How to Fill Cremation Jewelry
The death of a loved one or special pet can be difficult to handle. One way to commemorate and honor your loss is to create a special keepsake called cremation jewelry. A part of your loved one will always be with you, close to your heart. Even if you have not chosen cremation, these small charms can be filled with earth from the burial site, a lock of hair or bits of dried flowers from a funeral arrangement. They are simple to create, but the assembly process may be emotionally difficult.
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Things You'll Need
- Cremated remains (cremains or ashes)
- Cremation pendant
- Small screwdriver
- Small spoon
- Small funnel
- Toothpick
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Choose a cremation charm that suits your style and the personality of the deceased. Charms are available in a variety of shapes and sizes including hearts, crosses, tear drops, paw prints and infinity symbols.
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2
Remove the charm's screw to access the hollow cavity inside. The screw is usually located at the top of the charm where the pendant can be hung on a chain, but it may be on the back or the bottom. A small screwdriver may be required.
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3
Open the container containing the cremains. They will probably be packaged inside a plastic bag inside the urn you received from the funeral home. Open the bag slowly and carefully so you do not spill any of the ashes.
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4
Scoop out some of the finer ashes using a small spoon. If you have never seen cremains before, it is important to understand they will not be of uniform consistency. Some of the ashes will be fine like sand while other parts will contain larger pieces of bone fragments. Try to scoop out only the finest ashes you can see.
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Place the funnel mouth into the charm's hole and pour a small scoop of ashes into the funnel. Repeat until the charm is 90 percent full. If larger pieces become lodged in the funnel, turn it upside down inside the plastic bag and push a toothpick into the hole to clear the funnel.
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6
Clear away any excess ashes from the opening with a toothpick. Twist the screw back into the hole.
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7
Add a small drop of glue with a toothpick where the screw meets the pendant. You may want to place a small drop on a piece of cardboard and dip the toothpick into the glue. Be careful not to get any glue on the pendant itself.
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Wait 24 hours before wearing your pendant to allow the glue to dry completely.
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Tips & Warnings
Work over a paper towel in order to catch any ashes that might scatter during the process of filling your cremation jewelry. Shake the paper towel into the plastic bag of cremains when you are finished.
Steady hands are required for this process, as you will be working with a very small charm and funnel.
It may be difficult for you to open the container filled with your loved one's ashes. While the process of filling and assembling a piece of cremation jewelry is emotionally draining, the end result is well worth it. Do not attempt to assemble your pendant until you are emotionally ready to handle it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit brass urn image by Richard J Thompson from Fotolia.com
