Story by Joanna Gaines
This story has been adapted from the spring 2025 issue of Magnolia Journal.
This is almost always how it goes: When I get home, Crew runs toward me with a twinkle in his eye, and he slips something into my hand. Most of the time it’s something he’s found or made: a stone, a clover, a handwritten note. They’re little markers in his story, of his growing mind and curiosity—little proofs of this life we’re exploring together. I didn’t always think to actually display things like this when I was a young mom. For years, I just tucked them away in a box somewhere and maybe pulled them out to look at every once in a while. But now I treasure these items and can’t wait to set them out because I want our home to tell a story, our story, and to see glimpses of it everywhere.
PHOTOGRAPH BY LISA MULLER; STYLING BY AUDREY DAVIS
In recent years, I’ve started collecting display cases to house little mementos found or given along the way: an acorn Crew picked up on a walk or brass trinkets from antiquing with my little sister. But I also love to use these cases as places to house fresh inspiration, like a living, breathing mood board. It’s a way I can tangibly usher in a new season and pull together pieces to set the tone for what I want the season to look and feel like—maybe a pattern I’m drawn to or a poem that really resonates.
No matter what they hold, these cases become decor, beautifully showing off the small things we may not know what to do with but also don’t want to toss. Our team has pulled together more examples of (not so) ordinary items you can display, so that you can keep inspiration close and remember the stones, clovers, and notes of your own life. Proof of these days, this life you’re building.
choose your case
When it comes to actually storing your treasures, dream beyond your typical shadow box. Try a specimen case, keepsake box, nicho (tiny tin box), or any other vessel you’d enjoy having displayed at home. Depending on the type you choose, you can opt to mount it on a wall or lay it flat on a table or shelf.
PHOTOGRAPH BY LISA MULLER; STYLING BY AUDREY DAVIS
A home for curiosities: Whatever you love to gather—seashells, postage stamps, coins, enamel pins—give them the spotlight.
items to inspire
- Picked or pressed flowers from the season’s garden
- Vintage enamel pins
- Wine cork from a memorable dinner
- Grandfather’s pocket watch
- Seashells
- Medals or ribbons
- Grandmother’s brooch
- Toy cars from childhood
- Brass antiques
- Home run ball
- Bottle of favorite perfume
- Billiard ball
- Poems
- Notes from kids
- Fabric swatches
- Pages from a favorite book
- Old postage stamps
- Matchbooks
- Old house keys
- Concert tickets
- Marbles
group together
PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIELLE JACKSON; STYLING BY ALLI McGRANE AND LUCY DIAZ
Capture noteworthy places
All of us have “that spot” that has made its mark on us or brings renewal. Pull together pieces from a special trip or a general place you thrive in, like the waterfront.
Lean into a theme
When in doubt, zero in on favorite hobbies, pastimes, or other interests to help rally the mementos you don’t want to forget.
Become a collector
Keep a place for the things you discover as you move through the world, like items found tucked away in shops or ones that simply catch your eye.
Gather in honor of…
Photographs are powerful, and so are the everyday markers that tell a story of a person’s life—what they used and what they held dear.
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