Who doesn’t love a treasured family heirloom? From a cherished gem given to you by grandma to that special piece of antique furniture, family treasures are decidedly more valuable than anything you can buy in a store. Yet finding a place for them (in our often already full spaces!) can prove challenging.
These days, we’re encouraged to declutter and streamline our possessions, leaving little room for sentimental items. Rather than stashing them away in a box in the attic, wouldn’t it be nice to display our family memories in a meaningful or even useful way? Read on for our tips on fresh ways to celebrate and remember with family keepsakes.
Psssst… You Don’t Have to Keep Everything
Contrary to what your loved one may have told you, you don’t have to keep every single thing passed down to you. While decluttering family possessions can sometimes feel emotionally charged, keeping just a few super special items makes them even more meaningful. Be honest about that vintage dining room suite taking over your storage unit; while you may remember it fondly from Thanksgiving’s past, does it even suit your space or your current sense of design?
While bulkier items obviously take up the most physical space, collections of smaller knick-knacks, holiday ornaments, and clothing can easily fill coveted storage spaces and become emotionally overwhelming. Give yourself a test to decide. If you don’t remember the item personally, then maybe it’s time to let it go. If you do remember it, but don’t love it, also time to pass it along. If you both remember it AND love it (bonus points if you have a space for it), then it may be worth holding onto. If you’re not sure how it will fit in, consider these ideas below:
Reinvent, Refresh, and Remember
- Treasured Trinkets. Maybe you have been given a necklace or ring from a family member but the setting doesn’t suit you, or perhaps it’s set in gold and you prefer silver. Many reputable local jewelers specialize in re-setting jewelry and even creating new pieces from heirloom treasures. Find a few photos for inspiration, bring in your piece and have a conversation with their jewelry designer. Let go of any guilt about changing the past; it’s so much more meaningful to wear the beloved family gem in an updated piece that suits you rather than to see it collecting dust inside the jewelry box.
- Cozy Keepsakes. Do you have a collection of shirts or other sentimental clothing items you’re having a hard time parting with? Grannys Comfort Quilts on Etsy offers a custom memory quilt which can be made from a beloved collection of t-shirts, fabric scraps, curtains, pillows or more. You supply the fabric, they will create a unique design that honors and showcases your beloved collection. The completed quilt can be hung on the wall or even used for its intended purpose – as a bedcover!
- Home-made Memories. There’s nothing quite like a pillow to provide comfort and a cozy spot to relax and reflect. Perhaps there is a favorite shirt of a loved one that you remember them wearing, but don’t have use for in your daily life. A Memory Pillow is a wonderful way to commemorate their memory and can serve as a tangible reminder of them. Three Shelties and a Cat on Etsy will make your button down shirt, t-shirt, or sweatshirt into a pillow cover, providing a sweet memento to keep close by your side.
Don’t Be Afraid to DIY
When it comes to reinventing your personal family treasures, creativity knows no bounds. And while there’s no shortage of talented artisans to help refresh your special items, if you consider yourself handy or you’re willing to try, DIY-ing your family treasures can be a fun and therapeutic experience too! Refinishing an old table with a fresh coat of stain, reframing a familiar painting, or sewing a pillow from a well-loved shirt provides a time for reflection, marking a moment of connection from the past to the present. And remember, even if it doesn’t turn out perfect, honoring and celebrating the history of your family is what counts.