by Karen Coyner, LCSW, DCSW and Audrey Walls, M.Ed., M.F.A.
Join Full Circle’s Karen Coyner in the video above as she provides fun and thoughtful instructions for creating a memory cube. This is an easy, no-stress remembrance activity that’s appropriate for kids and adults of all ages.
Seasons changing and the holidays can bring up unique memories of a loved one who has passed away, which allows for several variations on this craft activity. Feel free to make more than one cube depending on the holiday, collaborate with loved ones on a single cube, or more.
You’ll Need:
- 2-3 inch square wooden cube (can be found at craft stores or online)
- Paint pens or acrylic paint
- Markers
- Magazine clippings or other collage materials
- Modge Podge
- Paintbrushes
- Clear or shellac spray paint
Get Started:
- Paint, write, or collage a different memory prompt on each side of the cube
- These can be pictures, photographs, cut outs from magazines, artwork or even just words that remind you of your person
- Make sure each side of the cube is thoroughly dried before moving on to a new side
- Modge Podge can take longer to dry than paint or paint pens
- This can also be an ongoing activity that doesn’t need to be finished in one sitting
- If a hard or sealed coating is desired, use a clear coat or shellac spray to cover all sides of the cube to make it shiny and durable
Activity Ideas:
- At a family gathering, roll the cube like a dice and use as a conversation starter
- Leave your cube on your bedside table or desk as a way to prompt memories
- Share your cube with others as a way to promote conversations and memories about current happenings
- For example: “Do you think our person would like the new coffee shop in town?” or “What do you think our person would say about that rubber duck we saw in a Jeep yesterday?”
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