How do I get started?
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Step 1: Customize your memorials right here on our website. Click here to get started. ​

Step 2: After placing your order, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to properly package and ship the ashes (or other memorial material). You can also find visual instructions at the bottom of this page. 

​Step 3: Sit back and relax, knowing your loved one is in caring hands.

How much of the ashes are required, and where do I send them?

**When ordering from multiple artists, please send 1 tsp. of ashes to each corresponding artist.
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Artist: Chris Santora- P.O. Box 520771 Independence Missouri, 64052
Artist: Dee K.- 1305 Harrison Drive Clinton, IA 52732
Artist: Silvia E.- Will send you a collection kit within 1 business day
Artist: Ashley L.- Fingerprint images can be emailed to: rootsglass@hotmail.com  
Artist: (Nate) Nathan M.- 480 Eaton Rd. Conway, New Hampshire 03818
(You will receive these same instructions in your confirmation email)
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What materials can be used to create your items?
Artist Chris Santora can infuse many different things into his glass memorials. This includes, but is not limited to:
-Cremated Ashes: Human or Animal (1 tsp makes 7-10 items) 
-Campfire Ash (1 tsp makes 7-10 items) 
-Hair or Fur (2-3 inch lock makes up to 10 items)
-Sand or Soil (1 tsp makes 7-10 items)
-Clothing (small 4 inch square clipping makes 7-10 items)
-Dried Flowers (approx 1 petal per item) 


How long does it take to complete an order?
Most of the year it takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks to completely process an order. ​However, due to the high volume of orders we receive during the holidays, completion times are estimated and cannot be guaranteed.  All orders are made in the order in which they are received. When ordering from multiple artists, your packages will arrive individually from the artists.  Please try to order your Christmas gifts as early in the season as possible to ensure they arrive on time for the holiday. Please call for our current time frame.

*IMPORTANT-- We completely understand the emotional difficulty of handling your loved ones ashes. However, in rare cases some folks have waited over a year before sending their packaged cremains. If we do not receive your package within 4 weeks of receiving the order, your order will be moved to the back of the line so we may continue moving forward with current orders. Thank you for understanding. 

​How do I open an Urn? 
​Opening an Urn depends on the design of the container. Often times there are screws or "feet" on the bottom of the Urn that come off, and a removable metal plate that allows access into the vessel. If you're unable to open the Urn yourself (physically or emotionally), we suggest inquiring with your local Funeral Home to assist you in retrieving a bit of the cremains.   

How do you get the color inside with the ashes?
First, we mix the ashes with tiny granules of colored glass. Then we encase them inside of clear glass using a scientific glass making technique called 'Imploding'. The ashes generally appear as white, and sometimes (rarely) with a hint of red. Due to the glass making process, exact shape, size, and color cannot be guaranteed.

What will happen to the unused portion of the ashes?
We will return them with your finished order, or store them for future orders at your request.

Can you use more than 1 set of ashes to make a single piece?
​Absolutely. We can use up to 2 sets of ashes to make a single memorial item. 

Is there a payment program?
Yes! We're proud to introduce, Sands of Time Credit Program. You can now make payments for your memorial items. Payments should be made over the phone in (preferably) $25+ increments over the course of 1 year. We're hoping this effort will further extend our reach to those in need of our services. These payments are refundable ONLY in the form of a Gift Certificate credited for the total amount paid. Call now to place your order: 816-612-6961.

How do I properly mail cremated remains via USPS?
All cremated remains are permitted to be mailed when the following conditions are met:

1) The package is sent via Priority Mail Express.

2) The identity of the contents (“cremated remains”) should be marked on the address side of the parcel.

3) Ashes should be mailed in doubled (2) zip-lock bags. This ensures that the remains won’t escape from their containers and cause damage, discomfort, destruction, or soiling.

4) ​Please clearly write YOUR FULL name (not the name of the deceased) and telephone number in permanent marker on the actual zip-lock bag so our staff can easily identify your package.

5) Optional: A photograph and letter about your loved one! We would love to know about their life, personality, character etc. Whatever you feel like sharing, we want to hear about it :)   

​What is the return/cancellation policy?
Due to the custom and intimate nature of our Cremation Memorials, we are unable to accept returns. In the event that you are discontent with your order, please let us know and we will do our best to alleviate the issue. As long as our artists have not started on your project, Gift Certificates will be issued for cancelled orders, as all sales are final. 

 Example of Properly Sealed and Labeled Bag