This time last year, we were all in state where we didn't know what was going on, why it was happening or what was going to happen next. It was only the beginning of what would be the year+ longer of a global pandemic, but many were already feeling the "slump". When I personally get in this place -- my faith is my go-to. Even at this point though, churches were a part of lockdown closures. But then more than ever, I still needed that fix. It's a christian tradition in some places to get small crosses on Palm Sunday as a reminder of "Holy Week's" upcoming events. I knew I needed a cross. After some investigating, I also knew I wanted to be able to stick it in the ground, would ideally be able to paint or decorate it and even more-- would love to share some with any neighbors that may want one as well. Lastly, it was already Saturday, so that meant I needed to act fast!
I looked online at Lowe's and Home Depot and decided Lowe's had what I needed with the most bang for my buck in the moment. I went with a 12 pack of 36" in garden stakes they had as well as 12 pack of 18" stakes for the shorter part. These were very economically priced and I figured I could get a good amount of crosses from them. I bought 2 packs of each at first as well as 2 packs of the 12" stakes they had if anyone just wanted a smaller version.
I used one of each stake for each cross. My "great ideas" aren't always as easily implemented without help, so this quickly became a family project. I'm all about those anyway, so it was no problem with me! My husband cut the "pointy" end off of half of the stakes, leaving the standing, long piece with the stake end so they would easily go into the ground. We simply placed two pieces across each other and drilled a screw into the center. Now, this was meant to be a quick, easy, and inexpensive project -- so craftsmanship wasn't as heavily on the radar. We were just hoping to lift some spirits during this dark time we were experiencing. Once they were put together, I posted them on our neighborhood facebook page, stating they could be found behind the brick signs at each entrance for anyone that wanted them.
To my delight, they were gone that same day, with requests for more if at all possible! This made my heart so happy and frankly warms my heart now just thinking about it. I had also posted on my personal page, thinking initially I now had nearly 50 crosses and not sure if anyone was going to even bite. Sure enough, as my neighbors were grabbing those already made, my local friends and family were jumping on the opportunity as well. I happily delivered to anyone who wanted it, and many did porch pick up as well. I ended up buying and making another pack of each size. Many who didn't do pickup said they were inspired to make their own as well. It was such a joy at the time to see them throughout the neighborhood, each uniquely decorated and displayed. Many of them stayed up through the year and are still out today - a year later!
This was a great project for me personally and for our family. It's perfect for large quantities, or even just for you! I think they even sell the wooden stakes individually. Many painted their crosses - solid and with designs. Others added ribbons, fabric, flowers, and even lights! I hot-glued some dollar-store fake flowers to ours, and made a smaller version to place on my grandmother's grave as well. My family was able to participate and it was a good project for us all together.
Have you made a cross before? There are a number of larger (much more quality) ones around as well -- beautifully stained and decorated, and it seems as part of some people's year-round decor. I'd love to hear about yours if so!