Types of Christmas Ornaments for Remembrance: Christmas Ornament For A Deceased Loved One
Christmas ornament for a deceased loved one – Right, so you’re crafting a Christmas ornament to remember a loved one – mega-emotional, but also a really lovely way to keep their memory alive. It’s about finding the perfect balance between sentimentality and a design that fits with your festive décor. Think of it as a personal, miniature shrine, if you will.Personalized Ornaments Featuring Photos and QuotesThis is a classic, and for good reason.
A photo ornament allows you to capture a cherished image, freezing a specific moment in time. Adding birth and death dates provides a clear and concise record, while a short, meaningful quote – perhaps a favourite saying of theirs, or a line from a poem they loved – adds a deeply personal touch. Imagine a photo of your nan, beaming, with her favourite line from a Dickens novel etched delicately beneath.
Pure Christmas feels.Ornament Materials for Memorial OrnamentsChoosing the right material is key. Several options exist, each with its own set of pros and cons.
Commemorating a deceased loved one during the Christmas season often involves cherished mementos. For those who shared their lives with beloved canine companions, a special ornament can be particularly poignant. Finding the perfect tribute might involve considering options like a personalized paw print ornament, or perhaps something more playful, such as a dogs 1st christmas ornament if your pet recently joined your family.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a lasting symbol of love and remembrance, a tangible connection to cherished memories during the holiday season.
- Glass: Glass ornaments offer a sophisticated and elegant look. They’re great for showcasing photos or intricate designs. However, they’re more fragile than other options, so you’d need to handle them with care, and they are a bit more pricey.
- Wood: Wooden ornaments provide a rustic and warm feel. They’re durable and can be easily personalized with engravings or painted designs. The downside? They can be a bit more challenging to work with if you’re aiming for intricate details.
- Metal: Metal ornaments (like pewter or silver) offer a more modern and lasting option. They can be engraved or embossed with details, and they’re sturdy enough to last for years. The major drawback is that they might not be as versatile for image incorporation.
- Porcelain: Porcelain ornaments offer a smooth, delicate finish, perfect for intricate designs and painted details. However, they are quite fragile and can be expensive.
Unique Ornament Designs Reflecting Personality and HobbiesThe design should reflect the personality and interests of the deceased. Think outside the box!
Ornament Design 1: The Avid Gardener
For a loved one who adored gardening, a miniature ceramic pot ornament filled with tiny, hand-painted flowers would be a poignant reminder. Maybe even incorporate a small, realistically painted miniature trowel.
Ornament Design 2: The Bookworm
For a book lover, a tiny, intricately crafted open book ornament would be ideal. The pages could feature a favourite quote or a miniature image of their favourite book cover.
Ornament Design 3: The Music Fanatic
A small, handcrafted miniature guitar or musical note ornament, perhaps with a tiny engraved inscription of their favourite band’s name, would be perfect for the music-mad individual.Commercially Available Memorial Ornaments: Design AnalysisMany retailers offer pre-made memorial ornaments. These often feature generic designs, such as silhouettes, angels, or religious symbols. However, some companies allow for personalization with photos and text.
Analyzing these designs reveals a trend towards simple, elegant styles that prioritize sentimentality over elaborate decoration. Think understated elegance rather than over-the-top bling. The key design element is often the inclusion of a personal photo and a short, meaningful inscription, allowing for a personalized touch even within a pre-made framework.
Displaying the Memorial Ornament
Right, so you’ve got your fabulously crafted memorial ornament, a proper keepsake. Now, the big question is: where to put the little blighter? Displaying it thoughtfully is key to keeping your loved one’s memory alive and cherished throughout the festive season and beyond. Think of it as giving your ornament the best possible platform to shine.
Ornament Display Locations, Christmas ornament for a deceased loved one
Choosing the right spot for your memorial ornament is all about finding a place that feels personal and meaningful. It’s about creating a visual tribute that reflects the individual you’re remembering. There are loads of options, from traditional to totally unique.
Dedicated Memorial Christmas Tree
Imagine this: a small, elegantly decorated Christmas tree solely dedicated to cherished memories. This is a truly touching way to honour your loved one. Picture a miniature, perhaps tabletop, tree adorned with photos, handwritten notes, and of course, your memorial ornament. The tree itself could be decorated with subtle, elegant colours, maybe their favourite hue or a colour associated with a happy memory.
The ornament would then be the focal point, perhaps nestled amongst miniature versions of their favourite things. Think of it as a mini-shrine to their memory, twinkling with festive cheer and personal significance.
Incorporating the Ornament into a Larger Holiday Display
Alternatively, you could seamlessly integrate the memorial ornament into your existing Christmas decorations. This is a lovely way to keep their memory subtly present within the wider festive cheer. For instance, you could place the ornament on a prominent branch of your main Christmas tree, surrounded by other ornaments but still standing out subtly due to its unique design or placement.
This keeps it integrated into the overall festive spirit but still gives it a special place. Perhaps hang it near a photo of your loved one, further enhancing the personal touch.
Year-Round Display as a Cherished Keepsake
Some people prefer to display their memorial ornaments year-round, not just at Christmas. This can be a lovely way to keep your loved one close to your heart all year. This could involve a small shelf dedicated to keepsakes and memories, where the ornament is placed alongside photos and other meaningful items. A shadow box is another fantastic idea.
It could be a simple, elegant shadow box, perhaps with a soft, neutral background, allowing the ornament to truly stand out. Adding some dried flowers or a small, framed photograph inside could create a truly touching and personal display.
Ornament Storage Solutions
Storing your ornament properly is essential to ensure its longevity. Avoid simply chucking it in a box with other decorations. Instead, consider using acid-free tissue paper to wrap the ornament individually, offering protection from scratches and damage. Storing it in a dedicated ornament box, possibly a padded one, will provide further protection. If you’re storing it year-round in a display area, make sure it’s away from direct sunlight or excessive heat to prevent fading or damage.
Creating a Dedicated Display Area
Crafting a small, dedicated display area is a lovely way to showcase your memorial ornament. A simple, small shelf could be easily incorporated into your home décor, serving as a permanent tribute. Alternatively, a shadow box offers a more contained and protective display. To make it, you’d need a shadow box (easily purchased online or in craft stores), some soft padding or acid-free tissue paper, and perhaps some decorative elements like small dried flowers or a miniature photo.
Carefully place the ornament inside, ensuring it’s well-protected and beautifully presented. The shadow box can then be placed on a mantelpiece, a bookshelf, or anywhere else that feels meaningful.
Query Resolution
Can I use a loved one’s ashes in the ornament?
While some artisans offer this service, it’s crucial to research reputable professionals who adhere to safety and ethical guidelines. Be aware of potential legal restrictions and ensure the process aligns with your personal beliefs.
How do I preserve the ornament’s longevity?
Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods. For delicate materials, consider using a soft cloth for dusting.
What if I’m not crafty? Are there pre-made options?
Yes, many online retailers and craft stores offer pre-made memorial ornaments that you can personalize with photos, inscriptions, or other mementos.
When is the best time to start making the ornament?
Begin well in advance of the holiday season to allow ample time for crafting and personalization, especially for more intricate designs.