Restoring an old photograph can refresh a memory and bring your ancestors’ stories to life. This torn photo of a 1911 ambulance in Shanghai, is one of many that brings to life the story of my grandparents, Dr. Albert Dunlap and Eva Dunlap. Dr. Dunlap was on call through many armed conflicts in early twentieth […]
Restore old photos, find your family story Read More »
An archival framing project from 38 years ago reappeared at my door recently. In 1984 I made an edition of embossed prints titled The Stained Glass Tree. One copy, framed here at Chandler Designs, was owned by a friend who kept it on display in their home. In 2019 they passed away, and the work
Archival framing preserves art Read More »
2022 Framing project at Chandler Designs Archival framing for two original textiles, an original oil on leather, circa 1900, and an heirloom needlepoint, stitched by a family member 50 or more years ago. The archival framing needed for each one included a float mount on 100% cotton rag mat board, museum glass, and custom spacers
Shadowbox framing for textiles Read More »
One little virus created a big pandemic, but along with devastating challenges came opportunities to make positive changes as we reenter each other’s company. Life is a banquet…bring your feast gear, as in, don’t bring single use products to your next social reentry party. Like many, I woke up each day during 2020-2021 hearing more
Life is a banquet…bring your feast gear Read More »
You won’t know if you don’t look! One of the services I offer through Chandler Designs is archiving family collections of photos and documents. Digital versions of your heirlooms and written materials such as letters, are easy to share. The more people that can read the letters left by a parent or great aunt the
What’s in that box of family photos and papers? Read More »
Historical documents are particularly useful when researching family history. They take us to a point in time and to an era and can give insight into how groups of people handled complex and every day decisions. They also shine a light on the path our ancestors took in forming beliefs and customs—what is referred to
Historical Documents: Community Covenant, Andover, Maine Read More »
The challenge of translating old family tree data files with current software happens in all digital areas of interest and for do-it-yourselfers this problem can be particularly vexing— or exhilarating depending on how you feel about being your own IT person. Before getting into a few tips on file format translation for family tree applications
Translating Old Family Tree Data Files Read More »
Chandler Designs is introducing a custom design service for Family Tree charts—the Story Tree—as well as expanding our archival printing services. With added text and images a family tree chart can become a Story Tree. We can now print them up to seventeen inches by ten feet long. As I write this it is 4th
Why do we humans love story so much? Reaching into our past for a story is part of all our lives. The collective story of a country or culture gives insight on current events and helps us navigate our own times. Your family history—oral or documented—adds dimension to cultural traditions which otherwise might languish as
Restoring historical documents – 1840 Land Grant signed by President Martin Van Buren Read More »
I have just completed the new logo for the Frederick County Beekeeping Association, of Maryland. It has been approved by the FCBA members. This diligent group shares a passion for beekeeping, which is not only a rewarding hobby for some and business for others, it’s benefits effect the well being of each of us. You
Frederick County Beekeeping Association Logo Read More »
In 1911 Dr. and Mrs. Albert M. Dunlap set sail for China. Albert to begin his medical practice as an otolaryngologist and Eva to begin the next phase of her painting life. They built a life together and raised six children. This article though features the five panel image Eva created on their voyage forty
Hand Bound Album for a family keepsake Read More »
Souvenir Jigsaw Puzzle from Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. Just how many ways can you spell Winnipesaukee? Apparently a few hundred. So when we had this jigsaw puzzle of an artist’s rendering of the geography of this lake in New Hampshire it seemed like a good idea to have some fun with the name. Picking out
Fun Frame Job – Jigsaw Puzzle Read More »
Several years ago, in the 90’s, I had a client who had brought in a group of Chinese zodiac symbols painted on and cut out of tissue paper. These had been acquired on a trip to Asia and while not expensive souvenirs they held a great deal of meaning for my client. Together we opted
Fun Frame Job – Chinese Zodiac Read More »
Old Comfort Farm is situated in the beautiful Maryland farmland of northern Frederick, Maryland. Owners Bill and Bonny Sydnor brought the damaged photo, top, to be restored in time to display when their home was toured as part of the Historic House and Church Tour in Creagerstown, Maryland in September 2009, and featured in the September
The art and artifacts of our lives tell stories of all sizes and shapes. We are often given these things as gifts or chose them to decorate, bringing color to our lives. A remembrance of someone who has left us, through death or relocation, or a time of life that is past never to return
Honoring Life, framing Holy Water Read More »
