Family Memorabilia is Hot for Home Decor

I recently interviewed Mary Foxwell of Little Brick Custom Framing in Monona, Iowa and she revealed, what in her opinion, is hot with her customers this year. No other sources were used in this article and all comments are based on Foxwell's experiences as a retailer and framer.

"Memory boxes make for a personalized, one-of-a-kind item," Foxwell said.

Along with memory boxes being hot decor items Foxwell explained that conservation glass is also popular. A memory box is a collection of items, that could be anything from a wedding certificate to an old vest - if it has a special sentimental value. They are commonly purchased as keepsake gifts that are family conversation pieces.

"I've done a lot of Christening gowns and Christening days, which includes photos and baptism records. I work with people to create special effects, sepia tones," she said. "Another example would be a babies blanket with a picture and a birth certificate. I use a chunk of the blanket, a baby photo and perhaps a senior photo,' she explained.

Foxwell has had several children come in to do memory box projects. She suggests that those who are interested in doing their own collage but want it professionally framed should call her before they begin the project because she would prefer to have them start in the right direction, rather than having to correct damaged heirlooms.

"When I work, everything is stitched down for conservation purposes. You should be able to remove the item if you want to use it down the road, for example, a Christening dress," she said. She went on to explain that the point of making a memory box is to create something unique that you will not find in a store or in the next town or your neighbors house.

"I cut all my own custom frames. I have about 350 samples of various woods and metals to choose from. I also do some canvas framing," she said. "I do creative framing too, for example, items framed in old barn windows or old sash windows," she explained.