Considering the ever-growing popularity of cremation, the development and purchase of urns is also steadily increasing. Environmentally conscious friends and family members are choosing wooden cremation urns for their loved ones, while those who want to keep their loved ones’ ashes nearby or plan to scatter the ashes often choose handmade or custom-designed urns made of ceramic.
Here’s an inside look into how the most popular types of cremation urns are made.
The Process of Making Wooden Urns
Wooden urns are usually made from cherry, maple or black walnut wood. An artist or craftsman usually cuts large blocks of wood into smaller sizes so they can be stored and dried separately. Then, the wood blocks are selected for a specific urn shape and placed on a rotating lathe for the shaping and rough design process.
After the wood has been roughly shaped, the urn is hollowed on the lathe using a series of tools to accommodate a predetermined amount of ashes. Various types of grit sandpaper are then used to smoothly sand the urn so it lacks a rough, coarse texture.
Next, the urn is treated with a high-quality glossy urethane solution to preserve the natural qualities of the wood. In some cases, the urn is treated with a urethane solution two or three times before reaching the final stage of sanding, polishing, and waxing. Given that most wooden cremation urns are made by hand, each urn is slightly different from the next in size, shape, and wood grain. Some wooden urns may contain natural markings that were present in the wood when it was alive and part of a tree, often lending to its uniqueness. In fact, many individuals prefer wooden urns because they often represent the uniqueness of their loved ones.
The Process of Making Ceramic urns
Ceramic urns are made by hand using a potter’s wheel. First, the clay for the urn is weighed and punched depending on the size, which is similar to the process bakers use to knead dough. The clay is then centered directly on the rotating potter’s wheel so it can be molded and shaped. As the clay spins on the potter’s wheel, the artist places one hand inside the clay to hollow out the urn, while the other hand slides and pulls up the clay wall to form the desired shape.
After the clay has dried enough to form a leathery consistency, the urn is placed upside down so the artist can smooth and trim away any rough edges. Then, the urn is placed aside to dry for at least one week. When the clay has dried fully, the urn is placed into a kiln for the firing process for up to nine hours. The urn is removed following the initial firing process, and set aside for a period of 24 hours for cooling.
When the clay dries to a leathery consistency, the urn is turned upside down so the artist can smooth it out and cut off any rough edges. Then, the urn is set aside to dry for at least a week. When the clay is completely dry, the urn is placed in a kiln for a nine-hour firing process. The urn is removed after the initial firing process, and set aside for a period of 24 hours to cool down.
The Process of Making Metal Urns
Metal urns are crafted through a combination of traditional techniques and modern manufacturing processes, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. The process begins with the selection of the metal, typically brass, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel, chosen for its strength and finish.
Designing is the next step, where artisans or designers create sketches or digital models of the urn. Molds are prepared using methods like sand casting or die casting to shape the metal. The selected metal is then melted in a furnace and poured into the molds to form the urn’s basic structure. After cooling, the urn is shaped through techniques such as metal spinning or hammering. CNC machines are often used for precise cuts and intricate details. Engraving, embossing or laser engraving adds personalization, including patterns, emblems or inscriptions.
Polishing and finishing are very important to enhance the beauty of the urn. Options such as mirror, matte, or antique finishes, along with protective coatings, ensure long-lasting beauty. Finally, each urn is assembled, checked for quality, and securely packed for shipment.
Metal urns are known for their beauty and resilience, making them a meaningful choice for preserving memories. For premium, handcrafted metal urns, connect with Panoramic Sourcing to explore custom designs and grow your business.
Panoramic Sourcing specializes in connecting customers with skilled craftsmen and manufacturers of high-quality metal urns. For trade and wholesale inquiries or custom orders, Contact us for unique designs and exceptional craftsmanship for your business.