Life in the Garden

Matters of Life and Death

Memorial Service Ideas

Wine Cork Memorial Wreath

DIY Cork wreath
From Good Housekeeping

For a simple earth friendly wreath, get out your glue gun and get busy on a cork wreath!  This is a leaner, cleaner version of the chunky cork wreaths that you see crafted. Several wine drinkers that I’ve known like to save their corks and some super sentimentalists will even mark the cork with the date of an especially momentous occasion.

Wreaths are a good way to add a soft symbolism to a memorial service or ash scattering ceremony. By making a few adjustments, the cork wreath can be created from all biodegradable materials. If your memorial service is on the water, the wreath would float but keep in mind that it would take a long time for the cork to break down.

Here’s what you need to you make one:

  • Wine corks
  • Cranberries, or beads if desired.
  • Pencil
  • Heavy thread, wire, or fishing line
  • Ice pick or awl
  • Large sewing needle
  • Holly or other plant or flower for the season
  • Ribbon

Arrange your corks and berries into the desired arrangement.
With the pencil, mark the corks where they will be drilled.
Use ice pick or awl to drill holes.
Start running wire through the corks and berries to secure placement.
Tie it off, use the ribbon to make a hanger, add the flower. You’re done!

Making a Memory Wreath

From Good Housekeeping

A sweet remembrance could be created from a closet full of neck ties. Inspiration can come from what appears to be old throw away items. You really only need three things for the necktie wreath:

  • A supply of colorful ties
  • Styrofoam wreath form
  • Hot glue gun

Wrap the ties so that the point is faces out from the center of the wreath, pin in place. Trim the tie if desired. Use your hot glue gun to secure in place. Add a wire to the top for hanging, take one more tie and cover the wire to give it a more finished look. You’re done!

Memorials on the Trail

While many consider this part of the world “fly over country” the fact is these Ozark hills are one of the most beautiful places on earth. In addition to the natural beauty of the area the Ozarks are really a giant playground with top entertainment and outdoor activities in any direction you care to turn. We’re fortunate to have many well maintained bike paths and trails that wind through scenic areas.  Lately we’ve tried to squeeze in a couple of bike rides while the weather was warm and colors were prime.

One trail in particular got my attention as I noticed several benches and statuary that were dedicated as memorials.

Turns out that for a donation to the organization that helps maintain the green ways you can place a marker as a tribute on the trail.

This would be a nice way for families that have chosen cremation and want to create a unique memorial dedicated to a loved one that also benefits the community. The memorial stones on this bike path are rough cut and unpolished and blend into the landscape so it doesn’t look like a grave yard.

You may have a solution in your area that will satisfy will allow you to place a commemorative bench or statue in a quiet place to remember and appreciate. On a recent visit to the downtown library I saw a polished granite bench at the entrance that was placed in memory of one of the patrons. In these instances, not only are you making a donation in your loved ones name, the dedication is a lasting reminder of that individual.

Urn Garden Cremation Urns

 

 

Cremation Memorials for Less than $200

For family and friends that want a small memorial to cherish and remember a loved one consider one of our heart keepsake urns and a pendant to hold a bit of ash. The Falling Leaves keepsake urn and Tree of Life cremation jewelry might be a good choice for the season.

keepsake urns

tree of life cremation jewelry gold

For less than $200 you can get both the keepsake urn and the pendant with free ground shipping. There’s many styles of cremation keepsakes available to suit your individual style and still pay tribute to your loved one.

Urn Garden Cremation Urns