Hutch Studio: How Keepsakes Are Made

Keepsakes are objects that carry special meanings for their owners. They are important possessions, but rarely expensive. Keepsakes connect us to memories and to other people, helping to firm bonds between family and friends. They are memory cues that evoke “spontaneous remembering,” that event when our minds are flooded with a particular memory in response to a sensory experience. This spontaneous remembering doesn’t happen without a cue, and often these cues are special objects. Because of these connections and meanings, keepsakes provide a vital function in reminding us who we are, where we’ve been, and how we relate to others.

But how is a keepsake made?

Despite the current trend against materialism, some kinds of materialism are important to us. The act of becoming attached to sentimental objects is referred to as “instrumental materialism” in psychology, and it is nearly a universal human trait.

These connections, to memories and to other people, keepsakes are important to us. This act of remembering helps us to understand our past in perspective, creating a sense of continuity. It brings us closer to friends and family, and helps us remember those who have passed. Nostalgia, a kind of spontaneous remembering, also makes us happier in general. Nostalgia has been shown to stave off loneliness, boredom, and anxiety.

When people are asked what possessions they would save in the event of a fire, they almost always report that they would choose sentimental objects; photos, wedding rings, and childhood toys. And studies show that the more personal and distinctive the object, the more likely it is to carry that meaning.

So we see that part of a keepsake is the meaning that we attach to it, and that this part is created by the owner of the keepsake. The other part is the object itself, without which this act of spontaneous remembering is much less likely. The object must be personal and distinctive, bearing special sensory characteristics (visual, olfactory, and so forth) that make it special. They must also be enduring, lasting over the years.

At Hutch Studio, we make keepsakes. We create handmade, completely unique gifts that have the potential to become these special things. These special toys and lovies are high quality, made to last for years. Their designs are timeless, and they are finished with vintage fabrics and trims to create a friendly, heirloom look that makes them perfect for holding on to.

Your child is unique and special, and it’s important to let them know how special they are. Understanding that they are special and unique helps them to understand their own special talents and interests, as well as helping them relate to other people, accepting and even celebrating the differences in their friends. There is no better way to tell your child how special they are than to give them a unique gift.

Hutch Studio creations are something that they can keep over the years and will act as keepsakes for older children and into adulthood, to carry fond memories of childhood into the future. These one-of-a-kind gifts are as special as your child is, and will remind your special bunny how loved they are.

These gifts aren’t just for children, though. A unique stuffed animal or lovey is the perfect gift for new parents, and a special way to commemorate the birth of their child. They can be passed down from parent to child, making them all the more precious.

Why not buy yourself a gift? These one-of-a-kind creations are perfect for collectors; nobody else will have one just like it! They also add a special touch to interior decor, soft and friendly and sweet!