Decorating a Daisybox®

Decorating a Daisybox wicker or cardboard casket with poster paints can be a deeply personal and meaningful way to honor a loved one's memory.

Since dried plant material and cardboard is a receptive surface for poster paints and marker pens, the process should be straightforward and it gives you the opportunity to add a personal touch to the casket.

Here are some suggestions for decorating the casket and what you can paint to remember your person:

Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating with Poster Paints:

1. Gather Supplies:

   • Poster paints or marker pens in your desired colors.

   • Paintbrushes in various sizes (thicker ones for background colors, smaller ones for details).

   • A cup of water to rinse brushes.

   • A palette or a flat surface for mixing colors.

   • Painter’s tape or masking tape if you want to create clean lines or geometric patterns.

     
     

2. Prepare the Surface:

   • Ensure the cardboard surface is clean and free of dust.

   • Lay the Daisybox on a tarp or protective cloth to avoid paint stains. It's under 8kg/18Lbs, so can easily be placed on a table as needed.

   • Decide whether you want to paint the whole surface a base color before adding designs, or keep the natural cardboard as a background.

   • Gesso white primer can be used as a base undercoat if you're working with a brown kraft Daisybox, rather than our white-coloured paper model. 

3. Start with Larger Areas:

   • Begin by painting large, simple shapes or a solid background if desired. For example, you could paint soft blue skies or peaceful green fields to represent serenity and nature.

4. Add Personal Details:

   • Once the background is dry, start painting more intricate designs. You might want to include symbols or items that remind you of your person, such as:

     • Favorite Flowers: Whether they loved roses, daisies, sunflowers, or any other flower, painting them can add a touch of beauty and meaning.

     • Scenes of Nature: If they loved the outdoors, paint landscapes such as forests, mountains, or the ocean.

     • Hobbies or Interests: If they had particular interests, like fishing, gardening, or music, you can paint those elements. For example, fishing rods, plants, or musical notes.

     • Family Memories: You could paint moments you shared together, like a favorite trip or activity, using simple symbols or stick figures if you’re not confident in drawing details.

5. Incorporate Words or Quotes:

   • Use black or bold colors to write meaningful quotes, favorite sayings, or just a name and dates.

   • Add a personal message, poem, or scripture verse that holds special meaning to you and your family.

6. Keep It Personal:

   • You don’t need to be a professional artist; simple drawings, even handprints or hearts, can have immense meaning. Family members can also contribute by adding their own artwork or messages.
     

Ideas for What to Paint to Remember Your Person:

• Favorite Colors: Use their favorite colors to fill the space with shades he loved.

• Symbols of their Life: Paint symbols of things they cherished—perhaps a book if they loved reading, a sports emblem if he enjoyed sports, or representations of family.

• Their Journey: If they had a spiritual belief or personal journey, you might include symbols like a sun rising (representing new beginnings), a peaceful dove (for serenity), or a path through nature (symbolizing life’s journey).

• Handprints of Friends and Family Members: Each friend and/or family member could place their handprint on the casket, surrounding your father with the love of his family. Do not soak the sides of the casket in paint though. It should be touch dry within 2 hrs.

• Photo or Portrait (optional): If you're confident with your painting skills, you could attempt a simple portrait of him or a place he loved.
  

Final Touch

Once you’re finished painting and the paint has dried, consider leaving the casket as it is for a more natural look. If you'd like to add some shine or protection, apply a light coat of varnish or eco-friendly sealant. Keep in mind that adding such sealants could slightly alter the eco-friendliness of the casket.

This personalized, artistic tribute can be a touching and memorable way to celebrate your person's life and reflect on the moments that made them special to you, your family and friends. Visit Daisybox on Instagram to see some of the ways people have decorated a Daisybox.