A few months ago, Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter split up after thirteen years of marriage. While I don’t know either of them personally, they happened to be a couple I had assumed would stay together until they both perished, simultaneously, in a beautiful, strange, and inexplicable manner.
While every happy couple would like to think they are impervious to the possibility of a separation, none of us are safe. Good people like you and me, break up everyday, and if you are currently nursing a broken heart, I am so sorry- truly and deeply.
Fortunately, there are a variety of crafts to help you put the carton of tear-flavored ice cream down and get back out there. I call these my crafts for the dumped.
The five stages of loss include: Denial/isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The following craft projects can be completed to help you work through each stage and back into the dating pool.
Stage 1, Denial and Isolation Craft: The Crochet Cat Tissue Box Cover
(Editor’s note: You might want to avoid using wool yarn in this project as excessive crying and crafting may result in an accidentally felted tissue box cover.) Find the pattern here.
Stage 2, Anger Crafts: Smashing Faces and Stabbing Bodies (the safe and legal way)
Make a piñata of your ex’s face and grab a baseball bat. If you’ve never made a piñata before, you might be surprised to find that it is both easy and therapeutic. And if you’re still too grief-stricken to craft at this stage, this company will make the piñata for you!
And if smashing isn’t your speed? Quietly torture a voodoo doll of whoever wronged you. Craft your own with steps from this tutorial, or buy a Youdoo Doll Kit from: http://youdoodoll.co.uk/to help you work through your issues.
Stage 3, Depression Crafts: Booze Bottle Terrariums
We all cope with sadness in different ways. You may find yourself hitting the sauce pretty hard during the depression stage. Or maybe you’re more of a soda person. Or maybe you drink tea when your heart hurts.
Whatever your poison, if it comes in a bottle that can be emptied, you can use it for good. Bottles, of course, make great homes for cut flowers, but why not aim for something a little more long-term?
When the beverage is gone, (just like your relationship!!), remember that plants will always love you. Learn how to turn those empties into art with this tutorial.
Stage 4, Bargaining Crafts: Paper Flower Bouquet
Chances are, you will not be bargaining your way back into a good relationship. However, a stage of loss, is a stage of loss, so grab some paper and start crafting. Robert Mahar’s CreativeLive class is full of paper crafts that, while not exactly tear-proof, wouldn’t be damaged if you keep your weeping to a minimum. And if this pretty paper gesture is rejected, at least you’ve learned a new skill.
Stage 5, Acceptance Craft: Metal Stamped Jewelry
Setting something in stone is quite difficult, but setting it in metal? You can totally handle that.
Give yourself a little boost by remembering how great you are regardless of your relationship status.
Plus, using a hammer always helps pound out any lingering sadness. Learn how to stamp your own metal for jewelry with this tutorial.
Stage 6, Seriously Over It and Ready to Date Again Craft: Chocolate Lip Gloss
Chocolate: Great for soothing an aching heart, and great for saying “hey world, I’m back on the market.” So I’m just going to set this tutorial right here. Make it whenever you’re ready.
Good luck, friends. You got this.
