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I’ve never
heard of using cremation ashes (cremains) in objects. Is it
unusual?
Actually,
cattle cremains have been used in bone china since 1800,
giving porcelain its strength and durability.
Will I be able
to see my loved one’s ashes in the piece?
It is possible to see the ashes in most
Art From Ashes pieces. In these cases, the ashes can be seen
through the bottom of the piece as a swirl of white
dots/fragments. However it is unlikely that you will be
able to see the ashes in the Phoenix Stone, Perfume Bottle
or finial top of the Walking Stick because the ash is
completely incorporated into the color and design of the
piece. Please let us know if you would or would not prefer
to be able to see a small bit of the cremains in the piece,
so we can let the artist(s) know.
Would you
consider creating a remembrance using human ashes?
Yes, we create
remembrances with human cremains incorporated into the
sculptures. One client ordered nine different pieces that
were presented at a gathering following a memorial service.
All of the designs and prices that are described on our site
with the exception of the remembrance jewelry are
available with human cremains incorporated. You may order a
design that we currently offer by clicking on the piece of
your choice from our Gallery of Remembrances. If you are
interested in commissioning a unique remembrance of your own
design, please fill in the box on the
Commissioned Piece page.
How do I know
that you have used my loved one’s cremains?
This is a
frequently asked question and one that crematoriums also
encounter. Just as a loved one’s body is entrusted to a
crematorium, so are those cremains entrusted to Art From
Ashes. Everyone at Art From Ashes (including the artists)
knows how important it is to respect and preserve the
individual memory of your loved one. To guarantee your peace
of mind, we have worked hard to create a system that ensures
that accurately identified cremains are used in each piece.
What do you
do with any unused cremains?
We will be happy to return any unused
cremains. Simply check this option on the order form. We
do require that this option be selected when a piece is
created using human cremains.
Do I have to
send all the ashes?
No, you only
need to send us 1 teaspoon of the cremains. Once you place
your order, you will be sent a Remembrance Kit which
includes a sift-proof plastic bag and disposable spoon, as
well as a labeled return envelope. Save the remaining
cremains to make additional glass memorials in the future,
or to bury or scatter, according to your municipal
regulations.
I have the
ashes of 5 of my pets. What options do I have?
Some people
choose to combine a small amount of the cremains of several
pets and then have one remembrance created in memory of all
of the pets. Others have individual remembrances created
for each one. Art From Ashes soon will offer a new option: a
necklace of glass remembrance beads. The beads can be
created either from a combination of the cremains, or else
the artist could make several beads with the cremains of
each individual pet, creating a multi-bead necklace that
memorializes all of the pets.
Your prices
seem high; I’ve seen glass paperweights for much less.
Many
paperweights on the market are mass-produced. Our pieces are
individually hand-blown by a master craftsman. Incorporating
the cremains requires even more time and care on the
artisan’s part to ensure that each unique remembrance
receives the respect it deserves.
The phoenix
bird on your logo is not the frightening bird that I remember
from mythology.
There are many
descriptions and images associated with this legendary bird.
The common belief is that the immortal Phoenix rises again
from the ashes of its own funeral pyre every 300 to 1000
years, depending on the legend. The Phoenix is
symbolic of rebirth, hope, eternity, and immortality.
Please refer to our
Links and Resources page to learn more about the history
of the Phoenix.
Do you sell or
ship pieces internationally?
We currently
have our secure online merchant account set to accept
payments automatically only from credit cards within the
United States. We are able to accept credit card payments
worldwide, but have chosen to process international
transactions individually due to each country having its own
regulations regarding the transportation of cremated
remains. Please check with your country’s postal
restrictions to ensure that cremated remains may be
transported via the mail. Once you are ready to place an
order, please contact Art From Ashes, and we will coordinate
the order process with you. Shipping prices vary by
destination, so a shipping estimate will be calculated prior
to placing an order.
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