Presenting the idea of “memory pillows”

The creative method of the Finnish module was developed for Ingrian senior migrants living in Finland. This method for memory recollection is easily applicable to different groups of people despite their age, education, etc. The method is ideally implemented for groups of seniors working together with caretakers. Personnel and caretakers could also provide examples of their own by sharing experiences and making a visible artifact of their lives. By sharing their work, the staff give seniors an example to refer to when designing their own project.

This UPS workshop is most suitable for elderly people over 50, especially those who have lost their homes and those who have been transferred or expelled once or many times in their lives. Sometimes these people have very few, if any possessions that remind them of the past; only memories have survived, and maybe some old photos. As told in the theoretical segment, individual life stories may be fragmented, or individuals may not want to remember them. Gently suggesting participation in memory/recollection activities within supportive groups and a nurturing environment helps ensure inner healing and integration into different external communities, i.e., groups who share similar backgrounds and the broader national community.

The workshop is suitable for elderly people (over 50), especially those who have lost their homes or those who have been transferred or expelled once or many times in their lives. Sometimes these people have very few, if any possessions that remind them of the past; only memories have survived, and maybe some old photos. Life stories may be fragmented, or individuals may not want to remember them. Gently suggesting participation in memory/recollection activities within supportive groups and a nurturing environment helps ensure the inner healing of the individual and their integration into different external communities, i.e., groups who share similar backgrounds and the broader national community. Such activities strengthen people twofold internally at the individual level and externally at the level of community.

"Сеньориты" клуба при Ассоциации ингерманландских финнов уже второй раз провели мастер-класс по изготовлению т.н. подушки воспоминаний. Что же это такое? Мы шили обычные диванные подушечки (их еще называли "думочками", помните?) методом лоскутного одеяла. Если в старину лоскутные одеяла шили из-за нехватки средств, то теперь данный метод возведен в ранг исскуства. Что необычного в этом? Необычным был центральный фрагмент.

Сеньоры Инкери-сеура перед рождеством делали рождественские открытки своими руками. Проще, конечно, было бы купить их готовыми, но сделанное своими руками ценится больше: ведь мы вкладываем в открытки часть своей души. Может показачться, что подобное мероприятие подходит больше для детей, но видели бы вы, с каким энтузиазмом все принялись за дело! Синие, красные, зеленые - заготовки были нарасхват. Снежинки, ангелы, елочки, колокольчики находили свое место на открытке. В этом году мы впервые делали трехмерные открытки, использую двусторонний толстый скотч. В Карьяла -тало в это же время происходила рождественская ярмарка. К нам заходили посетители ярмарки, и мы умудрились (!) продать им несколько открыток. В день проведения мастер-класса по изготовлению открыток была ужасная погода: дождь и сильный ветер, тучами заволокло небо так, что казалось, они висят прямо у нас над головой. Но! Сеньоры не захотели сидеть в тепле домашнего очага, а пришли поработать себе на благо. Проблемы были только у координатора: накануне выпал мокрый снег, и снежный покров в 20 см угрожал выезду машины со двора.

Inkeri-seura seniors were busy with making of Christmas cards. A handmade card is filled with part of soul and personal touch. The seniors were very enthusiastic and creative. At that time there was Christmas market in Karjala-talo, so we even managed to sell some of our newly made cards!

It is easier, of course, would be to buy them ready-made, but made with their own hands is more valuable: we invest in postcards of our soul. It seems that such an event is more suitable for children, but you should have seen the enthusiasm with which all went to work! Blue, red, green - blanks were snapped up. Snowflakes, angels, Christmas trees, bells found their place on the card. This year we have made three-dimensional greeting cards, use double-sided thick tape. In Karelia-house in the same period was the Christmas market. We sell visitors a few postcards. On the day of the master class on making cards was terrible weather: rain and strong wind, clouds shrouded the sky. But! Seniors do not want to sit in the warm. Problems were only the coordinator: on the eve dropped sleet, and snow cover of 20 cm threatened to exit the machine from the yard.