Our Monthly Tip: Display Your Loved One’s Life Through a Hanging Photo Collage

Credit: Celebrate Again

Our Monthly Tip

Most memorial services feature two important areas: photos of the loved one and a sign-in book. This hanging photo collage could combine the two. With just a few items, you can create this lovely hanging feature and invite attendees to add their own items throughout the event.

Credit: Celebrate Again

How-To Suggestions

Items:

• Scrap wood or thin wooden beam
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Nails and hammer (alternatively, you can use pushpins)
• Twine
• Scissors
• Clothespins
• Hot glue gun
• Post-Its, 3 x 5 cards or other small paper
• Pens

Before starting, feel free to paint your wood the color of your choice. You may wish to simply stain it. Using a ruler, space out where you will hammer your nails or push in the pins.

Once all of your nails or pins are in place, you can begin cutting your twine. Varying the lengths will add more visual interest to your hanging photo collage. Attach one end of each twine piece to the nail or pin. To the other end, hot glue a clothespin.

To get your guests started, you can add some photos or even a well-known quote from your loved one. Let your guests know ahead of time that there will be space for them to share a funny, inspiring or treasured memory as well.

Place a few packs of sticky notes, 3 x 5 cards or other small pieces of paper with several pens on a table in front of the hanging collage. Guests can add a brief summary of a shared moment, a funny saying from the loved one or just a drawing. Invite guests to sign their name so that the board will also serve as a sign-in book.

Once the service is over, you may take down all of the items to place them in a box for future memories, or you can display the collage in your home to serve as a reminder of how beloved your family member or friend has been.