We sold out of our last collection of Raku urns, and just picked up some new pieces that we’re slowly adding to the site.

A sampling of our latest Raku urns from the garden potter:

Celtic urns are a popular choice, and this one of a kind art piece urn uses copper glazes and features a hand-carved Celtic knot emblem.

Another copper glazed urn using the Raku technique, is the nature- themed “Fern Urn”.

The sad thing about these urns, is that the pictures don’t do them justice.  They are much more attractive than depicted here.

Several clients have requested that we carry the metal heart keepsake urns.  We’ve just added them to our inventory and have several styles available.

The heart keepsake urns are designed to hold a small portion of ash, lock of hair or other small memento. The hearts load from the bottom and are secured with a threaded stopper.

Many of our keepsake urns have matching adult urns.

Crow feathers are believed to be good luck charms for traveling.

“Raku” translates to pleasure and happiness.

What a beautiful combination:

White Crackle Crow Feather Raku Urn

Our artist signed, one of a kind Raku urns are natural choice for families that want a beautiful organic work of art for their loved one.

Motorcycle tank urns are hot right now. Black seems to be the preferred choice, followed by silver.

This is the third riding buddy my client has lost in the last few years. Not from bike wrecks, but cancer or some other ailment. He bought the silver urn for his bud who’s dying from cancer and going down fast.  He plans to let friends take a sharpie and sign off on the tank.

The client even called back to tell thank us for the speedy service and how pleased he was with the beauty of the tank.

Thank you for letting us serve you.

In an age of “in lieu of flowers” we shouldn’t forget the power of flowers for a grieving family. Especially this time of year, the sensory impact of live flowers can actually add a healing element to the memorial service. With cremation and the trend of simplicity in funeral services the floral aspect is often overlooked.

Wreaths are an excellent choice for a ceremony where the urn will be present or families that plan to spread the ashes.

Blue and silver are one of my favorite color combinations.

Guess what? We are overstocked on these two blue and silver urn styles. Click pix for more information.

Satin Pewter Urn

Sky Blue Urn

Blue Christmas image credit

We’re seeing a variety of urn style choices this week with keepsake urns. Materials range from metal, marble, and sculpted resin.

Ladies love the pink:

Sweetheart Rose Memorial Urn

And the purple.

Angel Keepsake Urn

For those that prefer a more natural look, families choose marble memorial urns in the colors of the earth.

Marble Funeral Urn

One of the styles that is growing in popularity is the Italian Sculpture Urns that we carry. Families like the bird and dolphin keepsake urns as well as our carved angel urns.

Dove Keepsake Urn

Dolphin Keepsake Urn

Infinity Angel Urn

These are very well done art pieces that are hand carved in Italy by gifted artisans, with a smooth sparkling finish.

Here’s The Problem:

The factory shuts down for the month of August. US vendors were out of stock when the manufacturers went on vacation. We’ve been waiting for months and shipments are scheduled to arrive by the end of the year….hopefully sooner.

This is not an uncommon practice in Europe. However, most larger business have opted to continue production and commerce during the traditional vacation period. Ten years ago, auto manufactures, textile and chemical giants decided to remain open while smaller shops close up and go to the beach or just lay back. In 1997, the New York Times reported:

“In Rome, the closing is still so complete that newspapers publish lists of food stores that remain open to help those left behind find provisions.”

While I don’t want to be inconvenienced in my hunting and gathering efforts, I sort of admire the practice of a month-long vacay.

Our neighbor pointed out all the butterflies in the ‘hood, and I started counting how many I would see fluttering about. Too many, I lost count.

A symbol of earth and air, butterflies often remind us of a sense of freedom and oneness with nature that many of us yearn for. We’ve got several fine art urn styles in the Garden that captures the spirit of the butterfly lover.

Cherry or Solid Oak Wood urns with a bright cloisonne butterfly emblem. The wood surface can be engraved with names and dates, or a brief verse or sentiment.

Porcelain Butterfly Cremation Urn. This fine art urn captures the free spirit in creamy crackle finish, finely detailed with hand-painted butterfly species.

Or my favorite, the Butterfly Cloisonne Urn, which is also available in a double “companion” urn size.

We even have a sterling silver urn necklace in the butterfly style. The urn jewelry discreetly holds a trace amount of ash, lock of hair, or other small loving memento.

Butterfly Urn Necklace

Three Beautiful Things

1. Hummers flying in your face while languishing in the swing

2. popping sweet cherry tomatoes off the vine

3. Pure Gold

The feeding begins. The hummingbirds are off the nest and ravenously attacking the feeders. Very busy training for the trip.

If you love the spirit and energy of the hummingbirds, we have an urn match.

Hummingbird Urn

Our Cloisonne Hummingbird Urn, blends strength and beauty; copper and hand painted fired enamel to create the ancient art of Cloisonne, one of China’s major contributions to the world’s fine arts.

In Native American myth, the hummingbird is a truthful bird that represents beauty, harmony and enjoyment.

That’s a fact!