Cremains In A Bead - A Loving *FREE* Tutorial by DeAnne Buchanan

[theglasszone]

"CREMAINS IN A BEAD - A LOVING TUTORIAL"

by DeAnne Buchanan/The Glass Zone

(All material contained within this Tutorial is protected by Copyright, "The Glass Zone" DeAnne Buchanan, 2009; all rights reserved.)

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x280/theglasszone/Misc%20Photos/Cremains1.jpg

I’ve wanted to present this for a while; I know many people are curious and interested about this process, and maybe I can help others to remember and hold close those they love and miss. It's a beautiful thing, and maybe I can help to remove the "taboo" with a caring and gentle approach, giving you the opportunity to make a cherished and loving memento of someone you love for yourself, your family and/or friends. I hope no one is offended by this!! If so, I apologize in advance.

Anyway, here's how I work...

BUT, first let me ask you: Have you actually LOOKED at cremains before?

I ask because the first time I did this, I was very hesitant to look at them as I didn't know what to expect!!! I was so surprised to find that they are quite like large grains of sand - not offensive or disturbing in any way - and was immediately relieved. I share this with you as I know this may be a bit of an emotional venture for you, so I just wanted to give you a reassurance that you might be surprised at yourself! I found myself feeling and thinking "loving, kindness and remembrance" thoughts while I worked with them. Surprisingly it was very peaceful and wonderful. I hope by pointing you in this direction, you have a similar experience.

OK - let's get started!

1. Open your cremains container and remove a small amount. Keep in mind that only a little bit is necessary for each 10mm to 18mm bead - definitely a "less is more" thing in this type of bead looks best. Depending on how many beads you plan on making, I would suggest you start with about 1/2 a teaspoon or so.

2. Place the cremains atop a graphite or brass flat surface; I use my 5" x 5" graphite pad so I'm sure to have room to work.

3. Using tweezers, trail through the cremains and make sure you don't have any larger grains or other material. Be aware you might find a bit of bone fragment that will be larger than the other grains. Gently remove any non-uniform particles and return them to your main container. Using a business card or something similar, line up the cremains on the working flat surface so you have a "strip" about 3”-4" long and about 1/2" wide.

4. Select your glass. I have used both opaque and transparent colors. If your desire to see the cremains within the bead, select a nice transparent color as your base and plan to do a final encasing of clear or same color or slightly lighter colored transparent. Alternatively, you can apply the grains to an opaque base and top with either an opaque to encrypt them within (which is OK just to know they are there!) or top with a colored transparent.

5. Create your base bead in your shape of choice. I usually start with 2-3 wraps of glass and make a nice formed round or barrel. I especially like making these on a 3/16" mandrel so they can fit the add-a-bead, Pandora style chains/bracelets.

6. Heat the base bead to a good orange glow (but not so hot as to be soupy or dripping), and as you would apply frit, roll your heated base bead atop the cremains to pick up and embed a small amount. A little bit of pressure as you roll will help to pick them up. If you have a blank spot, heat this one spot and roll again in the cremains to get a fairly even coating.

7. Keeping the bead warm at the back of the flame, heat your encasing rod (colored transparent or opaque) and apply a full encasing layer (I use the "winding" method over the "stripe on" method) to completely cover the cremains. Gently and slowly melt the encasing over the cremains to smooth.

8. Reheat and marver as needed to tidy the ends and reshape the bead or you can reheat and use a press at this point to finalize the bead. Decoration of flowers, dots and/or bubble dots are also nice accents. Note that if you super-heat the encased bead at this point, you may see some melting and spreading of the cremains (as the first bead on the left in my cover picture shows). I personally think it looks interesting, but if you don't want this to happen, be careful and gentle with your heat!

9. Flame anneal the bead and into the kiln it goes.

See! It's just that easy!

The "cover" photo is a set I made to hold the cremains of my beloved kitty. I used several opaque colors in purple, black and white. Some have gold leaf applied, or trails of silver wire on the surface, and some have the cremains completely encrypted (encased) in opaque - but I know they're there!

Hope you find this an interesting and informative Tutorial!

If you find that as much as you'd like to attempt this process yourself but feel uncomfortable or sensitive about the creamins to be worked with, I offer a service at a very reasonable price and will be happy to work with you to create a special memento or set for you and/or your friends and family.

If I can further help, just shoot me a PM and I'll do my best.

Much love,
De

[woozles]

My stepfather passed away suddenly last week and he was cremated. I have been thinking of making this offer to my mother, but was not entirely sure I knew how to do it.

[rosebud101]

De,
That is a wonderful tutorial. It is very respectful! Thank you!

[Pyroglasstic]

Nice tutorial De,Ive been making keepsake memorials with cremains for a few years now.Mostly with pet cremains but some loved ones,I havent had anyone think negatively of the idea.Word gets around and more and more people are interested.I mainly do penants and paperweights and they go over very well.
Jeff

[theglasszone]

Thank you Vicki, Mallory and Jeff! It was with the best intentions that I posted this :)

I see it's has had many views, but I appreciate the posts especially, as I was a bit skeered to put this out there...

Warmly,
De

[Karen Hardy]

That's pretty much how I've been doing them.
It's really easy (GREAT tutorial, by the way!) and it creates
a very meaningful gift for others.

My preference for these is to use my heart shaped mold :love:.

[blr2449]

I appreciate the considerate, caring way in which you created this.

[NW-Teri]

Great tutorial - my mother recently passed away and I was wanting to create gifts for myself and her grandchildren, something they can keep forever. Thanks for putting this together.

[valjean]

I still have my Kitty Pursey's remains, she was with me for 16 years, I think I will do this for her. I think she'd like it, I know I will.

Thank you De......Valerie

[SELSEY]

My son Chris makes "Memory Hearts" from cremains. He has several people who have even requested memory hearts from their pets' cremains.

[tt4st]

Very nicely written. Thank you De!

[Donna T.]

Thank you for posting this. I've offered this to several friends who have lost pets recently. Haven't done it yet but glad to see it written out to make sure it's done right.
Thanks again.

[playswithfire104]

Thanks. A very nice and thoughtful tutorial.

[Lara]

Thanks for the information. I have been asked by two people recently to do this. I appreciate your time and tutorial.

[GlassGalore]

This was so sweet of you to post, De, and written so tastefully. Thank you!

[asimeral]

Thank you, De, for your sensitivity on this subject.

My husband and his friend, just opened a headstone, tombstone, & memorial business, and I have been thinking I might add this service to the list. With your well written instructions, it sounds easy enough.

Thanks so much for taking the time to write it all out and share it with us.

Hugs, A~

[Craftylady]

My mother in law just passed and I was going to try and make beads for her daughters. This tutorial was well written thank you for sharing.

[Salado Flameworks]

Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I have the cremains of many pets who have passed, and this may be the impetus to get me going. I have wanted to make some beads but didn't quite know how to go about it.

That was very kind of you.

Peg

[Iwannabead]

Thank you for posting this. We've got a disagreement in my family as to what to do with my mother's ashes. One sibling wants to scatter them and one wants to keep them. It just didn't feel right to divide them but I don't think that taking a tiny amount to put into a bead would be a bad thing or resented by the other one.

[theglasszone]

Aw, well hopefully your siblings will see that sharing her now, as you did while she was here on earth, if the fair thing to do. :)

Hugs to you,
De

[dalilly]

Thank you De, nice tutorial.

I have made quite a few beads with cremains, but the hardest one I will ever make is just around the corner. My best friend's daughter has asked me to make her such a bead when her mother passes (any moment) as she liked the one I made with her brother's ashes a few years ago. It's tough to torch thru tears.

As always, you are a true sweetheart for sharing!

Linda

[papimom]

Thank you so much. I have been waiting to try this. Now I guess I'll just get on with it. I have been holding the ashes of my son's long time pet. Now I have a better understanding of this process. So, tears and all, the glass will flow.
Joan

[FishBulb]

De, what a wonderful and thoughtful tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[Troll Lover]

De, this is truly sweet of you to do and it was very respectful and thoughtful indeed :love:.

[jknappcampbell]

De,
Nicely written. I've been doing these for several years, pets, friends, etc. I wear a bead with Scott's cremains in it nearly all the time. He's always with me that way.

[stacied]

I have seen Jill's cremains bead of her hubby and it is so pretty. Just made my heart smile when she showed it to me.

[Tamara]

Wow, I had no idea this could be done. I think it is awesome! To be able to have beads that you can wear all of the time with " memories"...very cool.

[Chau Nguyen T]

Guys, i know that when our love one passed away it seems like a part of us die along but we should let him/her go freely (just keep the memories to sustain us in this life) because someday we will met him/her again. Don't try to hold him/her up.
The best way of cremate is let the ash flow with the winds wherever he/her would love to roam. We keep a headstone because we want to go there to share some moments with the deads.
Wearing a piece of him/her (ash) on you is no good. You still want his/her spirit around you. Let him/her go. Cherish the happy times you had with him/her.
Peace.

[theglasszone]

Hum...well thank you Chau for your perspective. I understand that this may be your strong feelings and personal beliefs, and I respect that.

Likewise, not everyone may feel this way. I say "to each their own" and will refrain from judging anyone as far as what is "no good" as this casts a somewhat negative and judgmental aura over what others may feel and believe, and I am no one to judge or project that.

I posted this tutorial with the best intentions. As far as I'm concerned (even though I realize no one asked:lol:) the spirit and the body are one in life but separate in death...the body may no longer be sustaining life, but the spirit lives on. It is for this we covet and hold the bodies close...to remember and rejoice in the spirit everlasting.

De

[slcuniques]

DeAnne, I think it's wonderful what you've done.
To me, The spirit is not in the ashes. The ashes are for the living to hold on to that, that is tangible and not morbid at all. Many of my vessels are use for the same thing although I do not add the ashes myself.
For those that think the spirit is in the ashes, you can not hold or touch the spirit of another soul once it has left the body. It' s already free. The ashes from the shell are left behind for the living as a reminder that that spirit once live there.
I see no reason to scorn or project that this bead in any way, separates the spirit in parts by keeping amount of the ashes. Each person has their own beliefs and rituals about death and the remains of it and it's wrong to suggest that if you do with the remains what is right in your heart, that this somehow desecrates the spirit.
No disrespect, Chau, but those are your beliefs and ways of dealing with death and the hear after, and it's beautiful (for you) but to suggest that your way is the only way, is not right for all.

DeAnne, I wish I had known you made these a while back, before I sprinkled my husbands ashes over our property. I didn't keep any back because his ashes are all around me on our property. I applaud you for the willingness to take on this task!
Love you girl!

[Rachael's Mom]

This is awesome, thanks

[theglasszone]

Aw, thanks for posting Sandy! I appreciate and understand what you are saying, and I am of similar belief!

Likewise, though, I completely appreciate what Chau is saying and can understand how some perspectives (regional, religious, etc.) of different sects of our world society may not find this appealing or appropriate, so please don't take what I said as defensive or disrespectful, Chau. As I said, to each their own...

Further, for those of you who are not necessarily here in the States or are familiar with "Federal Laws and Guidlines" concerning the distribution and handling Cremains, please know that it is very important that proper "casting to the wind" (so to speak) parameters be followed so that you are not violating any federal laws depending on where you may choose to disburse the ashes of a loved one.

For one example, when my FIL who was a Merchant Marine passed away several years ago, he had asked that I, as Executor of his Estate, be sure his ashes where "buried at sea". Interestingly, this was a complicated task! It took the assistance of the Neptune Society, who worked on my behalf and were required to obtain a permit to scatter the ashes in the Pacific Ocean, and we had to charter a boat who was Federally certified and obliged to take the ashes to a Federally designated location in the ocean in order to complete this task. It was a sweet sentimental ceremony, and I was relieved that I had followed through and done it "the right way" as he'd wanted. But had I been "caught" without proper preparations either dumping the ashes at sea or scattering them on the beach somewhere, I could have been subjected to some hefty fines, at the very least! http://www.epa.gov/Region4/water/oceans/burial.htm

On the flip side, a few years back there was an article in the Los Angeles Times regarding the dumping of Cremains at various locations in Disneyland http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/disneyland%E2%80%99s-999/ and http://articles.latimes.com/2007/nov/14/business/fi-disney14/. Given that Disneyland officials can't properly leave the Cremains where they've been dumped on the grounds - irregardless of the intentions of "dumpers" to fulfill the wishes of the recently departed - it would appear that ending up in a vacuum and thereafter, who knows where, is a far worse "earthbound" fate than being embedded into a bead which is lovingly created and held close to the heart by those who loved and cherished the deceased.

Just my two cents...
De

[Torcha]

Hi DeAnne,
Thanks so much for the wonderful, caring tut! I am wondering if you or others can chime in on whether there are certain colors that are usually used more succesfully than others. Any comments would be appreciated.
Alana

[theglasszone]

I've found that a white base, rolled in the Cremains, then a CRYSTAL CLEAR encasing combo is NOT a great one as it looks sort of "blah" and uninteresting, and some may consider it a bit too graphic or macabre. Also, the Cremains against the white, with the clarity and "magnification" of the clear just didn't strike me as interesting.

On the other hand, a white base, then the cremains and a strong colored transparent (such as Med. or Dk. Aqua, Med. or Dk. Green, Med. or Dk. Amethyst) is nice.

Other than this, I've found really no problems with colors, so choosing a favorite of the recipient or a commemorative color on behalf of the deceased might be nice. If you decide to do a Military Commemorative bead that requires Red, White and Blue, I suggest a clear or white base, roll in the Cremains, then add a stripe of white down the center, and transparent red on one side (Striking Red is good) and a strong blue on the other (Cobalt is a suggestion). The Cremains can be seen through both the Red and Blue - rather muted - but the White will encase over the Cremains and not look odd or peculiar in comparison. Hope this helps you...

De

[funkibeads]

Dear DeAnne,

This is a most remarkable posting & I honour and respect you for it. What an incredible way to remember our ancestors/progenitors and loved ones. I recently saw something in the press about a company who make diamonds through some complicated (and most probably very expensive procedure) from the ashes of loved ones & thought well well - that is quite everlasting. Some people even have their ashes shot into space... I think Timothy Leary did that.

But, as a contemporary flameworker to be able to facilitate in any way possible the passing of a loved one for the relatives - well that really is magic, indeed almost priestly.

I can understand that some people may disagree with it - but then it is a very large world out there - plenty of room for different traditions.

I will never forget this post & I think you may well have planted a seed that will bear fruit for generations to come. I hope you may you be recognised for this contribution.

Many thanks for your sensitive and instructional guidelines. Blessings be.

All good things - Greg Ash (funkibeads)

[theglasszone]

Aw, what a sweet post Greg! I'm honored and very touched by your words.

Hugs to you from this side of the pond...

De

[adee]

Thank you for the loving way you have presented and shared this with all of us!
I appreciate this information you shared ... :love:

[Torch&Marver]

This is a wonderfully done and presented tutorial. Thank you, De!

I have to say - I so wanted to do this for my mother when my brother passed away... but she would have no part of it and was quite disturbed by the very suggestion. Her response really surprised me!

The point in stating this fact is that, although we may believe it's a wonderful way to commemorate someone, the recipient might surprise you with a complete opposite response. I would use caution making such beads unless keeping them myself or getting someone's permission to make such a bead for them in advance.

Just my thoughts. I hope that by posting this, it may help someone else avoid the bad places my conversation with my mother went on the topic!

[Lea Zinke]

Just happened to spot this tutorial, De, beautifully & wonderfully presented. Thanks as always for your generous contributions to this community!

Another wonderful cremains keepsake, is to make a hollow vessel and seal them inside, great way to keep your loved one close. My son told me that once I'm gone, he's going to sit down at my torch and make a vessel to hold a bit of my ashes so I'll always be with him (most likely on his keychain, haha, so I can always enjoy his driving LOL). That was pretty sentimental for a guy of few words and who has steadfastly declined offers to make beads!

Best to all,
Lea

[Torched Art]

Thank you so much for posting this. I also appreciate everyone else responding with such dynamic suggestions and opinions.
I have wanted to do this with my grandfather's ashes, but I think the subject is still a bit emotional for my grandmother after 9 years. And I bet torching through the tears would be a challenge for me as well.
My husbands father passed away 3 weeks ago, he was cremated, but no one wanted a glass bead with his cremains. I was anxious for the opportunity and to contribute. I guess I will still have to wait.
I had also heard of a family dumping their son's cremains at his favorite ride at Disneyland. The Haunted Mansion. The ride was immediately shut down (you are watched every second of your visit at DL) I'm guessing the ashes did not last long and like previously mentioned, vacuumed up. Too bad for the family.

[kizzy1]

have to say having been a developing medium for 2 years now and also a fused glass artist, i decided to make memorial ash glass keepsakes for my family once my mother had passed away via the fused glass process (add small amount of ash between two half inch sheets of glass and full fuse).
the family were over the moon with them and all said it made them feel a connection with her still.
my mother has come through via mediumship with a message to say she was so happy at the memorial keepsakes i made for the family, she also showed me a new designs to make (hearts and vessels) ...if thats not the thumbs up from the spiritworld then i dont know what is.
in actual fact the departed couldnt give two hoots what happens to their bodys after death as they are still very much alive on the other side, all they care about is the greaving loved ones left behind and any guesture to bring some small comfort is all that they desire :)
x

[theglasszone]

Aw, sorry for the long delay in checking in on this thread...but Christina, you'll find the right time and I'm sure you'll be OK when you're ready to make your memorial creations. I hope that not only my feelings shared in my first post - but this lovely posting by Kizzy1 - helps you feel a bit better when that time comes. (((hugs)))

Kizzy1 - what a wonderful idea! I'd never thought of fusing, but that's awesome! I am glad that you've found strength through your expression of love for your Mum (so sorry for your loss darlin' (((hugs))) to you too!) and that your family was pleased and supportive too!

All my best to you both!

De

[davelovins]

Hey De,
I think this is a wonderful Idea. My Brother passed away 15 years ago. We just had a sort of family gathering and were trying to figure out what to do with ashes. So that all of us could share a piece of him. We were going to put them is little boxes, but now that I've seen this, I'll be on the phone to see if they would like to do this. I also believe that anything anyone does in their life is their own. And that just because someone may disagree, that don't make it wrong. Thanks again

[davelovins]

Hi De,
I did the cremations with some of the cremations of my brother. I made these 4 for myself, my brother, my sister, and his wife. There are 4 different styles. The large pendant is a rod implosion. The small pendant is a tube implosion. Both boro. The blue dichro is 104 soft. The encased flower is also boro. Thanks again for posting this thread.

[davelovins]

Here are the rest of them.

[sixbabygirls]

Nicely written tutorial
I never thought you could do that ?
A special way to keep the ones we love the most with us since the soul is released with death the ashes serve only as a physical reminder for us that are still living . well done DE !

[theglasszone]

Thanks Melissa!

Great job, Dave! I don't work in boro, so it's good to know that you can work this method in 33 as well.

I love what you did...I hope they were well received by your family members. So incredibly sorry for you loss...that must be so difficult to go through! I think you did a wonderful thing, though...I think your bro would be proud!

Hugs,
De

[davelovins]

Thanks so much De. I asked my family if they would be interested first, and they were really excited about it. I know that my Brother would approve and be honored. He passed away almost 17 years ago, but every time I here "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, I tear up. He played that song during his wedding. Anyway, thanks again for the idea and inspiration.

[squeek-a-mouse]

De, this is a very lovely tutorial. I've been wanting to do something similar with my dad's ashes, but I can't bring myself to try it, should I mess up horribly. (He would tell me to go for it - he was very encouraging about my glass hobby and in fact got me started with my first kit in 2006 about a year before he passed. But, like I said I won't try it until I'm sure I can pull it off.) Unfortunately, I lost my kitty-soulmate on Tuesday and would like to make my husband and myself something to keep him with us always. I'm not ready yet, still a mess and haven't gotten any torch time in a couple months. I just wanted to thank you for this gift of knowledge because I know one day I'll be able to do this.

Dave, you did a wonderful job and I know these pieces will be special treasures to you and your family always. I have a few questions about your process on the larger implosion, which is just so stunning and breathtakingly magical.. I have done a few rod implosions before, so I *get* the basics. After imploding your design, I assume you pressed the maria on the cremains and it appears you put color behind, as well. Did you implode further after you added these or did you just flatten and finish it off from there? Also, what method do you use to make your loops? I have not gotten good at the "pull, loop, touch" method and have more recently used the "melt a big dot of glass, squish into a tab, and put a hole through it" method. I don't have handy andy's or a reliable hole-making tool, so with the 2nd method my loops are left with imperfections. I hope I'm making sense. I'm just curious because your loops look really nice. Any advice at all about your process would be extremely helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your pictures.

No matter what, I'm going to PPP and PPP some more until I'm comfortable enough to do this.

[davelovins]

Hi Melissa,
You are very kind. I am very new to beadmaking and pendants and such. My background, (20+ years ago), was in solid boro sculptures. That being said, I'd love to help if I can. It is a pleasure since all my knowledge has come from all the wonderful people here on LE. So, what I did was first make the implosion. Once I got the one I Liked, I then heated the back and pressed in the cremains. Then, I imploded them a little. That really brings them up into the background of the implosion. Then, I added some black frit, just to fill in the background. On the particular piece that you mention, I actually encased the back with clear to seal it. ( On the other I didn't seal it. The cremains actually melt and fuse with the glass.) As you probably already know, you can kind of look through the front to kind of get an idea of what it's going to look like. Anyway, as far as the loop goes, I wish I had something to be able to add glass and punch the hole, I like that look better. But, what I do is heat the front edge of where I want to add the loop, fuse a small rod, let it cool a few seconds, then heat a portion of the rod and stretch slowly and attach to the back edge. Once this is done, I reduce my flame to a fine point and melt in all around the loop connection to be sure there are no rough edges. Just be sure to go slow and keep letting it cool for a few seconds between sections of smoothing. Also, keep a round rod of some sort to keep reaming the hole, to prevent it from collapsing. Well, there you go. Like I said, I am nowhere close to being an expert at any glass, but that's how I do it. I hope it helps. I'm sorry for your losses, and I agree that this is a wonderful way to keep and share a everlasting keepsake of the ones we love. Thanks again to De for the idea and inspiration in getting me to do this. Good luck when you decide to do this.

[theglasszone]

:love: and hugs to Melissa, Dave and everyone who has had a loss.

Dave - you're wonderful to try and help Melissa out so much. I think when you mention "...keep a round rod of some sort to keep reaming the hole, to prevent it from collapsing..." I figure you meant a "tungsten" or other metal rod or pick, right? Brass works well too, such as those made by Maria Richmond, Whimzacalities on LE. If whatever you are using is filed into a point, as well, this is helpful. I recommend though that you use it "outside" of the flame; direct flame can cause the glass to stick a bit and that causes a who lotta other difficulties. In addition, there are the "Bail Biters" that are sold often in the Bead Classifieds here on LE. You might want to post a "Wanted..." in Garage Sale; someone may have a pair you can pick up at a pretty fair price.

Melissa, darlin' - so sorry for your loss and you've had a tough few years. I know that in time you'll find confidence to give this a try...just be patient with yourself and it will come.

I understand your hesitation...it is part of the reason I wrote this tutorial in the first place. I think no matter how long it's been since the passing of your beloved family member/pet, the FIRST TIME you try this it feels a bit strange as you simply don't know what to expect. But you just might be surprised to discover not only the peaceful remembrance I hope you'll experience when you do try, but the joy you'll have at your accomplishment and pride you'll feel when you wear your finished work.

Wishing you all peace...
De

[redsunset]

De,

What a respectful and loving tutorial that can benefit so many when they have lost an important person in their lives. I had a request several years ago to add cremains into a bead for a person who had lost her Bengal Tiger cat. I made a couple beads using fireplace ash as a test to see if this could be done, without compromise to the strength of the bead. Less is more, for sure. The test beads are still holding together but I thought I'd show some pictures of what I did to give others some different inspiration for animals. The ash is deep inside and encased well. You can see a bit by the edges.

Thanks for posting this.
Kathy

199318
199317

[davelovins]

Exactly right De. I didn't mean a glass rod. I use a brass rod that has a point on one end. And I agree about not doing this in the flame. Thanks for clearing that up.
Kathy, those are very cool. The encased one I did does allow a small portion to be seen on the edges. Take care guys.

[squeek-a-mouse]

Oh Dave, thank you so much for answering my questions. It all makes perfect sense to me now. It's helpful to know the cremains spread and "melt" into the glass.

De, your advice is very helpful, too. Thank you. I actually have a brass tool from whimzicalities that she kindly gifted me. In the past I've used a 1/8" sharpened graphite rod to keep the hole open, but eventually it stuck like crazy. I'm excited to try the brass tool for yet another use.

Kathy, those beads are just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.

[davelovins]

Melissa, you are very welcome. Like I said, I am far from being an expert, but I am glad that I could help.

[shari-kim]

Thanks so much, i will try this next week. I pick up my mom's ashes and i think will put in some vibrant colours (as she loved colour) and just simply encase with clear.

[Retta]

I think it is so lovely to make something beautiful that actually has a piece of a loved one with it. :love:

[Nitadee]

I like the look of Memory Beads.
To me it looks like the universe in a bead :)
I've done many of these kinds of beads, and have been known to put the remains into the body of a bird, a heart or what have you.
De, you did an outstanding job on the tutorial, thanks so much for that!!!!
I will include some photos of a couple I have done, the two blue beads were for the Brother and the Grandmother and then the vessel for the Mother of the departed.
Not hijacking your thread I promise :)
Hugs
Nita
203721203722

[GabiLoraine]

This is a wonderful tutorial, but I definitely hope it is a LONG TIME FROM NOW before I have a use for it.

Thank you for how sensible you were to everyone and their beliefs... Those beads are certainly something to cherish.

Much love to all.

[Sharon Abood]

Very nice tut DeAnne. I've been doing bead with cremains also, but I've made murrinis with them and then used them in the beads. I've done several in the manner that you described as well. I made several beads for my SIL making star murrinis and then trailed silver on a lapis blue bead. It looked like the night sky and my SIL loved it. His beloved dalmation, Rockie, traveled on about 3 years ago and he asked me to do that for him.
When my son's beagle traveled on I made a bead with copper mesh to look like a fence and then swirled the ashes going over the top because Annie was notorious for climbing the fence in her yard so she could go play with the neighbor kids. She could climb the fence as fast as the wind so the swirl of ashes was just perfect. My son loved getting that bead.
Thank you for sharing.

[Dreamscapes Studio]

Thank you De for such a loving tutorial.

We are approaching the 4th year date that our first grand-daught passed away. Last weekend would have been her 5th birthday. When I first said something to my son about doing this ... he looked at me like I had 3 heads ... but a few minutes later he was asking me if I could do it specifically like a pumpkin ('cause he always called her his lil pumpkin).

Sooo ... with the help of your tutorial, I will be attempting to do this for him and myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing it with us. Even tho all may not agree with it, you have been so compassioniate in helping all of us with the continuing journey in the loss of our loved ones.

[M'lis]

De - many thanks for this tutorial. I was recently asked to make three sets of memorial beads for a friend and this helped immensely.

I did come across one problem and this is how I solved it. I had problems with two of the beads - one cracked (thermal) and one got stuck on the mandral so badly that it broke during my attempts to get it off. I could not simply throw the broken beads in the garbage, so I reheated all the bits and pieces in the kiln and dunked them in cold water for instant frit. I drained the frit through a coffee filter, let it dry and put it in a pretty little bag to return to my friend along with the completed beads.

I'd appreciate any other suggestions that anyone may have to deal with this problem.

[theglasszone]

Thank you De for such a loving tutorial.

We are approaching the 4th year date that our first grand-daught passed away. Last weekend would have been her 5th birthday. When I first said something to my son about doing this ... he looked at me like I had 3 heads ... but a few minutes later he was asking me if I could do it specifically like a pumpkin ('cause he always called her his lil pumpkin).

Sooo ... with the help of your tutorial, I will be attempting to do this for him and myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing it with us. Even tho all may not agree with it, you have been so compassioniate in helping all of us with the continuing journey in the loss of our loved ones.

Aw, Dreams....I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Dealing with the loss of a child is something I don't think any parent is ever prepared for. Bless your son and you for carrying on and for you being so thoughtful to honor her memory in this way.

If you feel comfortable doing so, I'd love to see what you come up with.

Hugs to you and your family.
De

[theglasszone]

De - many thanks for this tutorial. I was recently asked to make three sets of memorial beads for a friend and this helped immensely.

I did come across one problem and this is how I solved it. I had problems with two of the beads - one cracked (thermal) and one got stuck on the mandral so badly that it broke during my attempts to get it off. I could not simply throw the broken beads in the garbage, so I reheated all the bits and pieces in the kiln and dunked them in cold water for instant frit. I drained the frit through a coffee filter, let it dry and put it in a pretty little bag to return to my friend along with the completed beads.

I'd appreciate any other suggestions that anyone may have to deal with this problem.

Hi M'lis~

Sorry you found yourself with this little dilemma; I've not had it happen (yet!) but I suppose there are many things you could do to insure that you used the broken beads in a manner that made you and/or your customer happy...and I applaud you for not simply tossing them. That would definitely make ME feel a bit uncomfortable too. Here's some ideas that just popped into my head:

* Create a "vessel" and put the frit into it. Be sure it had a little handle that would allow you to string it onto a chain and wear it as a pendant; seal it with a small cork or glass "plug" which could be epoxied into place for a permanent seal. Even add some CZ's to give it a bit of sparkle and intrigue.


* Use the frit to make a stringer, and add this back into a bead. Look at the gorgeous beads Elise made...and she includes instructions and everything to make the frit stringers in this thread: http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3062489#post3062489

* You could also use the cremains frit like you would any other frit, creating another base bead and rolling it in topically.

Hope these suggestions help a bit, and I hope if you too feel comfortable doing so, you'll show us how things turned out.

Thanks for doing such a nice thing for your friend.

Hugs,
De

[shrimpfire]

I have been making beads with cremains for several years. A friend asked me to make some with her Dad's cremains, then told a friend who told a friend, etc.

I have a couple of tips that I haven't seen in the posts. I always sift the cremains so I get only the smallest pieces (almost dust). Then only use a very small amount. I have started using transparent glass, as you can see the cremains in it and people seem to really like that. The smallest amount will look like a lot with the magnification of the glass.

I always suggest that people make a suncatcher with them, as I found so many people didn't know what to do with them and left them in a jewelry box or something. Some people use them in jewelry.

Cracked beads are often a problem. I give them back to the people in a separate bag and suggest using them for a stepping stone for the garden or other mosaic project.

I have the cremains of three beloved dogs we have lost over the past 5 years. Someday I will have time to memorialize them. I think I am procrastinating because I've never made beads from the cremains of someone I've actually known. It is going to be difficult.

[jamie lynne]

Hey De! Thanks for the great tutorial. I just created my first memorial beads for my uncle's dog, Tana.

http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt16/tangledskyglass/img_6463.jpg

[theglasszone]

Oh, Jamie Lynne, they're beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing them here, and my condolences to your Uncle. Tana surely must have been a wonderful companion and you're an angel to memorialize her this way.

Hugs,
De

[cc2]

Thanks, De, my BIL's dog is very ill with cancer. We took him to the cabin at the lake this weekend past so he could swim. When he does go they are cremating him. I'd like to suggest doing this for my SIL, but not sure how to go about it. Maybe I'll mention it and see if she's receptive. It is such a loving tribute. CC

[Leigh-in-AK]

Nice Tutorial De. Thank you for being brave enough to give instructions! It is nice to be able to use our talent to create such meaningful objects.

I have been creating memory beads for several years now. It is tough to make them when you know, or even when you don't know, the person.

People like to have something tangible to touch when they lose a loved one.

One request was for 13 beads for a daughter who was violently killed. They were to be given to all the family members. There were a couple of beads that did not lay right, so those were just given to the Mother.

Making those beads was harder than I expected. The Mother was so happy with them, it made up for all the tears I shed when making them.

Here is a picture of the bead I made for my cousin, with my grandfather's ashes. I didn't take a picture of the one I made for my grandmother. Her heart was made with greens.


245131

[theglasszone]

Aw, Leigh...thanks so much for sharing! I think your beads are just wonderful, and my God - you must have had such a strong commitment and constitution to complete the set for the family of the tragically lost girl. I may have not been able to do it, or at least without crying a river! But good for you and them...

Warm hugs...
De

[AVTrout]

I don't know if I'd be able to make a bead with the remains of a loved one, but I love the idea.

[saraconklin]

what is the link to the tut for making creamins beads, i have to get them done in the next 3 days! thankfully you are all here. sara

[saraconklin]

sorry to bother people, i just found the tut on page 1, i guess my searching took me in belowthe tut.

[cinder]

I saw this a couple years ago and wondered why anyone would want beads with cremains in them. Yesterday, I was driving with my husband and it occurred to me that I could use ashes from my dad (who passed less than a month ago) and make beads for my family. Everyone I've asked has responded with enthusiasm. So glad I remember coming across this.

[theglasszone]

Awww, thanks for the bump Cinder! Sorry about your Dad :( But I think your idea is wonderful and courageous! If you need any help, just give a HOLLER! :)

I have been asked to do some beads for my co-worker's family...they will have her Dad in them too. She's asked for "ocean" theme, as he apparently loved the ocean and they will be doing a burial-at-sea ceremony mid-September. If she gives me the OK, I will post photos so you can see how they come out...I'll be using Aqua, Clear, and I think a few Clown Fish murrini might be in order too...

Hugs everyone!
De

[Cherri]

De rocks!

She has helped me so much.

I am making the memorial beads for my friends and they are so oooooo happy with them.

I have two that I just did and trying to figure out how to make a sun-catcher. (A jewelry artist, I am not).

I would love to see what others are doing. De the ocean theme sounds wonderful.
Cherri

[saraconklin]

a couple of important issues i must have learned from LE and then making about 10 of them: always wear a dust mask when moving them from container to container, most important for people getting your small bit out of the main container. you get a wicked sore throat later without a mask. the cremains have to be stuck to a really hot base bead and then immediately encased, they will burn in the flame and look strange unless you get them covered. if you get the bead too hot with the cremains inside, the cremains will boil ??causing a lot of small bubbles. Maybe the bubbles are a nice effect, maybe yes maybe no. i have started offering this service lately and have had no takers. when people hear about it they swear they will be over tomorrow but not one has panned out. thought somehow it would be a good thing and at first thought they seem really interested.

[flamingobeth]

This is just one of the things I love about all of you glassy folks. Never in my life have I seen so many who are so willing to share their knowledge and give so generously of their time. I am grateful to follow along in your footsteps.

[*ShirlAnn*]

Thank you so very much De. Your tutorial was so thoughtfully written on a very sensitive issue. Now I know what to do when my own beloved pet passes on. I have been dreading that day. I might, also do this for others eventually. I can't thank you enough for sharing. I know you dreaded the possibility of getting some negative messages, but you have received almost none! Have a wonderful New Year!

[theglasszone]

What a kind post Shirlannd. :) I really appreciate it, and a safe and happy new year to you and all my LE friends.

:kiss:

[Laci]

I wanted to add another thank you to the ones already posted. I remembered reading this tutorial a couple of years ago, and now I'm to make some cremain beads with my friend's cat's ashes. I'm kind of nervous, but after reading through this, again, I'm sure it will go fine. If it does, I'm supposed to make some with my husband's grandfather's ashes. REALLY nervous about that one.

[saraconklin]

with the cremains: less is more, don't get the bead too hot the cremains will boil and travel to the surface on the tops of the bubbles thus requiring spot encasement where they break the surface, these are the biggest hints

[simvet02]

So glad I found this one again De. Just lost my little Westie and had her cremated. Now I can keep some of her in bead form.
{{{hugs}}}
Jan

[DesertDreamer]

Thank you so much for posting this! I had a request from an SCA friend of mine to make beads for her husband and SIL for cremains of their mom. I was nervous about the idea at first, until I read this tutorial. I just accepted their request thanks to you!

[dehoffa]

Thank you for your tutorial.

[theglasszone]

Hi my LE friends...

Sorry I've been kinda absent for a while - been CRAZY BUSY at work! I'm so glad to see that this Tutorial is still helping people... :)

I'd love to see beads too, if you feel comfortable posting them ;)

Hugs and peace to you...
De

[knittyditty]

I have to add my own experiences and thoughts....
First off thank you Everyone for all the tips, hints and helpful encouragement.
I am very new to this hobby/art so everything helps.

In "real life" I am a veterinarian, so I have even a different perspective on the memory beads. I think they are fabulous and so does everyone I have spoke with at work and the local company who does our pet cremation. In fact, I have requests from almost everyone at work.

My funny dilemma is, I'm still considering myself a newbie. (You really have to find humor in some situations) I need to practice.....see where I'm going with this? So I have been using one of clinic cat's ashes to practice. She was shared and loved by all and as all clinic pets "served and worked" at the clinic..... so we felt it appropriate for her to continue to "work". Everyone is getting a bead to remember her by too.

I hope that y'all continue to provide your loved ones both here and gone with such wonderful reminders. Thank you again

Kristin