When a loved one, such as a grandparent, passes away, it can be challenging for children to express and process their feelings. Creating a memory keepsake, like a personalised photo frame, can be a comforting way for kids to remember and honour their grandparent. This engaging craft project provides an opportunity for children to reflect on the special moments they shared while creating something meaningful to treasure. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help kids make a photo frame that celebrates their grandparent’s memory.
Step 1: Gather the Materials
Begin by collecting all the materials needed for this creative project. Choose a sturdy frame as the foundation—this could be a wooden frame that children can paint or a cardboard frame for a lighter, simpler option. You’ll also need craft supplies like:
- Paint and brushes
- Markers
- Glue
- Stickers, buttons, or small decorations
- Glitter (optional)
- Small embellishments like ribbons, flowers, or beads
Encourage the children to pick materials that remind them of their grandparent’s favourite colours, hobbies, or personality. For example, if their grandparent enjoyed gardening, adding small flower stickers could be a thoughtful touch.
Step 2: Select a Favourite Photo
Choosing the photo for the frame is an important step, as it brings back fond memories and captures a moment that holds meaning. Let the child select a picture of their grandparent that they feel captures their personality—perhaps it’s a photo of them laughing, gardening, or spending time with family. If they have a photo together, this can make the frame even more special. This choice gives the child control over how they want to remember their grandparent, making the project more personal.
Step 3: Decorate with Paint and Colours
Encourage kids to start by painting or colouring the frame to create a beautiful background. Choose colours that represent the grandparent—maybe soft pastels for a warm, gentle grandparent or vibrant colours for someone who was full of energy. Painting can also be calming and reflective, giving the child time to think about their grandparent while they create.
If the child wants to add more detail, they can paint simple shapes or patterns onto the frame. They could add hearts, stars, or even small flowers if they feel confident enough. Let them know that there’s no right or wrong way to decorate—it’s all about what feels meaningful to them.
Step 4: Add Personal Touches and Embellishments
This is where creativity truly comes alive! Let kids use their selected decorations to add special details to the frame. They might choose to glue on buttons, add ribbons, or sprinkle some glitter for a bit of sparkle. If the grandparent enjoyed a particular hobby, find small symbols to represent it. For instance, if their grandparent loved the beach, shells could be a perfect addition.
Encourage children to think about what made their grandparent special to them and find ways to symbolise this in their decorations. It could be anything from stickers that remind them of the grandparent’s favourite animal to small fabric flowers to represent a love for gardening. This personalisation allows them to create a tribute that’s unique and heartfelt.
Step 5: Write a Message of Love or a Favourite Memory
To make the frame even more meaningful, invite children to add a short message or memory. They could write something like, “Love you forever,” “My special grandparent,” or “Always in my heart.” Older children might want to add a short memory, such as, “Thank you for the stories and laughs,” or, “I’ll always remember our days at the park.”
If they’re too young to write independently, they could tell an adult what they’d like to say, and the adult can write it on the frame or on a small piece of paper that’s then attached to it. This step allows the child to express their feelings in words, creating a loving tribute to their grandparent.
Step 6: Display the Frame in a Special Place
Once the frame is complete, find a special place to display it. This could be a family space, such as the living room, or in the child’s bedroom where they can feel close to their grandparent’s memory. Displaying the frame in a spot that’s meaningful to the family or child can provide comfort, serving as a reminder of the love shared and the special bond they will always have.
Creating Memories and Finding Comfort Through Craft
This photo frame project isn’t just a craft—it’s a way for children to process their emotions and celebrate the life of a loved one. By creating a tangible memento, kids can feel a sense of connection to their grandparent and know that their memory will always be honoured. Crafting together as a family can also be a bonding experience, offering an opportunity to share stories and memories, creating a comforting space for healing.
At Alfred James Funeral Home, we understand the importance of cherishing memories and finding meaningful ways to honour the lives of loved ones. Simple, thoughtful projects like this provide families with an avenue to express their grief and celebrate a lifetime of love, reminding us that while loved ones may no longer be physically present, their legacy lives on in our hearts and memories.