Saying goodbye in the face of death is never easy, but finding a way to remember and honor the memory of a loved one can provide comfort. Having a physical place, image, or memento to remember those who have passed on can bring forth treasured memories and let us know they are at peace. For some, a traditional funeral or gravestone is appropriate, but for those looking for a more creative memorial the work of Artful Ashes may be of interest.
Creating Meaningful Memorials
Working out of Seattle, business partners Greg and Christina Dale started Artful Ashes in 2012. Though unorthodox, their business’ purpose and tagline had always been “Your Loved One’s Ashes Memorialized in Glass Art”. (1) Using a tablespoon of cremation ashes, provided by customers, the Artful Ashes team hand blows glass to create truly unique works of art and remembrance. Inspiration for the work of Artful Ashes came initially from Greg, who wanted to make something beautiful after the loss of both of his grandparents. (2)
Looking at one of their glass memorials, Artful Ashes swirls the ashes (foamy white) of one or more individuals and dichroic glass to make a stunning design. The hope is that customers will hold or look into the memorial, and reminisce on all the wonderful times they had with their deceased loved one(s). Bubbles, which can form during the glass blowing process, can also be noted in many memorials, and the company has lovingly nicknamed them “spirit bubbles”. As of October 2019, the company has four types of ornaments for purchase: hearts, orbs, starfish, and angel wing pendants. (1)
The Business Of Remembering
Artful Ashes does not take their work lightly and treats each order with the utmost respect and care. To ensure no mix-ups, ashes are painstakingly categorized, stored in a secure banker’s safe, and memorials are stamped with ID marks upon creation. Customers are welcome to come view the blowing of their memorial, and watch the glass artists seal their loved one’s ashes into a magical keepsake. Finally, unused ashes from the memorial creation are kindly returned to customers, or, upon request can be ceremoniously spread in Washington’s Puget Sound from the company’s boat.
Obtaining You Own Artful Ashes Memorial
Artful Ashes encourages locals to Seattle, WA to make an appointment and meet with them in person when planning a glass memorial. If you live anywhere else in the United States or Canada, you can still obtain a glass memorial by requesting a complete collection package from the company. Then, following the packages instructions, you can send a tablespoon of your loved one’s ashes and a check/money order to Artful Ashes via priority mail (approximately $26.00 USD). As well, Artful Ashes will place a free, but short, inscription on the bottom of your glass art. Ensure they are aware if you would like something wrote!
Memorials take approximately four weeks to create and are delivered to you via the postal service. However, don’t wait too long to place an order with Artful Ashes, who are sure to be very busy with the recent buzz they have created on social media.
