Bronze Urn FAQ's
Can I order and pay for an urn online?
Each urn design page gives you a form with which to place an order. After you place your request, a review page comes up so you can check your information. The button at the bottom of that page sends your information, your choices, and your comments to me. I will follow up shortly with any final questions and your shipping charges. When your choices are made, you will recieve an email from PayPal with arrangements to pay with your credit card. PayPal is an established, safe internet transaction service. Nothing is final, until you make this payment. Checks through the mail are also accepted, but will cause a delay of a week or more as they are processed.How big is the urn? Will the urn hold all the ashes? Are other sizes available?
The dimensions and cubic inches of each standard-size design are indicated on the respective information page. An urn of about 160 cubic inches is almost always enough. To be sure, measure the volume of ashes or consult with your funeral home about size. It is absolutely fine to use an urn that is larger than strictly necessary. To measure the volume of ashes: measure (in inches) the height of the ashes in a square container, multiply the height by the inner width, and multiply again by the inner depth (front to back dimension) - this will give you the volume in cubic inches (height x width x depth = volume)If the standard size is not suitable, other sizes can be custom ordered. For custom sized urns contact David Orth.
The funeral home has its own urns. Can I use yours instead?
Funeral homes are legally obligated to use whatever urn you provide for them. In fact, please tell your funeral home about these urns. Perhaps, in the future, your funeral home will carry them.How is the urn opened for use?
The openings are hidden on the bottom of the urns. Turn the urn upside down on a protective surface. If necessary have someone help hold the urn for you. Remove the solid brass screws that hold the base plate in place. If you do not wish to transfer the ashes yourself, ask a friend or ask your funeral home to do this. See how it works here.Return Policy?
All standard urns may be returned for any reason for a refund or exchange within the first 10 days. They must be in their original, new condition. In all cases, you must obtain return authorization by calling 815-943-4099. Shipping & handling costs cannot be refunded. Always insure a returning urn for the full value - we cannot accept responsibility for urns damaged or lost during return shipments. Custom urns (including urns with inscriptions, custom sizes, and custom finishes) are not returnable.
Can you personalize the urn with an inscription?
A name and dates, or other phrase can be inscribed directly into the bronze. Find more inscription details here.Can I use the urn outdoors?
The bronze urns can be placed indoors or outdoors. If placed outdoors, you can expect changes to the patina and protective coating over several years time. You can choose to let the urn age naturally or you can give it a fresh coat of lacquer every other year to maintain it's original appearance. Instructions will be provided with the urn.
Also, consider that the taller urns - especially the Watchtower Urn - may be suseptible to high winds and should be placed accordingly.
Do not leave the stoneware urns outside in freezing conditions.
In what ways can the urn be personalized or customized?
There are 4 custom options. Further information can be found on the links.1. Custom Urn Size (contact David for size options)
2. Custom patina/finish (additional $250)
3. Inscription ($2.00 per letter)
4. Hard wax finish for outdoor use (no extra charge)
How do I care for the urn?:
The urns are protected with a high quality lacquer. Indoors, they do not require any special care. If you place your urn outside in the garden, then changes to the color or patina can be expected, but it will be a couple of years before you notice anything. You may decide to let it age naturally, but if you prefer, the original colors can be maintained with a fresh coat of lacquer every other year. Written instructions on care, up keep, and use of urns, will be included with your order.Can I trust this Internet purchase?
All the urns are personally handled by the artist. David Orth has been designing and crafting both furniture and ceremonial objects for over 30 years for a very demanding audience. Take a look at the references and other background information. Don't hesitate to place a personal call or to e-mail David with your concerns or questions.What inspired you to make urns?
In 2001, in spite of the fact that I am primarily a furniture maker and sculptor, a couple came to my studio needing two urns within one week - one for a mother, the other for a longtime friend. I will remember them for their attitude of both grief for life lost and joyful celebration for life lived. They suggested that we do something 'seriously beautiful' to celebrate these two dear lives. I suspect they knew I would be a sucker for anything they put that way.
As I researched the internet to see what urns were generally like, I was completely floored by what the public was asked to accept as memorials for their loved ones - boxy boxes, sentimental trinkets, stuffy funeral industry stuff, and, of course, plenty of dolphins, wolves, & golf clubs.
I really didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So I reached for a pencil and paper. I wanted to make urns that were fresh - and timeless - both things. Something that spoke quietly of our love, sorrow, hope, and our need to carry on. Something intrinsically beautiful & noble. Something people would be pleased to have around even if there were no need for it.
When the two urns were completed, the couple returned to my studio - with the ashes. I swept off an area of the well worn workbench. We lit a candle, briefly recalled each life, and transferred the ashes to their new homes. The simple role of contributing this one element for their personal process was deeply meaningful to me. For an artist, it doesn't get any better than that.