Glass lampwork bead artist since 2002 Celebration Memorial beads are a uniquely beautiful way to celebrate the life of your loved one or beloved pet. The creative process;
Once I receive your loved ones ashes, and confirm your order details through either text or email, I will create your beads. As an artist and spiritualist as well as the sensitive nature of my process, it is important to me to
make this process a personal one for you and your family. A candle is lit in my workspace in honor of your loved one and if there is a specific kind of music you wish me to play it will be played. I melt the chosen color of glass rod in the flame of my torch. Once the glass turns to molten, it is wound onto specially coated steel mandrels and shaped using a graphite paddle. I heat the glass continually so it is workable and will not go into temperature shock if it cools too quickly. the glass (while red hot) is then rolled through pre sifted ash, any excess ash is removed and is the glass is remelted remelted again being rolled and shaped as I go. Once I am satisfied with the shape and quality of the glass, I begin the process of encasing. While holding the mandrel with the glass to the backside of my flame, I will start melting a super clear glass rod in the flame with my other hand. Again when that glass has turned to molten, it is then wound over the entire piece that has been created and melted all together. It is then shaped and fire polished. Once I am satisfied with the bead it placed in a temperature controlled kiln to rest, properly annealed and cooled slowly over several hours to ensure lasting strength and durability. After the bead is cooled, It is then cleaned and inspected under a 1500x magnifier to ensure the there are no structural flaws in the glass. If there are any fine cracks or issues that will effect integrity of the bead, I cannot melt the bead again but will start the process over and make a new one for you. Some bubbles may be present in the bead, this is normal provided they are not surface bubbles and are sometimes caused due to trapped air or chemical reaction. Once the ashes are encased in the glass it is permanent and the ash cannot be remove
I will always treat the ashes of your loved one with the same care and respect I'd have for my own loved ones. Once the ash is received, it is in my care and handled only by me through the entire process. Requirements;
I will need approximately 1/4 tsp of ash per piece you order (the finer the better Please), carefully mark on it the name of the person / pet so if there is more than one set of ashes they will not get mixed up. If you would like more than one person / pet's ashes in the same bead please keep them separate and I will prepare them the way I will need to. All remaining ashes will all be returned to you, this includes any beads which are not up to standard. there is no charge for any extra beads you may receive and they can be used at your discretion. The logistics;
Due to logistic issues I only accept Canadian orders for this item at this time. LOCAL ORDERS
If you are local and wish to bring ashes to me directly, please message me and we can arrange a meeting time. I do not open sealed urns as I don’t want to damage the urn in any way. It is not necessary to bring the entire urn with you, I only require a small amount.
***Please use shipping code LOCALPICKUP10
CANADIAN ORDERS
If you need to ship the ashes to me, please ship Via Canada Post xpress post ONLY, as this is the most secure method I have found to ship and receive ash. All ash must be at least triple bagged in sealed plastic zip pouches. Please also include a note inside the package stating that they are cremation ashes for the purpose of artist glass encasement along with your name, address, email address and phone number as well as the name of your loved one and relationship to you. If available a copy of the certificate of cremation should also accompany the ash. xpress post mailers are available at your local Canada Post location and will cost approximately $15.00. The cost of shipping ash to me is not charged to you at my end and will be an additional cost to you you at your end. The shipping cost charged to you at the time of purchase on this website ensures that your order and all remaining ash is shipped back to you using the same shipping method. Confused? I know it can seem like a little much but I would be happy to talk you through the shipping process and answer any questions you may have. Once you have placed an order, I will email you to confirm the specific details of your order and I will email you again once I have received a shipment. I will send you photos of your completed order once it is ready and let you know when your order has shipped to you. Please expect a 2 to 3 week turn around time from the time I receive your package. It is important to me to make this experience a pleasant and seamless one for you as much as possible. By placing an order for this item and supplying the ash of a loved one to me, please be advised that you give me full permission to create this lasting memorial for you.
