For some people a pet is kept outside, taken care of, but pet only occasionally. For others, the pet lives indoors with the people and actually becomes a member of the family. As with any other family member who passes on, the pet is missed desperately, and the people left behind think of that pet often and with loving memories. If you’ve recently lost your beloved pet you can do much more for it than just to have it buried and put up a marker. You can make a pet memory box that you keep indoors with you. Anytime you feel nostalgic just look through the box and prepare for a flood of memories – good and bad. Although your pet is gone you can still have a part of him or her right there with you.
Whether your so-loved pet was a bird, a cat or a dog you still miss it terribly. It doesn’t matter if it’s been awhile since the pet passed on, or if it happened only recently, that little guy is still in your heart. Now, the memories can be as close as your night stand, closet shelf or on the floor in the corner – depending upon where you want to set your finished pet memory box. All you’ll need is a cardboard box to start the project.
You can make the memory box as simplistic or as detailed as you want. The items inside the box will be handpicked by yourself. You can fill the box with any number of things that tie into the theme of your pet. Place his collar and leash inside, the pet’s old toys, any outfits he or she used to wear, and even photos of him or of you with him. Add ribbons or awards he or she won; set a box of the pet’s favorite treats inside. The size of box you choose will directly relate to how many objects you can enclose.
The box you use should have a lid that easily comes off and on the box. This way, you can open it and browse through the contents anytime you want. Cover the box, as well as the lid, with cloth, wrapping paper, even fake fur. In fact, fake fur makes it easy to hide mistakes and gives the finished project a tie-in to the theme. Instead of fur you can glue on an assortment of feathers if the pet was a bird. There are any number of designs you can create on the box. Place a picture of the pet in a frame and attach the frame to the top lid of the box. Or, feature a different picture of the pet on each side of the box. The possibilities are endless.
You don’t have to get real fancy or invest a lot of money in the pet memory box. You can use a simple cardboard box that’s been stamped with images of doggie bones or of little mice. Or, paint the box blue or pink and leave it at that. Some cheap things you can use to make the box more unique in appearance include stickers, markers, buttons, colored tape, magazine cutouts, or even shapes cut from leather pieces. Use what you already have around the house or invest a few dollars in some pet-theme craft supplies.
With the above box no one can see inside of it unless they remove the lid. Make a different memorial box by using a lid that allows others to see inside. This is more of a showcase display that lets you share your past pet’s memory with others. There are several ways to make the display. Start with a shallow box that’s been decorated with decorative paper or fabric. Set the items you want to display in the bottom of the box.. You can keep the objects in place if you use double-sided tape pieces. When you’ve got the arrangement just how you want it glue or otherwise attach a picture frame on top. Remove the backing from the frame and use only the frame and glass. If you don’t have a frame that will exactly fit the box you can cover it with a piece of glass or even acetate. The acetate can be purchased at a craft store but you can also get your hands on a piece simply by purchasing things you normally buy. The acetate on the box is generally a plastic-type “window” that allows you to see inside the box and view the product.
After positioning the glass or acetate you can make a frame that covers the edges by gluing on craft doggie bones, fake jewels, buttons or similar items. This pet memorial can sit on a table or mantle. Others can glimpse a little of the history of your lost, beloved pet. If they knew and loved the pet, too, they’ll appreciate you sharing the memories with them in this unique display. The finished display can contain a photo of the pet, a collar or other piece, and a favorite toy. Or, the display can simply contain an assortment of pictures from days gone by.
For many of us pets are people too! When they die it’s a very sad occasion, indeed. Just as you keep a quilt your grandma made, to remember her by, you can do the same thing with a pet. Make your own memory box – no matter how long it’s been since they passed – and you’ll always have a part of your beloved pet nearby.
Reference:
- Purchase pet craft items here: www.michaels.com
