Knife and Box Pleats

Pleats are probably the most flattering way to gather the massive volume of fabric into a CW era dress waistband.  Cartridge pleats look lovely on teeny-tiny ladies but have a tendency to balloon on we ladies of substance.  ; ).  Box and knife pleats lay nicely at the waist and flair well at the hem.   This video covers an easy way to create pleats using template.  Another tip is to spray the pleats with water and vinegar before pressing.  It will hold the pleats much better.  On period dresses just press the first 5 or 6 inches of the pleat from the waistband.  Don't press all the way to the hem.  Hope you find this video helpful.  Please comment with your tips for the rest of us.

Create a Faux Daguerreotype

Daguerreotypes were the first type of photography; they were images printed onto polished silver so they are very reflective, like a mirror.  http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2013/10/tutorial-make-a-faux-daguerreotype/ This web page has a tutorial for creating a daguerreotype look alike.  It uses a craft film that can be printed on a computer and then adhered to a mirror giving it the impression of old photography.  Wouldn't it be fun to have a period picture of your own soldier or child at your display?  Use your own photo edited to sephia tone or b/w or look at The Graphics Fairy which has a good stock of vintage photos at http://thegraphicsfairy.com/search/