More people are choosing cremation services in Ottawa as their final disposition over traditional funerals. As the demand for cremation increases, so do the memorial options. People are looking for unique ways to remember their loved one. Instead of leaving the ashes in the urn to collect dust on your mantel, here are some ideas on what to do with your loved one’s ashes.
Create New Art Out of the Ashes
Some people put a small amount of ashes in a piece of jewelry or other ornament, allowing family members to have a remembrance keepsake. As the industry offers new ways to use ashes, you may want to opt for different methods to preserve ashes:
• Create a diamond. It takes about 8 to 10 months to process cremains into a diamond. You choose the size, color and cut of the precious stone.
• Make a tattoo. Some tattoo artists are using cremains mixed with ink to make a tattoo.
• Commission a painting. Artists can mix the ashes into paint and use it to paint a portrait or other piece of art that commemorates your loved one.
• Create pottery. Use the urn and the ashes to create mugs, plates or even glassware.
Send Your Loved One to Another Place
You can always scatter the ashes, but there are some unique ways to dispose of the ashes. There is a company that will put your loved one’s ashes into fireworks. You may want to choose a biodegradable urn and have the ashes sent to sea. Eternal Reef uses ashes to create new coral reefs. There are companies that offer planting urns to grow a tree.
Discuss End of Life Options with Your Family
With so many options for dealing with a loved one’s ashes, you may want to take some time to think about it. Talk it over with your family. These memorial ideas can help you cope with your grief, so, make time to talk about end of life options. Pre-plan your funeral or help another plan their memorial service. Our funeral directors can help get you started when you contact us.