8 creative things to do with cremated ashes
When a person is cremated, loved ones often receive the ashes. Here are 8 thoughtful things to do with them.
After a person is cremated, the ashes are often returned to their next of kin. Many people keep them in their homes in an urn or other receptacle.
Some people, however, find ways to get creative with ashes. This lets them remember the person who died in a way that's arguably more personal and sometimes more quirky.
As with all aspects of grief, there are no right or wrong options. There are only options that are more or less fitting.
When thinking about what to do with a person's ashes, it can be helpful to focus on their interests and personality. It can also be beneficial to talk to other people who knew them.
From jewellery to vinyl, from fireworks to artworks, there are many things you can do with cremated ashes. Here are eight ideas. We hope they inspire you.
1. Cremation jewellery
Ashes can be incorporated into all kinds of jewellery – from pendants to rings, from bracelets to dog collars.
There are two main options. First, the piece of jewellery can contain or be fitted with a small compartment for the ashes.
Secondly, the ashes can be fused into the materials during the manufacturing process. This can be done with gold, silver and even lab-grown diamonds.
What's more, the jewellery can be engraved or otherwise marked with the name of the person who has died.
Cremation jewellery allows you to keep a physical memory of the person who died on your person for most of the time. For this reason, some people see it as a touching and personal memorial.
2. Artworks
Was the person who died an art lover? Do you want a piece of art in your home that reminds you of them? If so, you could incorporate the person's ashes into an original work of art.
The possibilities are endless. Cremated ashes can be fused into glass paperweights, ornaments or other decorative pieces.
They can be mixed into the materials used to make sculptures or into the paints for a portrait or other painting.
The finished artwork can be of any style, subject and size. The main thing is to create – or have created – something that reflects the personality, interests and life of the person who died.
3. Scattering ashes
Ashes don't have to be kept in one place forever. They can be scattered outside in a location that had personal significance for the person who has died.
There are some rules and regulations surrounding the scattering of ashes. The most important one is that you need to seek permission if scattering ashes on privately owned land that's not your own.
You should also do your best to make sure the ashes aren't scattered near fisheries or drinking water supplies. This is to avoid contaminating the water with the ashes.
4. Tree planting
Increasingly, people are choosing to bury loved ones in woodlands, meadows and other designated natural spaces.
There's also the option to plant a tree with their ashes mixed into the soil. It's important to note, however, that a specially formulated planting mix is required. This is to neutralise the high alkalinity of the ashes, keeping the soil and the new tree healthy.
The result is a peaceful, eco-friendly living memorial. This could be in a woodland burial site, a cemetery or your own garden.
5. Tattoos
Many people have tattoos memorialising loved ones who have died. But did you know some tattoo artists will mix ashes into the ink before applying it?
Just a small amount of ashes is required to make this work. The resulting memorial tattoo can be a great way to honour and remember the person who died.
As with tattoos in general, there are almost unlimited possibilities for placement and content. It could consist of text, images or a combination of the two.
6. Fireworks
People remember loved ones in different ways. Some want funeral services to be quiet and reflective. Others want a celebration.
If you fall into the second camp, you may want to consider scattering ashes in a fireworks display.
A handful of companies offer this service. Some of the cremated ashes are put inside fireworks and launched as part of a display. When the firework explodes, the ashes are scattered.
This could form part of a funeral service or celebration of life. Alternatively, the fireworks could be set off in your garden or another green space.
7. Vinyl records
If the person who has died was a music lover, you may want a musical memorial. Companies like And Vinyly press cremated ashes into vinyl. "When the album that is life finally reaches its end," they say, "why not keep that record spinning for eternity?"
Different options are available. The record could be a personal message, a last will and testament, a voice recording or a favourite song. Perhaps more poignantly still, it could be a blank record – the sound of silence.
Once pressed, the record can be customised with a label, sleeves and even artwork. These could also incorporate the ashes.
8. Space burial
Space burial consists of launching human remains into space. The spacecraft could orbit the Moon or travel farther into space.
The idea was first mooted by science fiction author Neil R Jones in his 1931 novella
The Jameson Satellite. Today, it's a reality.
The pioneer in this field is Celestis. It charges around $3,000 to launch human remains into space. There are, however, cheaper options in this niche market.
It's not for everyone – and not only because of the price. But for a person who loved space, an extraterrestrial burial could be a fitting tribute.
Are you considering a
cremation with a funeral service in London? At Akshardham Funeral Directors, we can provide patient, step-by-step guidance to help you plan the funeral you want. Please don't hesitate to
get in touch if you need our support or have any questions. Our lines are open 24/7.
