Restoring something old to frame something new

I love the original tintype cases.  Often made of pressed paper, these tiny pieces were often the only photograph that a husband would have of his wife while he traveled off across the country.  He would carry it with him in a pocket by day and place on a desk or nightstand in the evening.  Before the days of skype and ichat, or even the telephone, these were the only reminders of a loved one.  I have taken an old case that I found in an antique shop in Ohio and given it a clean up.  The case was restored and repainted with a coat of black paint, then varnished for extra durability.  I had to replace the original velvet liner, as it was missing from the case.  The brass matting had to be polished and straightened out in places and new glass had to be cut to fit the case.  Once all the restoration was complete on the case, I was able to take some contemporary tintypes that were created in my studio and finish the piece.  Ready to slip into the pocket or onto the desktop of a very lucky love.  Stop by the shop to see more of these recreations or to create one for yourself!