Cairn Ceramics began when a close friend asked that her own remains be incorporated into a tsatsa—a small Tibetan votive sculpture, made by hand and meant to last. Creating those first pieces for her friends and family revealed how art can hold memory in a profoundly personal way. From that experience came the idea for a memorial that could also be part of daily life—a piece that both responds to its surroundings, while also bringing a sense of peace and presence. The wind chime grew from that idea, joining form and sound in a way that allows remembrance to be felt, not just seen.

We hope each memorial chime offers a quiet sense of presence within your home or garden—a graceful form infused with the ashes of your loved one. Even in stillness, it can serve as a gentle reminder of closeness and continuity. When stirred by the wind, its soft tone may bring a moment of recognition or comfort. In this way, each piece is meant to keep memory near—subtle, tangible, and part of the rhythm of daily life.

Each porcelain piece is handcrafted and infused with a small portion of cremated remains. Once fired, the ashes become an inseparable part of the ceramic, creating a memorial that is both beautiful and deeply personal.

Yes. We blend a small portion of the remains into liquid porcelain, applying it to the interior of the form during casting. During firing, the remains become visible on the interior of the finished piece — a subtle and visible presence within.

Yes. Our chimes can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors and are designed for many years of gentle exposure. If displayed outside, they may need occasional cleaning with soap and water. Our double-strand nylon cord is UV- and rot-resistant, ensuring long life.

Our pieces are unglazed, highlighting the natural texture of the porcelain. Each element is finished with beeswax and walnut oil, which protect it from staining outdoors. Every piece is made by hand, so slight variations in texture and color are part of its unique character.

Our bells are cast by a third-generation foundry in Odawara, Japan. Made in the Japanese furin tradition, they are created from solid bronze, producing a clear, resonant tone and excellent resistance to the elements. The sound is a bright, lyrical note that sings softly in the breeze.

No. The porcelain elements—infused with your loved one’s remains—are purely sculptural. They hang in quiet presence above the bronze bell, which is the “voice” of the chime. We hope its singular tone becomes a comforting sound in your space, gently reminding you of your loved one.

Yes. You can choose from our available color palette and forms during ordering. Each piece is individually made, ensuring every chime is unique.

You can place your order directly through our website. Once received, we’ll send you a complimentary Collection Kit with everything you need to safely return the cremated remains.

You’ll receive your Collection Kit within about one week. After you return it to us, we begin the careful process of creating your memorial and will keep you informed along the way.

We require only a small amount—about two teaspoons for a single chime or four teaspoons for a double. Any unused ashes are respectfully returned with your finished piece.

Yes. A small portion of ashes is all that’s needed, so multiple chimes can be created for different family members or locations. For large orders of four to twelve chimes, we’ll be in touch to adjust the amount of remains required for production.

Yes. Cairn Ceramics creates memorials for people, and our companion brand, Kindred Spirits, offers the same care for beloved pets

The kit includes everything you need: a small container for remains, a secure resealable bag, protective packaging, and detailed instructions. You can reuse the provided box to send the remains back to us.

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service authorizes the mailing of cremated remains using the official box provided in our kit. When you ship using the official USPS express box, you are given the highest level of protection and tracking for your shipmen

Due to the sensitive nature of shipping remains, we ask that clients send them to us directly. This ensures you retain full control of the process, with tracking and insurance in your name. Using the provided packaging, you may ship by Priority Express (with the larger USPS Cremated Remains box) or by Priority Mail (with the smaller included box). This return shipment is the only portion of the process for which you cover postage.

Once we receive your Collection Kit, your memorial is completed and shipped within four to six weeks.

Yes. If you’re located near Portland, Oregon, you’re welcome to schedule a private drop-off appointment. Please add a note to your order during checkout, and we’ll reach out to coordinate details.

Yes. You’ll be notified when your kit arrives at our studio, and again when your finished memorial ships. Each update includes tracking information so you can follow your piece every step of the way.

We’re happy to provide a photo or two of your piece during creation upon request. Because the process is hands-on and time-sensitive, we don’t document every stage, but we understand that seeing your memorial take shape can be meaningful.

Your chime requires very little care. A gentle wipe with a soft, damp cloth is usually all that’s needed. Avoid harsh cleaning products or abrasive cloths. Over time, you may refresh the surface with a light touch of natural beeswax or walnut oil if desired.

Yes, though we recommend a sheltered placement—such as under a porch or pergola—to protect it from extreme weather. Porcelain and bronze are durable, but a covered location will best preserve the materials.

If your chime arrives damaged, we’ll replace it immediately at no cost. If it’s damaged later, we can often repair or recreate it using the original design details you provided. Just reach out to us and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Yes. We treat every memorial with care and respect, and can usually restore or recreate a damaged piece. Please contact us for details before shipping anything back.

Yes. We treat every memorial with care and respect, and can usually restore or recreate a damaged piece. Please contact us for details before shipping anything back.

Because each memorial is handcrafted and personalized, we’re unable to accept returns or exchanges. However, if your order arrives damaged or defective, we’ll make it right as quickly as possible.

Yes. We offer a reduced rate when three or more memorials are ordered at the same time from the same set of ashes. Please contact us before ordering if you’d like to discuss a group or family order.

Yes. We partner with Shop Pay to offer installment payment options at checkout. This allows you to divide your purchase into smaller payments over time.

Cairn Ceramics began when a close friend asked that her own remains be incorporated into a tsatsa—a small Tibetan votive sculpture, made by hand and meant to last. Creating those first pieces for her friends and family revealed how art can hold memory in a profoundly personal way. From that experience came the idea for a memorial that could also be part of daily life—a piece that both responds to its surroundings, while also bringing a sense of peace and presence. The wind chime grew from that idea, joining form and sound in a way that allows remembrance to be felt, not just seen.

We hope each memorial chime offers a quiet sense of presence within your home or garden—a graceful form infused with the ashes of your loved one. Even in stillness, it can serve as a gentle reminder of closeness and continuity. When stirred by the wind, its soft tone may bring a moment of recognition or comfort. In this way, each piece is meant to keep memory near—subtle, tangible, and part of the rhythm of daily life.

You’re welcome to include a personal note or brief dedication for our records. While we don’t add inscriptions directly to the chime itself, we keep each message with care as part of your order documentation.

Yes. We partner with select funeral and cremation professionals who share our values of integrity, compassion, and respect. These partnerships allow us to extend our work to families seeking thoughtful, handcrafted memorial options through trusted local services.