Love in a Box

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Love in a Box

There are many great ideas for CRAFTS PROJECTS that can help kids process confusing emotions and brave the loss of a special pet-pal. Such as creating a

  • Keepsake Box (or perhaps a)

  • safe, cozy Forever Home for their pet-buddy’s little wandering spirit

These ideas/suggestions can be a GUIDE. 

But for each step, be sure to TEST paints/glues/sealers before you commit!

 

Step 1. Designing Your Box

What do you want your Memory Box†† to look like? Outside? Inside? This is a chance for kids to be creative! Things you might use to personalize your Box:

  • Favorite photos

  • Artwork you draw/create

  • Bits-&-bobs you might find in the craft section of Walmart-type stores; or at arts/crafts stores. (Maybe in the scrapbooking section?) TONS of options to consider!

  • What theme/“feeling” do you want to create with paint color choices?

  • Will you paint designs? (Inside? Outside?)

When you’re ready:

  • Gather it all together

  • Play around with your design until it looks exactly the way you want it to.

 
 

Step 2. Paint

  • If you want a painted finish, paint first! [Acrylic paints come in every imaginable color. They’re readily available/really cheap!]

  • If paint isn’t your thing, consider a wood stain finish; or “go naked” with unfinished wood.

  • If you’re writing words on your box, or drawing designs, do that next.

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Step 3. Basics of Collage

Whether you create your own artwork or use photos of your pet—or both!—collage is a great way to “stick them on.” And it’s easy!

Once your design is finalized, and any paint/wood-stain has dried: 

  • Use a clean foam brush†† to liberally spread ModPodge†† on the back of whatever you’re sticking down. Apply ModPodge to one piece at a time.

  • Place the piece and gently rub it, from the center to the outer edges, to smooth out any wrinkles.

  • Continue like this until all photos/drawings are glued.

 
 
 

Step 4. Seal To Protect

When the artwork is finished it’s time to seal/protect your work. And ModPodge is good for that, as well!  

  • Using a clean foam brush††, and working ONE SMALL SECTION AT A TIME (maybe 3”x3”), slather on ModPodge. [At first you might think you’ve really messed it up because it will look cloudy/gunky. But don’t worry: it dries clear. **]

  • Apply pressure with the brush to smooth out wrinkles (should any appear), always spreading from the center of a photo/artwork, toward the outer edges.

  • Then do the next small section.

**Good idea to TEST a not-so-noticeable patch.

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Step 5. Finishing Touches

Once you’ve completed Step 4, use ModPodge to glue down any sticky-uppy bits-&-bobs. 

Now it’s time to show off your beautiful Memory Box.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Recovering from a major loss doesn’t happen in one fell swoop. The more time/introspection invested, the greater the chance of deep healing. 

So hopefully adults-and-kids will be able to collaborate on the Activities over a few days/weeks. And brave your loss together … one meaningful action at a time.

 

Send us a PHOTO of your special Box. 
Elaine@TheGriefReliefProject.com

††indicates supplies included in the
Pet Loss Survival Kit for KIDS

KidsElaine Taylor