Family Tree Reliquary

Deborah Petronio
Evening Workshop

In this class we will create a family keepsake in the style of a religious reliquary. Reliquaries are small, shrinelike, sometimes highly decorated receptacles for a relic of a saint. The relic is sealed with a wax seal and that seal should never be broken. In our case we will create a family tree inside the reliquary then seal a memento or even a prayer on the back. We will create a holder or monstrance to display our reliquary. Using found objects, textiles, and your mementoes you can create a family treasure.

Supply list

  • Empty tuna fish can
  • Relic- this can be a small family memento, preferably flat and no more than one inch. Alternatively you can you can write a prayer or memory to seal inside the reliquary.
  • I will provide all other materials, but feel free to bring fabrics and ribbon scraps of your own- maybe of significance to your family.

Materials fee – $25: Includes reliquary tin, ribbons, Dresden papers, pins, fabric, foam, paint, tools, and stand.