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Feelings and Memory Tiles

Suggested Group(s): Middle/Teen/Adult

Purpose: To assist the group in remembering and preserving special memories, to allow group members a way to identify and express feelings

Task/need: Moving toward the pain of the loss, converting the relationship to one of memory

Activity Setup Ideas:

  • Talk with the group about memories. Ask group members if they have any particular memories of their loved one that they think of often or if there is a message they would like to tell their loved one?
  • Show examples of finished tiles. Explain that this activity is an opportunity to create a tile with special meaning by writing/drawing a memory or a message to their loved one that will then be blended with color so the message becomes mostly or completely hidden. The creator of the tile will know the meaning and message his/her tile represents.
  • The tiles can also be used to express feelings. Feelings words can be written on the tiles and the colored ink can be used to represent various feelings.

Materials:

  • 4x4 white bathroom tiles (felt can be cut to size and hot glued on rough back surface)
  • Metallic Sharpies – gold, silver and bronze
  • Alcohol ink – array of colors including metallic
  • Small foam paint brushes
  • Straws cut in half (not a must-have — use best judgment if should be provided with your group)
  • Small metal stands (easels) to display once dry
  • Plastic table cloths to protect the table (***ink will stain***)
  • Smocks and gloves to cover clothing and protect hands

Description:

  • Hand out the tiles and have metallic sharpies available. Give group members time to write or draw their special memory, message or feelings. Give time for anyone who wants to share their memory, message or feelings with the group before adding color. (As some finish before others, they can get ready for color by putting on gloves & smocks. You can also begin to talk about what colors group members are thinking of using and why they are choosing those colors.)
  • Ensure everyone has on gloves and/or smocks before continuing with the alcohol ink. Have ink, small foam paint brushes and cut straws available.

Before starting with color give the following tips:

  • A little ink goes a long way. Too much ink will create a very dark — even black or brown tile. Adding small dots of 2-3 colors is a good way to start. Hold the ink close to the tile — 1-2 inches away.
  • The foam brush and straw can be a way to fill in white space without adding more ink so that the color does not become too dark. The brush and straw can also be a way to blend/swirl colors but are not necessary since the ink will blend some on its own when it hits other colors.
  • While using a straw, it is very important to not blow very hard in order to prevent ink from splashing.
  • Be patient for colors to finish blending before adding more.
  • Dropping the ink close to the tile is the best way to hide Sharpie. If a group member would like part of the writing/drawing to remain somewhat revealed — suggest that they hold the ink a little higher when adding color as well as using very little ink and using the brush or straw to move color where they want it to be.

As group members add and blend alcohol ink ask if any member has reason for the colors he/she is choosing? Does anyone associate certain colors with their loved one, memories they hold, or feelings they have? Talk about the blending and swirling of the colors and ask if this may hold any representation for them.

Activity Wrap Up Ideas:

  • When all group members are finished with their tile give time for the opportunity to share.

Suggestions:

  • Tiles need to stay at site until next group night in order to dry before sending home.
  • Gloves and plastic table cloths are a 100% must.
  • Smocks are a very good idea to protect clothing.
  • These tiles are recommended for decorative purposes only (to be displayed on the easels). Not recommended for use as a coaster.
  • This activity is not recommended for use in preschool or young rooms since the alcohol ink is permanent ink that stains hands and clothing.

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