Some of the closest bonds we form in life are those with our pets. Unfortunately, unlike humans, most pet animals have shorter lifespans, with most averaging 8-13 years. If you are lucky, your beloved pet can reach the ripe old age of 20 years, which is also a short lifespan in the grand scheme of things.
As a result, most people are usually at a loss when dealing with their pet’s demise. It just feels too soon. Memorializing your pet is an excellent way of dealing with your loss. It helps you to convert the grief into an appreciation for the time spent together.
While you can purchase memorial stones and grave markers at the store, designing them yourself is one of the best ways of showing how much your pet meant to you. The following are simple DIY ideas for pet grave markers and memorial stones.
The 8 DIY Pet Grave Markers & Memorial Stones
1. Mosaic in Concrete
This memorial stone does not take a lot of skill and material to make. You only need a bag of concrete and a small concrete mold, which you can get at a local hardware store. First, mix the concrete, fill the mold, and allow it to set.
Before it dries completely, use a stick to write your pet’s name into the setting concrete. You can make your stone unique by setting pieces of colored beads and glass to create a mosaic. .
2. LED Pet Memorial Plaque
This elegant memorial plaque might not be suitable for beginner DIYers since it requires considerable skill. However, if you are up for the challenge, you can pull it off. Nonetheless, it will take a while.
To make this LED memorial plaque, you need 2 pieces of flat wood board, a wooden base, Perspex, a circuit vinyl cutter, LED light, and a few other materials. Use this easy-to-follow tutorial to make this amazing LED pet memorial plaque.
3. Pet Tombstone
Tombstones remain the most popular type of grave marker among humans, thanks to their durability. Therefore, if you want a durable grave marker for your fallen pet, consider making them a tombstone.
In addition to their durability, tombstones are simple and inexpensive to make. Here is a detailed guide on how to make a pet tombstone.
4. Wooden Cross Grave Marker
Have you considered using a wooden cross to mark your pet’s grave? The great thing about crosses is how easy they are to make. Here is how to go about it. You can get creative with the engraving and add a few graphics that represent your pet.
5. DIY Stone Pet Grave Marker
The biggest issue with standard grave markers is their short lifespan, as most are susceptible to degradation by the elements. Therefore, if you want something long-lasting, using stone is a good idea.
In this case, you can put the artistic part of your brain to good use to carve out your pet’s name in setting cement. Pulling this project off is not as difficult as it looks or sounds. Here is a detailed guide on how to make this grave marker.
6. DIY Pet Urn
If you prefer cremation to burying, a DIY pet urn project is ideal. Fortunately, this project does not require next-level woodworking skills. Simply follow these steps, and you’ll have an attractive urn.
7. Create a Concrete Stone Marker
Give your pet’s gravesite a unique touch with a memorial stone. The kit used in the tutorial came from Michaels, but you can mix concrete and pour it into a square mold. Before the concrete sets, you can decorate it with glass beads and other items. You can even use a stencil and etch your pet’s name into the concrete.
8. Carve Your Pet’s Name in Wood
For a more classic memorial marker, consider carving your pet’s name into a piece of wood. You can use a utility knife, router, or chisel to carve the letters, then sand and stain for a finished look. You can use any type of wood you like, from pine to cedar or even cherry
Conclusion
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Losing a pet is akin to losing a dear friend, which is why it hurts so much when they leave us.
DIY projects are great avenues for dealing with that loss. You are forced to reminisce about all the times spent with your pet, allowing you to process the loss and be grateful for the companionship.
If you are not a professional, take it easy on yourself and work at your own pace. Fortunately, the grave markers and memorial stones in this article are some of the easiest to make.
See Also: Do Dogs Grieve Other Dogs? Exploring Canine Emotions
Featured Image Credit: jeep5d, Shutterstock
