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Author: Kate

Finding The Right Words

Posted on by Kate

Finding the right words can be challenging at the best of times. I imagine that we will all have examples of moments in our life where we’ve stumbled over the right thing to say. However, we know it can be particularly difficult to find a way to express the love felt for someone special in our lives when arranging a memorial for them. This is why we wanted to create space for a conversation around writing memorial inscriptions.

Our experience in crafting memorials suggests that this is something that many individuals struggle with. If you are reading this and this holds true for you in this season, then you have come to the right place and we are glad to the have opportunity to explore different ways of writing the perfect memorial inscription. 

The History Of Traditional Memorial Inscriptions

Memorials have been utilised for longer than we might imagine. The very first memorials included the person’s name, date of birth and death and short tribute. The traditional formatting enabled memorials to be a record of life which, alongside the hundreds of memorials in each location, could create a bigger picture of life as a whole. 

Traditional memorial formatting still has a place in modern-day memorial inscriptions, it is just no longer a requirement for all memorial pieces. We find these types of memorials still prove popular, in the UK in particular, many still like to observe tradition at times such as these. Some choose to honour tradition completely by using traditional materials such as brass, however, we also find that we craft many traditional designs into modern materials such as Corian. Though we love that modern memorial design allows space for creativity and expression in a way that traditional memorial design does not, we still value and appreciate the respect for the original formatting of memorials. 

Making A Memorial Your Own

There is no right or wrong way to design a memorial. The way we each express love is different, and the people we are honouring and celebrating are all different too, so it is wonderful to be able to design and craft memorials that cherish this uniqueness too. At UK Memorials, we craft the widest range of memorials that you can imagine. From colourful, poetic celebrations to simple, but entirely beautiful, tributes – both are pieces that we feel privileged to craft that have a place of their own. 

Previously, we created a page dedicated to word-orientated tributes (which can be found on the website of our sister company – The Sign Maker). It can be helpful to see the routes that other individuals have taken to celebrate their loved ones. You may find this a practical place to start if you’re in the process of designing a memorial for a loved one, and you’re finding the process particularly challenging.

At UK Memorials, we delight in being able to design memorials that work for you. The most important thing about a memorial inscription is that it celebrates your loved one in a way that is meaningful to you, and we are here every step of the way to help you achieve that. 

Contact Us

If you have any questions or queries, we would love to hear from you.

You can call us on 01769 561355, or email us at sales@sign-maker.net. 

Alternatively, you can also find us on Facebook by clicking here. 

Crafting Bespoke Memorials with Impact Engraving

Posted on by Kate

At UK Memorials, we pride ourselves on crafting bespoke memorials that are reflective of the loved ones that our customers are honouring. As a result, we have crafted some truly unique pieces over the years – memorials that we are proud to have brought together using a blend of traditional and modern crafting methods by our top-performing craftsmen. Because of the expertise within our team, we enjoy trialling new techniques that enable our memorial tributes to meet and exceed expectations. 

Being client-led pushes us to be constantly looking to better the way we approach crafting our memorials. Most recently, we found that individuals were approaching us wanting clearer imagining and refined details to push the design of their memorials to the next level. Impact engraving has proved itself to be the best way to achieve the results that are greatly sought after. 

The Process Of Impact Engraving

You might be wondering what makes impact engraving different from other engraving techniques? How does impact engraving mark with great precision that standard engravers? Ultimately, it is thanks to the work of a high-speed needle that enables the impact engraver to work to such proficiency. The consistent finish of impact engraving is crafted by the needle repeatedly piercing the surface of the material. Though granite is the material that we trialled this new technique on – we hope to experiment with impact engraving across different stone types to see if it proves successful for other memorials too.

We have been using this new machine for a few months now, and we have received some great feedback about the designs crafted by impact engraving. Despite using this same technique across a number of pieces, each design has a unique appearance (check out our gallery here) as we are able to alter the needle movement’s strength and frequency. These alterations mean that our team can create character and depth with designs, particularly images, and we can craft memorials that are exquisitely detailed. 

Working With Uk Memorials

Crafting a unique memorial is about more than just the design, we also believe that the craftsmanship of these pieces can make a substantial difference. We want your memorial tribute to stand out for all the right reasons – something that we hope we achieved across all of the signage that we are privileged to work on.

If you’d like to know more about the way that we craft our memorials, then please do get in touch with us. If you’ve reached our site and you’re looking for a memorial piece – rest assured that we are a safe pair of hands for a high-quality memorial that has been cared for at every stage of production. We’d love to hear from you and work alongside you on a piece that we know means much more than being just a memorial. 

Pet Memorials

Posted on by Kate

When we spend so much time with our pets, little and large, it is not surprising that they come to mean so much to us. Whether they are a faithful, loyal dog, a playful, cosy cat or a noble and trustworthy horse – each pet is special to us. It is not surprising that when they pass we want a little token to remember them by. That is why here at UK Memorials, we make a range of memorials specifically for pets. The team at UK Memorials have the joy of loving a wide range of furry friends including cats, horses, dogs and even ferrets, so we know how much these memorials mean to you. We have created this blog to navigate you through some examples of the beautiful pet memorials that you could choose from.

Engraved Pet Memorials

At UK Memorials, we can create an All-In-One Engraved Plaque and holder. These pet memorials are great value for money and are ideal for displaying in the garden. Engraved brass is a traditional choice. It has an excellent shine when maintained but this necessary upkeep isn’t for everybody. If you’re looking for a memorial plaque that is virtually maintenance-free, then aluminium or acrylic laminate may be a better option for you.

Our engraved memorial plaques are also a popular pet memorial choice here at UK Memorials. They come in a variety of materials, including Corian. Corian is a long-lasting and low- maintenance material that comes in a wide selection of colours. It is a bit like a stone substitute but it is actually man-made. It is made from stone dust and resin which provides a stone-like appearance and feel but with a more uniform finish. Slate Corian is one of the most popular colours but Marble, Anthracite and Everest are lovely colours too.

Engraved aluminium plaques are also an option. The aluminium plaques are available in several colours (black and dark bronze being our most popular). The engraving is done by laser which enables you to design a plaque with smaller text and finer details. Additionally, the stainless steel plaques that we create are tough and hard-wearing making them a popular choice. The lettering can be etched or laser engraved and photos can even be incorporated into the design.

In addition to the plaque you can add a wooden backing board and or a stake so that the plaque can be displayed easily from outside. Click here to see our Wooden Backing Boards and stakes.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON ENGRAVED PLAQUES

UK memorials has a wide range of engraved pet memorial plaques.

Photo Memorial Plaques

We have a great selection of full colour memorial options including:

Porcelian plaques which aremade from vitreous porcelain, the Porcelain pet memorials are ideal for being outdoors. Their ceramic pigments are fade-resistant and the plaques are easy to maintain due to their durable finish. Some pet owners like to include a few words with their memorials. With these particular pieces, we can mount them onto a piece of stone-like Corian and engrave the wording there.

Full-Colour Anodised Memorials use the latest technology to lock the memorial in an anodised layer of aluminium. You can design a memorial with images, drawings and words that you have written which can be a great way to pay a personal tribute to your pet. When paired with a wooden backing board, these memorials can be a stunning part of a pet memorial.

Finally, Tough print plaques are one of the highest quality materials you can use for full colour pet memorials. It is exceptionally hardwearing and long-lasting and has a beautiful look and finish. It works like a printed photograph and wording can be included.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON PHOTO MEMORIALS

High-quality, full colour pet memorials crafted at UK Memorials.

Stone Pet Memorials

In the workshop at UK Memorials, we work with a wide range of stone materials to make beautiful pet memorials. From memorial tablets made from granite to stone plinths and slate memorials, we can create a pet memorial that works for you. Stone memorials have a beautiful, finished and bold appearance. Our stone memorials vary in shape and size leaving you the opportunity to design a pet memorial that is right for you.

One suggestion we have is the slate memorials. Slate is the material we use most for memorials. Slate can be cut which leaves you the space to design a piece that works for you. The lettering is traditionally engraved into the slate but we can use the modern technique of sandblasting to leave the letters raised on the slate instead. Both methods have a beautiful, long-lasting effect.

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR STONE MEMORIALS

High-quality stone memorials crafted specifically for pets.

Wooden Pet Memorials

Wooden memorials have a unique softness that is ideal for pet memorials. They are popular because of their natural appearance and our carpenters can create a stunning piece for you. Varnished Oak and Iroko are the most popular timbers and they can seem a more appropriate choice than something formal such as brass. The lettering of your choosing is burnt into the wood using an engraving laser and then they can be left or painted in. It can be challenging to find the right words for a memorial so you may find our memorial inscriptions blog useful. As you are creating a memorial for your pet, you may like to include an image too.

The simple oak posts make wonderful and fitting memorial pieces. The top of an oak post is cut at a 45-degree angle to create a backing board for the wooden plaque to be placed on. Once completed, they are then easy to put into the ground of your garden, lawn or woodland burial site. These natural posts are in keeping with the surroundings while also providing a tribute to your much-loved pet.

However you design your wooden memorial, these pieces would make a great tribute to your much-loved pet. It would be a privilege to design and create a memorial alongside you in their memory.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON OUR WOODEN MEMORIALS 

 

High-quality wooden pet memorials crafted at UK Memorials.

Deciding on a pet memorial can be a challenge. We aim to create pieces that are in line with what you want and need from a memorial sign. At UK Memorials, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive a high quality product matched with excellent customer service. Please do get in touch with any questions or queries you have.

Telephone – 01769 561355

Website – https://uk-memorials.net/ // https://www.sign-maker.co.uk/memorials-55-c.asp

Caring For A Brass Plaque

Posted on by Kate

Maintaining particular plaques can be challenging, particularly for some of our more traditional memorials. Despite crafting with top quality materials, even we can’t fully protect your memorial against the unpredictable British weather! That being said, we are here to support you in caring for your memorials. This is why we are sharing this blog with you today.

We get a variety of questions about brass specifically. So we wanted to use this space to explore how you can protect and maintain a brass plaque.

Why Does Brass Tarnish?

We love crafting with brass because it is a traditional, timeless classic! Brass memorials have existed since the 13th century, and they have been a popular choice ever since. So, despite brass proving itself to be more difficult to maintain, we still back brass memorials and believe them to be a worthy choice. Some even enjoy having to maintain these pieces for their loved ones.

Brass is a metal alloy, meaning that it is composed of two or more elements. In this case, brass is composed of copper (for lower habitability of bacteria) and zinc (for strength), among other metal elements like lead and iron. Copper and zinc, when exposed to water or moisture, cause the brass to corrode through a process of oxidisation. Oxidised brass turns shades of black, blue and green – but rest assured that this is merely staining on the surface of the brass. This is why you can maintain a brass plaque back to its former shiny self. 

How Can You Maintain A Brass Plaque?

The nature of brass means that it will tarnish over time and it will require regular buffing to maintain its appearance. Some people like to treat their signs with a light layer of Vaseline or Olive Oil as this reduces the rate of tarnishing without detracting from the appearance of the sign. 

We would advise polishing gently with a soft cloth as brass scratches easily. Applying a brass polish such as Braso is recommended. However, try not to overuse brass polish as sometimes this can have a detrimental effect. Over polishing, or polishing aggressively, can lead to the removal of the brass plating, which inevitably will change the appearance of a brass plaque. It is worth noting also that, as a company, we choose to avoid using varnish on our brass plaques. Our experience shows that the varnish weathers and forms an unsightly scaly appearance. 

The process of frequently polishing a brass plaque should be quick and easy. In the long run, this will maintain the quality of your plaque, and keep it looking its best for longer. 

Click Here For Brass Cleaning Video

Reach Out to UK Memorials

If you’ve arrived at Uk Memorials and you don’t know who we are, we are a sister company to The Sign Maker. The Sign Maker are a Devon-based, family-run, bespoke sign making and memorial business. We pride ourselves on crafting high-quality signage by award-winning craftsmen and having immaculate customer service. This is why we share blogs like these to support you in maintaining your memorials.

We welcome you to reach out to us with your questions or queries on brass signage – we would be delighted to hear from you and help you out where we can. Alternatively, find us on social media, via email or through our online shop to check out our extensive memorial catalogs.

Navigating Grief In Nature

Posted on by Kate

As much as Uk Memorials is a business with a focus on crafting beautiful bespoke memorials, we also want to be a part of opening the conversation around the experience of grief and loss, and the role that nature can play within it. Though this blog is a little different to the content we usually share, we hope it is a post that you will find useful wherever or whenever this finds you.

Taking A Walk With Grief

Nature can be incredibly healing – allowing us space to be mindful and find an unexplainable sense of peace. Many have suggested that being out in nature can be something that can enable those who are grieving to weave themselves back into a gentle pace of living, even while experiencing one of the deepest aches to exist.   

Being out and about can be a simple way of existing with, and moving through, difficult feelings. Walking allows us to be present while the sensory experience of nature is immersive and can have a calming effect. Walking in nature can also allow grief to be present without it being too overwhelming. Some find it particularly helpful to walk to meaningful places to them or to the person that they have lost. There can be a tangible sense of peace found in the places that have a special meaning to us. For example, I like to walk around the Cheltenham university grounds; I went there often with my grandparents. I find walking there makes me feel connected to my Papa, even though he is no longer with us. There is a lake there with several ducks, as well as seasonal flowers and lots of greenery. Walking there is incredibly nostalgic, as well as being a space outside to explore.

Mental benefits aside, walking in nature can also improve other challenges that may arise with grief. For instance, it is unsurprising that many find that they either sleep too much or not enough. A regular walking routine could improve our sleep quality significantly which may make the world of difference to how we can manage in our day-to-day. 

We would encourage you to take a walk outside in nature when experiencing feelings of grief. Mindfully approaching this time in your life may enable you to find your way with less anguish than before. Take your time, and go at your own pace – just as and when you are ready. 

Nature Exploration

Grief can be wildly unpredictable, but the immersive experience of nature can enable us to feel rooted – even in subtle ways. Actively exploring nature can be a relief to those who are grieving. Renewal and growth in nature can remind us that life hasn’t stood still, even when it feels like it has. Engaging with nature, as opposed to just being surrounded by it, can prevent individuals from ruminating in their grief. Whether out in the forestry or exploring the coastline – nature is all around us! It can be joyous to try new things, like building a den or a fire. I enjoy watching the seasons change noting down what makes each one different from the one before. Absorbing and learning from life around us during a season of grief can be particularly beneficial to children and their families. 

Nature exploration doesn’t have to be something that you do on your own! Finding community is also important for those who are grieving. Groups such as The Wave Project and Ramblers can provide a community in the exploration of the outdoors. They have the potential to transform the loneliness of grief into a time of connection when it is needed most. 

What Can We Do, and who else can support you?

At Uk Memorials, we want to enable you to remember your loved ones with unique celebratory memorials. We care about the pieces that we craft ultimately because we care about you. Our amazing customer service team are on hand to speak with you about your memorials; the team can guide you through the process of designing a memorial as a tribute to your loved one, but ultimately, we know we don’t have all the answers when it comes to grieving. 

Nobody should have to grieve alone. So, a final resource we would like to share with you is Cruse who offer bereavement support in a wide range of ways. All volunteers are trained and are on hand to speak with you about where life finds you. Though navigating grief in nature can be helpful, Cruse may be able to point you in the direction of some professional support too. 

However life looks right now, we hope that things begin to feel on the up soon. Reach out if you need to, and take each day as it comes. Being out and about when grieving might feel daunting, but we hope that it is something that enables you to navigate this time with a greater sense of peace. 

Remembering Loved Ones with Photo Memorials

Posted on by Kate

Why Choose a Photo Memorial?

Memorials are often used to mark a resting place or to honour the life of someone who has passed away. Given the sentiment of these pieces, photo memorials have grown in popularity over the past few years, particularly due to the advances in technology and crafting techniques. We find that people cherish being able to design a memorial with personality, allowing memorials to be a better reflection of who someone really was to them – and often these pieces will include a photo. 

Etched Photo Memorials

Etched photo memorials are ideal if you are looking a budget-friendly photo memorial. The etching processes vary depending on the material, but ultimately etching is an application of pressure that forms patterns within the surface of a material. 

Brass is known to be a traditional choice for a memorial – however brass photo memorials are increasing in popularity too. The photos and text for these memorials are chemically etched into the brass. This process produces some incredible results, leaving sharp, clean lines and a high-quality image. It is this quality finish that preserves brass’ place as a much-loved material for memorial pieces. 

The natural appearance of wooden memorials is attractive to many. Some find a wooden plaque to be a less formal option than the traditional use of brass or stone. The laser engraving process involves the lettering and images being burnt into the wood, leaving a stunning etched effect for these photo memorials. We have crafted several memorials like this, including portraits of both people and pets. These unique pieces make fitting tributes for loved ones that we have lost. 

Lasered photo memorials on natural wood are a popular choice here at UK Memorials.

Stainless Steel is a stand out choice for a memorial due to it being a material of superb quality. Again, through the chemical etching process, a black and white photo can be added to these pieces (you can submit a black and white photo, or ask our talented design team to convert a coloured photo for you). Unlike printed photo memorials, this image will not fade, which is a definite advantage of choosing stainless steel. 

Choose a stainless steel photo memorial crafted here at UK Memorials.
Stainless Steel

Finally, aluminium is another great choice of material with its smart finish and elegant look. The photos are lasered into the material and come out very well.

Our lasered aluminium memorials are a great budget-friendly option for photo memorials.
Lasered Aluminium

Impact Engraved Memorials

This process is used on our granite memorial and is created when a Diamond bit is impacted upon the granite to make an image. This can then be left natural or be painted. It is a choice that is growing in popularity due to its uniqueness. 

Our new method of impact engraving is an excellent option for photo memorials on granite.
Impact Engraving on Granite Memorials

Porcelain Plaques:

Our photo memorial plaques are made from vitreous porcelain using ceramic pigments which are fade resistant. We produce these pieces in various shapes and sizes, enabling you to be creative with the design of a porcelain plaque. Once finalised, the photo memorial is fired at 860˚, making the piece durable. Our porcelain photo memorial plaques also come in a small range of different colours, which can be a lovely touch to experiment with.

Porcelain plaques are a traditional photo memorial choice.
Porcelain Plaques on Wooden Crosses

Printed Memorials

Printed memorials are a wonderful way to pay tribute to a loved one. Some find the inclusion of a full-colour photo to be an important part of remembering someone through their memorial – which is why we offer several types of printed memorials. 

Anodised aluminium has a reputation for being tough! It is that toughness that makes the anoprinted Aluminium memorials last a lifetime. The image is locked within a hard layer, preventing any damage from being able to come to the memorial itself (ideal if you’re looking for an outdoor memorial that may be at risk of vandalism). These pieces can be designed with either a silver or gold background (though we would recommend silver alongside images). We believe anoprinting to be the toughest kind of full print finish around, which is why this process creates memorials truly fit for purpose. 

Anodised Aluminium memorials are another excellent choice.
Anodised Aluminium

An alternative is the full colour printed memorial. Given the advances in technology, and the popularity of digital photographs, people seem to treasure being able to celebrate their loved ones with a full-colour photo memorial plaque. These full-colour photos can be set into a material of your choosing (wood, slate, granite or corian), or they can stand alone. These pieces look particularly special when mounted on a wooden backing board. We have been privileged to make a number of these pieces, some of which you can see below. 

Tough print photo memorials are an excellent choice for full colour memorials.
Tough Print Photo Memorials

Who Are We and What Can We Do For You

Uk Memorials is a family run business with over 20 years of experience crafting high-quality, bespoke signage and memorials. We have experience crafting a wide range of bespoke pieces, utilising various materials and techniques. Our team is specialised in their own areas of craftsmanship, producing excellent results, and our customer services team can assist you at every stage of your experience with us. We are thoughtful about our approach, ensuring that you receive exactly what you are looking for. 

If you have any questions or queries, we would love to hear from you!

Telephone – 01769 561355 

Email – Sales@sign-maker.net

Website – https://uk-memorials.net/ 

Online shop –  https://www.sign-maker.co.uk/photo-memorials-300-c.asp 

A Guide To Stone Wedge Memorials

Posted on by Kate

 Stone Wedge Memorials continue to be a popular choice here at UK Memorials but it can feel challenging to select the right material and design for the memorial you have in mind. Because 

of this, we wanted to create a quick and easy guide to our most popular stone wedge memorials, slate and granite.  

Generally speaking, memorial wedges are popular because they can be designed using long-lasting, hard-wearing stone which is ideal for outside usage. Unlike other memorials, you do not have to concern yourself with fixtures or fittings because they can simply be placed on the ground – their weightiness should keep them from moving about too much. 

The memorial wedges can be designed in several ways. From direct engraving to a laser-etched inlay, impact engraving, and even the option to include a full-colour plaque, there should be a way to design a memorial wedge that fits your vision here at UK Memorials.

Slate Wedge Memorials

Slate has always been a popular choice for wedge memorials. Slate’s overall appearance is understated yet elegant, the engraving is clear to read and the simplicity feels appropriate for memorial pieces. Some prefer the fact that slate has a less glossy finish than other stones like granite. We appreciate that everybody will have a different preference when it comes to memorials, but we think these slate memorial wedges are rather special. 

High-quality, bespoke slate memorials crafted at UK Memorials.

The timeless slate memorial wedges come in a small range of shapes, sizes and thicknesses so that you can select or design one that is right for you. Typically the lettering is sandblasted into the slate and left as it is, however, here at UK Memorials, we can also fill the lettering in with paint. The black paint looks particularly effective although we can also use white, light grey, light green, gold or silver – all of which would allow the lettering to stand out.

Granite Wedge Memorials

Granite is a material known for its glossy finish and quality feel. It is a popular choice for memorial wedges because it creates stand-out pieces that honour a loved one beautifully. Granite lasts well and maintains its fine appearance throughout its lifespan. The granite can be honed if required by the  burial ground.

At UK Memorials, we stock three different colours of granite for our wedges which is black, light grey and dark grey. Using a sandblasting technique, the letting is engraved in the wedges directly before being filled in with paint in one of several colours. The colours include black, grey, cream, white, silver, gold and dark blue. Plus many more.

Beautiful granite wedge memorials that ooze quality.

We can also include simple images on these pieces which is a lovely personalised touch for a memorial. We have a range of standard images but you could also choose to submit one of your own.

Memorial Wedges with Inserted Plaque

Some individuals like to have more detail on their wedge, In this instance, opting for a memorial wedge with a plaque may be the best option for you. The most popular material for these plaques is our stone-like-Corian which comes in a range of colours. Another popular choice is cast bronze memorials. 

This can be a good choice for those wanting longer text tributes, poems or small illustrations and images. We can laser etch the details into the plaque which we cannot do in the same way directly onto the stone. This broadens your options and enables you to design a memorial that fits with everything that you are looking for.  

Stone memorial wedges with detailed plaques mounted on top.

Photo Plaques

Adding a photo or image to a stone memorial wedge can be a beautiful addition to the memorial plaque. On the Slate wedges or on a plaque such as Corian that is mounted onto a wedge you can have a simple engraved image that is painted.

If you were to opt for a black granite wedge then you have the choice to add an impact engraved image. This works best on black granite as it has the most contrast, the photos that come out are quite extraordinary.

Impact engraved black granite memorials.

Full colour memorial plaques are also a popular choice here at UK Memorials. These plaques can be made from porcelain or anodised aluminium, the plaques are then slightly inset into the stone.  Visit our main website to learn more

Full-colour photo memorial plaques inset into stone.

Overall, the stone wedges are a great choice for a memorial. Their bold appearance and practicality make for a great combination. These pieces make a statement while also being a wonderful way to reflect on a loved one that you have lost. Slate’s elegant appearance is hugely popular and granite’s classic appearance is timelessly sophisticated.  

At UK Memorials, we pride ourselves on being able to design in line with your specifications so if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to contact us directly.

Order on our online Shop

Guide To Buying A Wooden Casket

Posted on by Kate

Wooden Caskets are designed for the storage of ashes and are popular after crematorial funeral services. At UK memorials, they are crafted using solid timber and can be designed with or without an engraved plaque. Their simple and elegant appearance is just one part of what gives them their high-quality finish and they can be crafted using a small variety of different timbers to give you the finish that you are looking for.

We appreciate that planning a memorial be challenging which is why we wanted to create this blog to explore some of the casket options we have. 

Standard Wooden Casket

The special thing about a wooden casket made at UK Memorials is the high-quality feel. Made from Solid Oak, treated in Satin Varnish or to look like Mahogany or can be painted, the standard caskets are attractive, well made and designed to last – the perfect way to store your loved ones’ ashes safely and securely. The lids of the caskets are permanently fixed to the main body of the box. 

In additional to the standard ash casket, in the same style we also stock small, double and tall caskets. 

In order to place the ashes within the box, you can open it by unscrewing the bottom. The standard solid oak caskets are perhaps the most popular choice here, but all three make a perfectly fitting tribute.

Wording can be engraved directly onto the wood of the casket and this is not just restricted to the top but we can laser engrave the sides as well. 

Many like to include a plaque in the design of the casket (though others prefer to have the lettering and detailing engraved directly into the wood which has a beautiful effect). The plaques can be made from traditional brass, coloured aluminium or acrylic laminate – all three fitting with the wooden caskets well. The brass plaques do require a little upkeep to keep it looking clean and cared for whereas the other plaques require little to no maintenance. 

Small images and pictures can be included within any of our engraving options which is a lovely way to personalise a casket. You can speak to us about what you are looking for and we will send you a quote and a proof copy of the design for you to approve. 

Shaped Corners

Similar to the standard caskets in the treatments is our Shaped Corner Ash Caskets, with either a natural oak, mahogany finish or painted. These caskets boast more detailed features such as the pillar corners. These caskets come with flat edges to plaques can applied to the sides as well as the top. 

 

Shaped Oak Casket with Pillars.

Woodland Ash Caskets

The woodland ash caskets are designed without any metal fixtures. These caskets are particularly popular (and necessary) for natural burials. Some natural burial sites will specify that the casket should not have metal within it so that it remains as natural as possible. The fixtures, fittings and fixings are secured with wooden dowels. Though they are similar in appearance to other caskets, they are made using only natural materials which is sometimes a preferable choice. 

The engraving for these caskets can be lasered directly into the wood as opposed to having an additional metal plaque. The finish of these pieces is stunning and it would make a special but fitting tribute to a loved one. 

Why Choose UK Memorials

The task of designing and choosing a casket can be overwhelming, so we want to reassure you that we have an incredible customer service team who can take you through each step of the process. 

You will receive proof of the design for you to approve before production begins in the workshop (unless the casket is left plain without any engraving), and our craftsmen take the greatest of care with each piece that they make. This allows you to confirm the layout of your design and ask any questions to ensure the casket is exactly what you have in mind. 

You can find out more information about the wooden caskets we make here, or to browse the full memorial range, click here. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for more information. We’d love to hear from you. 

Telephone – 01769 561355

Email – Sales@sign-maker.net

Website – https://uk-memorials.net/

Online Shop – https://www.sign-maker.co.uk/wooden-caskets-266-c.asp

Remembrance Day

Posted on by Kate

We Will Remember Them

We make war memorials in a whole range of different materials for long-lasting and poignant tributes.

As we come up to this season of remembrance, here at UK Memorials we wanted to take the opportunity to write and reflect at this time of year. Remembrance is a national opportunity to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day and to recognise the sacrifices made by many to protect the freedom that we have today. 

We understand and appreciate how challenging it can be to make decisions around the memorial of those that we have lost, so we want to make this process as easy as possible for you, while still creating something special and significant. Whether looking for a traditional plaque, wooden cross or a modern heart-shaped memorial, we create a wide range of memorials and believe it is important that they are carefully crafted for you. To help with this process, we have created this simple guide of some of the most popular memorials that we can put together alongside you, as you remember your loved ones. 

Cast Memorial Plaques

Cast memorial signs have a long-lasting finish and are made using a combination of the latest technology and traditional craftsmanship methods The cast making process gives you more freedom in the designing process because you can choose from a wider variety of fonts, motifs, layouts and stylistic lettering. Once cast, your plaque will then be tended to by hand and given the final finesse that you’re looking for. 

Cast bronze is a timeless classic for memorial plaques. The background of the bronze can be left natural or painted in. Patented bronze is also an option available at UK Memorials which would give your memorial plaque a finish to be proud of. The Cast Bronze Memorial Plaques can be made in a variety of shapes too (another benefit of choosing a cast sign). A popular choice for memorial plaques is the cast bronze memorial heart. A cheaper alternative is the cast aluminium memorial signs, still a traditional choice but possibly more cost-effective. Either way, both would create a wonderful piece to help mark your remembrance for a loved one. You can learn more about our cast memorials here.

Corian 

Corian is a stone-like material with a clean composition, made up from clear acrylic resin, natural minerals and pigments – meaning that it is available in a variety of colours. Corian has a high-quality finish that would make a beautiful tribute to your loved one in a memorial. You can find more about our corian memorials here.

Memorial Crosses

At UK Memorials, we make a range of wooden crosses that are particularly popular around remembrance. Wooden crosses were first used to mark the graves of soldiers who had died in battle but they now serve as a remembrance sign nationally. They are handmade traditionally using Oak timber but could also be made for you in Iroko, Opepe or Sapele. The lettering can be engraved directly into the wood. Alternatively, you could choose to have a metal plaque created. Though more expensive than the wooden crosses we make, stone-like Corian also makes beautiful and distinctive memorial crosses. They tend to last longer and can be used as either a grave marker or a permanent memorial. Memorial crosses continue to be a popular choice here at UK Memorials and we’d love to make one for you and you’re loved one too. Have a look at our full range of memorial crosses.

Wooden Plaques 

Here at UK Memorials, we believe that a memorial piece should be personal. That is why we create a range of unique memorial signs and plaques to help you mark your loved ones resting place or a memorable and special location. 

The engraved wooden plaques are a favourite of ours, particularly the wooden hearts. Using beautiful timbers followed by specialist care and treatment, these plaques have a high quality and long-lasting finish – we take great care to make these memorials perfect for you. We can include motifs and images on these memorial signs enabling you to be expressive and creative in your designs. There is a wide range of fonts to choose from too, and any additional fixtures, fittings or mount you require can be included too. The memorial hearts are also available in a range of different materials too. Learn more about our range of wooden memorials.

Photo Memorials

Our long-lasting and high quality full-colour memorial plaques are becoming increasingly popular too. The plaques have a long-lasting resistance to colour fading as a result of the completely encapsulated aluminium plate. These types of memorial plaques are even suitable in harsher weather conditions, for example, by the coast. The photo memorials can be portrait or landscape and are typically finished with gloss or satin as to your preferences. We think these make beautiful memorials that capture moments in time with their photos and are a long-lasting piece to remember a lost loved one. Have a look at our full range of photo options here.

The acts of so many selfless individuals will never be forgotten, which is why here at UK Memorials, we want to ensure that we create memorials that reflect their courage and bravery and our respect for them. Memorials are an important part of remembering any loved one that we have lost, in the war or otherwise. War memorials act as a tangible reminder of the fragility of life and what was sacrificed, and memorials generally are a reminder of the love between family, friends and even strangers. Life connects us in ways that cannot be put into words and therefore memorials of those we have lost, connect us again in celebrations and recognitions of those we have shared life with. This Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, we will remember them. 

To learn more about our range of war memorials, click here.

Buy Now

Please do get in touch if we can help you design a memorial. We are here to help you and will enable you to design exactly what it is that you’re looking for. More information can be found on our website and online shop, and we’d love to hear from you. 

Telephone – 01769 561355

Email – Sales@sign-maker.net

Website – https://uk-memorials.net/

Corian Crosses

Posted on by Kate

A memorial cross is a meaningful way to remember a loved one and here at UK Memorials we make a range of different memorial crosses. One of our less traditional cross options is our Corian crosses.

Since Corian is one of the lesser-known materials that we use, we thought we’d explain a bit more about what Corian is and why it could make an ideal choice for a memorial cross.

Beautiful, long-lasting corian memorial crosses crafted at UK Memorials.

What is Corian?

Corian is a manufactured material composed of 66% natural minerals derived from a type of sedimentary rock called bauxite ore and 33% acrylic polymer (resin). Put more simply, it is a mix of natural stone dust and synthetic resin. Despite being manufactured, Corian actually looks and feels very similar to natural stone. It is cold to the touch and available in many colours and patterns to make it appear like its natural stone counterparts, such as slate, granite, and marble.

Other features of Corian include the fact that it is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and has received certifications for its environmental performance, such as the SCS (Scientific Certification Systems) certification for recycled materials. These are important features for us here at UK Memorials as our ethos is to protect the environment so when thinking about how to create our memorial crosses we strive to source environmentally-friendly materials. Our Corian crosses won’t pollute the ground or nearby water sources, vegetation, and wildlife.

Why choose Corian?

The main benefit of Corian is it’s durability. It is longer-lasting than more traditional choices for memorial crosses, such as wood, and it wont stain easily or lose its visual appearance for decades. Corian also has low moisture absorption and is resistant to humidity, freeze-thaw conditions, and environmental pollutants, meaning our crosses are suitable for all elements.

Another benefit of our Corian crosses is the fact that they are virtually maintenance-free. Unlike some other materials, Corian doesn’t need to be treated regularly and its smooth surface can be easily wiped clean if it comes into contact with dirt or soil.

Visually, our Corian crosses are completely smooth with no flaws, where other materials, such as natural stones will have natural grains and markings. Whilst some people find these imperfections interesting, for those that want a clean, flawless memorial, Corian crosses are definitely the better choice.

Our Selection of Corian Crosses

We make our Corian crosses on-site in two different styles: ‘The Standard Memorial Cross’ and ‘The Celtic Cross’. Our standard cross style is a simple and traditional cross shape, while our Celtic cross is more elaborate and decorative. Both styles can be made in a variety of colours and sizes ranging from small to large.

High quality memorial crosses made from corian at UK Memorials.

Our designers have access to a large range of fonts and images and will work with you to create the perfect design for your cross. Once your layout is agreed on by yourself, we laser engrave your design onto the cross and fill it with paint. For lighter coloured Corian crosses, we recommend black, brown, dark green, and blue paint, whereas white, light grey, gold, and silver letter colours are recommended for slate grey Corian.

Further Information

For more information on our Corian crosses click here or if you want to browse the rest of our memorial range, click here.