Post by sara on Apr 14, 2008 16:21:49 GMT -5
A question we are asked frequently deals with how to properly store your Hallmark ornaments. Proper storage insures a long life for our most prized collectibles!! I've taken the information below from Hallmark.com, as I think they've covered it best.
On a personal note, we find it best to use ACID-FREE tissue paper for storage. As a former Archivist, I know that acid free tissue, which is pH neutral, helps keep items from yellowing.
If you have any ideas or specific questions, please post them here!
When on display avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Before storing, remove metal Christmas tree hooks which can scratch painted finishes.
Clean carefully. Dust ornaments with a feather duster. Never moisten or immerse in water, which could damage finishes.
Handle with care. Clean over a towel or cloth. Have you ever dropped an ornament when packing them up after the season and watched it shatter? Heartbreaking!
Store like with like. Pack up glass ornaments separately. Glass can be scratched by other materials, as can bisque porcelains, and tarnish or rust from metals can cause damage if in contact with other items.
Blown-glass ornaments should be turned upside down so that any condensation will escape for protection of the paint inside. Store them in a climate-controlled area such as a guest-room closet. Don't store them in an area where moisture may degrade the finish or where extremes of heat and cold (more than 90 degrees, or less than 40 degrees) may cause stress fractures.
Metal is special. Sterling silver, gold- plated and pewter ornaments should be wrapped in acid-free paper and stored in a climate-controlled environment, as noted above, to prevent corrosion and pitting.
The “Naturals”. Hand made ornaments made of dough or other natural materials such as acorns, nuts or wheat should be stored separately. If you can bear to do so, discard them after use as they may attract bugs or mice. If you want to take the chance, at the minimum store them in a plastic tub or box with a tight fitting lid. This may not prevent rodents from getting in, or in the case of natural materials such as flour ornaments or acorns – may not prevent something from hatching and getting out!
Use caution when replacing bulbs.
Use special care in storing your UL-Listed ornaments. For a "better safe than sorry" approach, we recommend batteries be removed before storage.
The “chips” used in recordable ornaments are stated to have a 100 year memory life without battery power. Always follow instructions that came with the ornaments for removing and replacing batteries in all ornaments.
Wrap individually. Use tissue paper or bubble wrap.
Box them up. Store your treasures in either the original container – many designed specifically to protect fragile parts – or compartmentalized boxes specifically designed for ornament storage if possible. Plastic containers with secure tops or sturdy boxes may also work. If you use plastic boxes, place a packet of silica gel desiccant (available at craft stores) in each box to avoid damage from trapped moisture. Use plenty of paper or bubble wrap between ornaments. A few scented dryer sheets will help prevent stale odors. If your storage box has no dividers, use additional tissue between ornaments.
Box the boxes! If you don’t store your ornaments in their original boxes and plan on reselling your ornaments in the future, store the boxes in their original shape. Our observation is that boxes in their original condition appear to have more value on the secondary markets.
Label each storage box. (Not your Keepsake boxes!!) That way you won't have to rummage through them all to find such items as heart-shaped ornaments that you'll want to use when decorating for Valentine's Day or your ornaments of Santa waterskiing or cycling that would look great on a summertime wreath.
Taken from Hallmark.com
On a personal note, we find it best to use ACID-FREE tissue paper for storage. As a former Archivist, I know that acid free tissue, which is pH neutral, helps keep items from yellowing.
If you have any ideas or specific questions, please post them here!
When on display avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Before storing, remove metal Christmas tree hooks which can scratch painted finishes.
Clean carefully. Dust ornaments with a feather duster. Never moisten or immerse in water, which could damage finishes.
Handle with care. Clean over a towel or cloth. Have you ever dropped an ornament when packing them up after the season and watched it shatter? Heartbreaking!
Store like with like. Pack up glass ornaments separately. Glass can be scratched by other materials, as can bisque porcelains, and tarnish or rust from metals can cause damage if in contact with other items.
Blown-glass ornaments should be turned upside down so that any condensation will escape for protection of the paint inside. Store them in a climate-controlled area such as a guest-room closet. Don't store them in an area where moisture may degrade the finish or where extremes of heat and cold (more than 90 degrees, or less than 40 degrees) may cause stress fractures.
Metal is special. Sterling silver, gold- plated and pewter ornaments should be wrapped in acid-free paper and stored in a climate-controlled environment, as noted above, to prevent corrosion and pitting.
The “Naturals”. Hand made ornaments made of dough or other natural materials such as acorns, nuts or wheat should be stored separately. If you can bear to do so, discard them after use as they may attract bugs or mice. If you want to take the chance, at the minimum store them in a plastic tub or box with a tight fitting lid. This may not prevent rodents from getting in, or in the case of natural materials such as flour ornaments or acorns – may not prevent something from hatching and getting out!
Use caution when replacing bulbs.
Use special care in storing your UL-Listed ornaments. For a "better safe than sorry" approach, we recommend batteries be removed before storage.
The “chips” used in recordable ornaments are stated to have a 100 year memory life without battery power. Always follow instructions that came with the ornaments for removing and replacing batteries in all ornaments.
Wrap individually. Use tissue paper or bubble wrap.
Box them up. Store your treasures in either the original container – many designed specifically to protect fragile parts – or compartmentalized boxes specifically designed for ornament storage if possible. Plastic containers with secure tops or sturdy boxes may also work. If you use plastic boxes, place a packet of silica gel desiccant (available at craft stores) in each box to avoid damage from trapped moisture. Use plenty of paper or bubble wrap between ornaments. A few scented dryer sheets will help prevent stale odors. If your storage box has no dividers, use additional tissue between ornaments.
Box the boxes! If you don’t store your ornaments in their original boxes and plan on reselling your ornaments in the future, store the boxes in their original shape. Our observation is that boxes in their original condition appear to have more value on the secondary markets.
Label each storage box. (Not your Keepsake boxes!!) That way you won't have to rummage through them all to find such items as heart-shaped ornaments that you'll want to use when decorating for Valentine's Day or your ornaments of Santa waterskiing or cycling that would look great on a summertime wreath.
Taken from Hallmark.com
