Artists - Sands of Time

Artist Profiles

Each memorial is handcrafted with care by one of our independent studio artists. This page is a simple place to learn about the makers behind our work, including current lead times and where to send the ashes for your order.

Founder | CEO | Glassblower

Chris Santora

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Chris

Hello, I’m Chris Santora, founder of Sands of Time and a glassblower based in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 2011, a friend asked if I could incorporate a small amount of ashes into a pendant for her. I had never done anything like it before. When she received the piece I made her, the feedback I received was overwhelming. It soon became clear that this was the work I wanted to dedicate my life to. What started in my small home studio has grown steadily ever since.

Today, while I serve as CEO and work closely with our team, I am also very much in my 'dad' season. My wife and I are raising our children here in Kansas City. I take my daughter to school in the mornings, and spend time with my son as he prepares to pursue music in college. I play video games with my little girl, and enjoy our full house including two dogs, a rabbit, two guinea pigs, and a partidge in a pear tree (as my mom would say).

Creating meaningful glass for families who are grieving is my calling. It is an honor to do this work and to build something lasting alongside the people I love.

View Chris’s memorials

Glassblower

Bryan R.

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Bryan

Bryan’s journey with glass began at McDermott Glass Studio in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 2004, where he completed a rigorous apprenticeship under David McDermott and Yukimi Matsumoto. That early training shaped his skill, discipline, and love for the craft.

In 2006, he began his lampworking career creating small figurines for the Sandwich Glass Museum. While primarily self-taught, Bryan has continued refining his work through training with respected artists including Milon Townsend and Sally Prasch.

His work has been recognized by galleries nationwide, including The Corning Museum of Glass. He brings that same care, precision, and artistry into every memorial he creates.

View Bryan’s memorials

Kiln Formed Glass Artist

Joele W.

Memorial Artist | Art Teacher

About Joele

Meet Joele, pronounced Joe-Lee. She is a professional artist, art teacher, and mom with a passion for kiln-formed glass. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she refined her craft in Arcata, California, becoming an integral part of the Fire Arts Center community.

Now based in the mountains of Gold Hill, Oregon, Joele brings over 17 years of experience in kiln-formed glass to every memorial she creates. Her work is patient, detail-driven, and grounded in deep respect for the stories each piece represents.

Her journey into cremation art began when she was asked to create something meaningful with a friend’s father’s ashes. After years studying how cremation ash behaves in kiln-formed glass, and following her own mother’s passing, Joele felt called to make this work available to families seeking something lasting and meaningful.

View Joele’s memorials

Glassblower

Ryan H.

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Ryan

Ryan has been flameworking glass for over twenty-five years, bringing both precision and heart to every piece he creates.

In 2016, he launched his memorial artwork line after working with families who had lost loved ones or pets. Incorporating cremated remains into glass gave new purpose to his craft and deepened his commitment to creating pieces that offer comfort.

Ryan works from his glass studio in historic Mullica Hill, New Jersey, where he, his wife Abby, and their son work together to bring meaningful memorial art to families.

View Ryan’s memorials

Glassblower

Robert K.

Memorial Artist

About Robert

Robert has been a glassblower since the early 1990s. His small, family-owned glassblowing studio is located deep in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, where decades of hands-on experience show up in the steadiness and precision of his work.

His wife Sunny, also an artist, supports the fulfillment and business side of the studio. Robert also works alongside his assistant Rusty and their shop dog, Yuko.

View Robert’s memorials

Glassblower

Anna B.

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Anna

Anna is a highly skilled glassblower who specializes in creating intricate memorial art infused with a small amount of cremation ash. Her work is known for its careful detail, clean execution, and the meaningful, personal presence it brings to each piece.

Her most popular works are her signature galaxy designs, created using molten glass, cremation ash, and pure silver fume. The result is a one-of-a-kind, swirling glass galaxy intended to be cherished and passed down through the generations.

Working from her studio in Ruskin, Florida, Anna brings exceptional craftsmanship and a compassionate approach to every memorial she creates.

View Anna’s memorials

Memorial Keepsake Artist

Dezaree S.

Memorial Keepsake Artist

About Dezaree

Dezaree has been creating memorial keepsakes full time since 2016. Working from her home studio in Middleburg, Florida, she creates resin-style rings, keychains, and pendants that thoughtfully incorporate cremation ash, hair, and fur.

Her work is deeply personal and family centered. Her son, who is currently learning glass art, assists with simple tasks in the studio, while her youngest children enjoy helping open packages and reading the notes and photographs sent by families. Each memorial is approached with care, respect, and compassion.

View Dezaree’s memorials

Glassblower

Nate M.

Memorial Artist

About Nate

Nate first blew glass at Massachusetts College of Art in 1995. His education in glass has continued through classes at the Corning Museum of Glass, The Penland School of Arts and Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and a self designed B.A. in glass from Prescott College, which he received in 1999.

In addition to extensive training, Nate has taught countless individuals through private lessons, as a co instructor for Prescott College, and as a teaching assistant and instructor for The Corning Museum of Glass and Snowfarm, the New England Craft School.

Nate spent the first seven years of his glass career in Prescott, Arizona, where he helped build and manage Antonius Glass Studios. In 2002, he purchased his family’s old farm in the White Mountains of Conway, New Hampshire, where he now operates a private studio and can be found almost every day blowing glass, metalworking, teaching, or maintaining the hundred year old farm that has been in his family since 1949.

View Nate’s memorials

Jeweler | Ring Maker

Dennis Y.

Memorial Artist

About Dennis

Dennis is based in Tennessee and creates cremation rings and memorial jewelry. He often shares that his artistic roots trace back to his grandmother, an oil painter and craftsperson who encouraged his creativity from a young age by giving him drawing pencils and the freedom to create whatever came to mind.

Those early moments became the foundation of his creative journey. Dennis still has many drawings from his childhood, and looking through them continues to remind him of his grandmother and the memories they shared together.

He began making jewelry several years ago, a path that eventually led him to cremation rings. Dennis finds meaning in helping families hold onto memories, much like the way his grandmother’s influence has stayed with him throughout his life. His hope is to continue creating pieces that carry remembrance, comfort, and lasting connection.

View Dennis’s memorials

Glassblower

Rachel M.

Memorial Artist

About Rachel

Rachel is a glass artist with over sixteen years of experience working with molten glass. Her background in sculpture, colorwork, and traditional glassblowing informs each memorial she creates, allowing her to thoughtfully shape color, form, and movement into deeply meaningful pieces.

She began focusing on memorial work in 2015, inspired by her own experiences with loss and the healing that comes from holding something tangible and beautiful. Since then, Rachel has specialized in handcrafted glass memorials made to order, offering custom colors and careful detail in every piece.

Rachel approaches her work with a deep respect for personal stories and the quiet comfort that memorial art can provide. Each memorial is created with intention and care, honoring the lives of both people and pets, and offering families a lasting way to remember those who shaped their world.

View Rachel’s memorials

Heirloom Ring Artist

Johan R.

Memorial Jeweler

About Johan

I started out making wood rings on my lathe. I quickly discovered that people wanted unique, handmade rings crafted with materials you can’t find at the big stores.

In 2008, we were just a two-person show run from my garage. I made the rings and my wife did the administration. In 2010, Kevin, my son-in-law joined me as we continued to grow. By 2013, we saw a dramatic increase in orders, so my daughter Leanne joined us to help with the administration work. Eventually, we brought on extra craftsmen (and craftswomen!) to help create our memorial jewelry, process orders and answer design questions.

Today, we work with people around the globe to help them create their perfect memorial ring. Our specialty is incorporating natural elements into our jewelry. We can also use your supplied gemstones and materials to make your item even more personalized.

We may have outgrown our garage, but we will never outgrow the neighborly connections we build with our customers. Creating high-quality, unique jewelry is our specialty and providing top-rated customer service is, and always will be, our priority.

View Johan’s memorials

Oceanside Creations

Kat M.

Memorial Artist

About Kat

Kat draws her inspiration from a lifelong love of the ocean and the sense of calm it brings. Since 2018, her work has evolved from a small, personal creative space into a dedicated studio where she creates beach inspired memorial art designed to bring that same tranquility into the home.

Each piece reflects Kat’s connection to coastal environments and the peaceful rhythms of the ocean. Her designs are thoughtfully handcrafted and intentionally unique, offering families a way to honor loved ones through artwork that feels grounding, familiar, and serene.

Kat approaches her work with great care and attention, placing equal importance on craftsmanship and the experience of the families she serves. Every memorial is created with the intention of offering comfort, beauty, and a lasting sense of connection through art inspired by the sea.

View Kat’s memorials

Glassblower

Jilli B.

Memorial Artist

About Jilli

Hello~ My name is Jilli, and I am a memorial glassblower at Sands of Time. In the winter of 2009, I took my first soft glassblowing class at Foci MCGA in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and instantly fell in love with the art. What began as an occasional hobby quickly became a meaningful creative path as I continued developing my skills through years of practice.

In 2016, I began creating memorial glass, combining my love of glassblowing with the chance to make something meaningful for families. I feel grateful to do this work and to create pieces that help people remember those they love.

View Jilli’s memorials

Glassblower

Greg L.

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Greg

Hello, my name is Greg, and I create memorial glass for Sands of Time from my home studio in Wilmington, Delaware. I received my training through Salem Community College’s Scientific Glass Program and spent several years working in a local glass shop while slowly building my own studio.

I have a deep curiosity for the craft and enjoy learning new techniques whenever I can. Over the years, that dedication has helped shape a personal style that’s now represented in galleries, private collections, and homes across the country and abroad.

Since 2015, I’ve been carefully developing ways to encase cremated remains of both people and pets within glass. Creating memorials allows me to combine technical skill with something far more personal. Each piece is made with respect for the story behind it and appreciation for the trust families place in me.

View Greg’s memorials

Glassblower

Greg H.

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Greg

Greg has been happily creating glass art since 1998, when he was introduced to the craft while living in Boulder, Colorado. Known for his intricate and colorful bead designs, Greg has traveled across the United States and Canada giving flameworking demonstrations, teaching the craft, and showing his work.

Part of his joy comes from sharing the world of glass with others, from demonstrations on the street to working with students in schools. Greg had the pleasure of teaching several workshops at the Montreal School of Glass, Espace Verre.

He has also taught at the Bemis School of Art at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and is currently teaching a regular series of flamework classes at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach, Alabama. His work has been collected and sold in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan.

View Greg’s memorials

Acrylic & Wood Urn Pendants

John M.

Memorial Artist

About John

John says, “Since 2015, I’ve been handcrafting unique cremation jewelry from my studio in Rocky Mount, Virginia. Creating meaningful memorial keepsakes is more than just my craft; it’s a calling.

Each piece I make is shaped by a deep respect for the memories and stories of those who have passed, and it’s an honor to play a small part in preserving their legacy.

I work alongside my wife Laura, ensuring that every piece is not only beautiful, but also provides a secure and discreet way to hold cremated ashes.

We are honored to share our artistry as part of the Sands of Time collection and grateful to share our dedication to quality, compassion, and remembrance with our clients.”

View John’s memorials

Glassblower

Jennifer C.

Memorial Artist

About Jennifer

Hello! My name is Jennifer, and I live and create in the beautiful region of Northern Louisiana. I’m an artist at heart, a graphic designer, glass artist, and jewelry maker. Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, from coloring in my mom’s handmade coloring books to showcasing my work in school art shows. I always knew this was the path I was meant to follow.

I earned my BFA in Graphic Design from Moore College of Art & Design and have worked professionally in the field ever since. In 2007, I expanded my creative journey by launching my own glass and jewelry business. Over the past several years, I’ve become a trusted designer at Sands of Time, specializing in custom cremation memorials, and distinctive glass artwork.

View Jennifer’s memorials

Glassblower

Misha S.

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Misha

Misha is a dedicated flame-working artist and a NICU nurse, bringing steady care and compassion to families in both her clinical work and her memorial art.

“I have been a dedicated flame-working artist since 1995. My passion is glass memorial art and bringing joy to people in their time of loss.

Memorial art is a delicate and meticulous process which took me years to refine. Cremains are a natural and sacred artifact of a life. Having experienced loss myself, I know how invaluable these remnants are and I handle them with great care while they are in my possession.

As a memorial artist, I gently encase a small amount of ash within an heirloom-quality piece of glass art, crafted with care and reverence. This creates a permanent keepsake that you can hold in your hand, keep close to your heart, or present as a gift. Thank you for allowing me to assist in memorializing your loved one and aid in your grieving process.”

View Misha’s memorials

Glassblower

Paul K.

Memorial Artist | Flameworker

About Paul

Paul is a seasoned glassblower with 25 years of experience, specializing in lampworking and working primarily with borosilicate glass. At Sands of Time, he applies his technical skill to the creation of memorial glass, respectfully encasing a small amount of cremation ash within each piece.

His work includes intricate marbles, sculptures, and jewelry, each one carefully crafted to honor the life it represents. Blending precision with creative expression, Paul approaches memorial art with patience and intention, ensuring every piece is both visually striking and deeply meaningful.

View Paul’s memorials

Glassblower

Jonathan B.

Memorial Artist

About Jonathan

Jonathan is a glassblower from Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 13 years of experience working with glass. Alongside his studio practice, he serves his community as an Outreach Coordinator, teaching glass art to veterans and to Tulsa’s youth.

At Sands of Time, Jonathan creates memorial glass with deep care and respect, thoughtfully encasing a small amount of cremation ash within each piece. He considers the trust placed in him a true privilege and takes pride in ensuring every loved one is treated with dignity, compassion, and consideration throughout the process.

View Jonathan’s memorials

Glassblower

Jeremy D.

Memorial Artist

About Jeremy

My name is Jeremy, and I am a Native American memorial glass artist based in Washington State. I have worked with glass for more than 18 years, and over time the material has become both my passion and my language of expression.

When I create memorial pieces, I carefully work cremation ash into molten glass, sealing it within layers of color and form. This process transforms fragile elements into something lasting, with each piece unique, hand shaped, and made with care. For me, this work is about more than glassblowing. It is about honoring memory and giving families something meaningful to hold onto.

View Jeremy’s memorials

Meet Our Artists

Artist Profiles

About Chris

About Bryan

About Joele

About Ryan

About Robert

About Anna

About Dezaree

About Nate

About Dennis

About Rachel

About Johan

About Kat

About Jilli

About Greg

About Greg

About John

About Jennifer

About Misha

About Paul

About Jonathan

About Jeremy

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