Creative Crafts: Timeless Treasures

Keepsake Art

  • Art Prints: One of the easiest ways to display a memory is with the classic handprint. A single print of five fingers splashed onto a crisp white sheet speaks volumes years later and eloquently denotes a child's presence. Using finger paints, stamp your child's hands and footprints onto heavy cardstock or parchment. Pour several different colors onto a paper plate for a marbled look when stamped out. Not only can these prints be framed, they also make lovely greeting cards and wrapping paper when done on thinner paper.

  • Shadow Box Memories: A shadowbox's extra-deep frame nicely displays larger items that won't fit in a standard frame. Consider focusing on one theme or event when creating a keepsake shadowbox. For a new baby, you might frame a piece of silver giftware, a pair of first shoes, some text printed in a formal font on a fine piece of stationery detailing the baby's stats, a black and white close-up photo, and a lock of hair.

    You could also create displays for just about any other family memory. For instance, a collage of beach vacation memories full of postcards, photos, and of course, sand and seashells or a collection of sports or hobby items such as a little league hat, lineup schedule, and photo trading card. We made an Asian-inspired shadowbox that can tie into an oriental-style décor. All the pieces are special childhood items, creating both a keepsake and a wonderful piece of wall art.

  • Baby Bracelets: Those chunky little black and white letter beads symbolize infancy almost as much as talcum powder and diapers. Instead of just stringing on a baby's name to some elastic, personalize it with other special pieces. The whole family can get involved, each contributing a special piece to create a welcome bracelet for the new family member. Add especially nice stones and painted beads for a more sophisticated bracelet that will stay in style for years to come. Create extra-large bracelets that can be strung around the neck of a lamp or used as a bookmark—just make sure they are out of baby's reach.

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