Preserving Birdie Picture in a Locket

[Puck]

Tonight I was trying to lessen the weight of my suitcase for my plane ride back to Texas from Honduras (I had to pay an oversize fee on the way here), and when sifting through the hunk of jewelry I brought I found a teensy little locket from when I was maybe nine or ten. I opened it up, and what did I see? Two itty bitty pictures, one of Ladybug, the first pony I took lessons on, and one of Nipper, my very first bird (so named for being a very nippy little budgie)! I couldn't BELIEVE it--I didn't think I had a single picture of Nipper--this was back in the day where you had to take pictures on actual film and have the PhotoMat develop them. Of course, it's tiny and worn out in its little locket, but it is soooo cute. Man, I loved that bird, as bitey and sour tempered as he was. My dad ending up building an aviary for me because I was always letting him live free in my room and he was pooping all over the carpet, driving my mom nuts. It really warmed my heart to see that little budgie face, and it came at a great time since I've been going through some tough stuff. He was the first of many, many budgies I owned over the following ten years, and he will always have a special place in my heart for it. It's funny how it's not always the cuddliest or the sweetest or the smartest or the cutest that REALLY stick with you... In this case it was the first.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I might preserve the picture in its little locket when I get home? I don't know if I could cut plastic that could fit it, seeing that it's in a tiny heart shape... I was thinking maybe the glue you use for decoupage could seal it? I really want to make sure it doesn't end up wasting away since it's already a good twenty years old.

 

[SilverSage]

I would search the Internet for ways to do this, but also ways to reproduce and then perhaps restore it I would start with the big photo companies. I really have no idea but I'm really glad you found it how special.

 

[Aquila]

If you still have the negatives they can easily be reproduced.

Other than that, actually preserving it, resin would be your best bet. You can get small kits at places like Michaels or other art stores. You pour it and it dries clear, a lot of pendants are made this way in a technique called "doming."

My scanner actually has a slot for negatives, and both my boyfriend and I do graphic design, it's a really easy process if you know anyone, but the only hard part is finding a place that can actually redevelop the negatives since everything is digital now.

 

[OOwl]

Puck, when you get back, PM me. I know someone locally that can restore that little picture for you. You could then remove the precious original one to a box or something and put the restoration pic back in the locket. She's a personal friend and a professional at this type of work. She lives near you. Have a great return trip.

 

[Kalidasa]

Does the photo pop out fairly easily? You could have it laminated at any kinkos or office supply, then glue it in. ��