Handmade Wooden Urns for Ashes

Mike’s journey to create each urn begins with carefully selected timber. He sources most of his wood from local tree surgeons and sawmills, ensuring a connection to the local environment and sustainable practices. He particularly seeks out highly figured trees, such as Burr Horse Chestnut, Rippled Sycamore, Burr Elm, and Spalted Beech. These woods possess unique grain patterns and colours, making each urn distinct.

Once a piece of wood is chosen, Mike chainsaws it to slightly over the desired finished length and diameter, allowing for the creation of tenons and secure chucking methods on the lathe. To reduce weight and turning time, the corners are then cut off, transforming the log into an octagonal shape.

The next step involves rough turning the outside to shape and hollowing out the inside to approximately 20mm, guided by a precise laser beam. This initial turning is crucial for achieving the desired form. After this stage, the urn is stored for a significant period, typically between 6 and 12 months, allowing the wood to dry out naturally and thoroughly. This drying process is vital to prevent cracking and warping in the finished piece.

Once fully dry, the urn is returned to the lathe for its final turning. This is where the true artistry comes to life, with the walls hollowed out to a delicate thickness of between 5 and 7mm. This precise hollowing is a part of the process Mike particularly enjoys, finding immense pleasure in the transformation of the wood.

Enhancing Natural Beauty & Ensuring Quality

For woods like rippled sycamore, Burr Horse Chestnut, and field maple, which are naturally very pale, Mike may apply coloured dyes to enhance their captivating figure and bring out the intricate details of the grain.

The lids of our urns are meticulously crafted from premium Boxwood or African Blackwood. These woods are chosen for their density and stability, ensuring a precise fit. Each lid features a hand-cut thread, providing an airtight seal for security and peace of mind.

The Benefits of Our Carefully Selected Woods

The choice of wood significantly impacts the aesthetic and characteristics of our handmade wooden urns for ashes. We select specific woods for their unique qualities and inherent beauty:

Burr Horse Chestnut: Known for its stunning, swirling grain patterns and intricate “burrs” or growths, creating a truly unique and captivating appearance. These natural imperfections become features, telling a story within the wood.

Rippled Sycamore: Characterized by its wavy or “rippled” grain, which creates a mesmerizing play of light across the surface. Its pale colour makes it an excellent canvas for enhancing with dyes, highlighting its natural undulations.

Burr Elm: Similar to Burr Horse Chestnut, Burr Elm boasts dramatic and highly figured grain, often with a rich, warm tone. Elm wood is also known for its durability.

Spalted Beech: This wood presents a fascinating array of dark lines and patterns, a result of fungal growth that occurs during the drying process. The “spalting” creates unique and often intricate designs, making each piece an individual work of art.

Field Maple: A pale, fine-grained wood that offers a subtle elegance. Like rippled sycamore, its light colour is ideal for accepting dyes, allowing for customized aesthetics.

Honoring a Legacy: The Significance of Our Urns

Choosing one of Barley Wood’s handmade wooden urns for ashes is more than just selecting a product; it’s about choosing a memorial crafted with deep respect and understanding. Our urns provide a tangible connection to your loved one, a beautiful and enduring tribute that can be cherished for generations. The natural materials and artisan craftsmanship speak to a legacy of warmth, individuality, and enduring love.

For centuries, wood has been a symbol of life, growth, and connection to the earth. An urn crafted from wood embodies these powerful sentiments, offering a comforting and dignified resting place. According to a study by the National Funeral Directors Association, personalization in funeral arrangements is increasingly important to families, and a handcrafted wooden urn allows for a unique and meaningful expression of remembrance.