Art From the Ashes

When the cremains of many pets come home, they’re often tucked away in a closet and mostly forgotten. But artists across the country are finding ways to help pet owners memorialize their beloved companions by incorporating pet ashes into beautiful keepsake art, like paintings, pendants and even kitchen-ready bowls.

Mark Hamilton

Art From Ashes Tennis Balls

Artist Bob Burch created these glass tennis balls for Art From Ashes in Amherst, Mass. The original piece memorialized a Border Collie named Java who loved to play ball with his owner. Each one-of-a-kind tennis ball costs $300.

Courtesy of Deb Brown

Pet Art Memorial Abstract Painting

Artist Joy Bliss created this abstract painting, which included cremains mixed into the paints, for Pet Art Memorial in Prospect Heights, Ill. Original paintings range in price, from $165 for a 4-inch-by-4-inch work to $1,540 for a 20-inch-by-20-inch painting. Custom sizes are also available.

Joy Bliss

Psyche Cremation Jewelry Marble

Psyche Cremation Jewelry also offers a Spiral Galaxy Cremation Marble made with ashes. Artist Mark Hamilton says the most rewarding part of his work is giving people the opportunity to heal by talking about their pet when people comment on the pendants and marbles. This marble costs $97.

Mark Hamilton

Lorie's Inspirations Wirewrapped Pendants

At Lorie's Inspirations, Lorie Marsh offers keepsake pieces with ashes fused into the glass art. She started the company after she unexpectedly lost her beloved Sheltie, Sable. Prices for these customized wirewrapped pendants start at $110.

Lorie Marsh

Purple Cloud Studio Bowl

Michele Palenik's Purple Cloud Studio creates bowls that incorporate pet ashes. Not long after starting her business, Palenik reconnected with an old friend whose 18-year-old dog had recently passed away. Palenik integrated the dog’s ashes into a bowl with a peacock-feather design, and delivered it just before Thanksgiving. As the woman’s family gathered around her table for the holiday dinner, the woman clanged her glass and told everyone that the deceased Zippy was still at the table with them — in the bowl with the cranberry sauce.