Our Story

Cairn Ceramics began from a sacred request. In 2022, as she neared the end of her life, our beloved friend Kristin asked Todd, a lifelong ceramicist, to create sacred objects infused with her ashes, to be shared with her friends and family. Kristin requested tsatsas—small votive sculptures used in Tibetan Buddhism to honor beloved teachers and loved ones by blending their remains with clay, creating blessed memorials that keep their spirit present.

Todd carefully infused Kristin’s cremains into porcelain, crafting vibrant, colorful pieces in yellow, blue, green, and more—capturing her love of color and life. Her friends across the country received these deeply personal gifts, each one a tangible way to keep Kristin close.

From this experience came the idea for a memorial that could be part of daily life: a piece that responds to its surroundings while bringing a sense of peace and presence. The wind chime grew from that idea, joining form and sound so that remembrance can be felt, not just seen. We believe Kristin still guides us. Each chime is made to order, with about a teaspoon of a loved one’s ashes fired into the porcelain, and crafted by hand with reverence and deep respect for the life it honors.

Todd McMurray has been a craftsperson in ceramics and metal for more than 30 years, and Laela brings her gifts as a designer and yoga instructor. Married since 1996, they live and work together in Portland, Oregon, where they have made memorial pieces with cremated remains since 2022.

It is our honor to walk alongside you in this process. Please reach out with any questions—we are here to support you every step of the way, and deeply privileged to help create a tribute that keeps your loved one’s life close.

With care,

Laela & Todd