Sending Your Ashes
Cremation Memorials: How to Package + Send
Once you're ready, it's time to package up a small amount of ashes to send to the studio. For each average-size gem, I request approximately a half tsp (2.5mL measure) of your loved one or pets ashes, and up to a maximum of 1 tsp (5mL measure). This is actually more than is required for each gem, but having a bit extra is really helpful in the creation process. Because ashes are a mixture of powder and solid pieces, with some having much more of one texture than the other, having more cremains than is necessary means that I can choose the portion that will work best for your memorial stone. Please know, though, that every grain that isn't needed for the creation of your keepsake is carefully packaged and returned home to you where it belongs.
Place the 0.5 - 1 tsp of ashes inside a small, leak proof container, and then place this sealed container inside good quality resealable plastic bag. Place this packet into two additional sealed bags so that the end result is triple-bagged, fully sealed ashes. These extra layers ensure that should your packet have a weak seam or otherwise leak, your loved one or pets cremation ashes will remain safe. Once your ashes are fully sealed, write your name and order number on the outside, and then place inside a padded mailer or small box, seal it well, and send it off to the address below.
Mailing your package from within Canada? Packages originating from within Canada do not require any special handling or forms. Simply take your package to your local post office, add tracking, and send as usual. Optional drop-off info for locals can be found below.
Mailing your package from the USA? When sending your package of cremation ashes from the USA to Canada, you will be asked to fill out a customs declaration at the post office. This is a form that tells the border officers what's in your package. It's very easy, and the folks at your local post office will help you. Please complete your customs declaration form as a "gift" or "other" with a value of $1. Your ashes have indescribably huge sentimental value, but for the purposes of a customs declaration, they do not have a financial value. Do not mark your package with the value of the items you have ordered, as that is not what is inside your package.
Please do not send your package by FedEx, UPS, or other couriers, as these couriers will charge a brokerage fee for importing your package into Canada, and these packages will be denied and returned to you as North Faun cannot pay to receive your loved one's cremation ashes. Please label your customs declaration honestly (ie. 1/2 tsp human ashes, for jewellery making purposes), and please send your packages via United State Postal Service - USPS only.
USPS has rules about how to ship cremains, whether they are human or pet. You can find all of the details on the US Postal Service website right here: Shipping Cremated Remains and Ashes. They may request that your ashes are sent in an urn, but please be aware that any sealed container that the ashes can't leak out of can be considered an urn. Small, well sealing screw-top "craft" containers make wonderful tiny urns. Once sealed, place your container inside a ziplock type bag as described above. You'll then place this inside your shipping box.
You may want to check into the cost of shipping from your area to Canada prior to placing an order, as it seems to vary greatly depending on where you are in the US. Additionally, please be aware that there may be duties, taxes, or other fees applied to your package as it passes into the US. These fees are imposed by the government of the receiving country, and are the responsibility of the importer. If you have any questions, the folks at your local postal office are able to help.
Winnipeg local that would prefer to deliver your package? If you're local and want to deliver your cremation ashes instead of sending it by mail, you are welcome to do so. Deliveries can be made Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm & Saturday from 10am-4pm. The North Faun shipping address is a staffed UPS business mailbox which is only accessible to the public during these hours. They are closed on Sundays and their public business hours may change without my knowledge. You must package your cremation ashes as listed above and you must place your packaged cremains inside an addressed envelope, as improperly packaged materials may be refused at the counter. Please do not arrive to drop off your ashes without them already being sealed inside an addressed envelope. When you arrive, simply tell the staff at the counter that you have a package that needs to be placed in my mailbox, and they'll be happy to do so.
The NF business mailbox address is only for receiving cremation ashes - client pick ups of completed memorials is not available. Please note that I cannot accept and store any cremation ashes without an official order in place, and that packages received without a corresponding order in the system will have to be returned to you. The North Faun studio is located inside my private prairie home, and at this time there is no public-facing store, space, or showroom. All completed orders will be returned to you via Canada Post (or other courier in the event of postal interruptions). I am unfortunately not available to meet my wonderful clients for receiving ashes, delivering packages, or discussing/viewing pieces in person. North Faun operates strictly online ♡
The North Faun mailing address is:
Morgan Di Martino - North Faun
510-3336 Portage Ave
Winnipeg, MB
R3K 2H9
Canada