How can I determine the appropriate size urn?

In general, 1 cubic inch per pound of living body weight will give ample space.

How do I fill the Urn?

You can gently pour the cremains directly into the urn, using a funnel if the opening is small. Or, some people like to keep the cremains in a plastic bag within the urn. If you choose to do this, bear in mind that the bag will take up space, so you may need a larger urn. Some urns have a relatively small opening; in this case, if you use a plastic bag, insert an empty bag well inside the urn, then slowly fill it with cremains.

Should I seal the urn?

We recommend that you seal the urn. Superglue or epoxy works fine for this. Apply sparingly and quickly set the lid in place. Carefully wipe away any excess before it dries.

Can I bring the urn to a funeral home?

Yes, absolutely. By law, funeral homes must let you use the vessel of your choice and are not allowed to charge any extra handling fees if you supply your own urn.

What are the laws regarding scattering ashes?

Different states have different, sometimes very complicated, laws about scattering. Check with the agency that performed the cremation to find out what is legal in your state.

How long would it take to have an urn custom made?

Certain styles–not all–can be made to order. Details such as an inscription or particular color choices are possible. Custom urns take from 60 to 120 days to complete. Contact us for details.

How long will it take to fill my order?

When we receive your order for an urn that is currently in stock, it will be shipped within two weeks.

If you are interested in an urn that has already been sold, in some cases a similar one can be custom made. All urns are handmade, unique artworks; therefore a custom urn will be somewhat different from the original.

What do you charge for shipping?

Please contact us for shipping charges within the United States.  We do not ship to other countries.

What is your return policy?

If you are not completely satisfied with your urn, please contact us immediately. Urns must be returned within 14 days of delivery to receive a refund. Items that CANNOT be returned are: custom made urns, urns that have been filled, and urns that have been damaged by the customer. We will pay the return shipping cost if the return is the result of our error.

What are salt and soda firing?

Salt firing is a centuries-old method of creating a natural glaze in a special type of kiln.  The pottery is loaded into the kiln with little or no glaze on it.  After many hours of firing, when the ware is hot enough, salt is introduced into the kiln.  It instantly vaporizes with a crackling like the sound of popcorn popping.  The sodium vapor from the salt bonds with the alumina of the clay and forms a completely new compound, a glass, coating the ware.  Salt glaze, once cooled, is very hard, nontoxic, and durable.  Ceramic artists particularly like to work with sodium vapor, even though the firing is difficult and unpredictable, because it creates lovely, subtle variations in color.  Soda firing is a variation of this method,  using sodium carbonate instead of salt.

What is striated ware?

Striated ware is made by brushing many layers of colored slip (liquid clay) over a thick slab of soft porcelain, a process which takes several days.  When firm, the slip is carved through to create textures and patterns.  Then the slab is rolled out thinner and thinner, and in the rolling process, the different colored layers gradually reveal themselves.  When the slab is thin enough and still soft, it is formed into a vessel.  Great care must be taken not to smear the patterns before the piece is fired.  Because they are made from slabs, striated ware urns have a soft, free, relaxed quality that is distinctly different from wheel-thrown ware.

How do I order an urn?

Please contact us at:  janet@janetlohrceramics.com.