Preserving heirlooms for the next generation
There’s nothing more special than a beloved stuffed animal or blanket. These well-loved childhood and family companions often show their age as they move from one adventure to the next.
The wonderful part is these precious items allow us to connect our family across the generations—from a favorite teddy bear or quilt to a cherished christening or dedication gown. I absolutely love playing a part in helping to preserve something so it can continue to be part of your family’s memories.
Understanding what’s possible.
There are two key questions to keep in mind when considering restoration and repair work:
Are you planning to continue using your item or do you want to display it?
This will impact what materials are used and the type of support structure used in the work.What do you what it to look like after the work has been completed?
Making it look as close to new as possible is very different than embracing the character that years—even generations—of use add to the heritage of an item.
Knowing the answers to these questions allows us to have a productive conversation around what’s possible, including what materials will be needed and the time it will take.
Here are a few basic definitions to help in the our conversation.
Repair: Mending to fix what is damaged so an item is usable again. Repairs can be seen and are appreciated as they add to the history of the item. This is the easiest and quickest approach.
Restoration: Returning an item as close to its former condition as possible so it can be usable again. Repairs are camouflage where possible, blending and coordinating new materials with any original ones. (Hint: Most people prefer a combination of repair and restoration.)
Conservation: Preserving what is left in order to slow any additional deterioration, materials used are at a minimum and are camouflaged. These items are often displayed ‘as is’ or used for reference.
Clarification from the start.
The devil is in the details. My 20+ years of experience in global communications means there are no outstanding questions around how something will be addressed. It also means you’ll have complete understanding of what materials will be used, the timeline to expect, and the cost.
I approach all clients as partners, so if at any point a project reveals another approach that should be considered, I’ll reach out so we can discuss.
All this means is that after you submit a Project Form and we have our initial (no charge) consultation, you will receive a detailed quote outlining each step in the process—from deconstruction to reconstruction—and how materials and costs breakdown.
Interested in exploring what’s possible?
Drop me an email using the project form via the button below for a free consultation.