Why I make the Beads
I have been a lamp work glass bead Artist since 1993 and I make every bead that I sell on this Website. I was asked occasionally over the years if I would make memorial beads, and I always resisted... until I lost someone close to me. I made my first set at that point (around 2012 or so). I started to realize through my own experience, and after making some for friends... how much these beads mean to those who have lost a family member or friend. I make the beads with the deepest respect and I put a lot of care into them. Everyone grieves differently... sometimes it helps to have something physical to hold on to, to wear or to keep in a special place. I see how moved the families are when they get the finished beads, and when they realize what they are holding in their hands. I am very honored to have the opportunity to help you with this process.
My Glass Memorial Beads are made from fine Italian soft glass. I make the Memorial Beads individually over a specialized torch, then they go into a computer controlled kiln over night for annealing (which stabilizes the glass and adds durability). The Ashes (cremated remains) are completely enclosed within the glass, yet they can still be seen. Each bead is totally unique, as working with the Ash can be somewhat unpredictable. Bubbles, streaks, and darker specks may be present in the finished beads. These special imperfections are a result of the chemistry of the persons Ash I am working with, the size of the Ash particles, and the colors of glass I've used.
My Glass Memorial Beads are made from fine Italian soft glass. I make the Memorial Beads individually over a specialized torch, then they go into a computer controlled kiln over night for annealing (which stabilizes the glass and adds durability). The Ashes (cremated remains) are completely enclosed within the glass, yet they can still be seen. Each bead is totally unique, as working with the Ash can be somewhat unpredictable. Bubbles, streaks, and darker specks may be present in the finished beads. These special imperfections are a result of the chemistry of the persons Ash I am working with, the size of the Ash particles, and the colors of glass I've used.
An affordable option
The memorial keepsake market has grown considerably in the last decade. Your options are many, and most of the prices are high. Not all of us can afford to pay from $2,500 to $20,000 for a Memorial Diamond, or up to $300 for a Memorial Paperweight. There are many, many other choices: Memorial Glass Ornaments, Memorial Ash Pendants, Gold or Silver Memorial Rings, Memorial Urns, Memorial Glass Sun Catchers... the list seems endless. Most of these options start at upwards of $65 to around $300 and even higher. When you have several (or many) family members who want a special keepsake, it can really add up.
I offer many affordable options. I live in the scenic Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana, in a Tiny House on Wheels, and I have a small glass studio next to my home. This has enabled me to keep expenses down and I would like to pass that savings on to you. My Custom Glass Memorial Beads start at just $25 each, and go up to $55 each. Orders over $300 qualify for a 20% discount. I can make the beads into simple Memorial Pendants hung from a cord or ribbon, Zipper Pulls made from the Memorial Beads... to hang on a jacket, back pack, or purse. I can even make Key Chains with Memorial Beads for the members of your family who don't wear jewelry. I only charge $5.00 extra per bead for these options. These Custom Order Memorial Ash Beads can be given out to family members or friends at a Memorial Service, passed down to future generations, placed on the beach to become sea glass, or hung in your garden. Everyone grieves differently, and everyone deserves to have an affordable keepsake of someone they love.
I offer many affordable options. I live in the scenic Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana, in a Tiny House on Wheels, and I have a small glass studio next to my home. This has enabled me to keep expenses down and I would like to pass that savings on to you. My Custom Glass Memorial Beads start at just $25 each, and go up to $55 each. Orders over $300 qualify for a 20% discount. I can make the beads into simple Memorial Pendants hung from a cord or ribbon, Zipper Pulls made from the Memorial Beads... to hang on a jacket, back pack, or purse. I can even make Key Chains with Memorial Beads for the members of your family who don't wear jewelry. I only charge $5.00 extra per bead for these options. These Custom Order Memorial Ash Beads can be given out to family members or friends at a Memorial Service, passed down to future generations, placed on the beach to become sea glass, or hung in your garden. Everyone grieves differently, and everyone deserves to have an affordable keepsake of someone they love.
Elliott's Ashes
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Elliott was my Very Special Kitty. He slept curled up in my arms every night, and he loved to hang out with me in my studio when I was making jewelry. He would sleep lying across the open boxes of beads on my work table, like he was guarding them (dragon kitty with his treasures?)... it couldn't have been very comfortable! He died several years ago at the age of 17 and I had him Cremated. I made my first set of Pet Memorial Beads after his passing. When I was working on this web site I decided to make all the samples of my Memorial Beads from his Ashes as well. I'm sure he would be proud.
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