|
Scrapbooks are a wonderful way to preserve photos and other mementoes but what do you do with all the things that don't fit in the scrapbook? Here are some ideas for super way to display these precious items.
MOVIE BUFF BREAKFAST TRAY
For movie and theater buffs, ticket stubs can become important - and prolific - mementos. A breakfast tray is a great way to display them where you can see them often. Begin by buying an untreated wooden breakfast tray - they are available in many craft outlets. Sand the tray smooth. Then, in the tray lay out your tickets, programs and perhaps some movie star photos cut from magazines. Decide on the best arrangement of items before you ever glue any down. When you are sure you have your movie "collage" properly arranged, glue everything down with white glue. Allow glue to dry thoroughly. Then cover the items with decoupage glue, following the instructions on the bottle. Allow to dry thoroughly. Cover entire tray with protective varnish, dry and display.
WREATHS
Wreath forms are easily available and inexpensive in most craft stores. They can make a great base for a remembrance wreath. You can cover the wreath with filler - like dried baby's breathe or stattice, then glue or wire small mementoes to the wreath. One nice wreath might contain a dried rose from every bouquet you have gotten. You can also dry the baby's breathe from bouquets and make your own wreath filler as well. Another great wreath might hold all the favors from special cakes or different showers you have attended. A darling wreath can be made using rattles and booties saved from your child's infancy. Use your imagination to create a wreath that is both eye-catching and memory precious.
MEMORY SHADOW BOX
These are great to commemorate a specific event, especially one where you have some good full-length photos -- for example, your child's dance recital. You will need a wooden shadow box from the craft section of your local department store or craft store and paint to match your room décor. Sand and paint the box and then let the box dry thoroughly. Tack a photo hanger to the back of the box.
Collect the mementos you which to include, such as tickets, a program, a good photo and perhaps a small favor which fits the "theme" of the event. Create a collage at the back of the box by gluing the program, and tickets to the back of the box. Cut the full-body figure from the photo and glue to thin cardboard or craft foam to stiffen the figure. Glue this figure upright in the box for a three-dimensional effect. Glue any favors or bulky mementoes beside the standing figure (for the dance-recital example you might glue a decorative pair of ceramic dance shoes, or a small top hat - whatever goes well with the dance costume in the standing figure. Be creative in your choice of items and placement and you will have a wonderful wall decoration.
KIDS KEEPSAKE WALL QUILT
Many kid treasures - special shells, rocks or party favors -- are too bulky for scrapbooks but can quickly become scattered, broken and lost. One possible solution is a keepsake wall quilt. You will need a yard of 60" wide felt (sold in a variety of colors in most fabric shops), 16 quart-sized zipping freezer bags, A sheet of craft felt in a color that contrasts with your main sheet, a sheet of mailing labels (available from most office-supply stores), scraps of bright-colored ribbon and tacky glue.
Cut your felt sheet into large square (36" x 36"). Beginning at the bottom of the sheet, glue the freezer bags onto the felt sheet in 4 rows of 4 bags. Allow the glue to dry overnight. Use contrasting felt sheet to make your child's name for the empty space at the top of the quilt - making the letters about 3 inches tall.
Glue letters on. Take ribbons to top of "quilt" to make ties for hanging. Stick one label near upper edge of each plastic bag so your child can label his treasures. Hang quilt on wall.
| 
