This past year, my family and I experienced a profound loss when my grandpa passed away. He had suffered a heart attack 11 months prior, and his passing was incredibly difficult for all of us. My grandparents had been married for over 60 years, spending every day together—a love story that’s deeply inspiring. To honor his memory, I created keepsakes with dried flowers to share with my family.
I grew up on the same farm my grandpa was raised on. He lived just next door, which meant I got to see him every single day growing up. Even after I moved away, visiting my grandparents at “the farm” was always something I cherished.
Grandpa’s Love for Family, Farming, and Animals
Grandpa loved everything about farming—driving his John Deere tractors, tending to the cattle, and spending time with family. He also had a soft spot for animals. Growing up, we always had plenty of farm cats, many of them rescues. I’ll never forget the times he took us to save unwanted cats and brought them home, giving them a second chance.
His love for animals extended to dogs as well. Over the years, Grandpa had several loyal companions, including Australian Shepherds, Blue Heelers, and Beagles. It’s no surprise that his passion for dogs rubbed off on me. I had Australian Shepherds growing up, which is why I now have two Aussiedoodles, Waffles and Taco. They’re my tribute to the incredible bond Grandpa and I shared with our four-legged friends.
Creating Keepsakes to Honor Grandpa’s Legacy
When Grandpa passed away, I wanted to create something meaningful—something that would keep his memory alive and serve as a reminder of his legacy. After his funeral, each family member was able to take home some of the flowers. I knew I didn’t want to just enjoy them for a few days before they wilted, so I decided to preserve them.
With no fancy flower-pressing equipment on hand, I used a book from my shelf, some paper towels, and patience. For about two weeks, I pressed the flowers until they were fully dried. Around that time, I was at a local coffee shop and noticed resin earrings for sale. That sparked an idea: I could turn the pressed flowers into resin keepsakes like necklaces and keychains.
The DIY Journey: Learning Resin Crafting
With my “it can’t be that hard” mindset, I dove headfirst into resin crafting. I watched a few YouTube tutorials and ordered a UV resin kit with all the essentials: molds, a UV lamp, necklace chains, keychain kits, and more. I chose shapes, colors, and flower arrangements that I thought my family would love.
For myself, I created a yellow necklace—a color that always brings me joy. For my grandma, I made a silver heart-shaped necklace filled with pressed flowers. Over Thanksgiving, I surprised my family with a variety of these handmade keepsakes, letting them choose the ones they liked most.
Every time I wear my necklace, I’m reminded of Grandpa’s love for life’s simple pleasures and the incredible legacy he left behind. It’s a small, beautiful way to keep him close to my heart.
Expanding the Tradition: Custom Resin Keepsakes
Since then, I’ve expanded my resin crafting into an Etsy shop, where I offer custom resin necklaces and keychains—both with and without dried flowers. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create keepsakes for others, knowing they’ll carry their own special memories in these unique pieces.
Final Thoughts
Losing a loved one is never easy, but finding a way to honor their memory can bring comfort and healing. For me, preserving Grandpa’s legacy through handmade resin keepsakes has been a beautiful journey. It’s a reminder that even when someone is no longer physically with us, their love and impact remain forever.
If you’re looking for a way to cherish the memory of someone special, consider creating your own keepsakes or reaching out for a custom piece. It’s a heartfelt way to keep their spirit alive and close to you always.
Check out my other blog posts at https://www.diaryofadinkwad.com/blog
Let me know in the comments what you do to honor the memory of a loved one.