The most accurate way to choose the size urn you will need is to determine the measurement of the ashes in cups or cubic inches. Cremation urn volumes are measured in cubic inches.
Urn industry standards say that your needs can be determined by using the general formula of one cubic inch per pound of body weight. For example, if a person weighed 175 pounds then an urn of at least 175 cubic inches would be needed. I think that formula is fine to use with pets, but with people I think it should be more based on height, not weight.
My current sizes are as follows:
XX SMALL: 2 - 3" tall, 7 - 14 cubic inches or 1/2 - 1 cup
X SMALL: 2 - 4" tall, 14 - 28 cubic inches or 1 - 2 cups
SMALL: 3 - 5" tall, 28 - 57 cubic inches or 2 - 4 cups
MEDIUM: 4 - 6 " tall, 57 - 86 cubic inches or 4 - 6 cups
LARGE: 5 - 7" tall, 86- 115 cubic inches or 6 - 8 cups
X LARGE: 6 - 8" tall, 115 - 144 cubic inches or 8 - 10 cups
XX LARGE: 6 - 9" tall, 144 - 173 cubic inches or 10 - 12 cups
LARGEST: 6 - 10" tall, 173 - 202 cubic inches or 12 - 14 cups
It is truly an honor for me to create a special, unique urn for a person who has lost a loved one. I like to think of each urn I make as an individual piece of art that will provide a beautiful place of rest for the beloved pet or person who passed.
I take extra time and care during the entire creation process, including the initial discussion which often occurs with my urn client. Many customers share photos and personal information of their beloved family member or pet so I can have a more intimate experience while I'm making the custom urn.
I purposely use more clay for urns so they are heavier and sturdier than my other pieces. The cork lids are an extra cost, including the time it takes to order each one to custom fit each urn. Wheel thrown ceramic lids take extra time too.
The time it takes to create a custom urn can vary greatly depending on my schedule. I allow myself 4-6 weeks, but many times it can be much quicker!
Thank you everyone who supported my business over the past seven years! It has been a wonderful journey and I couldn't have done it without the encouragement and appreciation of all of my in-person and on-line customers.