Title: “Preserving Family Memorabilia Junk”
Exhibitor: DeeAnn Thaxton
Description: Items that otherwise might be thrown away can be transformed
into a memory art. Heirlooms such as a vase, a jar, frames, decorative boxes, etc., can be created using acrylic, latex paint, and silicone caulk. Projects can even be antiqued to make them look older. Preserving items will help families remember their ancestors, children, parents, grandparents, etc. These treasures become special memories to pass on to posterity.
How To’s:
History & Background
I discovered the art form of
“Memory Jugs” in a magazine article.
An exhibit at the Diggs Gallery at Winston Salem State University
featured many items of interest, and I had them send me a program
brochure. The following is what I
learned from the booklet. One theory is
that this art form originated as a Victorian Era hobby or craft. Another theory is that the items were first
found in Africa used as a grave markers.
It is assumed that they were made by the deceased’s loved ones as a
burial custom and tribute to the deceased.
That is why they are sometimes called “Mourning Vessels.”
Each item on a Memory Jugs tells a story. Miscellaneous small items are pieced together to create an
heirloom-quality craft that is meaningful as well as interesting to look
at. I thought of all the things I had
in the bottom of drawers that were a memory or told a story:
Broken jewelry that was given as a gift or
worn to a special event.
Pretty rocks or broken pieces of colored
glass my children had given me.
Small sea shells I had found on the beach
from a family vacation.
Old keys from my first home or car.
Old buttons that were found in my
great-grandma’s sewing box.
Nuts, bolts, and fishing lures found in
grandpa’s tool & tackle box
Party favors collected from past events.
Broken pieces of china or dishes
Coins from foreign countries
Pennies that were smashed on the railroad
tracks.
Old pieces from long lost games, marbles
& jacks.
Clean out your jewelry boxes, sewing drawers, or go on a scavenger hunt
while on a vacation.
1.
A base for your
memorabilia. A bottle, vase, frame or
box works great. Use your imagination.
2.
Collect all
your memorabilia.
3.
Acrylic latex
caulking. I use while, paintable
caulking with a self-applicator. If you
use caulking without a self-applicator, you’ll need a caulking gun. Since all caulking is a little different, so
be sure to read the label to make sure it will work for your project.
4.
Plastic knife.
5.
Acrylic
antiquing gel.
6.
Clear coat
varnish, if desired.
7.
Newspaper to
cover work surface.
8.
Wet rag or paper towels for clean
up.
1.
Cover work area
with newspaper. If you are doing a
wooden box, stain and finish the box.
Cover your box/frame with caulking.
If doing a vase or jar, do only half at a time.
2.
Spread caulking
with a plastic knife. Make sure
caulking is thick enough to push items into it.
3.
Allow to dry
for about 30 minutes to be tack free and for 24 hours to cure. All caulking is different, so be sure to
read labels for drying time.
4.
After it has
cured, you can antique it with acrylic antiquing gel. Let dry.
5.
Spray with
clear varnish.
Variation: If you would like to add a
picture, use a piece of glass the same size as the picture. Before your begin the project, put a piece
of aluminum foil on the back of the picture to protect it. Place the photo on your object and put the
glass on the top of the picture. Use a
small piece of acid-free tape to secure the picture and glass. Add caulking and memorabilia.
[5 photos from the file.]