We'll send you a free print catalog of our most popular Spirit Pieces.

Request your free catalog

Turning Ashes into Glass Artwork

Glass with cremains mixed into the ash is a lovely way to remember a loved one but how does it actually happen?  For hot glass, it's somewhat akin to making a candle (except with 1800 degree molten glowing glass!) 

The first step is laying cremains onto a steel table in a pattern, such as lines or hashes.  Crushed colored glass, also known as Frit, is laid down as well.   Then, using a long hollow tube a 'Gather' of glass is collected from the furnace.  It's rolled over the cremains and/or frit and then given a little bit of time to cool enough so it is no longer viscous.  At this time certain tools may be used to impart additional physical designs onto the molten element.

The above steps (from laying down the cremains to imparting physical designs) is repeated a few more times, with each layer of new glass fusing to the old one.  Once completed, the artist will then break the memorial from the long tube and place the glasswork into an annealer to slowly bring the temperature of the glass down over 24 hours to minimize cracking and glass stress.

Once the glass is cool enough to handhold, the artist will generally use an industrial sander with diamond grit to smooth down any rough spots left from where the memorial was joined to the pipe.  Once smooth and polished, the memorial is ready to ship.

Suggested Reading

Handcrafted Memorial Jewelry for Ashes

12 Handcrafted Memorial Jewelry Items to Keep Your Loved One Close

We’ll share with you 12 handcrafted memorial jewelry pieces created by our talented artists. They use their craftsmanship to help remind those who have lost a loved one that they can always be with them.
June 13, 2023 Read More about 12 Handcrafted Memorial Jewelry Items to Keep Your Loved One Close
Urn Necklace for Ashes

Urn Necklace for Ashes: A Keepsake Buying Guide

Our Urn Necklaces for Ashes Buying Guide offers you a great resource on how to get that perfect memorial cremation necklace.  We cover urn necklace options for the remembrance of both pets and people.
June 13, 2023 Read More about Urn Necklace for Ashes: A Keepsake Buying Guide
Memorial Glass Flame with Cremation Ashes

8 Breathtaking Memorials for Your Pet

Losing a pet is very difficult and the void in your life from their passing is tangible.  Memorial art can help with that void; read about memorials that can help with the transition of having your pet...
May 28, 2023 Read More about 8 Breathtaking Memorials for Your Pet