Creating Art from Ashes

No words can describe the pain and heartache of losing a loved one. While we all grieve in our own ways, many of us find that paying tribute to and honoring our loved ones is an important part of the healing process. What better way to memorialize your loved one than by transforming their ashes into works of art?

There are many thoughtful, tasteful and beautiful options for cremation art, from jewelry to blown glass and even traditional paintings.

Cremation Jewelry

Cremation jewelry is a beautiful way to remember your loved one and carry them with you wherever you go. There are so many options when it comes to sizes, styles and themes, so you’re sure to find a piece that suits your tastes and needs.

Along with pendants for ashes, you can also find cremation necklaces, bracelets and beads that hold just a pinch of ashes. If you’ve recently lost an animal companion, there are many options for pet cremation jewelry. A pet ashes necklace is a thoughtful way to keep your pet close to your heart.

Most cremation jewelry pieces are subtle yet beautiful, so others won’t know that they’re holding your loved one’s ashes.

In addition to styles and themes, you may have many options when it comes to materials. Sterling silver cremation jewelry is exceptionally durable, hypoallergenic and an elegant choice. However, you can also find pieces made from gold, white gold and even platinum if your budget allows.

Unique Cremation Urns

A cremation urn is a classic and traditional way to honor and memorialize your loved one. But today, you can find a wide variety of urn styles and themes, making them true works of art.

Urns with hand-engraved and painted designs can be beautifully displayed in your home.

Along with traditional urns, you can find uniquely shaped options, such as butterflies, hearts teardrops, birds and even teddy bears. In addition, some urns are designed to hold tealight candles, transforming them into thoughtful centerpieces for your home.

Blown Glass Art

Blown glass is exceptionally beautiful and an excellent way to imbue the spirit of your loved one into a work of art. Skilled artisans can incorporate your loved one’s ashes into the glass as they’re creating the piece. Choose from a custom design, or a pre-made design created by hand with your loved one’s ashes.

Blown glass requires temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme heat, which is higher than the initial cremation, leaves the ashes a brilliant white color that is spread throughout the piece. Other colors can also be incorporated to create unique and personal designs.

When choosing blown glass for your cremation art, you have so many options:

• Unique sculptures
• Paperweights
• Looking glasses

The meticulous process of handcrafting each item will give you peace of mind that your loved one’s ashes were handled with care.

Cremation Stones

Many of the options on this list use just a portion of ashes, but what if you want art that will incorporate all of your loved one’s ashes? A cremation stone may be worth considering.

Cremation stones can easily be displayed in your home, but they can also be held in your hand whenever you want to feel close to your loved one. These stones are solidified ashes that can be stacked like cairns, displayed in your home or even placed in a garden.

Depending on the amount of ashes provided, you may receive up to 60 stones. Because they are just like real stones, they will last for many years to come and can be scattered just as you would with traditional ashes.

If you would rather not use all of your loved one’s ashes, touchstones may be a better option. Typically made from glass, these stones incorporate just a tiny amount of ashes and have wonderfully intricate designs. From paw prints to flowers and galactic swirls, you’ll find a variety of thoughtful design options.

Ashes in Oil Paintings

For a more traditional approach, you can have an artist incorporate your loved one’s ashes into an oil painting. You can choose a truly custom design or from a series of pre-made designs. Each piece is hand painted and created with care.

Oil paintings created by true, professional artists will last a lifetime – and beyond. It's a beautiful way to memorialize your loved one, and the final piece can be prominently displayed in your home.

Cremation Lamps

With a cremation lamp, your loved one can once again be the light of your life. You have many options with this form of cremation art:

• Memory lamps, which hold a portion of ashes at the base.
• Glass sculptures that illuminate.
• Nightlights with glass art made with your loved one’s ashes.

Lamps also make thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Each time they turn on the lamp, they will be reminded of their loved one.

Suncatchers

Custom, handmade suncatchers are another beautiful way to remember your loved one. Typically, memorial suncatchers have a keepsake urn that holds just a pinch of ashes. The urn hangs from the bottom of the suncatcher, allowing your loved one to bathe in the sun.

Some suncatchers are made with glass and infused with ashes.

Like many other options on this list, you can choose from a range of sizes and styles. Hearts and teardrop glass ornaments are popular choices, but you can find more unique styles, such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Stained Glass

Like blown glass, ashes can also be infused into stained glass to create a beautiful, treasured keepsake. From full-sized windows to suncatchers and everything in between, there are many options for ashes-infused stained glass.

Working with an individual artisan is your best bet with this type of cremation art. For peace of mind, ask about their process and how your loved one’s ashes will be handled.

Honor Your Loved One with Art Made from Ashes

Whether you choose a blown glass ornament or a stained glass window, ashes-infused art is an elegant and thoughtful way to honor your loved one. These works of art can be prominently displayed in your home and serve as beautiful reminders of your loved one.