Some things deserve to be made by hand.

The Memorial Making Class at Artists of Elements is a deeply personal creative experience where you paint, color, and personalize a custom laser engraved memorial piece — for a beloved pet, a partner, a parent, a friend, or anyone you have lost and want to honor.

Using the Glowforge laser engraver, airbrushing, watercolor pencil coloring, and UV protective finish — you will leave this class with a handmade memorial piece that is completely one of a kind. Something that lasts. Something that means something.

This is the same process Ellen used to create the memorial wind chime piece for her mother — featured in Episode 17 of the Sawdust and Friends podcast.

TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

OPTION A — Choose from our ready-made memorial collection:

Ellen has a curated selection of pre-made memorial designs displayed in the studio — hummingbirds, family trees, pet silhouettes, floral designs, and more. Choose the design that speaks to you and Ellen will personalize it with your name, date, or message. No advance submission needed. Book and come in.

OPTION B — Submit your own custom design:

Have a specific photo, image, or design in mind? Submit it at least one week before your class date and Ellen will prepare it on the Glowforge especially for you. Perfect for pet portraits, custom artwork, or anything personal that you want recreated in wood.

HOW IT WORKS:

Step 1 — Choose your option: walk-in with a pre-made design or submit your custom design one week before class

Step 2 — Your memorial piece is laser engraved on the Glowforge — either in advance from the design collection or prepared specially from your submission

Step 3 — Airbrush black is applied in thin layers to deepen the engraving

Step 4 — Transfer paper is peeled to reveal the image

Step 5 — Color with watercolor pencils to bring the design to life

Step 6 — Finish with UV protective polyurethane — multiple coats for durability

Step 7 — Take home a handmade memorial that will last for years

TEAM BUILDING & CORPORATE GROUPS:

The Memorial Making Class is a powerful and meaningful experience for groups who want to create something together that goes beyond the typical team outing. Perfect for organizations that want to give back, honor someone, or simply share a creative and heartfelt experience.

✦  Private group sessions available

✦  Perfect for memorial events, celebration of life gatherings, grief support groups, and meaningful corporate giving

✦  Potentially tax deductible as a business entertainment or team building expense — consult your accountant

✦  Contact Ellen directly: artistsofelements@gmail.com | 727-420-7438

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

✦  Laser engraved memorial piece — from pre-made collection or your custom design

✦  All materials — airbrush, watercolor pencils, polyurethane UV finish

✦  Personalization — name, date, or message added to your piece

✦  Step by step guidance throughout

✦  A finished handmade memorial to take home

CLASS DETAILS:

Price: $75 per person — all materials included

Class size: Maximum 12 participants

Option A — Pre-made designs: No advance submission needed — book and come in

Option B — Custom design: Submit at least one week before your class date

Send custom designs to: artistsofelements@gmail.com or call or text 727-420-7438

Session options: Group class or private session available

Hosted by: Sawdust and Friends at Artists of Elements

Experience required: None

Booking: www.artistsofelements.com | 727-420-7438

PERFECT FOR:

✦  Pet memorials — honor a beloved animal companion

✦  Family memorials — parents, grandparents, partners, siblings, friends

✦  Wind chime pieces — outdoor memorial keepsakes

✦  Celebration of life events — a meaningful group activity

✦  Grief support groups — create something healing together

✦  Anyone who wants to honor someone they have lost with something handmade