8 Things You Can Do With Cremation Ashes

As more people opt for cremation for their loved ones (it's expected that nearly 90 percent of Northwest residents will choose cremation by 2030), new markets are appearing with creative options for what to do with their "ashes."

When someone chooses to cremation for their loved one, they may not know what to do with the remains. It's expected that nearly 90 percent of Northwest residents will choose cremation by 2030. However, new markets are appearing with creative options for what to do with their "ashes."Cremated remains, or as they are more commonly called “cremains,” are not actually ashes. Instead, they are fragments left behind after the cremation process. In this post, we will use the term ashes interchangeably with cremated remains.

Another option is to have the cremated remains made into a piece of jewelry. This is a popular option for those who want to keep their loved one’s close to them at all times. There are many different types of jewelry that can be made, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets.

We did some research and found some of the most interesting things people have done with cremated remains - check them out!

1.Glass art, jewelry and suncatchers- many people are using cremated remains to create beautiful art pieces to remember their loved ones by. You can add the ashes to the glass during the blowing process or to the glaze of pottery. There are even companies, like Cremation Solutions, that will mix the ashes with the glass for you and send you the finished product.

2.Turn into diamonds- That’s one way to keep your loved one close even after they’re gone. Jewelers have been turning cremated remains into diamonds for centuries as a way to keep a connection to the person. The ashes are mixed with other materials, such as sand and water, and heated until the diamond forms. Depending on the type of diamond, the cremated remains can be small, medium or large.

3.Buy a self-watering tree urn- A self-watering tree urn is the perfect way to preserve your loved one’s ashes while keeping them close. The Urn of the Future is a copper and brass urn that includes an LED light that glows when water is added. It also has a built-in water sensor that shuts off the LED light when the water level drops. This prevents the water from ruining the ashes.

4.Create a memorial fireworks display- You can scatter your loved one’s ashes in the sky and watch them light up the night. Memorial fireworks displays are a beautiful way to remember your loved one and can be done on any budget. You can also add other items to the display, such as photos, flowers, or balloons.

5.Make a tattoo with remains mixed with ink- If you’re looking for a creative way to memorialize your loved one, consider making a tattoo with their cremated remains mixed with ink. This process is similar to body painting, and you can customize the tattoo to represent the person in your life. Some artists even use the ashes to create unique and intricate tattoos.

6.Send into space- For some people, the final destination for their loved ones’ cremated remains is outer space. There is a growing market for “cremation services” that will take the ashes into space and leave them orbiting the Earth. Some people believe that the space environment will help preserve the remains. There are a few companies that offer this service, and the prices range from $3,000 to $10,000.

7.Turn into a coral reef- If you want to keep your loved one close to the water, you can turn their ashes into a coral reef. This process is done by adding the ashes to a concrete mixture, which is then placed on the ocean floor. The reef will provide a home for fish and other marine life. This option is perfect for those who want to memorialize their loved one and help the environment at the same time.

8.Put into a vinyl record- If you’re looking for a unique way to memorialize your loved one, consider putting their cremated remains into a vinyl record. This process is similar to body painting, and you can customize the tattoo to represent the person in your life. Some artists even use the ashes to create unique and intricate tattoos. The process of recording the ashes onto vinyl is called “spirit cremation,” and it’s a growing trend that began in Japan.

Remembering those who have passed away doesn't have to be somber or traditional. Here are some interesting and creative ways people are paying tribute to their loved ones. Cremation has become a popular option in recent years for a number of reasons. For one, it’s generally more affordable than a traditional burial. It’s also a more environmentally-friendly option. You can even get creative with how you scatter the ashes. Some people opt to do something called “spirit cremation,” which is when the ashes are used to create a vinyl record. The Japanese were the first to start this trend.

Remember to do your research before choosing a company to work with for your loved one’s ashes. You can check reviews, ask friends and family, and use organizations like the Better Business Bureau to help you make the best decision.

There are less expensive and more traditional options available, such as keeping the remains in an urn or receptacle at home or scattering them in a place that is meaningful to you. In Oregon and Washington, there are no state laws banning the scattering of ashes, but it's always best to check with the landowner or an appropriate governmental agency first. Scattering at sea must be done three miles from shore. You can learn more about where to scatter ashes on the West Coast here.

There are many ways that you and your family can choose to remember someone, so pick the method that works best for you.