About this Product
These small, smooth touchstones are created with a small amount of cremains (ashes) from a loved one or pet, offering a simple, tangible way to keep them close. Each one is made by hand, with one side left smooth for holding and the other glazed using a small portion of the ashes.
The glaze reacts uniquely with the cremains, creating organic textures and variations that makes each piece truly one of a kind. The touchstones shown here were made in honor of a woman remembered for her love of daffodils, reflected in the soft yellow and light green glaze tones.
Please contact me before placing an order. Each touchstone is made individually with your guidance on color and quantity. Once we discuss your preferences, I’ll provide instructions for sending a small amount of cremains (about a tablespoon) safely and respectfully.
These touchstones are meant for quiet moments of reflection or as gentle keepsakes to share with family. They can be kept in a pocket for times when grief rises, placed on an altar, or displayed in a small dish. Each piece is hand-built and finished in my studio with great care and respect. It’s an honor to create pieces that help keep loved ones present in a physical, meaningful way.
Beachum Clayworks
Meet the Maker
Welcome to my pottery studio, where every piece tells a story — organic, unique, and crafted by hand. As my life has evolved, so too has my work. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a meaningful practice, one where clay becomes a medium for honoring life’s changes and memories.
Each piece I create is influenced by the moments that shape us. Whether it’s a platter that mimics the beauty of a cherished scrap of fabric or an urn that reflects the love someone left behind, my pottery is a reflection of the journey I’ve been on — finding balance, exploring new possibilities, and embracing the resilience of the human spirit.
I’m passionate about creating functional art that carries deeper meaning. You’ll find platters, mugs, ornaments, and other handmade items that resonate with personal stories—whether inspired by the natural world, or cherished memories. I believe pottery, like life, is perfectly imperfect. And in those imperfections, we find beauty and connection.
Take a look around, and I hope you find a piece that speaks to you.
How it’s Made
Each touchstone begins with a small piece of clay, hand-shaped and smoothed in my studio. Once the form is bisque fired, I brush on a layer of glaze and gently sprinkle a fine portion of the cremains onto the still-wet surface. After that layer dries, I add another thin coat of glaze to encase the ashes before the final firing.
During firing, the glaze and cremains interact in unpredictable, beautiful ways, creating a unique texture that make every touchstone one of a kind. One side of the piece is left smooth for holding, while the glazed side holds the fused pattern created through this process.
Every step is done with care and respect for the person or pet being remembered, resulting in a piece that is both personal and enduring.
Shop Policies
Shipping: For in-stock items, my goal is to ship within 3 business days. I do not ship internationally.
Returns: Returns are only accepted if the piece is broken in transit, so please review the photos carefully and feel free to ask any questions before placing an order. Keep in mind that screen displays can slightly alter colors, so there may be some variation in the actual color of the piece. For example, if the listing states that the product is blue, it’s definitely blue, but glaze subtleties might make it appear a bit different—like looking navy blue on screen but leaning more toward teal in person.
Breakage / Refund: I pack items very carefully, often double-boxing, so breakage during transit is rare. If it does happen, please contact me within 5 days and include photos of the damaged item and packaging. To help me file a claim with the Post Office, please keep the original box and packing materials. We can discuss whether you would prefer a refund or a replacement, if available. Refunds will be processed within 5 business days after I receive the necessary photos. If a replacement is requested, I’ll send it if I have the same item in stock. Please keep in mind that each piece is handmade, so replacements may have slight variations if one exists.
Dishwasher Safe: My pottery is dishwasher safe, but I recommend careful handwashing to keep it in great shape over the years. Mugs with handles can experience more wear in the dishwasher over time resulting in impact breaks. Longer platters have acrylic pads on the bottom to protect surfaces from potential scratching, but please note that the adhesive can loosen if the piece is put in the dishwasher or soaked in water. If the pads eventually come off, just let me know and I’ll be happy to send you replacements at no charge.
Microwave Safe: Most stoneware ceramics are microwave-safe. To avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause breakage because of thermal shock don’t pour boiling water into the pottery, put hot pottery in the refrigerator, or add ice to a hot piece. Room-temperature pottery is safe for hot liquids. Avoid microwaving platters with acrylic pads.
Food Safe and Non-Toxic: All my functional pieces are made with food-safe, non-toxic commercial glazes.
