Our Monthly Tip: DIY Crocheted Memory Stones

Credit: flickr.com

Our Tip of the Month

Crocheted memory stones can make a meaningful, tangible memorial gift – and they can also be extremely beautiful. For someone who loves to crochet, these lovely, wrapped stones can make the ultimate parting gift at any funeral service. There’s nothing more special than a handmade, one-of-a-kind keepsake, and including a variety of colors and patterns will allow guests to choose the one that best exemplifies their connection to their loved one.

How-to Suggestions

Find the right stones: Smooth, flat stones can be mail-ordered, or bought from a landscaping supply company or craft store. Ideally, the stones should fit nicely in the palm of one hand and feel comforting to hold, making them the ideal decorative object or office paperweight.

Purchase the yarn: Obtain sufficient cotton yarn, ideally in an array of different colors, which will allow guests to choose the one that most clearly brings their loved one to mind. One option is Valdani 100% perle cotton hand-dyed embroidery thread (one ball will more than cover a single stone).

Credit: flickr.com

Crochet the wraps: Choose one or more patterns for the wraps – using a variety will make the stones feel more personalized, but take your own time and ability into account as well. You’ll also need a small (size 9) crochet hook, scissors and an embroidery needle.

Distribute the stones: Set the colorfully decorated stones out on a display table for guests to admire as they arrive, and ask them to choose one when they leave. If you can somehow tie the stones to their loved one’s interests – Did they enjoy crocheting? Did they often spend time outdoors or in the garden? – this will add an additional layer of meaning.

These crocheted memory stones, decorated in vibrant, colorful yarn, will brighten any memorial setting while providing bereaved guests with a comforting item that can be placed in their home and garden to remind them of their loved one.