Q: 7 years ago, we had our first child who was a stillborn little girl named Lola Jane. We've since had 2 more girls, Bella and Fiona. We talk of Lola often, we have pictures of her framed and displayed in the house, as well as the dress that she wore when we held her. These things are precious to us and remembering and counting her among our family is important to us. We also have some ceramic hand and foot molds (the 3-D kind, not the flat imprints) that they took for us at the hospital. Up until now I have had these packed away, afraid of them breaking, as they are delicate. I am trying to figure out how I could display these, either in my girl's room, or their playroom, so that they would be safe as well as seen? Obviously I would be crushed if anything happened to these one-of-a- kind physical evidences of our firstborn, but they're wasted being packed away in a box. Help?
Sent by Jessie
Editor: My first thought is a glass-enclosed shadow box which lets the molds be seen but not touched. Perhaps you could find one with three sections to display the hand molds, the foot molds and a photo in the middle. Readers, what are your thoughts?
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We have some 3D molds of my son's feet in a shadow box (with glass), and they've been perfectly safe in there so far. I used tacky glue to attach them to the backing of the box because that's what I had on hand, but if you were really concerned about them coming loose, you could use super glue.
When we made the molds, one was very thin and broke in half. My mother-in-law happened to be preparing to paint her living room and I used some of the drywall paste that she was patching holes with to fix the little foot mold. It was a fairly clean break and the drywall paste worked wonderfully! You can't even tell that it was ever broken! I HOPE that yours never break, but if something horrible happens, keep this tip in mind.
What a sweet way to remember Lola!! If you have a gallery family wall, perhaps in a hallway or a stairway, you could hang it there. She's a member of the family, and should be with the rest of the pictures.
Whereever you hang these memories, look for metal hanging hooks that have a clasp that grips the wire on the back of the picture. I have a few of those on pictures in our home that I think my son might bump into (like the framed pictures above his bed).
I would definitely do a belt & suspenders approach to hanging the shadow box, if you go that way. In addition to the metal bracket or whatever you use to hang it, I'd apply some of those 3M velcro strips to each side of the back of the frame, and that should help keep it firmly mounted in place. Such a hard thing, but I think you are doing right to get the molds out of the box and up where they can be appreciated, even if it does put them a bit more at risk.
Given how precious these objects are to you and your family, I would take them to a professional framing store and see what your options are. They may have suggestions for preserving them or safely displaying them within a frame.
I agree with nellymom's suggestion. It costs more to have something custom framed, but it is certainly worth it in this case. If you find a great framing store, ask to speak with the owners or with someone who has been there for a long time. Framers often have experience preserving and displaying many delicate 3D objects in a safe and beautiful way.
I don't think I would trust just any framing store with these objects. They could easily get lost or broken in the store. If you prefer to use a professional I would ask to be present during mounting.
I agree with nellymom's suggestion also. Just make sure you go to a reputable company/framer. Like Ihoelle mentioned - these people have a vast amount of experience in dealing with precious items. Not sure where you are located but perhaps contact your local museum or historical society. They may use external framers/conservationist that may be able to help you.
I agree with Caeebe.
Have you ever thought of having them dipped in bronze ? I know its old fashioned but it might be nice to have them preserved. If you can find someone that understands how important they are you might find someone to make a clay mold for you to make some out of clay that would be stronger. If not I would display them in a shadow box or glass top jewerly box. My first thought was double sided foam tape (name brand) as I have hung china plated directly to the wall and it holds up...took some of the wall down when i pulled it off. Best option is to call the museum and ask them (like siolof suggests. )
Hi Jessie! If you are interested in shadowboxing the molds and need to find a reputable framer here is what you do...you may have to call or visit a few places, but it will be worth it to know you have a place where you don't feel the need to hover over them while they are doing their work. Just call up and ask if they do shadowboxing and if they have any examples. Most quickie frame shops will either say no or won't be able to tell you what they have shadowboxed or how. I have been at my job shadowboxing for ten years, can tell you about the techniques that I use, and have a photo book to share with customers showing antique bridal veils, fossils, pistols, arrowheads, baptism gowns, and even a violin. By talking to the designer you will be able to tell whether or not you are comfortable leaving something so precious. If you can not find anyone Hobby Lobby and the Container Store sell DIY shadowboxing kits. Hope this helps!!
Check out Red Envelope. They have a few great options in their baby keepsake section.