Art and creativity are useful tools to support the process of healing and transformation. The Hug Scarf promotes open communication about feelings and comfort among family members and can improve family members’ abilities to support one another.

The process of creating the scarf and the scarf itself provide comfort in stressful situations. Alternatively, the child can make a Hug for loved one who is going through a difficult time. Whether a child is creating a Hug for themselves or someone they care about, it allows them to tap into their creativity which may facilitate emotional expression, discussion of memories, recognizing significant connections among family and how these connections endure even when they are not physically with the loved one (Russell, 2008), and provides an opportunity to model compassion for self and others.

Materials needed: a piece of fabric in the shape of a scarf, fabric markers or paints, scissors, needle and thread, and decorative materials (beads, sequins, ribbon). On each end of the fabric, traces hands/arms and cut the fabric accordingly. To add special significance, use the art supplies to write memories, wishes, or phrases as well as depict other meaningful images or symbols to enable the messages and feelings to be with themselves or their loved one.

The above photo is a Hug Scarf that my daughter and I made for my sister during her breast cancer journey. We sewed a little pink pocket on the scarf and put gemstones inside. We scented the scarf with aromatherapy oil. It reads, "Surrounded by love, joy, gratitude."

Eaton Russell, C. in Lowenstein, L. (2008). Assessment and treatment activities for children, adolescents, and families: Practitioners share their most effective techniques. Toronto, ON: Champion Press.