It’s not a pleasant subject, but a friend just passed away, and I would like to build her family a “container”, for lack of a better name, to hold her ashes. Has anyone seen plans or have any ideas for such a piece? I was even thinking of a piece made of walnut that is combined with some marble parts (sides, lid, base) to form a hybrid vessel.
My time to complete this project is limited, as the memorial service is approaching soon, so any quick advice would be greatly appreciated. I just thought that building something tangible would be more appropriate than a card and flowers, as I built a ceremonial casket flag holder for the deceased woman when her son passed away some time ago. Thanks for any help.
Fuzzy
Replies
I believe there are some standard sizes for boxes, not that you'd necessarily have to use them if the box is not going to be niched. You might call the local crematorium.
I've drawn-up plans for my folks: two metal boxes from the crematorium, 5x7x3, side-by-side in a hardwood box, which will be housed in a gravestone. I've got some time left though they're in their late eighties.
One Site you may want to visit on the Web is. http://WWW.perfectmemorials.com. There are many ideas there. Making a cremation urn is a generous venture, But I would express the thought to the Family and get their feelings before proceeding. And then settle on a design they would approve of, If they accept your offer.
Sorry for the loss.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
I agree with all of your points. Time is not as much of a factor, as the crematorium will provide a plastic container. Bereaved families are accustomed to wait for head stones and markers for months, so I don't think that they would expect to have a wooden container at the time of the ceremony. Also, families are often numb with grief and cannot appreciate such a gift at the time of internmnet. Later however, they may be very appreciative. On the other hand if the deceased (or the family) expressed a wish to scatter the ashes over the sea or in some favorite place, the gift might be viewed awkwardly.It'd be best to talk to them, rather than surprise them with a gift of a container that they would not be able to gracefully decline.Glaucon
If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...
I made a box that might be similar to your project. The funeral home provided the ashes in a plastic box. I made a wood box to hold the plastic box. The deceased was a woodworker and I was able to get some oak from his shop that I incorporated into the box. When you open the lid, there is a framed photo of the deceased.
There are a couple of photographs here:
http://www.whitanderson.com/wood/don/box.htm
Fuzzy, my Mother-in-law passed away July 10 2006 and was cremated. She will be put to rest with her late husband. I was asked to build the urn/box/coffin for her remains. I keyed off the exterior demensions of container the funeral home put her remains in. I ended up working with the request of my family for something simple "like an old pine box". I used 5/8" thick douglas fir, doubled rabbet,threecorner match. The lid is rabbeted into the carcase and is proud 1/16'' over ends and sides, all edges were rounded over with a palm sander and finished with 4coats orange shellac and waxed, the bottom was lined with black velvet. It ended up a very warm looking piece and my family was very happy and I was pleased to do this for her to the point that in her honor the design will be utilized further as a jewelry box and will be named the "Judy Box". The point being no matter what you do it will turn out positive if you give the family what they ask for. Dont vex yourself with the process too much, just follow thier guidelines and let it take you to where you need to be. It was a wonderfull experience for me and I was proud to give her a place to rest. GoodWorkings-bufun
As others have said, get the plastic box size from the funeral home to determine your urn size.
The photo attached shows my mother's "new house." I made it with six panels (she had six kids), each with an oval inset for a photo. The base unscrews to accept the plastic box from the home. You could make one using marble panels in walnut frames.
The urn is bubinga with birds eye maple panels (stained with potassium dichromate) with maple string inlay. The side panels were miter edged to form the box (I put a piece of maple veneer inside the miter for the corner "string"), and the top and bottom had recesses to accept the sides. All in all, it was easy to produce using the nice rail/stile bits I got from LV.
As far as time, it doesn't take much time and I'm sure your friend will hold onto a plastic box while waiting for a thoughtful and custom container.
Just went through this lately, and the crematorium suggested allowing 210 cubic inches as a general guideline.
Thanks to all of you for your kind suggestions and ideas. As life would have it, the family decided to opt out of cremation at the last minute. I'm not sure why, but I am happy they have reached some decision for their sake. I had the walnut all laid out for the project, and will save the posts from all of you, as I unfortunately have a lot of older and sick friends. Thanks again for the input.
Fuzzy
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