DIY Guide: How to Make a Beautiful Grave Blanket

Making a grave blanket is a beautiful way to honor the memory of those we have lost. It is a seasonal tradition in many parts of the country and a way to create something memorable and personal. With some creativity and a few materials, you can create a meaningful and unique tribute to someone’s life.

The process of making a grave blanket might seem daunting, but with a bit of patience and attention to detail, it is a simple and rewarding task anyone can do. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this guide will take you through step-by-step instructions on how to make a stunning and heartfelt grave blanket. So let’s get started and create a beautiful tribute that will be cherished for years to come.

How To Make a Grave Blanket: A Comprehensive Guide

When winter comes, cemetery graves can be bleak and desolate places that look uninviting. Many families and friends of the deceased often find comfort in creating a grave blanket as a way to honor and remember their loved ones. A grave blanket is a winter decoration made from evergreen boughs, ribbons, and other decorative elements. It is a great way to show your affection and care for the deceased during the holidays. In this article, we will discuss how to make a grave blanket in ten simple steps.

Step 1: Gathering Materials
Before creating your grave blanket, you need to gather all the necessary materials. Some of these materials include evergreen boughs, florist wire, ribbon, and decorations such as pine cones, ornaments, and angels. We recommend selecting evergreen boughs like cedar, pine, spruce, or fir as they are durable and hardy.

Step 2: Measuring the Size
The next step is to measure the size of the grave. Bring a tape measure to the cemetery to determine the dimensions of the grave bed. This will help you determine the appropriate size of your blanket.

Step 3: Preparing the Frame
Create a frame for your grave blanket. You can use four wooden stakes or metal wire that you bend into the shape of a rectangle or square. Secure the corners with florist wire, making sure they are not sharp or jagged that can cause cuts.

Step 4: Building the Base
Start with the base of your blanket. Fill in your frame’s perimeter by layering evergreen boughs to create a thick bed. You may need to trim the boughs to fit the frame properly. Add filler material, such as cedar or holly leaves, to fill gaps.

Step 5: Layering More Evergreens
Continue to layer the evergreen boughs on top of the base until they form an even, thick layer. Use florist wire to secure the branches in place, avoiding damaging the base layer.

Step 6: Adding the Decorations
Decorate your blanket with ornaments, pine cones, ribbons, and angels to create a beautiful and festive look. Space out the decorations evenly, making sure to secure them with florist wire to prevent falling off.

Step 7: Beautifying the Edges
Beautify the edges of your blanket. Trim any uneven or long evergreen boughs that may be hanging over the frame’s edges. This will give your blanket a more polished look.

Step 8: Wrapping with Burlap
Wrap your blanket with burlap. This will help to protect the wreath from the elements and keep it stay together. Using a lightweight burlap, wrap your blanket carefully, making sure to cover all the decorations, leaving just the top of the wreath exposed.

Step 9: Fastening the Edges
Fasten the edge of the burlap to the frame with florist wire. Make sure not to tie the burlap too tightly, as this can cause the wreath to lose its shape or damage the decorations.

Step 10: Final Touch
Add your final touch by attaching a bow or ribbon to the top of your blanket. Use florist wire to attach the bow to the wreath’s top, making sure it’s secure.

And there you have it! A beautiful, winter grave blanket that is sure to honor and celebrate the memory of your loved one. Remember, when creating a grave blanket, be respectful to the gravesite, cemetery rules, and regulations. Allow yourself enough time to create a beautiful, lasting tribute to those you cherish.

Materials Needed

Making a grave blanket is not complex but can be time-consuming, especially if you don’t have the necessary materials. To make a grave blanket, the following materials are necessary:

1. Evergreen branches and stems:

These are necessary to create the base and bulk of the blanket. You can use a variety of evergreen branches such as spruce, pine, and cedar.

2. Scissors or pruners:

These are useful for trimming and shaping the plant materials.

3. Floral wire:

Floral wire is necessary to hold the branches and stems together. It is also used to attach ornaments or decorative elements to the blanket.

4. Decorative Elements:

To give the blanket a more festive look, you can include ornaments or ribbons. These items are optional, but they can enhance the look of the blanket.

5. Gloves:

Gloves are recommended when working with evergreen branches and stems to protect your hands from pricks.

6. Plastic sheet or tarp:

You will need a plastic sheet or tarp to work on to prevent your work area from becoming a mess.

7. Measuring Tape:

A measuring tape is essential to ensure that the blanket is even all around.

8. Wire Cutters:

Wire cutters are useful to cut, trim and shape the floral wire.

9. Twine or string:

Twine or string can be used to tie certain branches that may need extra stabilization.

10. Pruning Saw:

A pruning saw is useful to cut thicker branches to the size required.

With these materials in hand, you are prepared to begin making your very own grave blanket. The following step-by-step instructions will guide you in making a beautiful, long-lasting grave blanket.

Choosing Your Materials

A grave blanket is designed to withstand the elements year-round, so it is essential to select the right materials. Here are the key components:

Boughs and Branches

The first and most crucial component to making a grave blanket is selecting fresh greenery. Evergreens, holly, and junipers work well. Choose cuttings that have vibrant colors and a pleasing scent. Ideally, the branches will be flexible and able to bend easily into the desired shape.

You can collect these branches and boughs yourself or purchase them from a local garden shop or plant nursery. When collecting the greenery yourself, be mindful of the environment and take only what you need while leaving enough for the tree to thrive.

Wire Frame

The wireframe provides the backbone for the blanket and is essential for creating the desired shape. You can build a frame using chicken wire, hardware cloth, or a metal frame from a craft store. The shape of the frame will depend on personal preference and the size of the grave.

Make sure that your frame is stable and sturdy, as you’ll be attaching the greenery to it. If you’re not sure how to make a frame, consider purchasing one from a craft or garden store.

Decorative Elements

Once you’ve secured your greenery to the wireframe, you can start adding decorative elements. Consider using natural elements like pine cones, berries, and small flowers to add color and interest. Be sure to choose elements that will fare well in the outdoor environment and won’t wilt or fade over time.

You can attach these elements using wire, twine, or hot glue. Be mindful of the size and placement of the decorations, as they should complement the greenery and your intended design.

Waterproof Tarp or Plastic Sheets

Protect your grave blanket from excess moisture with a waterproof tarp or plastic sheeting. This will help preserve the greenery and keep it looking fresh longer.

Before placing the blanket on the grave, lay the tarp or plastic sheets onto the ground. The sheeting should be slightly larger than the blanket to provide ample coverage and protection from the elements.

Once the sheeting is in place, carefully lay the blanket onto it. Secure the edges of the sheeting as needed to ensure it stays in place.

Final Tips:

When making a grave blanket, keep in mind that the design should be simple, elegant, and complement the grave. Consider using elements or materials that are significant or meaningful to the person being remembered.

Lastly, be sure to follow any rules or guidelines set by the cemetery or groundskeepers. And remember to be respectful of other graves in the area when placing your blanket.

Sending Warm Thoughts to Loved Ones with a Handmade Grave Blanket

Creating a beautiful grave blanket for a loved one is a meaningful way to honor their memory during the colder months. With the right materials and a few simple steps, you can produce a stunning tribute that will keep them warm and surrounded by love. Remember, making a grave blanket doesn’t have to be a complicated or expensive process. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this project can be a heartwarming way to stay connected to your loved ones. Thanks for reading, and please visit again soon for more ideas on how to add a personal touch to life’s special moments.