The death of a loved one can be a difficult time for family members and friends. One way to create a lasting memory is to choose a keepsake urn to share the cremated ashes of the deceased. While the process can be overwhelming, it can also be a part of the healing process.
What Is A Keepsake Urn?
Generally speaking, a keepsake urn is a very small cremation urn that can be given to special friends or family members of the deceased. If the urn is sturdy, the friends may choose to carry the urn with them wherever they go. If the urn is more delicate, it could be displayed in a prominent place at the home or office of the surviving family members.
What Size Do You Need?
The first step to choosing a keepsake urn is to decide on the size. Keepsake urns come in a variety of sizes and shapes. It’s important to consider the amount of ashes that will need to be stored in the urn. Typically, a keepsake urn can hold between two to five cubic inches of ashes. Consider the number of family members who may want to keep a portion of the ashes also.
You may also want to consider how many friends or family members want to share the ashes.
It’s typical to see families purchase four or even ten keepsake urns. This allows special friends and family members all have a part of the deceased to carry with them.
Choose The Right Material
The next step is to consider the material of the urn.
Keepsake urns are an important way to commemorate the life of a loved one and to keep their memory alive. They come in a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something more modern, there’s a keepsake urn that’s perfect for you.
Wood Keepsake Urns
Keepsake urns made from wood are classic, elegant, and timeless. Wood is naturally strong and durable, making it ideal for keepsake urns that will last for many years. Keep in mind, however, that wood is not a good product for a keepsake urn that will be kept in someone's pocket. Through the years, moisture and heat can break down the urn.
Metal Keepsake Urns
Metal urns are often the most popular choice because of their durability and strength. They come in a variety of materials, such as brass, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. Metal urns are perfect for traveling as they can be kept in purses, pockets or even computer bags and backpacks.
Keepsake Urns Made From Ceramic
Ceramic urns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and clay. They come in a range of colors and sizes, and they can be personalized with engraving or painting. Ceramic urns are also unique in that they can be custom-made to your specifications. Unfortunately, ceramic keepsake urns are also fragile. The best place for a ceramic urn would be on display in an office, home or dorm room.
Glass or Stained Glass Keepsake Urns
Glass urns are modern and contemporary. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and you can also get them custom-made with your own design. Glass is a strong and durable material, so it’s perfect for keepsake urns that will last for many years. Glass keepsake urns are also fragile so they would not be suitable for daily travel.
Keepsake urns From Stone
Stone urns are traditional and timeless. They come in a variety of materials, such as marble, granite, and limestone. Stone urns are often heavy and durable, making them ideal for outdoor use.
Biodegradable Or Scattering Tubes
Biodegradable urns are becoming increasingly popular because they can be returned to the earth without causing any environmental damage. They are made from materials such as paper, bamboo, or sea shells. Choosing biodegradable keepsake urns is a perfect choice if the family and friends will be scattering the ashes in the wild such as is done at Eternal Alaska.
The Design Of Your Keepsake Urn
Once the size and material of the urn are chosen, the next step is to decide on the design.
If you have chosen a regular-sized urn, you can often find a matching keepsake urn like the ones sold by Eternal Alaska Urns.
For instance, Eternal Alaska has a beautiful Mossy Oak full-size urn and a matching keepsake urn. Or, you can shop for urns that can be unique to the person who will be given the keepsake.
It is also important to consider the cost of the urn. Keepsake urns can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the size, material, and design. It’s important to choose an urn that fits within the budget but still provides a meaningful tribute to the deceased.
Filling A Keepsake Urn
Finally, you have to consider how to fill the urn with the cremated ashes of your loved one. This can be an emotional time as you might be opening the ashes for the first time since the funeral.
Find a quiet place where, if you do get emotional, you can reflect on the life of your loved one in a respectful manner.
You will also need to be inside away from the weather. Ashes are very light and can be carried away by the wind.
Most keepsake urns come with a funnel and a device used to push the ashes into the urn. If yours didn’t come with a funnel, you can purchase one at the local department store. Or simply make one with a piece of sturdy paper and tape.
Once you are ready to start filling the keepsake urn, it may be a good idea to use a small scoop rather than simply pouring the ashes from a larger urn into a much smaller urn. This could be something as simple as a measuring spoon or even a teaspoon. The ashes are inert. They won’t damage anything.
After the ashes are placed inside the keepsake urn, secure the top. You can use some household glue to keep the top in place and prevent the spilling of the ashes by the recipient.
Part of The Healing Process
Choosing a keepsake urn for cremated ashes can be a difficult process. But it can also be part of the healing process. You and your family share the ashes and grieve together. With a little research and consideration, it’s possible to choose a keepsake urn that creates a meaningful and lasting tribute to the deceased.
