Mittens
Display precious clothing — in this case, lonely mittens missing their mates — in its natural state.
What You Need Colored felt Craft glue Four eight-inch-square box frames in white (MTS Frames, available in five finishes, $24 each, 800-242-7173 for store locations) What You Do 1. Cut the felt to the same size as the frame backing.
2. Using craft glue, glue the felt to the inside of the frame backing.
3. Center the mitten on the felt and glue it down. Let the glue dry overnight, then put the frame back together.
Best For: Lightweight three-dimensional objects, such as a baby's onesie or booties, old eyeglass frames, doll's clothes, and children's artwork.
Hotel Pens
Use specimen boxes for beautifully unscientific displays of ephemera.
What You Need One piece of 12-by-8-inch construction paper One piece of 4-by-6-inch card stock Craft glue Glue stick One 12-by-8-by-2-inch R-350BK Riker Mount display case (Potomac Display, $7.50, www.potomacdisplay.com) What You Do 1. Measure and cut a piece of colored construction paper to fit inside the box and on top of the cotton batting that comes with the frame.
2. Decide on an arrangement of the pens. Apply craft glue to one pen, then position the pen. Repeat for the other pens.
3. Write the captions on heavy stationery stock. Trim close to the writing. Adhere the pieces of paper to the background with a glue stick.
4. After waiting overnight for the craft glue to dry, put the pens and paper inside the cardboard box. The batting will push the pens firmly against the front of the frame.
Best For: Sturdy but light cake decorations, toys, key chains, colored pencils, and matchboxes.
Cookie Fortune
Memorialize unlikely sources of inspiration.
What You Need Colored construction paper Glue stick A 3 1/2-by-5-inch Saratoga oval frame in a black matte finish (Victorian Frame Company, comes in 16 colors, $10, www.victorianframecompany.com) What You Do 1. Place the fortune on a piece of construction paper; attach with a glue stick. Trim the construction paper, leaving a small border of color all around. (This will help the fortune stand out from the white background.)
2. Use the glue stick to attach the fortune with the border to the mat provided. Place everything in the frame.
Best For: Flat items, such as postcards, letters, telegrams, concert tickets, personalized stationery and letterhead, and playing cards.
