DIY Newborn Heirloom Keepsake Trunk: How to Create a Custom Memory Box for Your Baby

Atlanta newborn photographer shares step-by-step guide to creating a personalized DIY heirloom keepsake trunk

When one of my recent newborn photography clients arrived at our Atlanta studio with a beautifully crafted DIY heirloom keepsake trunk, I knew this was something other mothers would love to recreate. Not only did this custom newborn memory box photograph beautifully during our session, but it’s also a meaningful keepsake that will hold precious mementos for years to come.

Why Create a DIY Heirloom Keepsake Trunk?

A DIY newborn keepsake trunk serves multiple purposes for new mothers:

• Personalized heirloom quality: Create a custom embroidered keepsake trunk with your baby’s initials
• Budget-friendly: Save hundreds compared to purchasing from specialty retailers
• Meaningful gift: A handmade memory box shows thoughtfulness and love
• Beautiful photography prop: Perfect for newborn photos that capture this precious chapter
• Functional storage: Store hospital bracelets, first outfit, blankets, and other treasures

The best part? This DIY newborn memory box project costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a custom-made trunk from branded businesses, and you can proudly say you made it yourself.

What You’ll Need to Make Your DIY Heirloom Keepsake Trunk

Materials:

Storage Trunk:

• Blue decorative storage trunk (2-pack) – Perfect for baby boys
• Pink decorative storage trunk (2-pack) – Beautiful for baby girls
• White metal decorative storage trunk (2-pack) – Neutral

Fabric Lining:

• Soft blue striped fabric – Classic and timeless
• Neutral gingham fabric in beige – Gender-neutral option

Additional Supplies:

• Cardboard (for structure)
• Batting or thin foam padding
• Fabric glue or hot glue gun
• Staple gun and staples
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Embroidery services (local shop or friend with embroidery machine)

Step-by-Step: How to Create Your DIY Newborn Keepsake Trunk

Step 1: Choose Your Trunk

Order your decorative storage trunk set from Amazon. The blue trunk set and pink trunk set both come in 2-packs, giving you options for size or an extra trunk for future use. These trunks provide the perfect base for your DIY heirloom keepsake trunk project.

Step 2: Select and Prepare Your Fabric

Choose a fabric that matches your nursery aesthetic or personal style. The soft blue striped fabric offers a classic look, while the neutral gingham works beautifully for any gender.

Get it embroidered: This is where your DIY newborn memory box becomes truly special. Take your fabric to:

• A local embroidery shop in Atlanta
• A friend with an embroidery machine
• Online embroidery services

Have your baby’s initials or full name embroidered on the fabric that will line the lid or bottom of the trunk.

Step 3: Measure and Cut

Carefully measure the interior dimensions of your keepsake trunk:

• Bottom panel
• All four side panels
• Interior lid

Cut cardboard pieces to match these measurements. These will provide structure to your fabric lining.

Step 4: Create Padded Inserts

For each cardboard piece:

1. Cut batting slightly larger than your cardboard
2. Wrap batting around cardboard
3. Staple batting to the back of the cardboard, pulling taut
4. Trim excess batting

This padding creates a soft, luxurious feel inside your DIY heirloom keepsake trunk.

Step 5: Add Fabric Lining

Now for the finishing touch:

1. Cut fabric pieces larger than your padded cardboard inserts
2. Place embroidered fabric on the piece that will be most visible
3. Wrap fabric around each padded insert
4. Staple fabric to the back, ensuring no wrinkles on the visible side
5. Create neat, crisp corners by folding fabric carefully before stapling

Step 6: Install Your Custom Lining

Using fabric glue or a hot glue gun:

1. Apply glue to the back of each fabric-covered insert
2. Press firmly into place inside the trunk
3. Start with the bottom, then sides, then lid
4. Allow glue to dry completely before use

The Result: A Custom DIY Newborn Memory Box

What you’ve created is more than just a storage solution—it’s a custom embroidered keepsake trunk that photographs beautifully and will preserve precious memories for generations. My client’s DIY heirloom keepsake trunk was stunning during our newborn photography session and will continue to be a treasured piece in her son’s nursery and beyond.

Alternative: Order a Custom Keepsake Trunk

If this DIY project feels overwhelming or you prefer a ready-made solution, you can order a custom heirloom keepsake trunk from Petite Keep. They specialize in beautiful, professionally crafted newborn memory boxes, though at a higher price point than this DIY option.

Using Your Keepsake Trunk for Newborn Photos

As an Atlanta newborn photographer, I love when clients bring personalized props like this DIY heirloom keepsake trunk to their session. It adds:

• Personal meaning to your newborn photos
• Beautiful texture and editorial quality
• A story element that makes images more special
• Heirloom value to both the photos and the trunk itself

At Jasmine Ringo Photography, we specialize in timeless, editorial newborn photography that celebrates these meaningful details. Our film and digital hybrid approach ensures your baby’s first portraits—and special items like your custom keepsake trunk—are captured beautifully.

What to Store in Your DIY Newborn Memory Box

Once your DIY heirloom keepsake trunk is complete, fill it with treasures like:

• Hospital ID bracelets and hat
• Coming home outfit
• First blanket
• Birth announcement cards
• Newborn photos
• Lock of hair from first haircut
• Special cards and letters
• Ultrasound photos
• Pregnancy test or announcement

Final Thoughts on Creating a DIY Heirloom Keepsake Trunk

Creating a DIY newborn keepsake trunk is a labor of love that results in a beautiful, functional heirloom. Whether you choose the blue decorative trunk or pink trunk set, and line it with striped or gingham fabric, you’ll have a custom embroidered memory box that cost a fraction of retail prices.

The mother who created this beautiful trunk for her newborn session with me spent less than $100 on materials and a few hours of crafting time—resulting in a priceless keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.

If you’re expecting or recently welcomed a baby in the Atlanta area, I’d love to photograph your little one—whether or not you bring a DIY heirloom keepsake trunk! Contact Jasmine Ringo Photography to book your newborn session.

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Photography by Jasmine Ringo Photography | Atlanta Newborn, Maternity & Family Photographer Specializing in film photography, cinematic films, and editorial newborn sessions

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