How can I best make my typewriter look like this typewriter? [more inside]
posted by katillathehun on Aug 28, 2009 - 1 answer

I need guidence on restoring an Antique Christening Gown in the Southeast US... [more inside]
posted by pearlybob on Jun 20, 2007 - 6 answers

How do I safely flatten old diplomas? I have two diplomas from 1927 and 1931 that I'd like to frame. They were rolled up in a box with other items for many decades. They are a little squished (but not creased), and they want to retain their rolled up squishedness. Both are printed on a heavyish material with a plasticy feel and a slight sheen; I don't know if it is imitation vellum, or actual animal skin. The documents are from the Mary Institute at Washington University at St. Louis (1927) and Mt. Holyoke (1931) if that helps.
posted by thinman on May 26, 2007 - 12 answers

Please help my father find as-original decals for the 1955 Ferguson 35 Deluxe tractor he's restoring! [more inside]
posted by Alterscape on May 13, 2007 - 5 answers

I have a couple of intricately beaded African ceremonial sashes, ca. 1960, that need cleaning (desperately! profoundly!), but I can't afford professional art restoration at this time, and don't trust non-specialists to clean them. Can I (should I?) try to do something (anything?) on my own? [more inside]
posted by taz on Apr 25, 2007 - 8 answers