into a rectangle :)
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: rainbowstars on June 01, 2012, 07:46:12 AM
Ahhh, now I get it!  There is usually not a cardboard shortage around here, so maybe I should try this.  If it's free it's for me:P  Sorry, so cheesy!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Radiance on June 01, 2012, 07:48:07 AM
I use little white cardboard boxes, like the kind some jewelry come in. I'd planned on jazzing them up with paint and such, but for now they're just plain white.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Rhini on June 01, 2012, 08:25:33 AM
Ahhh, now I get it!  There is usually not a cardboard shortage around here, so maybe I should try this.  If it's free it's for me:P  Sorry, so cheesy!
XD Nice. I would recommend doing it the way they did and including a square of cardboard in the center, because mine don't have one and consequently they're kind of flimsy. They get the job done though! And actually look quite nice. I made a few different sizes. I think for the G1's they were 4 inches, and the g3's I was able to get away with 3 inches. Then I have super small like 1 inch ones for the blind bags. I'll take pictures when I re-organize :)
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Anitas_Mom on June 01, 2012, 08:48:32 AM
For G1 and G3 ponies, we use a piece of plexi-glass the length of the shelf held up by small drinking glasses which are the same height.
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: rainbowstars on June 01, 2012, 08:57:24 AM
Anitasmom-  That is a great idea!  I love you plushies :) 
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: miss on June 01, 2012, 11:19:53 AM
Untill I have a fixed Pony room and I know I won't b moving any time soon, I'm using pony VHS! I have so many so it works great!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Eluluu on June 01, 2012, 11:27:07 AM
lol as a kid i rigged pretty bad, but functioning risers out of cardboard with toilet paper tube supports inside them, im currently using the giant entertainment center in the kitchen (dont ask...) and have commandeered most of the dvds in the house to make my tiers... good thing the inlaw is a bit of a hoarder, so i had more than enough haha.

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and the curse of the sideways pictures continues... ill get it straightened out eventually. its not the best pic, and its only part of the collection (and a nosey cat) but you get the idea. =]
ive recently added a few 2x3s to the top row to make even thinner tiers for the wingers and flutters. they take less space and were getting smushed all in one row so i spread them out a bit more.
hoping to get a decent display case in the near future... found some really nice ones for dirt cheap, but im broke. =[
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: Skeen on June 01, 2012, 01:20:43 PM
I use expandable spice racks from Walmart.  I can fit 6 ponies per tier and there are 3 tiers per rack, so each rack holds 18 adult G1's.  Plus, since they're white plastic, they can't stain or transfer colors to any of the ponies.  I think they're like $7 apiece.  Certainly less than I'd spend to fill them, lol!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: mlp4me on June 01, 2012, 03:08:12 PM
Use anything and everything!
Here's some pics:
As Hathorcat mentioned, hot glue CD cases together:
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This riser is made from my husbands empty sports card boxes, taped together and then covered:
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This one is a 12 pack of soda case, front cut off and I used another case to reinforce the top and sides, you'd need to reinforce the middle with a piece of cardboard as well to keep from sagging
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Metal locker shelves
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other metal shelves
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(I used to have an entire wall from top to bottom, I've had to consolidate into a corner, so space is limited...)
 
Save save save small boxes and yes, foam chunks work great!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: lemontwist on June 02, 2012, 10:27:29 AM
I used stacks of books for a while before I had to pack everything up to move. I LOVE that CD case idea!
Title: Re: What to use for "risers" for pony display shelf
Post by: ZennaBug on June 02, 2012, 02:33:23 PM
I've used small cardboard boxes and books before...  :silly:
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