A Liverpool-based painter who began blending cremation ashes into acrylic landscape and still-life paintings after losing his cousin in 2024. Each commission starts with a consultation to understand the person and what they loved, with a small amount of ashes worked into the paint layers so the texture becomes part of the finished piece. Featured on BBC, genuinely new to Read more…
Art, Glass & Memorial Stones
Art, glass and memorial stones turn a small amount of ashes into something beautiful to keep at home. Glass artists fuse ashes into paperweights, orbs, comfort pebbles and ornaments, where the ashes stay visible as swirls of colour. Painters and portrait artists blend ashes into bespoke artworks, and some studios transform ashes into smooth remembrance stones that can be held and shared among family.
These are keepsakes rather than headstones or grave markers, and most use only a small portion of ashes. Many artists work by post, and some studios welcome visitors so you can watch your piece being made.
Below you’ll find UK memorial glass studios, artists and remembrance stone makers, including memorial tattoo studios that use ashes in the ink.
Memorial glass
Memorial glass is made by adding a small amount of ashes to molten glass, so it’s sealed inside permanently. Common pieces include paperweights, hearts, orbs, comfort pebbles, candle holders and ornaments. Every piece is handmade, so no two look the same.
Memorial paintings and portraits
Some artists blend a small amount of ashes into paint, so it becomes part of the texture of a landscape, abstract piece or portrait. Many start with a conversation about the person and what they loved, so the finished work reflects them.
Remembrance stones
Some studios use a solidification process to turn ashes into smooth stones, often presented as a set so each family member can keep one. They’re a quiet alternative to keeping ashes in an urn.
Memorial tattoos with ashes
Ashes can be added to tattoo ink, but only after being specially processed and sterilised. Always use a studio or service that specialises in this rather than mixing ashes into ink yourself. For more ideas, see our memorial ideas for ashes.
Where to find providers
The areas with the most choice at the moment are Norfolk, West Sussex, the Isle of Wight, Devon and Kent. Choose a county from the list above to see providers near you.
How much ashes does memorial glass need?
Usually only a teaspoon or less. The rest can be kept, scattered or used for other memorials.
Are memorial stones the same as headstones?
No. The memorial stones listed here are small keepsakes made from ashes, to keep at home. For headstones, contact a local stonemason or monumental mason.
Are ashes tattoos safe?
They can be, when the ashes are professionally processed and sterilised before being mixed into ink. Use a specialist studio or service.
Can pet ashes be used in memorial art?
Yes. Most glass artists and painters work with pet ashes as well as human ashes.
How long does memorial glass take?
Often a few weeks, depending on the studio and the piece. Some studios can turn simple pieces around in about a week.