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Types of Cremation Urns that Families Buy Pt. 2

June 1, 2023 urngarden.com

Bluebird Cremation Urn and Keepsake

With so many types of cremation urns on the internet and at the funeral home, it can be so overwhelming to pick one out. Here’s a few selections that our customers made and the stories behind them.

The blue bird cremation adult urn and the little mini bluebird keepsake urn was the choice a customer in Michigan picked for her brother. She was letting him stay at her place, where he eventually died on her couch. She knew he was ill, but she also knew that he would not allow her to nurse him and had no idea how sick he really was.

He was asleep on the couch when she went to bed and still there when she got home from work the next day. He never moved and she questioned whether he was dead when she went to bed the night before.

Urns for Two People

A California family decided it was time to buy a companion urn for the parents. Dad had died 25 years ago and Mother had passed in the last 2 years. They wanted a container that the ashes could be co-mingled and have room for the family pet.

The wanted a box shape, and many of the double sized urns have a divider to separate the ashes, so this narrowed our choices. In addition to a specific style, they planned to bury the urn in a cemetery on the opposite side of the country. This required coordinating the logistics as they preferred not to board the plane with an urn and 3 sets of ashes.

Often, this family vacations in Hawaii and has already told their adult children, that they want their ashes scattered there.

In New Jersey, another family was shopping for an urn for their parents who wanted to be together forever. They were married for 70 years and died 6 months apart. The whole family lived in the same neighborhood, on the same block. There was lots of help when it came time to clean out the parents’ home, who had accumulated several generations of family heirlooms and artifacts.

They were an immigrant family who loved America and served in the military. While working on the estate, they found service medals and a flag from France, belonging to an uncle who had been killed at Normandy. The parents will be interred in a veteran’s cemetery with full military honors.

Motorcycle Urn

In Texas, a lady was helping her uncle pick out his urn as he neared the end of his life. He loved cars and motorcycles, and the old Route 66 ran right through their town. We debated on the proper pronunciation of “route” or “root”. Our Route 66 motorcycle urn was a perfect choice for him.

Beach Themed Urns for Ashes

In Florida, a young lady wanted the Medium Siesta Key urn for her mom, who died on Christmas day in 2021 from complications shortly after receiving a booster (according to her daughter). It was especially painful for the daughters as they could not be with their mom, as both the girls had covid.

An informal memorial service was held by the pool later in January with food and drinks, followed by an ash scattering ceremony at the beach. Guests had strict instructions to wear bright colors, absolutely NO BLACK.

American Made Butterfly Adult Urn

Meanwhile, in North Carolina a customer was very clear that she wanted an American artist created urn for her ashes. She ordered the Raku Butterfly Pottery Urn and sent this note:

“This urn is for me when I pass and I am presently still very much alive! Also, my body will go to a Medical School for teaching with return of my cremains once they are finished. They may keep the cadaver 2 weeks to 2 years at which time they shall cremate the body and return it to my family. I just wished to select my own urn since it shall be the receptacle of my cremains. I have done pottery in my life and love this piece and the placement of the butterfly, symbol of eternal life.”

We were honored to be able to assist with a work of art created by an American master artist.

If you are still trying to decide, here’s another post we did on various types and styles of urns that our customers have purchased recently. It’s a difficult decision and if you have questions or need a little help, reach out.

Birds of a Feather: Cardinal Cremation Urn

August 13, 2019 urngarden.com

Way back when we launched the urngarden.com site, we tried to focus on inspirational people and images that would lift us up out of the darkness and hopefully inspire others too.

My grandmother was one of the most impactful people in my life both personally and professionally, Our business name, Urn Garden came from her habit of creating memorial gardens when a loved one died. Back then, she lived on a large farm out in the country and she would dedicate a special planting on her property to honor that person. These spaces were tastefully arranged with flowers, shrubs, or statutory and did NOT look like a graveyard.

Later, she sold the farm, did a major downsize and moved to a condo in town, where she was closer to family and friends. She had a postage stamp size yard still full of flowers, but with more time on her hands, she started amassing a collection of bird figurines, that soon covered every surface in the house.

We joked about it, glad that it was inanimate objects, and not cats, so we christened her place “The Fowl House”. On one visit, as I sat on the couch in her front room, I started counting the birds within sight. I stopped at 100. It had become an obsession.

Bird & Butterfly Cremation Urns for ashes

That’s how we came up with the Bird and Butterfly collection of cremation urns (she liked butterflies, too) because of how bird crazy she was. She believed that if you loved it, you better put a bird on it.

Cardinal cremation urn for ashes — Cardinal Adult Cremation Urn

Cardinals were probably her favorite, and the Cardinal on Dogwood urn for ashes is a tribute to her. This urn is so beautiful and the old saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Recently, this style has been copied by imposters, so just know that when you buy from us, know that it’s the original design created by Americans that care about your family, and we can offer professional engraving services as well.

For years my grandparents were members of the Silver Eagles and went to conventions and made many friends from around the country. Soaring Free Eagle Cremation Urn is another style that we launched to honor that history.

My dear grandmother peacefully died in her sleep three years ago and at her memorial service we put that bird collection out for the guests to take as a keepsake. We were surprised at the turn out, many came from out of town, but she had made a huge impact on others lives as well. I miss her every day. I was lucky enough to inherit a few pieces of her jewelry, one favorite is a chunky turquoise bracelet that I wear when I want to feel the weight of her presence. Before she died, she had made a quilt that I sleep with every night and it feels like a hug. I miss holding hands with her and her gentle loving spirit.

As I’m typing this, a cardinal is perched on a dogwood branch, right outside my window. I can’t tell if it’s a male or female, but that bird is super chirpy this morning. Maybe that’s a sign?

Anyway, imagine my surprise, when I received a handwritten thank you not from a client. This is a rare and welcome gift, as I consider the act of writing a thank you note a dying art. This came from the heartland of America, so that gives me hope. This family in Kansas had recently held a memorial service for their mom who was also known as a sister, aunt, grandmother, cousin, and friend.

small cardinal cremation urn for ashes — Small Cardinal Keepsake Urn for Ashes

The cardinal must have meant something to their family as well, because in addition to ordering the cardinal cremation urn, they created a funeral program which featured a poem with a picture of a cardinal. Not gonna lie, I was so touched by not only the gesture, but the poem really spoke to me and I felt myself even get a little misty as I read the words. They reminded me so much of dear Etta, my grandmother. I want to share them with you, too and hope it brings you comfort.

Red Feathered Soul

When you’re lost or feeling down,
Don’t despair, just look around
God made me red so you would see,
I still exist outside your memory.
I make my visits in bright daylight,
You’ll hear my son in distant flight,
My cardinal song is a call to you,
To tell you that I miss you too.
I am everywhere and finally free,
Like love you cannot touch or see,
You’ll see me in the trees and skies,
I didn’t leave, love never dies.

Elle Bee

Beauty from the Ashes: Green Urns

April 26, 2019 Kim Stacey

Last time, in Astrology and Birthstones: April, I mentioned green was the color assigned to the astrological sign, Taurus. Signs of the zodiac aside, green also signifies the harmony of nature. (As you know from experience, colors are powerful influences in our emotional lives. How we react to various colors is very personal. Color psychology is the study of the relationship between a color or hue and a person’s behavior. According to experts in the field, the color green:

• Creates a feeling of safety
• Has significant healing power
• Suggests stability and endurance
• Considered beneficial to both mind and body
• Produces a tranquil, calming effect.

When it comes to the symbolism of the color green; these same experts found it represents “trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.” It’s also “used to symbolize piety and sincerity.” (Source: Color Psychology.com)

Browse Our Collection of Green Cremation Urns

Its diversity will surprise you. Our selection of green urns includes full-size urns, keepsake urns, and cremation jewelry. Some are very classically designed, others are whimsical. Some can simply be described as elegant. Here’s a look at three of my personal favorites.

Let’s talk about full-sized urns first. Just look at the diversity of styles.

green mother of pearl adult cremation urn for ashes

The green urn collection includes over 20 full-sized urns, made of a diversity of materials: marble, metal, and hand-thrown pottery. There’s a diversity of hue as well; ranging from a rich emerald green to a delicate sea foam green.

Small Keepsake Urns for Ashes

Remember what I said some of our green cremation urns were “whimsical?” Take a look at these two keepsake urns, designed to hold a small amount of ashes and you’ll understand me better.

Green Butterfly Urn
At less than 3” wide, this stunning butterfly can lighten the heart and calm the mind.

Hummingbird Mini-Urn
Again, this green keepsake urn is tiny; just 5” x 2” – just big enough for a trace amount of ash or lock of hair.

Is “Cremation Jewelry” an Appealing Thought?
Then you might appreciate the simplicity of the Green Leaf Cremation Urn Necklace. Beautifully styled, this piece measures just 5/8 “W x 13/16″H.

So, What’s Your Favorite Color?
Getting back briefly to the subject of color psychology, I’d you to ask yourself that question and then do a bit of research into what your response says about you. It’s not an easy question to answer; I think the response varies (to some degree anyway) depending on your mood at the time. And it can change according to how well you see color. Because of my failing eyesight, yellow has become my favorite color –simply because I can see it!

Why not has a bit of fun in this pursuit of self-discovery? I had a great time completing the quiz “What’s the Secret Meaning Behind Your Favorite Color? Find Out.” You might, too. (By the way, according to the results, my favorite color – at the moment – is purple. The quiz results stated “purple is the color of spirituality and mysticism. But in today’s polarized world, it also represents opposing sides coming together. You’re an emotional person who cares about the people in your world. Although being perfect is unattainable, you set your standards high!”

4 Beautiful Symbolic Urns That Bring Peace and Rest to The Soul

April 2, 2019 urngarden.com

When families are faced with shopping for an urn to store a loved ones ashes, it’s usually a pretty dark day. With all the choices that are available to buy online these days it can quickly become very overwhelming. At Urn Garden, we don’t carry every urn on the planet. Based on our years of experience, and listening to our customer’s feedback, we’ve curated a collection of cremation urns for both humans and pets that families use to create touching memorials that create a sense of peace and calm during a highly emotional time.

Here’s a few of our top picks for creating “beauty from the ashes”, to quote a biblical passage. For us, it’s about rising above the storm to find the sunshine.

beautiful beach and cardinal urns for ashes

CARDINAL CREMATION URN

Several of our cremation urn choices are nature themes. The late Dr. Wayne Dyer said “becoming an instrument of peace is easy to do when you return to the natural world”, and many of our friends and families find comfort in the appearance of the cardinal after a death occurs.

The mini jeweled cardinal is a sweet little keepsake that can be purchased separate from the large urn. The top lifts to reveal a small storage chamber that holds a bit of ashes or lock of hair. Here’s a close up.

The companion piece to this ensemble is the adult size cardinal urn with the scarlet red cardinal perched on a branch of blooming dogwood flowers. The dogwood has spiritual connotations and by now everyone knows the significance of a cardinal sighting after death. It means a loved one is near.

Ocean Beach Themed Cremation Urns

For some people, the solution to calm the chaos is take a walk on the beach. In our fast paced, crowded, noisy world, returning to nature can quiet the mind and nourish the spirit. Sand and surf is the best medicine for those that love the salt life. Ocean waves can melt the anxiousness away.

We call this beach themed urn Santa Rosa, it’s made out of metal and can be engraved with up to three lines of engraving if you want. Beautiful ocean sunset, white sand. Peace.

Eagle Urn, Wings of Freedom

We’re circling back to birds, we’ve got quite a collection ranging from owls, bluebirds, hummingbird and more, but the most powerful of the flock and the one that resonates with our families is the eagle.

eagle cremation urn for ashes — Wings of Freedom Eagle Urn

Beautiful wing span over beautiful blue skyline and snow capped mountain range. We go into more detail on the qualities and characteristics of the powerful eagle on this recent post The Eagle Always Wins, Even at the Funeral.

Sunset Eagle is the traditional vase shape and features a symbolic sunset with rich colors and imagery. Also a full size adult urn, this has the threaded lid and is suitable for display or burial.

Heart Shaped Urns

Heart shaped urns are often used when a smaller container is needed for a smaller amount of ashes. People often buy these small sized urns when the families plan to divide and share some of the ashes. The hearts are perfect for this.

Made from metal with a glossy finish, the hearts are a secure way to store ashes, lock of hair or fur. They usually come with a stand and storage case.

Sold with the stand, they can be elevated or lay flat. Color choices are purple, cobalt blue, green, red.

The hearts engrave beautifully and are suitable for display or burial.

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Beauty from the Ashes: Blue Urns

March 26, 2019 Kim Stacey

In the previous post I mentioned the American Gem Society states there are two birthstones for March: the widely-accepted aquamarine, and the less-well-known bloodstone. So, our task for today is to explore just a few of the many blue cremation urns in our collection.

Full-Size Urns for Humans

https://www.urngarden.com/infinity-angel-mother-of-pearl-urn-for-ashes.html

These urns range in color from intense blue to a delicate sky blue – and anywhere in between. Some are full-sized urns, some are keepsake urns, and others are stunning pieces of cremation jewelry. Here are the ones which especially draw my eye – and maybe yours, too.

I’ve got to say, it was hard for me to choose my #1 favorite in this category – there are so many gorgeous blue urns to choose from! Still, I narrowed it down to two.

The first is the cloisonné Azure Blue Cremation Urn – and the reason is simple: it features beautifully-wrought flowers in many of shades of blue. When I look at it I feel relaxed and soothed; I also love the shape, classical styling and the elegant base. In addition to the adult size, this also comes in an oversized version (double capacity) to store two sets of ashes, known as a companion urn.

My second favorite is, in my humble opinion, gorgeous in its simplicity. I believe it calms me in a far different way than the previous is the cremation urn called Wings of Freedom. The powerful eagle soaring across a beautiful blue sky is easy on the eye and creates a feeling of peace, hope, and serenity.

Why did I choose these two urns? It’s because their respective (and very different) beauty almost takes my breath away. As does this next blue cremation urn.

Blue Keepsake Urns

My #1 favorite in this category is the Blue Butterfly Keepsake Urn. Its intricacy calls to mind (at least for me), the stunningly gorgeous Imperial Eggs of Faberge. (Want to feast your eyes on some of those beauties? Check out “The Imperial Eggs” on the Faberge website.) Reviewers like it too; “awesome,” “beautiful” and “perfect” were three comments left by buyers.

Another sweet and small keepsake for ashes is the bluebird. So tiny and detailed, it will hold just a pinch of whatever you want to store inside.

Now, let’s look at another blue cremation urn, this time, from our cremation jewelry collection.

Blue Cremation Jewelry

The very-fashionable Blue Glass Bead Urn Bracelet is described this way: “Icy blue glass beads and antiqued silver spacers: and while they are eye-catching, it’s the tiny stainless steel heart that holds the magic – and a small amount of a loved one’s ashes. (If you like it as much as I do, but blue isn’t your first choice of color, you’ll be happy to know it’s also available in Emerald Green, Purple, Sweet Pink, and the truly eye-catching Black and White.

If I’ve whet your appetite and you’re now eager to see more of our popular blue urns, we’ve created a special link for the complete collection of blue urns, also, back in 2017 we published “Forever Blue: Our Top 5 Blue Urns for Ashes.” Be sure to check out that post for more blue cremation urns (not featured in this post. You may also enjoy reading the 2014 post “Urns for Ashes: Baby’s Got Blue Eyes.”)

One more thing before I go. If you’d rather pay tribute to a loved one born in March, but aren’t a fan of any shade of blue – perhaps referencing the bloodstone is more appropriate. And this hardwood urn has the potential to become a more inclusive memorial, in that the Companion Double Wood Urn, designed as a companion urn capable of safekeeping the ashes of 2 adults; provides a second compartment could be used to hold mementos or photographs.

Thank you for joining me today – and here’s hoping spring comes to stay for a while. (In my world, it’s as if she knocks on the door and then runs away!)

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