Don’t let an item’s shape, age, or fragility keep you from preserving an heirloom or a memento. With a little bit of care, you can transform these delicate items into storage-ready keepsakes.
The Flowers From a Wedding or Anniversary
If you’re going to dry flowers for storage, hang them upside down in a dark place (to preserve the color). Then, spray them with a little bit of hairspray. You can also try pressing your flowers flat in a large book. Just remember to line the page with wax paper first.
When you’re ready to store, you can wrap them in newspaper, and put them in a cardboard box, not plastic.
The Baseball Glove or Football From Your Past
First, use a damp microfiber cloth to clean your glove/ball before you store it (and every now and again when you take it out). To remove spots, try a small amount of rubbing alcohol or vinegar. Air dry, don’t put it in or near a dryer. After a day or two, apply a leather preserver such as mink oil, neatsfoot oil, or saddle soap (yes, the same soap used to preserve horse saddles).
Store in a cool, dry place. To preserve shape, consider placing a baseball inside and covering it with a glove wrap.
The Newspaper Clippings, Letters, or Cards From a Milestone
Paper is not made with longevity in mind, but you can still take measures to preserve it. Apply a de-acidifying spray to the papers, then put them in archival plastic sleeves (or folders). Be sure the envelopes, folders, or sleeves you use are acid-free.
The Coin Collection Passed Down to You
The key to preserving coins is to avoid air exposure. You can use air-tight, small plastic bins or tubes to preserve your coins. If you’re going to use envelopes, purchase the type designed to hold coins. (Regular envelopes can react poorly with silver.) For additional precaution, use silica gel packets to soak up excess moisture.
Oddly, you shouldn’t clean a coin of value. Polishing coins can actually decrease their value because of what you could strip away. It’s best to leave them be.
Also, be sure to save any certificates of authenticity. This will preserve the value of these coins.
The Halloween Costumes Your Children Wore
Chances are you worked hard making at least part of the costume. Why not keep a gallery of your labour?
Foldable-clothes go on the bottom of the box. Lightly starch the clothes and place it in an airtight bag. If your child wore any type of latex mask, clean it first with a damp cloth. Then, lightly starch it as well.
Stuff hats or other props with grocery bags to help them retain their shape. The things mentioned above may seem unimportant now but as the years pass their value to you will grow.
