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“Enjoy this moment. They’ll be grown-ups before you know it.” How many times did you hear that from family and friends when your children were born? That all-too-common piece of advice is something all parents should follow because the clock seems to tick just a little bit faster the day we bring our babies home. These creative ways to preserve memories will allow you to relive those moments whenever you please.
1. Framed Family Heirlooms
Family heirlooms remind us of our roots and the people who had an impact on our lives. But many of us find that these precious items sit in boxes for years out of fear that we may damage or lose them.
One great way to preserve and enjoy your family heirlooms is to frame them using a graduation tassel frame.
The right side of the frame (where the tassel normally goes) provides the perfect space for your heirloom. In the left side of the frame, you can place a photo of the family member it belonged to, or something related to the family heirloom. From stories to recipes, you can fill the left-side space with anything that gives the heirloom context and life.
The great thing about this project is that you can put these precious memories and heirlooms on display for all to see.
2. Family Traditions Cookbook
For many of us, some of our most precious memories are with mom (or grandma) in the kitchen. Whether it’s grandma’s famous brownie recipe or mom’s special sauce, you can preserve all of your treasured family recipes in a cookbook.
Having all of your family’s recipes in one central place will make it easier to pass them down to future generations.
There are several ways to create your own family cookbook. The simplest option is to arrange all of the hand-written recipes in an album. A simple photo album might work for this, but you’ll need to make sure that the photo slot sizes are appropriate for the paper.
Another option is to scan and print the handwritten recipes. The pages can be stapled together, laminated or placed in a binder for safe-keeping.
The best (but most expensive) option is to have an actual book printed up. The book can include scanned copies of the handwritten recipes, or you may type up the recipes yourself. If you go with the latter option, you can add family photos and fun graphics to really bring the book to life.
No matter which option you choose, your family will treasure the family recipe cookbook you create.
3. Family Photo T-Shirts
A fun way to preserve family memories is to create photo t-shirts. The great thing about this craft is you can be as creative as you want. Create shirts with several photos or just one. Add quotes or sayings to really bring the design to life.
Photo t-shirts are so easy to make, and you have a few options when it comes to transferring the photo.
- Iron-on transfers. The simplest way to make t-shirt photos is to use iron-on transfer paper. Print the photo(s) and graphics on the paper and use your iron to transfer the image onto the fabric. Make sure that you mirror the photo, text and any other elements before printing to ensure that the photo and text transfer properly.
- Heat Press. The best way to create photo t-shirts is to use a heat press. The results are higher quality and longer-lasting than what you get with simple iron-on paper. Heat press machines are more affordable than ever, and you can continue using them well into the future.
Creating family photo shirts is a fun way to show off your memories and relive those important moments in your life.
4. Vacation Photo Coasters
Photo coasters are a great creative ways to preserve memories because these are objects that you use every day (most likely). Using vacation photos to create your custom coasters will remind you of the happiest times spent with your family every time you use them.
There’s no need to spend a fortune on professionally-made coasters when you can make them yourself.
All you need are some tiles – which you can get from your local home improvement store – and some Modge Podge.
5. Shadow Boxes
Shadow boxes are beautiful creative ways to preserve memories, photos and mementos. Simply add photos to the background of the box, and include any physical items that relate to the photos.
If you took a vacation to Disney World, you could add a few souvenirs that you picked up during your stay.
Hang your finished shadow boxes on the wall for guests and your family to enjoy.
You can also use shadow boxes to preserve your child’s art.
6. Transparent Books
Transparent books are a unique way to keep your family memories safe and protected. But this craft will require a little extra work on your part.
Each page is created by taking either an object or a photo and sandwiching it between two pieces of clear vinyl. The edges are sealed to enclose the object in the pages and preserve it.
