Crazy quilt made from men's ties by Connie Bowers

Memory Keepsakes

Memory keepsakes are items made from clothing when someone passes away. We are heading into the holiday season which can be a very difficult time for people who have lost a loved one. I rely on creative reuse for inspiration and healing. I believe it is possible to help process grief and worry by making beautiful things. In addition, when we bring new purpose to an item that was going in the trash or sitting unused, it adds other layers of positive meaning to our efforts.

I read an article about how making art and crafts can be especially helpful to children who are grieving. It helps children to communicate without words. Working on the craft sets aside a time to talk about the loss. And it lets people take abstract ideas and make them into something concrete.

You can listen to my podcast episode on memory keepsakes in this YouTube video. It originally aired in November 2018.

Memory Keepsake Project Ideas Discussed in this Episode

Trashmagination Pinterest Board of Memory Keepsake Ideas

  • Quilts
  • Runner
  • Pillows
  • Teddy Bears
  • Ornaments
  • Scarves
  • Flower Broach
  • Denim Basket
  • Hooked or Braided Rug

Memory Keepsake Project Tutorials

Artists Who Make Memory Keepsakes

Sherri Lynn Wood and Passage Quilts

Mary Burgess and Woven Memories

Knit Warm Memories scarves

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