How to Make Your Own Wood Urn
This guide to how to make your own wood urn for a deceased pet or family member can help you through the grieving process. Create a beautiful wood piece personalized with laminated photos or an engraved name, special message or poem. The cost of creating your own wood urn is minimal; the materials are found at any craft store or mass merchandiser. All you need is a small unfinished wood box, magnifying glass, fine sand paper, wood stain, clear acrylic coating or glaze, scissors, ball point pen, pencil and soft cloth.
First: Sand and trace
Sand the unfinished wood box with sand paper. Wipe off any remaining dust using a soft cloth. Blow on the urn to get dust out of the corners. To add a laminated photo, cut out the picture and trace a spot for each photo in the designated area. To engrave a message or name, write the words in pencil on the box exactly how you want them to appear. Take the box to an engraver, or do the detail work yourself using a magnifying glass.
Second: Apply color coating
Apply wood stain to the box. Use a soft cloth moistened with stain solution to wipe down all parts of the wood. Let this set for an hour. If the color isn't dark enough, repeat this process. Once the final coat is applied, wait 24 hours before proceeding.
Third: Final preparations
After 24 hours, line up the pictures with the places you marked in the first step. Using super glue, attach the photos to the urn. Once the glue dries, use crystal clear acrylic coating to spray the sides and the box top. Hold the spray can 10 inches away during application. After 30 minutes, repeat this step. Wait an hour, and repeat until you have applied 4 coats. After 24 hours, turn the box on its side and spray the bottom. Once the box dries, it is ready for use as an urn for a loved pet or family member.