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How To Create A Memory, Scroll down past article for Memory Box tutorial
One of the most difficult things to do, after a loved one dies, is to "let go"—not just of their physical bodies, but of everything that once encompassed them.
 Supplies:
1. Rip tissue paper into various sizes and shapes, being careful not to create too many straight lines. 
2. Use Mod Podge, and sponge brush, to glue tissue paper to the outer surface of the box. As you glue down the tissue paper, gently rub out the air pockets. Avoid going over the same area too much as it could cause the tissue paper to rip and bulge. Two layers should be sufficient. 
Avoid placing any tissue paper on the bottom of the box; you want the surface to be able to sit flat. Use straight edged sides to follow along the top and bottom circumference of the box. Be careful not to layer to much tissue paper near the top of the box as it will make closing the lid impossible. 3. Let dry. 4. Paint the entire box: inside and out with White Gesso. Paint 2 to three coats, or until the surface is completely white. This will allow any colors you paint on the box to reflect their true colors. 
5. Let dry. 6. Paint the entire box: inside and out with Burnt Umber. Don't worry if stroke marks, from the paintbrush, appear on your box as it adds visual texture. Apply 2-3 thin coats of burnt umber, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next coat of paint.  To thin the paint, squirt a small amount into a dish, then add water. Mix gently, grab paint with paint brush, and commence to paint the box.  7. Let dry. 8. Dry brush the outer part of the lid and bottom box with Parchment paint. 
To dry brush, simply dab a dry paintbrush into the paint. Then dab the brush onto a paper towel, or other surface, until most of the paint is off the brush and what is on the brush has worked its way into the bristles. The less paint on the brush the better. You can always refill your brush, but it's hard to remove paint from the box once it's added. To paint the box, hold your brush at an angle, then very gently sweep it across the surface of the box. 9. Let dry. 10. Dry brush the outer part of the lid and bottom box with Titan Buff paint. (Following same rules as in step 8.) 
11. Let dry. 12. Paint the outer part of the lid and bottom box with Quinacridone/Nickel Azo Gold. 
While the paint is still wet, remove it with a damp napkin. Be careful not to rub off all the color. If you aren't used to applying a heavy dose of paint only to have it rubbed off, work in small sections. This will prevent the paint from drying before you have a chance to rub it off and make for a more even look. (Think of this as staining wood.) 13. Let dry. 14. Spray the entire outer surface of the lid and bottom box with Clear Matte Sealer. This will help prevent the paint rubbing off when you add the lettering or from chipping should you choose to add other embellishments.  15. Let dry. 16. Use a 9"x4" sheet of paper to create a template. I've chosen to write the word, "LOVE" on the top of my box, but you may choose something more significant: a favorite saying, a quote, the title of a movie or book, or even the deceased's name.  17. Cut the template out with an X-acto knife. 
18. Place the template on the lid, then holding it into place, spread a thin coat of Wallboard Joint Compound across the template using an Artist's spatula. Gently lift the template, from one corner to the other, while the compound is still wet. 
19. Use a small, dry brush to remove any compound that may have smeared. If the compound leaves a white residue, play the brush into clean water, then gently cover over that area, drying with a dry cotton swab. 20. Let dry. 21. Cover the entire surface of the lid with Mod Podge. This will prevent the compound from cracking. 22. Let dry. 23. Paint the letters with pink paint. 
24. Let dry. 25. Paint the entire box: inside and out with Translucent Yellow Iron Oxide. To thin the paint, squirt a small amount into a dish, then add water. With a large brush, cover the entire surface, then gently rub off the paint with a damp paper towel. 
26. Let dry. 27. Dry brush the letters with pink paint. Don't worry about getting the sides of the letters, you only want to cover the top surface of each letter. 28. While the paint is still damp, dry brush the letters with Quinacridone Magenta, then Raw Umber. 29. Let dry. 30. Seal the entire surface: inside and outside of box with Clear Acrylic High Gloss Sealer. 
31. Allow to dry overnight before closing lid and/or gift wrapping. 
While the main purpose of the memory box is to hold memories of the deceased, it's always more comforting for the recipient to receive a box with something "healing" inside, than to receive an empty box—as an empty box can sometimes add to their feelings of loss. Consider including a little note, inside the box, about why you created the memory box, why you chose the colors and/or materials you did (if they hold a special meaning), and how you hope the memory box offers a bit of comfort. You can also include a small box of tissue, a pocket-sized notebook for journaling, and a colored pencil. Disclosure: Paper Mache box was provided, free of charge, by Consumer Crafts and is part of the Darico Paper Mache Box Set, Item 2849-13. About The Author Alyice Edrich is a mixed media artist, freelance writer, and aspiring photographer. She enjoys creating things that bring joy to others. Visit her blog, Coming Home, to check out her latest art. Or stop by her resume site, AlyiceEdrich.net to learn how you can hire her for your next project. Reprint Rights This article, and photographs, may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author. For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article and photographs, please contact the author. |
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