How do you turn ashes into glass?
Cremation ashes are not melted down into glass. Instead, they are carefully incorporated into molten glass during the glassblowing process to create a lasting memorial piece.Glass is primarily made from silica sand and is melted in a furnace at temperatures of around 1200°C. At this heat, the glass becomes soft and workable. The cremation ashes themselves do not fully melt or blend evenly into the glass.To include the ashes, a gather of molten glass is rolled through a prepared layer of finely sifted ashes on a thick steel table. Any larger particles are removed beforehand to ensure a smoother finish. When the hot glass touches the ashes, the particles adhere instantly to the surface and become permanently embedded as the piece is shaped and blown.This process allows the ashes to be visibly and securely captured within the finished glass artwork, creating a unique and meaningful keepsake.
IS IT SAFE TO SEND ASHES BY POST IN IRELAND?
Yes. Here are some tips for safely and respectfully sending your loved ones ashes in Ireland.
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Use a sealed inner container
Place the ashes in a durable, leak-proof bag or container with secure lid. -
Use protective outer packaging
Put the inner container inside a strong cardboard sleeve with padding (bubble wrap or foam) to prevent movement or breakage. -
Clearly label the package
Mark it discreetly as Cremated Remains. -
Include documentation
It is wise to include copies of the death certificate, cremation certificate, and sender/receiver contact details, especially for international shipping. Irish Ferries also recommends carrying these documents when travelling with ashes. -
Use tracked and signed delivery
Always choose a tracked service so the parcel can be monitored and signed for on arrival.
There is no single universal “ashes post” service in Ireland, so many families use funeral directors for peace of mind. Most funeral directors can create a document of authenticity when presented with your ashes and the corresponding documents which accompany the package and verify its contents and destination.
If Sending Ashes to Us
We provide clear step-by-step packing instructions and can advise the safest method from anywhere in Ireland or abroad. Need help sending ashes safely?
HOW MUCH ASH IS NEEDED?
Less than you might think. We only need around one teaspoon of cremation ashes to create your memorial glass keepsake.
That means you will still have the vast majority of your loved one’s ashes remaining, giving you time and flexibility to decide how you would like to store, scatter, share, or preserve them in the future—when the time feels right.
Using only a small amount allows you to create a meaningful memorial now, while keeping all other options open for later.
Ready to create a lasting memorial?
CAN PET ASHES BE USED IN MEMORIAL GLASS?
Absolutely. In fact, creating memorial glass from pet ashes is how we first began, and it remains a beautiful way to honour a beloved companion.
Whether they had fur, feathers, or paws, we understand how special pets are and how deeply they are missed. Using a small amount of your pet’s ashes, we carefully create a unique hand-blown glass memorial to celebrate the love, loyalty, and memories you shared together.
The process is exactly the same as with human ashes, and we offer a beautiful range of colours and designs so you can choose a piece that feels personal and meaningful.
A memorial glass keepsake can be a lasting tribute to the joy your pet brought into your life.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
In most cases, your finished memorial glass will be ready and returned to you within 4 weeks.
From the moment your ashes arrive with us, we begin planning the best date to create your keepsake. As each piece is individually handmade in small batches, and glass furnaces require significant time and energy to heat, we carefully schedule production to make the most efficient use of the furnace.
Typical Timeframes
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Single memorial piece: up to 4 weeks
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Multiple pieces in one order: often completed sooner
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Urgent orders: we are happy to help where possible—please contact us as early as you can
Once your creation date is confirmed, we will let you know.
Why It Takes Time. Creating memorial glass is a careful and specialised process that cannot be rushed.
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The furnace is heated for a full production day
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Forming and shaping your memorial usually takes around an hour
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The glass then cools slowly in a specialist kiln for 2 days to prevent stress or cracking
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Finally, we polish the base and hand engrave your chosen personal message
Every piece is made with patience, skill, and great care to ensure a beautiful lasting tribute.