10 Beautiful & Meaningful Things to Do With Cremation Ashes – Including Memorial Glass Keepsakes
Introduction
Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest moments. After cremation, many families wonder: “What should I do with the ashes?”
Finding the right way to honour their memory can bring comfort, create connection, and keep their spirit alive in a meaningful way.
Here are 10 beautiful and creative ideas for what to do with cremation ashes – from traditional choices to unique keepsakes like ashes fused into glass.
1. Memorial Glass Keepsakes
Cremation ashes can be gently fused into molten glass to create stunning keepsakes – from paperweights and candle holders to delicate flowers like poppies.
💡 Why this is meaningful: Each glass piece is a one-of-a-kind tribute, crafted by hand. When the sunlight catches the glass, it becomes a shining reminder of your loved one’s life.
👉 At Neo Art Glass, I specialise in memorial glass keepsakes, handcrafting everything from memorial poppies to personalised candle holders. Only a small amount of ashes is needed to create something you can treasure forever
2. Scatter the Ashes in a Meaningful Place
A time-honoured way to say goodbye. Families often choose a favourite walking spot, a scenic hill, or a beach. Scattering ashes can bring peace and a sense of release.
3. Plant a Memorial Tree or Flower
Mixing ashes with soil to plant a tree, rose bush, or even poppies is a way to create new life from loss – a living tribute you can visit as the seasons change.
4. Wear the Ashes as Memorial Jewellery
Ashes can be transformed into rings, pendants, or beads – a deeply personal keepsake you can hold close every day.
5. Keep Them in a Decorative Urn
An urn doesn’t have to be plain or sombre – there are many beautiful, artistic urns that can become part of your home, holding your loved one’s ashes safely.
6. Add Ashes to a Graveside Memorial
Some families combine cremation with a headstone or plaque, placing ashes in a cemetery or memorial garden for a dedicated spot to visit and reflect.
7. Turn Ashes into Fireworks
For a vibrant, celebratory farewell, ashes can be added to fireworks – creating a final send-off in the night sky.
8. Commission a Work of Art
Artists can incorporate ashes into paintings, sculptures, or glass art pieces – turning grief into something truly beautiful.
9. Memorial Tattoos
Some tattoo artists can mix ashes into ink, allowing you to carry a symbol, name, or message with you forever.
10. Share the Ashes Between Family Members
Ashes can be split into multiple keepsakes – such as memorial glass pieces or jewellery – so children, grandchildren, and friends can all have a reminder of the one they loved.
Conclusion
There’s no single “right” way to honour someone’s ashes – only the way that feels right for you.
Whether you choose scattering, planting a memorial tree, or commissioning a memorial glass keepsake, the goal is the same: to create a tribute that brings you comfort and keeps their memory alive.
👉 Want to explore memorial glass? Browse my handmade keepsakes
https://neoartglass.com/collections/memorial-ashes-in-glass
Every piece is created with care, using your loved one’s ashes to craft a unique remembrance that will shine for generations.
🖊 Author Bio
Written by Kris Heaton, a master glassblower with over 30 years of experience. At Neo Art Glass, Kris handcrafts unique memorial glass keepsakes – from poppies to candle holders – helping families create timeless tributes to their loved ones and pets.
