Many of us enjoy nostalgia. Turning the pages of an old yearbook, rummaging in a box of childhood treasures, reading an old diary, talking with a friend, looking on the past — all bring back pleasant memories. It’s easy to misplace mementos and lose important treasures from the past.
The following tips can help you preserve special memories, treasures and traditions.
Memory Quilts
When your child wears out a favorite pair of pants, skirt, shirt, blouse or dress, don’t just put it in the ragbag. Find an unworn piece or pieces and snip them out. Place them in a box marked with the child’s name. If you sew, save scraps from the garments you make your children in similar boxes. When you collect enough scraps, sew them into a quilt top. A memory quilt makes a perfect gift when a child goes away to college, takes a new job or marries.
Shadow Box Memories
Whether you’re looking for a special gift to commemorate an occasion or a way to preserve treasured mementos, a shadow box can provide a reminder of special times. You can purchase a shadow box at a craft or hobby store. Or make one yourself with wood backing and wooden yardstick strips for edging and box sections. Arrange photographs, wedding announcements or special items such as keys and corsages in the box. Miniatures purchased at craft and hobby stores such as typewriters, books, tennis racquets, and pots and pans symbolize hobbies, careers and areas of interests. Organize and secure items to box with glue. Find a special spot to hang your shadow box.
Treasure Box
Need a place for report cards, snapshots, dance programs, pressed flowers, class pictures and business certificates? If so, you’ll appreciate this treasure box. Choose a box of adequate size and sturdiness. A cardboard file box is ideal. Cover with colorful contact paper or decorate to your taste. Put personal treasures in it for safekeeping.
If you are particularly well-organized you may want a second treasure box to file treasures in folders or envelopes arranged in chronological order. Make one for preschool, grade school and so on. At the end of each school year or on birthdays, sit down with your child and let him choose the school papers, drawings, snapshots or mementos he wants to keep.
