Keepsakes

Heirloom pieces created to preserve what you love.

Plan Your Keepsake

Keepsakes made to be treasured for years to come

A woman in a floral dress and straw hat holding a sign that says "Best in Show Hand-Spun Wool," standing at a table with ceramic bowls, wooden animal figurines, a basket of flowers, and ribbons, at an outdoor fair or market with a Ferris wheel and trees in the background.

Every keepsake begins with a story, a memory, a moment, a feeling you never want to lose.

Handwriting, recipes, verses, and photos become the foundation for pieces that feel timeless and full of life. I treat each one with the same patience and care I would give my own family’s treasures, ensuring every detail, grain, and engraving holds meaning.

Keepsake Types

These are heirloom pieces made to last, crafted with precision, intention, and heart so they can be held, displayed, and passed down for generations.

    • These pieces preserve the handwriting and warmth of someone you love. Whether it is a recipe passed down or a simple note in their own hand, each board becomes a lasting connection to the people and moments that shaped you.

    • Photos tell stories that words cannot. Each engraving is made to capture the warmth of that memory and keep it close for years to come.

    • A way to remember those who left a mark on your life. Designed with compassion and care, these keepsakes honor their memory through meaningful words, symbols, or handwriting.

    • Pieces that celebrate the love and milestones shared between families. Ideal for vow engravings, ring boxes, family trees, names, anniversaries, or special dates you want to remember forever.

    • Each one tells a unique story. Names, dates, and phrases come together to create one-of-a-kind designs that celebrate connection, gratitude, and joy.

  • Every story is different, and sometimes the most meaningful pieces come from combining materials, memories, or ideas in new ways. If you have a vision beyond what you see here, I’d love to hear it. Some of my favorite projects have started that way.

Custom Keepsake Ideas

  • Handwriting or photo combinations

  • Keepsake boxes or framed plaques

  • Personalized scripture or favorite verses

  • Layered materials for depth (wood and acrylic overlays)

  • Small companion pieces to share with loved ones, like a pair of hearts that say “A piece of my heart lives in…”

Each custom project begins with a conversation, a story, a memory, or a moment you want to hold on to, and becomes something made with the same care and intention as every piece that leaves my workshop.

If you have something special in mind that you do not see here, reach out and tell me about it.
I love a creative challenge and enjoy helping people bring new ideas to life.

Suggested Materials

Wood

  • Warm, classic, and enduring, ideal for recipe boards, handwriting engravings, photo pieces, and memorial verses.

Slate

  • Strong and timeless, perfect for wall hangings, plaques, or memorial pieces with natural texture and depth.

Acrylic

  • Elegant and light-catching, wonderful for light boxes, display pieces, and wedding or memorial signage.

Coated Metal

  • Durable and refined, best for photo engravings, memorial tags, or small framed pieces.

Leathette or Leather

  • Soft and tactile, beautiful for journals, framed art, or patch-style memorial keepsakes.

Learn more
A wooden plaque honoring a Chief Master Sergeant with multiple engraved medals, photos, and military records, including retirement date and service achievements.
A birthday arrangement for a one-year-old with a wooden photo sign featuring a childhood photo of a smiling boy behind a fence, with red letters spelling "COOPER" and a large red number "1," surrounded by a bed of bright orange and red flowers.
Decorative wall hanging with a tree silhouette, a red bird, a swing, a black plaque with a poem, and a photo of a group of people.
A framed engraved portrait of an older woman with glasses and curly hair, with a smiling face, and the text 'Forever in our Hearts' written below.
A black and white keepsake tree with cut-out leaves containing handwritten names. The tree is decorated with gold birds and bears. The bottom right corner displays the names Bryan & Alexina and the date 9, 2024.

  • “Our awards from JKay Designs have become a tradition our exhibitors look forward to every year.”

    Example Former Customer

  • "A professional team that delivers on their promises."

    Former Customer

  • "Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others."

    Former Customer

Let’s plan your next keepsake.

If you're interested in working with JKay Designs for your custom keepsakes, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you.