It was lovely to be asked by Sian from the Alzheimer’s Society if I would like to be involved with their Forget Me Not Crafts. My granny sadly passed away from dementia in September 2017. I always enjoyed making handmade cards and gifts for granny, and she loved receiving them. So I was only too pleased to design some projects for the crafts pack, to bring together my love of crafting, whilst keeping granny’s memory alive and raising awareness for an important cause close to my heart.
The forget-me-not flower is often associated with dementia and we chose forget-me-nots for granny’s funeral. I also crocheted forget-me-not brooches to wear in memory of her. Granny inspired my first collection of embroidery kits which launched in April 2019 – The Forget Collection. I designed five forget-me-not heart designs, each heart is named after my granny, Camille Rosita Mary. My great-granny, Beatrice and my great-great-granny Philomena. My idea behind the hearts was to symbolise the love you have for that special someone whom you are slowly losing to dementia. Although they are fading away from you, your love for them will never fade and they will forever hold a special place in your heart.
“There is one thing Alzheimer’s can’t take away, and that is love. Love is not a memory – it’s a feeling that resides in your heart and soul.” Unknown Author
Sian and I discussed various ideas about the different designs and craft projects that could be included within the crafts pack. I put together some initial designs and the Alzheimer’s Society chose the final designs for the pack. Then making the forget-me-not crafts began! I designed three projects – an embroidered heart, forget-me-not cards and rock painting. You may know me more for my love of embroidery, but I’ve always loved all types of crafting through the years, so it was lovely to use my designs in different medias.
The hanging heart design features forget-me-not flowers embroidered around the border of the heart, with space to personalise with a name, initial or sentiment in the centre of the heart. The pack includes a printable embroidery template which can be used to trace the design onto fabric. There is also a link to a video tutorial demonstrating how to make your own embroidered heart.
I made two forget-me-not cards to help inspire your forget-me-not paper crafting projects. You could make the same card designs or if you’re feeling creative, you could make up your own card designs using the printable sheet of flowers within the pack. The flowers can be coloured using pens, pencils, or paint.
There are three rock painting projects within the pack, with the option to personalise one of the designs. The designs are there to inspire your own rock painting projects. So you can follow the designs or make up your own. I used acrylic paints to paint the designs on the rocks. Once you have finished painting, the design can be sealed using a clear varnish or PVA glue.
This week is also Dementia Action Week, run by the Alzheimer's Society to raise awareness of dementia. The theme this year is diagnosis. The Alzheimer's Society encourage individuals and their families to seek a timely diagnosis.
If you would like to join in with the Alzheimer's Society Forget Me Not Crafts, please click here for more information. There is also a ‘Forget Me Not Craft Challenge’ Facebook group, where you can share your forget me not makes and see what others are making to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
As well as the embroidered heart, card making and rock painting, the crafts pack also includes tissue paper flowers made by Heather and a macrame plant hanger. I hope you’re feeling inspired to get involved with the Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not Crafts and raise money and awareness to support people affected by dementia.
Hannah x
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