Custom Made Memorial Beads

Wear your loved one close to your heart with these unique handmade beads. One of my first loves of beading was making handmade glass beads in a process called lampworking. The technique of making glass beads has been around for thousands of years. 

Once glass is heated to a molten state, the glass is applied to a mandrel and shaped into a bead and decorated with tools and hand movements. It is also known as flameworking or torchworking, as the modern practice no longer uses oil-fueled lamps. It is a bit like glass blowing just on a smaller scale.  It is also the perfect medium to create amazing Memorial beads for remembering your pets and loved ones. 

My journey into making these types of beads came from the untimely passing of an amazing young man a few years ago. Justis was unfortunately taken from us in this 15th year of life here on Earth.  Hearts were shattered in ways you never thought your heart could break and after the many prayers and tight hugs, It was the only way I could think of to help his parents and extended family through that extraordinarily hard time.  While we all believe that Justis lives on every day, there is also a small comfort in being able to literally touch a part of him when the weight of missing him becomes too much.

I make each of these beautiful keepsake beads by hand, one at a time. I use a torch, and glass rods of special colored, silvered glass. First, I lay down the background glass which symbolizes the heavens and the universe, and form it into a small round bead. Then I apply a small amount of your loved ones ashes to incorporate it in with the background in small spiral designs which gives the impression of galaxies. The final layer is a crystal clear glass encasing to magnify the contents and disperse color, as well as to permanently secure it in place. Each bead is then fully annealed in the kiln for stability and durability.  The ash becomes part of the bead forever for you to wear, or carry in your pocket or purse. 

Each unfinished bead measures approximately 10x18mm+/- which is a versatile size for any jewelry project. Bead sizes and array of colors that are produced during the reduction process may vary slightly due to the handmade process. Each bead has its own unique character. The bead will be fully kiln annealed for stability and durability, and the mandrel hole will be cleaned of any residual bead release, ready to use in your design. You will need to send me about a tablespoon of ashes, which is also more than enough to make multiple beads.

Unfinished beads means that the bead will be ready to use to make into a pendant, bracelet, or other jewelry project. For an additional charge, you also can select for me to finish the bead as just a pendant, or an 18in. pendant and chain necklace, or a 24in. adjustable leather necklace - just make your selection at time of ordering.   You will love these unique, one-of-a-kind beads.  Memorial Ash Beads make the ultimate heirloom gift for your family, friends and relatives. Now you can literally carry your departed furry or human loved ones with you every single day with these amazing beads. 

Please place your order and selections here.  

I will contact you with instructions for mailing the ashes, once I receive your order. I am available for questions at anytime - contact me here.

Thank you - Andrea

Buttercupbeads.com