Non-Traditional Cremation Urns and Jars-Stoneware

Made In Mud - Decorative Ceramics

“Non-Traditional” Cremation Urns and Jars

For Pets and People

Marcia Koski Finnerty

Made in USA

                                                        “Rusty Gears” $425.00

      For automotive mechanic.

If you desire a cremation urn or jar that screams here are the ashes of my deceased (fill in the blank) then this is not the place for you.  If you want something a little more, individual, edgy, sculptural, or unique, then you’ve come to the right place.  If you were looking for an urn which more appropriately  reflects the “quirky spirit of an  individual, or that one of a kind” personality of a loved one or pet then I can help design a special ceramic container that more closely reflects those characteristics.  I of course am happy to help with a more traditional style container if that is your wish. However, you might be happier with other traditional cremation urns/jar manufacturers, and to be honest they can probably make one cheaper, and faster.  My urns are made from high fire stoneware clay in my studio located in Arlington, Virginia.  My urns/jars are:  Frost proof, dishwasher safe and food safe except where noted.   

Under the Ocean-$450

For the Scuba Diver

Jewel of the Potomac-$335.00

If “Bling” is your thing?

My paradigm is that a container should fulfill three requirements:  1. Be expertly crafted and designed.  2.  Last an eternity, 3.  Say something meaningful about the individual it was made for, the artist who made it, and the culture/society where it was made.

My basis for this approach comes from the field of archeology. How do archeologists learn about the deeds of people, the activities of past societies and customs of long gone cultures?  In many instances these bits of information & knowledge are gleaned from excavations of graves, tombs, and funerary objects.  Consequently, I, as an artist hope to construct/design objects that will last an eternity, teach people about the accomplishments of the deceased, and say something about our culture. A cremation Jar/Urn can serve many purposes during its life.  Use it as a dog treat jar or cookie jar until it is needed for the final job.  Display it proudly as a work of art.  Use it and enjoy it while you are living as well as when you are dead.    My jars are food safe, & dishwasher

safe.  They can be reused again and again.

 

The Hand-$365.00

             This individual worked as a hand therapist?

I encourage YOU to contribute to the actual design process.  This is what separates my urns from others.  It is not just a brass plaque glued to the outside of a generic brass or wooden box, but rather a container imbued with the spirit of the deceased.  When discovered in a 1,000 years, archeologists will know something more than just a name of some random deceased person,  but will understand the personality and something about  their accomplishments.  Share the foibles about the deceased.  Laugh over their jokes, or cherish their compassion towards family and friends. We can work together to design a suitable container which memorializes their individual spirit.

Red Ruby $345.00

Regards, Marcia Koski Finnerty

Made In Mud – Decorative Ceramics

Non-Traditional Cremation Urns and Jars.

My construction method: 

I use high fire stoneware clays fired in an electric kiln.   My two methods are:  Slab and Extruder.  The extruder squeezes the clay  through a die.  I use simple geometric shapes to begin with and then alter as required according to your specifications of design and size.  Hollow extruded shapes include:  Squares, Circles, Cloverleaves, & Triangles.

 

Aquatic Fossils

$375.00

From these few simple basic hollow shapes an infinite number of other shapes can be constructed.  I can carve,  impress, paddle, rearrange add to and redefine the basic shape.  At the appropriate time, a flat slab is rolled out and added to make the bottom.  I often add design elements to the interior and to the inside bottom.  Seams are reinforced. Another slab is rolled out for the top and the lid, with it’s supporting structures are added.   The lid is designed such that it can be glued and permanently sealed at a later date if desired.  The lids are also designed such that the knobs can be customized.  Often individuals choose to select items of a personal nature which can be affixed to the lid and function as a knob.  Examples have included shotgun shell casings, rocks,/stones, fish hooks, golf balls, Lego’s , baby shoes, sea shells,  the list goes on etc.  If it can be glued or screwed to the top it can be attached.   

Mixed Clay-Agate Boxes $375.00 / Each

Shown with  a selection of optional knobs

If no type of knob is specified, I use a “generic, “plain” metal knob (brass, or brushed nickel) screwed onto the lid which is removable so that you can attach or glue a knob of your choice and customize to your needs at a later date. In the mean time it is completely serviceable for everyday needs.

Ok so now you are interested in learning more about exactly how to proceed in this endeavor.

Q.  First question one usually asks is about price.  How much is this going to cost?

Rock Bottom Example:

10” x 10” x 10”square = (100 cubic inches=100 lbs) smooth surface with a generic screwed on  metal knob, one color= $145.00 (includes, shipping via UPS, & packing) (Fall 2011)

Q.  Second Question is :  How do I know what size urn to purchase?

Very easy:  One cubic inch = 1 lb of body weight at time of death.

Q.  How do I calculate the volume? 

Volume (in cubic inches) = length x height x width

So a 50 lb dog might require a 50 cubic inch container.  A square box of dimensions 5” x 5” x 5” =125 cubic inches would hold the ashes of a 125 lb dog.  More than enough for a 50 lb dog. 

For this purpose a smaller:  4” x 4”x 4” =64 cubic inches  would be perfectly acceptable for a 50 lb dog and serve the purpose quite well.  Some individuals are requesting the urn be large enough to contain the ashes of themselves and their beloved pet (s).    Not a problem. It’s their choice.

The price for my urns are based on size and amount of surface decoration.  Larger= higher cost. If a lot of design elements are required, complex surface designs, multi firings for color then those are going to cost more.  So large complex designs will cost more than smaller, smooth surface and simple colors.  These urns are designed to be individual sculptural works of art in and of themselves, suitable for display and of museum quality.  Because they also may happen to serve as a final resting place for your loved one should not diminish their artistic qualities as stand alone sculpture.

Tree Stump-$450.00

For your Dog and You?