Preserving Memories

To protect and preserve...

Hmmn! This is an important topic! Protecting and preserving memories of your valuable paper keepsakes is a primary concern for any true ephemera collector...as it should be!

Let's start by explaining what we mean, when we speak of preserving your paper ephemera. Basically, it means that you are taking the neccessary steps to prevent your paper goods from further deterioration. You know, kind of like a museum would do!

It is crucial that you stop, or at least, slow down the aging process of the paper. How do you do that? Click here for some simple guidelines on preparing your collectible items for proper paper preservation. Then click on paper storage to learn more about storing away those paper treasures safely!

Displaying your keepsakes is a tricky thing. Sure, it would be nice to be able to share your collectibles with your house guests. But, if your having pizza for dinner, keep your guests far, far, away from any paper collectible! You need to keep "human handling" to a minimum if possible!

So, does that mean that you have to seal everything up in an airtight vault, of some sort? No, you can still enjoy looking at your keepsakes. In fact, there are a variety of display techniques that we will explore in another section.

A cool idea that allows you to do this, is digital storage! It solves a couple of problems all at the same time. You can scan your collectibles into your computer, creating a digital image. Preserving memories digitally is fast, fun, and reliable. There are several ways to use that digital image and display it for all to see!

What? You have 10 full boxes of paper goods? Should you preserve every last scrap of paper in those boxes? Is that possible?

Possible? Sure, I guess so...but it's not very practical for the average collector. It may be cost prohibitive to preserve everything! So, where do you draw the line? That's where you need to make some solid decisions. Ask yourself some questions before tossing away anything.

Is it valuable?

Perhaps, you may need to consult with an antique appraiser, for some of your more valuable paper items.

Is it historical?

You may need to do some antique research on your own. Don't worry, we'll give you some tips and starting points.

We think that you'll actually enjoy this part, particularly if the item you are researching is from your own family. It can be a quite rewarding and satisfying experience.

Is it fragile?

Before you do, look through some of our pages for some ideas on paper storage and paper preservation.

Is it sentimental?

If you are looking for some scrapbook ideas for your scrapbook pages, then why not "safely" preserve some of those memories in a scrapbook?

Make sure to protect that special paper ephemera properly by using acid-free, archival quality products. Use cotton gloves when handing old paper pieces to prevent further damage from the oil in your hands. Remember, preserving memories is our primary focus here! Take care of your paper collection and you will be able to cherish them forever!

Random Notes...

Okay! This page is what most of our site is about! We would like you to take a good look around the house. Open up some of those old boxes, (especially the ones that you inherited from your relatives).

Chances are, you probably have some paper memories that need to be preserved!

We strongly encourage you to do so...

Our Advice?

START NOW! RIGHT NOW! DON'T PUT IF OFF ANY LONGER!

Most people will simply say, "Oh, I'll get to it later on..."

Well, most people don't!

And as time marches on, those precious memories can become faded, damaged, or worse...lost!

So let's get started!

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