Near and dear to my heart is my process of making bereavement ornaments for those experiencing the loss of a loved one.
My background in hospice care—as both a direct care and bereavement volunteer, and later as an ordained interfaith chaplain—deeply informs my work. When my own mother passed away, I found comfort in creating a personalized ornament in her memory. I made one for each of my siblings and a few close family friends. It was a way to keep her presence near, a small tribute that could be displayed year-round.
As I shared these ornaments, others who had experienced their own losses began to reach out, asking if I could create something similar for them.
The process is simple, yet meaningful. You send me a JPEG photo of your loved one’s face and choose an animal that feels symbolic or special—in my mother’s case, one of her beloved guinea fowl. I adjust the photo so that your loved one appears to be riding or flying with the animal—sometimes a bird, a dog, a butterfly, or another creature that fits the spirit of the person being remembered.
For my mother’s ornament, I also added her favorite gardening hat from a second photo, and dressed her in colors she often wore. These small, personal touches help bring the figure to life.
The second example shown here is of my mother-in-law, who adored hummingbirds. Her ornament includes her favorite jewelry—a little “bling” that reflected her sparkling personality.
I work closely with each client to ensure the final piece is deeply personal and meaningful. These memorial ornaments offer a gentle, artistic way to honor the memory of someone dearly missed.
I also create custom ornaments to celebrate the lives of cherished family pets—whether four-legged or feathered—who hold just as significant a place in our hearts.
