Monday, May 18, 2009

Make Ribbon Memorials After A Funeral

Ribbon memorials honor loved ones after their passing.


A ribbon memorial can be an elegant way to honor the passing of a loved one. Ribbons collected from memorial flower and plant arrangements can be used to create a visual memento when placed in a frame. Often these ribbons may have captions or the name and dates of the deceased.


Instructions


1. Use ribbons to make an elegant memorial.


Collect ribbons and bows from the memorial flower arrangements and from the grave site. Act with respectful discretion. Wait until mourners have completely left the service before gathering the ribbons and place them in a box. Choose which ribbons would provide the best design in a frame.


2. Select a frame that fits the personalized ribbon memorial. The type of frame you choose can be any color or material--wood, glass or metal. If the deceased person had a favorite color, select a frame in that color. Hobby stores and art supply stores carry large selections of frames.


3. If the frame has a glass inset, remove it and use it for another purpose. Cover the backboard from the frame with fabric or heavy stock paper. Select a deep color or white to contrast with the ribbons and any other items you are going to use. Use acid-free glue to tack the cover smoothly in place.


4. Glue a photograph of the loved one in the center of the board so that the ribbons will frame the image. You can attach a small keepsake that has meaning, such as a pin or clasp, near the picture. Be careful not to clutter the memorial.


5. Fold the memorial ribbons to fit the frame.


Arrange the ribbons on the backboard of the picture frame. The size of the frame will determine the size of the ribbon(s) and how many you use and how you arrange them. If you are using a standard 8"-by-11.5" frame, you may want to place one large ribbon in the center around the photo, cut to fit the board. Fold the ribbon with a peak at the top and the sides hanging evenly. Pin in place where the two sides of the ribbon cross. Use a small pin with a glass flower or another appropriate decorative pin. If the frame is larger, place the larger ribbon in the center, with smaller contrasting ribbons in the corners.







Tags: frame that, from memorial, from memorial flower, memorial flower, ribbon center