Making accessories from your memories is one of the best ways to truly add a personal touch to your home décor. There are several different ways in which you can incorporate memories into your designs.
Make a quilt using fabric cut from old favorite clothing pieces, kids’ clothes, baby blankets or sleepers, or fabrics from years ago. Stuff an old shirt and make it into a pillow. If that tablecloth that belonged to your grandmother is looking worse for wear, salvage what you can from it and use those pieces to create a table runner or a window valance.
Another great option is scanning favorite photos to your computer and printing them on iron-on transfer paper. You can use these prints on quilts or to make unique and personal accent pillows. They also make cute pillowcases for children’s beds or fun wall hangings.
Photo collages are also nice. Make copies of your favorite photographs first, so you can cut them into different shapes and sizes as needed to complete your design. Make color prints or simply photo copy them in black and white for a different effect. Add a cool frame and you have a great art piece.
When decorating children’s rooms bring in some of your old toys. Place them out of reach when children are small, in an area where they can be seen and enjoyed, but will still be protected from damage.
Vintage fabrics also make fun accents, such as pillow covers or arm covers for chairs, loveseats, or sofas. A pair of curtains from your first apartment might just make the perfect retro accents for your home today.
Finally, you should never be shy about adding trophies and awards that you have received over the years in with your other accessories. Your memories are important and they add a terrific personalized touch to most any space in your home.