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  • Ceramic urn, from clay to urn

    Each ceramic urn from Lalief are handmade from a large block of clay. Clay is a natural raw material and the basis for making ceramics. There are many different types and colors of clay, different glazes and techniques. So endless possibilities. Below I take you through the process of making the mini ceramic urn with aluminum wire.

    Shaping, glazing, drying and baking

    To make the ceramic urn with aluminum wire, I use white clay with a matte glaze. First, I knead the air out of the clay, weigh the pieces of clay on a kitchen scale and make them into equal smaller balls. Then I give all the pieces of clay the right shape. Letting it rest for one day makes the outside firmer, the inside remains soft. Then I cut the urn in half, hollowed out the urn and glued both sides back together. Before the clay can be fired for the first time it must be air dried. When the clay turns a light color and is no longer cold to the touch, it is dry.

    From clay to urn, a slow process

    Now the ceramic urn can be fired for the first time at 980 degrees, the bicuit firing. The ceramic urn is now strong and dry, but still porous enough to absorb glaze. The ceramic urn is glazed and fired again at 1080 degrees, also called the glaze firing. At 200 degrees you may open the oven, but it is best to let it cool completely. So please be patient. Once everything has come out of the kiln properly, I provide all ceramic urns with a wire figure and cap.

    Maakproces keramiek urn lalief

    A ceramic urn is made with love

    The whole process of forming, drying, firing, glazing and firing again takes an average of 3 weeks. Hence the longer delivery time for a custom urn. All ceramic urns for humans and animals are made with love and attention. Each urn goes through my hands several times and no two urns are the same, which makes each one unique.

    Sustainable

    Leftover clay and glazes are reused so nothing goes to waste. Firing the furnace, of course, takes a lot of energy. The solar panels on the barn roof generate power for my oven and studio. I also make sure that the packaging of my ceramic urns is as recyclable as possible.

    Resomerizing

    What is resembling?

    Resembling the body is done by a chemical process. Through this process, the deceased person is decomposed in a pressure vessel made of steel. For this chemical process, a substance with a high pH value is used. In most cases, this is potassium hydroxide dissolved in hot water. Resomination is therefore, so to speak, an alternative method to burial or cremation of the deceased. Sometimes resomination is also called alkalined hydrolysis, bio-creaming or aquamating. The word resomer comes from “resoma” in Greek, which means “rebirth of the body.

    How does resembling work?

    A funeral in which the deceased is resurrected proceeds in the same manner as any other funeral. Only the last step is different. This is because the body is decomposed through the use of alkaline hydrolysis instead of being buried or burned.

    It is good to know that the body can only be laid in a wool or linen wade. Thus, during resembling, there is no use of a casket or burial board. The cabin door is opened, the body is placed, and the room and vessel are sealed. The body is then weighed by sensors and it is calculated how much water and base will be needed to resurrect the body.


    After the preparation, alkaline hydrolysis follows: in this process, a certain amount of a base and water is introduced into the of steel vessel. The vessel is then put under high pressure and the liquids are mixed by a pump. The temperature is between 100 and 180°C. The chemicals cause the body to decompose, and the organic substances that were in the body are absorbed into the liquid.
    The cabin is then emptied leaving only bones of the deceased and a sterile water-like fluid. The liquid is purified in a water treatment plant and flows back into the water cycle. The residue is dried and ground into a white powder. The powder can be kept in a self-selected urn or scattered.
    The whole process takes 3 to 4 hours, with most of the time spent dissolving the body.

    Sustainability

    This process is more sustainable than burying or cremating a deceased person. Resembling releases fewer greenhouse gases and particulate matter, Also, no coffin or burial board is lost.

    You can see more information about resembling in the NOS video on this page.

    Buying an urn keepsake box as a personal memorial

    When a dear family member passes away, a tangible reminder of your loved one can help you come to terms with the loss. Buying an urn keepsake box, however, is an emotional decision that you want to make in peace. Because in order to orient yourself properly, you need time to look at the different options. What type of urn do you choose, what shape and what material? There is an ample choice of all kinds of large or smaller urns, where you will naturally go for one that best reflects your feelings for the loved one.

    What exactly is an urn keepsake box?

    An urn keepsake box is a special vase, jar, or box designed to hold the ashes of the deceased after cremation. For centuries, urn keepsake boxes have been used to keep the memory of a loved one alive. So, in this way you will always know your loved one is close by. A comforting thought. But how do you choose the best model when you go to buy an urn keepsake box? And what do you look for? This is not so simple, as there are numerous shapes and materials available. That’s why we list the different options for you.

    Urn-buying-Love

    Various materials and shapes

    When buying an urn, keepsake box a number of things are important, including material, shape, and durability. Most urn keepsake boxes are made of ceramic. Other used materials are also available, such as marble, wood, brass, and glass. There is also plenty of choice in terms of design. Traditionally designed urn keepsake boxes are the most common, but there are also a variety of beautifully designed models, such as a broken heart, a tear or a Buddha statue. So whether you’re looking for an ornate or sturdy urn keepsake box, or a special, custom-made one, the choice is yours.

    Buying an urn keepsake box, what do you look for?

    Of course, you choose an urn keepsake box primarily based on your personal taste and budget. But if you want to keep it for a long time, a durable, high-quality one is a must. Of course, appearance also plays a role, as the various material types have their own look and feel. For example, natural stone looks robust, while glass and ceramics tend to be colorful.

    Buying a personalized urn keepsake box

    Because each person is unique, many bereaved people prefer a special urn keepsake box with individual details that recall the life of the deceased. To give the urn keepsake box a personal touch, you can choose to have an urn keepsake box engraved, for example, with your loved one’s name and date of birth and death. However, sayings or favorite song lyrics can also make a beautiful and unique keepsake. You can read more about a custom urn keepsake box here.

    Create a special place inside

    Indoors, an urn keepsake box looks beautiful, such as on the mantelpiece or in another beautiful place in the house. With a photo, a flower and a candle, you create a very personal place in memory of your loved one.