Season changes can be very difficult while grieving. There is the realization that the world is still turning even though yours has stopped. Perhaps a hard anniversary is approaching. Also, the mood that comes with certain seasons could be having an effect. I know that Fall and Winter can be hard to me for that reason.
This craft is one that acknowledges the difficulty of season changes and also affirms that, no matter the season, one thing will always remain the same: the love we have for our babies.
For this craft, you will need:
A paper plate
Glue
Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
Scissors
One printout of each of the documents below:
Step 1: Color
Step 2: Cut out the pieces
Step 3: Prep the paper plate
First, I folded the paper plate in half. Then I cut in the shape of an arch to create the hole in the middle of the plate. I left about two inches as the width of the wreath, following along the circular imprint on the plate.
After that, I opened the plate. I then divided the plate into fourths, marking directly at the top, bottom, left, and right of the plate.
Step 4: Arrange and glue the pieces
Choose one season to place in each fourth of the wreath. Arrange the pieces to see how you'd like to place them. It's ok if pieces overlap and/or jut off of the plate. Once you like how it looks, glue each piece onto the wreath.
Step 5: Add the banner
Cut out the banner along the black lines.
I situated the banner behind the plate so that it stretched across the middle of the wreath, the words at the very center of the wreath. On both the left and right sides of the banner, I marked where the paper plate stopped and there was excess paper on the banner.
Then I cut that excess paper off.
Next, I flipped the wreath over. On the back, I placed glue on the right and left sides of the wreath.
Then I glued on the banner so that the words were facing the front of the wreath.
Finally, I turned over the wreath to reveal the finished creation.
This project can be done individually or can be completed as a group project. Each season could be assigned to a different person to color, cut, and arrange on the wreath. This could provide parents and any living siblings a chance to collaborate, coming together to express their grief and love for their much loved baby.
As always, if you complete this project, you are more than welcome to share a picture with me at mlacourrege1 (at) gmail (dot) com. If you'd like, I can add your picture to the Art Spotlight page.
I hope that your family finds this craft helpful as you navigate parenting after loss.
-Megan
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