Memories on the wall

As Heather mentioned in yesterday’s post, everyone at the Archiver’s Home Office is excited about 7gypsies trays! I love them because they are such a unique way to show off your favorite photos and memories. The tray itself is so versatile that you can decorate it with ANY photos, papers, and embellishments you want, can make it fit ANY theme, and can make it as simple or elaborate as you want. Really, anyone can do it!

Here are just a few of my favorite ideas:

1. Tribute or heritage photos

I love how this tray (from our Appleton, WI store) uses old photos in a whole new way. Talk about a touching way to honor your loved ones or family members who are in the military! I have a stack of old photos of my grandparents that I love, but have never known quite what to do with them. I think I’ve found my answer! A decorated tray like this would make a really special, meaningful gift for grandma, grandpa, or other family members. Remember to always use copies of your photos and not the originals!

2. Travel photos

Whether you went on an exciting adventure to a far-away place, took your annual family trip to the beach or cabin, or spent a day exploring a nearby town or attraction, almost everyone has travel photos of some kind or another. When I get home from a trip, I love displaying my favorite vacation photos throughout my home so I can look at them every day and remember all the fun we had. This tray (from our Fairview Heights, IL store) caught my eye–what a fun and different approach to showcasing travel photos! I really like how memorabilia (in this case, shells) are incorporated into the design, too. Wouldn’t it be cool to have an entire wall filled with trays like these, one for each trip you took?

3. Baby photos

Look at this adorable tray (from our Woodbury, MN store)! Instead of giving a new mom a few cute outfits that her baby will quickly outgrow, why not give a beautiful home decor piece for the baby’s nursery instead? Mom will be able to look at and admire this special keepsake every day. While none of my close friends have babies on the way at the moment, you can bet I’m saving this idea for the future!

4. Wedding photos

A wedding is one of the most important days in a bride and groom’s life. Instead of keeping wedding photos in an album that only gets pulled out a few times a year, why not display them on the wall and enjoy them every day? This tray (from our Austin, TX store) really highlights these special moments and memories and turns them into a home decor piece the happy couple will love looking at day after day. Make a tray using copies of your own wedding photos, or give a tray as a thoughtful gift to the bride-to-be in your life. You can add the papers and embellishments now, and she can fill in the photos later. Or, give it as a special 1st anniversary gift!

I’ve got a blank tray at home, just waiting to be decorated. After seeing these ideas, I’m inspired and excited to get started–how about you?