About WoodWorks

I’ve enjoyed woodworking most of my adult life but had never considered making cremation urns until my mom and dad passed away several years ago. That’s when I discovered that creating a cremation urn – and doing it really well – can be quite challenging from a woodworking standpoint. I also learned that the experience is highly gratifying. The idea that my work may bring a bit of comfort to a family dealing with the loss of a loved one means a lot to me.

Each cremation urn I create is personally hand crafted in my studio in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Over the years, I’ve created a variety of design concepts, but each piece is unique. For many of my urns, I choose domestic hardwoods – cherry, maple, hickory, walnut – but I also use a variety of exotic species including African makore (ma-kór-ee), African sapele, Brazilian rosewood and teak. I personally select the lumber for each piece.

I finish my urns with clear Danish oil to bring out the natural grain, character and luster of the wood. No colored stains are used. (If I want the beautiful look of cherry, I’ll choose a piece of beautiful cherry.) As a final step, several coats of a water-based top coat are applied to provide a clear protective finish.

Urns are constructed using precisely mitered, grain-matched corners. Special fasteners secure the top to the case yet allow the wood to “float” to accommodate seasonal and humidity changes – a feature that prevents joint failure or split wood that can occur when a more common glue or screw technique is used. Access to the interior of these urns is through the Baltic birch plywood base that is attached with four brass screws and finish washers. Felt pads are applied to the feet or base to protect furniture from scratches.

Certain designs are intended for scattering and feature a top that slides open to allow easy access to the contents. The piece can serve later as a home for special keepsake items.

Urns how here re available as shown or can be customized in a variety of ways. For example, different wood species can be used in different designs; contrasting woods can be used in the same urn, etc. Normal lead time for completion is 14 days although faster turnaround may be possible. Please contact me via email or phone to discuss what you have in mind.

Steve Patton

spatton@ideas-happen.com

715-453-8589