How Your Memorial Is Created
At David Contreras Glass, every memorial is thoughtfully handcrafted to honor a life, preserve cherished memories, and celebrate the enduring connections we hold close to our hearts. During the creation process, a small portion of cremated remains is permanently encased within borosilicate glass, creating a meaningful keepsake that can be treasured for generations.
Each piece is individually created by glass artist David Contreras using traditional lampworking techniques. Through the interplay of glass, precious metals, color, and light, every memorial develops its own unique character. No two pieces are ever exactly alike, resulting in a one of a kind tribute as individual as the person it honors.
Step 1: Placing Your Order
Families may place an order directly through our website or through one of our trusted funeral home partners. Once your order is received, we will provide clear instructions for submitting a small portion of cremated remains to our studio.
Only a small amount of cremated remains is required to create a memorial piece, typically approximately 1/8 teaspoon per item. Our process is designed to be simple, respectful, and easy to navigate, ensuring your loved one's remains are handled with the utmost care throughout every step of creation.
Step 2: Sending the Cremated Remains
Cremated remains are securely packaged and mailed to our studio using the detailed instructions provided after purchase. Upon arrival, every order is carefully received, documented, and labeled to ensure the highest level of care, accuracy, and respect throughout the creation process.
We understand the trust families place in us when creating a memorial piece. Every order is handled with thoughtful attention and treated with the utmost care from the moment it arrives at our studio through the completion of your handcrafted memorial.
Step 3: Creating the Memorial Glass
Using traditional lampworking techniques, a small portion of cremated remains is carefully and permanently encased within borosilicate glass during the creation process. Depending on the design selected, precious metals such as fine silver and gold may also be incorporated to create remarkable depth, movement, and luminous color within the artwork.
Each memorial is individually handcrafted by glass artist David Contreras, ensuring that no two pieces are ever exactly alike. Through the interplay of glass, light, color, and craftsmanship, every creation develops its own unique character and beauty.
The result is a one of a kind work of memorial art that preserves cherished memories within the glass itself, creating a lasting heirloom designed to be treasured for generations.
Step 4: Cooling and Finishing
Once the memorial is complete, it is carefully placed into a kiln and slowly cooled through a process known as annealing. This controlled cooling process relieves internal stress within the glass, enhancing its strength, stability, and long-term durability.
After annealing, each piece is individually inspected to ensure it meets our standards for quality, craftsmanship, and presentation. The memorial is then carefully cleaned, packaged, and prepared for its journey home.
Every piece leaves our studio as a one of a kind work of memorial art, thoughtfully handcrafted to honor a cherished life and preserve treasured memories for generations to come.
Step 5: Returning Your Memorial
Once completed, your memorial glass artwork is carefully packaged and shipped to you, ready to be displayed, worn, and treasured for generations to come.
Any remaining cremated remains will be handled according to the preference selected during the ordering process. Cremated remains may be respectfully scattered by our studio or returned to you upon request. If return shipment is requested, applicable shipping fees will apply in accordance with current carrier regulations. Remaining cremated remains are securely held for up to 90 days following completion of your memorial.
In most cases, your completed memorial artwork will be delivered before any remaining cremated remains are returned. This allows families the opportunity to create additional memorial pieces without the need to submit another shipment of cremated remains.
Should you wish to create additional pieces during the holding period, we are happy to assist in creating meaningful keepsakes for other family members or loved ones.
A One-of-a-Kind Memorial
Because every memorial is individually handcrafted, no two pieces will ever be exactly alike. Subtle variations in color, pattern, shape, and the way light interacts within the glass ensure that each creation possesses its own unique character and beauty, making it as individual as the life and legacy it honors.
Creating memorial glass art is both an artistic process and a profound responsibility. We are deeply honored by the trust families place in us and approach every piece with care, respect, and attention to detail. The result is a one of a kind heirloom designed to preserve cherished memories and celebrate a life that will never be forgotten.
Have Questions?
If you have questions about the memorial process or would like help choosing a piece, please contact us. We are happy to guide you through the process.