Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Make Wood Shrines

Decorate your home shrine with imagery that's meaningful to your spiritual path.


Having a small shrine or altar in your home allows you to focus your spiritual energy, meditate or pray, and communicate with the higher forces. A personal shrine is useful for people of all religions, and serves as a reminder and reassurance to the devout. Shrines are also constructed for holidays, like the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos, to honor deceased family members. A wooden shrine is a classy and conversation-starting element to a home, and you can construct one with some basic materials.


Instructions


1. Cut a sheet of plywood into three equal-sized panels; these will form the backdrop of your shrine. Paint or stain the plywood so that it matches a small table of your choice. Let dry completely according to the instructions on the paint.


2. Screw four butterfly hinges onto the plywood panels to allow them to open outward; you're aiming for a finished shape like a child's science fair backdrop. Two hinges on each side of the center panel will add stability to the piece. Set the finished backdrop on the back of your shrine.


3. Decorate your shrine with sacred objects. Flowers, candles and incense are common to many religions, as are offerings to the gods. If your shrine is meant to honor a specific person or deity, center an image of them in the shrine to focus your spiritual energy.