We all have little things that remind us of a special time or place in our life. Sometimes the thing itself is of little economic value, but the sentimental value is immeasurable. Here are a couple of tips on how to keep those momentos looking great.

Preserving Flowers

If your significant other gives you flowers so rarely that you want to preserve them as a reminder that miracles do happen, here is how to do it:

Mix one part glycerin with two parts water and heat, but do not boil the mix. Pour the mix into a metal or glass container. Make a fresh angle-cut to the stems; you also can gently crush the stems just above the cuts with a hammer to expose more of the pulp. Place the stems into the cooled solution, covering them with a few inches of the liquid. Place in a cool, dry spot with good air circulation, but not in direct sunlight. Depending on the size and type of flowers, it may take several days or up to six weeks to complete the preserving process. So now is a good time to catch up on some Murder She Wrote episodes.

A good way to test if they are ready is to let one stem air dry and compare it to the stems in the glycerin after a week. When finished, the leaves will be soft and pliable, allowing you to enjoy your plants for much longer.

Fixing a plate

So you finally collected the entire limited edition plate set commemorating Jackie O’s dress collection and wouldn’t you know it – someone went and broke your favorite empire waist. No worries! Here is a dish-saving tip:

This homemade glue fixes glass, porcelain and ceramics. You will need 4 ½ teaspoons gum arabic, ¼ cup water and 7 ½ teaspoons of natural glycerin. Dissolve gum arabic in water, add the glycerin and mix well. To use, apply to both surfaces with a toothpick or Popsicle stick and hold together for five minutes. Allow to dry for 24 hours before washing or using. Note: Do not save this glue; you’ll have to make a fresh batch each time.

Related posts:

1. Extras to Spruce Up Your New Digs
2. Extras You Don’t Want to Part With? Take ‘em to the Office
3. Beautify Your Balcony with a Container Garden
4. DIY Décor – On the Walls
5. DIY Décor – In the Bedroom

Tags: collectible, do-it-yourself, fix, Flower, How to, keepsake, memory, momentos, preservation, Value