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9 Art Therapy Ideas for Grieving Pet Parents

August 18, 2021 Admin 19 Comments

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9 Art Therapy Ideas for Grieving Pet Parents

Finding ways to heal after pet loss doesn’t have to be conventional. Talking to friends, family or a professional is helpful for starting the path to recovery after losing a pet. However, traditional talk therapy is not the only way to start your journey to finding joy again. As a multi-faceted individual, you’ll find what works for someone else may not work for you. For this reason, I personally have explored many avenues to find healing post-pet loss. One of the ways I learned to find healing included art therapy.  Today I’ll share with you 9 art therapy ideas for grieving pet parents to explore.

What is art therapy?

So, you may be asking, “What is art therapy?” As defined by Merriam-Webster.com, art therapy is defined as:

“Therapy based on engagement in artistic activities (such as painting or drawing) as a means of creative expression and symbolic communication especially in individuals affected with a mental or emotional disorder or cognitive impairment”

In other words, art therapy uses your creative expression through different mediums, including painting, drawing, poetry, etc. to help soothe and address feelings that are associated with grief, loss, or any other emotionally impacting situation. Art therapy is a tool to help provide a healthy distraction and place of serenity and peace apart from the negative emotions associated with grief and loss. Exploring your creativity after grief is a positive way to reclaim the joy in your life.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to join or make a purchase after clicking through the links. It is my intention to only provide suggestions to you that I personally have experienced or find useful.

Creative Ideas to Explore

So, let’s explore these fun and creative mediums in art that can potentially help you reclaim joy and happiness in your life again while still honoring your pet.

  1. Decorate frames

Decorating frames is a great idea you can do solo or with the whole family. You can purchase little odds and ends from craft stores like Michaels or Etsy and decorate with your own style and imagination. Use different mediums and textures. You can use paint, felt, glitter or beads. You are only limited by your imagination. Once your art project is complete you can install your favorite picture of your pet in the frame to display.

  1. Write a letter

A second art therapy idea is of the written word kind. You can write a love letter to your pet. I personally did not try this until a few years after my cats passed away but found it so therapeutic.

Take a moment of silence to sit and reflect on your life with your beloved pet(s). Then, write down what you would want them to know now that they have transitioned to the other side. Think about what was your greatest memory together. Did you have a favorite trip you shared together? Do you recall a time your pet made you laugh uncontrollably? Do you recall the day you met? What lessons did your pet teach you in this life?

These are all points of reference to explore and prompt you to jot down in a letter to your pet.

  1. Make a memory quilt.

A more old-fashioned art therapy project is making a quilt. Quilts are a great personalized way to bring the highlights of your life together into a work of art. You can create your own memorial quilt or if you are a beginner or looking to try something new there are beginner’s kits and guides you can explore.

You can explore pet portrait quilts and patterns available on Amazon. They even have more basic no-sew quilt kits for kids as well.

 

  1. Use a grief journal

Sometimes when you are experiencing grief you do not even have the words to express the depth of your pain out loud. And keeping a grief journal is an excellent way to release those painful emotions through pen to paper.

I’ve always been a fan of journaling and it has helped in different pivotal points in my life. Reflecting on previous life experiences, I now see just how far I’ve come and am stronger as a result.

A grief journal can be as simple as a composition book from the Dollar General store or more elaborate and personalized. There are multiple options of designs you can explore to suit your needs. Below are just a few examples.

Shop Impurrfectlife Art Studio!

  1. Adult Coloring books

Using adult coloring books is another art therapy idea to consider. Yes, I said adult coloring books! Coloring is not just for kids, but it will make you feel like one again. I have a couple of coloring books myself.

The process of coloring in designs pre-drawn and the set is super easy. It’s a simplistic way to take your mind off the present and revert to a time in the past as a kid when your biggest problems included eating all your vegetables at dinner time and making sure you color inside the lines.

Adult coloring books offered today come in many different themes. Naturally, I’d choose a cat or animal theme, however, you are not limited to only pets. You can choose classic cars, landscapes, or florals. Whatever your heart is led to explore, try it.

All you need is a decent set of coloring pencils and a separate uninterrupted space to try your art project in peace.

  1. Take an art class

One of my favorite memories years ago included attending an adult art class on my birthday with a few dear co-workers and friends. For the first time I tried a Paint and Sip class.

If you are looking for a different type of creative art experience outside the home, consider taking an art class. There are different art classes available. Painting, pottery, and sculpture classes are just a few types you can explore. *Note: Due to COVID-19, some art classes are offering virtual sessions.

When I tried a Paint and Sip class years ago, I had a blast. I found out about art classes via LivingSocial.com at the time. It is still a good resource to try when searching your local area for options of things to do. Plus, they often offer discounts on services from participating vendors. Who doesn’t like to save a little cash, right?

If this sounds like something you may be interested in, you can visit the LivingSocial website here and explore things to do in your hometown.

  1. Make a photo collage.

If you have hoards of old pictures lying around or stored away, it is time to do some decluttering and make use of those happy memories. Make a memorial collage of you and your pet!

A great way to put your creativity to work is by creating a collage of memories using an artboard or framed board to keep your memories. You can display your finished artboard on the wall or in a dedicated space in their honor.

Another alternative is to get a scrapbook and keep a collection of your photo memories as a keepsake. Here are few example ideas.

  1. Try Beadwork.

I must confess when I used to visit the craft store in person to restock on paint supplies, I would always find myself drifting to explore the beading idle. So many colors, sizes, and textures oh my!

Creating your own jewelry or beadwork is a skill that I have yet to try but it is not so common, therefore it was a great option to add to this list.

With beadwork, you can make your own creations or if you are a beginner or need inspiration, there are self-help tools and kits to get you started.

See an example below.

 

  1. Try Painting by numbers

Lastly, paint by numbers is a great option for both beginners and experienced artists. If you are flexible and willing to try something new, you can choose from a variety of options. Paint by numbers kits come in many themes including vintage cars, landscapes, animals, and more.

Or if you prefer to try paint by numbers and memorialize your pet, you can order a custom paint by numbers kit. A great resource to try is Winnie’s Picks. I shared with you my honest experience with paint by numbers in my last blog post. If you missed that post, be sure to check it out here. This is a great way to try something new, have fun, and decompress simultaneously.

Below is a picture of my finished paint by number project. It turned out great! This one is called abstract and modern colorful cat.

Order your kit from Winnie’s Picks!

Conclusion

These are 9 art therapy ideas for grieving pet parents. I have personally tried most of these tips and I have had a positive experience. Art therapy is a positive and constructive way to channel your grief through creative mediums. It’s just one of many tools you can use to help guide you on the path to healing.

Have you tried any of these ideas for yourself? How are you learning to cope with grief after losing a pet? Do you like arts and crafts? Or do you prefer alternative ways to deal with loss?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Don’t forget to share this post with a friend.

If you are looking for other ways to help heal your heart, check out my other helpful posts below.

5 Reasons Why I think Fostering a Pet is a Good Idea

Turn Your Pain Into Purpose

 

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Comments

  1. Erica says

    March 5, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    This is a helpful post! I recently lost my cat, Callie. It’s been a few days since Callie’s passing, and I’m starting to feel better about the loss. I’m crocheting a mat to put under her urn. I feel like crocheting the mat is giving some much-needed closure. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Admin says

      March 6, 2022 at 2:41 pm

      Erica,
      I’m so sorry for the loss of your cat Callie. (What a pretty name!) Crocheting a mat is a great idea and personal. I’m happy my content resonated with you and brought you some comfort during this difficult time.

      Reply
  2. Ron says

    August 25, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    Another great idea to soothe your troubled mind, it’s like chicken soup for the soul.
    Thanks for these reliable healthy food for thought.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 25, 2021 at 12:34 pm

      Ron,
      Yes, creating art or participating in creative projects is very helpful and productive way to heal the heart. Thanks for sharing your insight.

      Reply
  3. Sweet Purrfections says

    August 24, 2021 at 11:53 pm

    What wonderful ideas! I’d love to have a portrait memory quilt made!

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 25, 2021 at 12:29 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. jana rade says

    August 23, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    Art therapy is a wonderful option. However, what helped me was to focus on my dog’s legacy–through my blog and adopting her heiress.

    Reply
  5. Beth says

    August 22, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    These are some great ideas to help deal with the loss of a loved one! Grief is so personal, and for me, it feels different every time.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 23, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      Beth,
      Thanks for sharing your insight! That makes sense to me too. Every love shared is abundant but differs with every pet/living being. So true!

      Reply
  6. Nikki, RVT says

    August 22, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    These are some amazing suggestions! Our pets are such a huge part of our lives, and when they pass it can be hard to process the loss we feel. I know personally, I like doing a combination of journaling and collage of pictures. But I’ve also found it helpful to have a creative momento of them to have close by – a small keepsake like a piece of jewelry created in their memory.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 23, 2021 at 12:18 pm

      Nikki,

      Thank you and you make a great point too. Having a keepsake made custome in their memory is a great idea too!

      Reply
  7. Ruth Epstein says

    August 21, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    Great ideas and I found that writing helped me so much. What is special is that everyone can choose what is best for them and their are nor rules as such. Love it

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 21, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      Ruth,
      Exactly. Well said!

      Reply
  8. Marjorie at Dash Kitten says

    August 20, 2021 at 11:27 pm

    I think a photo collage sounds a wonderful idea. Collecting all the images of my fvoirtie cats and creating a memorial picture. It might even work as a good – right? One of those print on demand books?

    There are some wonderful ideas here and someting for everyone who has lost a pet.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 21, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      Marjorie,
      Yes! Absolutely. Print on demand book is another great idea! It’s a great way to store a whole collection of memories within reach. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Terri says

    August 20, 2021 at 8:14 pm

    These are terrific ideas to do when your heart is broken. Art can be very healing and soothing for the mind, soul, and body. I know I can get lost in an art project and always feel better when I’m doing it and when it’s complete.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 21, 2021 at 5:35 pm

      Terri,
      Thank you. I feel the same way!

      Reply
  10. Michelle & The Paw Pack says

    August 20, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Great ideas! I’ve done many of these activities but more for fun than therapy. I can totally see how art projects could be therapeutic.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 21, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply

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