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Post by feltsteph on Dec 9, 2020 12:07:38 GMT
Hi, I've been asked if I would be interested in making a felt urn for the ashes of a lovely lady felter. It's not my usual thing although I have made felt vessels before. I was just wondering if anyone here has made urns in the past and whether there's anything particular I should consider? I've realised it will need to be lined and closable, but suggestions for both would be gratefully received!
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Post by lyn on Dec 9, 2020 13:12:49 GMT
Here's my tuppence worth. I would get hold of an urn (or a vessel that could be used as an urn - earthenware or plastic - of a simple shape) then make a felted version, using a resist, that would snugly enfold it.
I hope some others can come up with ideas.
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Post by newfeltpresence on Dec 9, 2020 13:25:10 GMT
There are several articles on this in this months IFA magazine
Worth a look
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 9, 2020 15:34:27 GMT
My condolences on the loss of your friend.
Size is the biggest thing. I would contact a crematorium and ask about what to expect in volume of ashes so your vessel will hold all of them. Also to not make the opening too small so it is not difficult to put the ashes in. In my experience, they arrive in a box with a not very tough plastic bag inside.
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 9, 2020 15:35:47 GMT
There are several articles on this in this months IFA magazine Worth a look Sadly, I am not a member. |
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Post by MTRuth on Dec 9, 2020 17:29:08 GMT
I agree with Ann. I think that you should probably use a regular, simple urn that is already made for this. Then you can cover it with felt using a resist as Lyn suggests.
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Post by lindsay on Dec 10, 2020 7:12:11 GMT
I agree that making a felt jacket using a resist to fit a purpose-made urn (or similar container) is probably the best idea. A couple of things to think about. If you want the felt to be removable (eg to wash it) the top can’t be significantly narrower than the body as you can’t get it on & off. Even if you don’t want the felt to be removable, think about the shape and how you’ll get the felt on there. You can make the bottom the entry point of course and you can put the felt on the vessel before it’s completely finished and finish it around the vessel. You could plan to stitch it in place. Either way, these are things to decide before choosing the container.
Sorry if this is completely obvious but I quite often make felt jackets for things like vases and find I have to think through which shapes are useable.
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Post by lyn on Dec 10, 2020 11:57:32 GMT
I agree. Fortunately there are a lot of simple urn styles that taper gradually.
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Post by feltsteph on Dec 10, 2020 13:04:20 GMT
Thank you, your thoughts are all really helpful, particularly the suggestion to keep the neck wide enough to get the ashes in easily! The lady's husband was inspired by flicking through the article in the Felt Matters magazine (I do get it, fortunately!), and he particularly likes the organic shape made by Uurna. It's like a seed pod or flower bud, so I won't be able to make it around a conventional urn, and it will need some designing to ensure the neck isn't narrow! Hmm, oh well, I do like a challenge!
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 10, 2020 17:53:11 GMT
If you make a seed shape you could leave a long slit opening on the back or bottom and sew it up after inserting the ashes. Now you make me wish I was a member, but it's a lot of money to get the magazine. They don't seem to have a presence in North America, although there are members here.
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Post by feltsteph on Dec 11, 2020 9:41:31 GMT
If you make a seed shape you could leave a long slit opening on the back or bottom and sew it up after inserting the ashes. Now you make me wish I was a member, but it's a lot of money to get the magazine. They don't seem to have a presence in North America, although there are members here. That's a good idea, thanks! I suppose it depends how he intends to keep the ashes long-term. Lots of questions to ask! I joined IFMA last year to get insurance for events and workshops, and the magazine and online presence is a nice extra. Happy so far. |
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Post by Ann @ frabjous fabrica on Dec 12, 2020 9:06:45 GMT
I have made funerary urns for part of ashes (where families have wanted to share) and also for pet ashes, as well as looking at urns for full ashes. In my case the intention was for everything to be biodegradable so that the ashes could be planted in a natural burial site, usually under or at the base of a tree.
The ashes can be surprisingly heavy, especially if the vessel is for all of the ashes, as well as quite a large quantity. So your felt will need to be strong. I suggest using Bergschaf fibres - hairy but easy to felt and giving a good strong and dense felt. If the urn is to sit on the mantleshelf rather than be buried then I suggest a cloth bag to hold the ashes to be placed inside the urn, otherwise the ashes should not leak out through the felt. As for the opening, with some careful fore-thought about closures it is possible to work out a sort of double closure which will keep all safe until burial has taken place.
Hope this helps.
Ann
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Post by prairiesky on Dec 22, 2020 16:59:14 GMT
Such a touching and fabulous project! Great suggestions from all of the above, can’t think of a thing to offer. Permeability would be an issue for sure and I would lean more towards an internal “holder” of some such nature as well as well structured felt. The exterior can still be embellished. If you had a receptacle that could be wrapped in a “bag” of wonderful felt and bunched together at the top, tied with maybe a felted cord or a threaded cord through holes in the top draping around.....I don’t know....just rambling....good luck, you will do wonders I am sure!
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Post by flights on Dec 31, 2020 12:04:08 GMT
Sorry only just seen this thread. I make urns for ashes and was also featured in the same Felt Matters edition. These are mostly decorative items that can be kept at home instead of being buried if that is what is required. I do also make 'pouches' though, which are much simpler. I mostly get asked for custom colours and shapes though there are some examples on www.wellurnedrest.com. It is surprising how vibrant some people want their urns to be - celebrating a joyous life, while still mourning a loss. The important thing is to ensure you have the volume right especially if it is to be for all the ashes, rather than 'scatter' vessels. You should also line it - cotton, silk or cremfilm. Cremation ashes are very very fine and would migrate into the wool if it isn't lined. And yes, they are heavy! Do come back to me if you want further advice, either here or by email. |
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Post by Shepherdess on Dec 31, 2020 23:51:58 GMT
Can I ask what cremfilm is?
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