About Our Studio
Handcrafted with heart, built to honor
Our family studio began when a shared love of the craft and a desire to stay connected met the sudden death of a beloved family pet. We worked together to make an urn fit for our dog, and when we were finished we had found a way to translate artistry into memory.
Our origin story
Founding our Studio
Our family doesn’t have the traditional story of long held artisan secrets passed down among the generations. We developed a shared passion for wood working randomly, semi-simultaneously, and late enough in life that it became a source of reconnection. The process began in Great Falls National Park in Southern Maryland. One of our brothers camped with hobbiests who showed him woodworking. As the hobby traded hands among family members and eventually grew to almost an addiction, projects evolved into more intricate forms of the art. Now from our studio in Fairfax (a few minutes away from Tyson’s Corner) we have turned our family connection into a way to preserve yours. At Fleurstone, we help families in Washington D.C. keep moments alive. With care, artistry, and a little science, we turn your memories into keepsakes that feel as special years from now as they did the day you made them.
Our woodworking methods
In our family studio, we have learned to combine artistry and science. We use new programs that render photos as vector images to translate a memory into an artistic concept that we can then use to design a memorial. The design is then carefully hand carved from wood, first on a lathe or by assembling a box urn, and then meticulously sculpted line by line with the help of technological guides based on that vector image. Our process ensures that each urn is carefully handled to maintain its natural beauty, color, and shape, without exposing the wood keepsake to harsh chemicals or lifeless machine processes. From simple carvings to memorial tributes, our preservation process honors the emotional meaning behind each piece while giving it a new life as timeless décor.
Wood selection
Every pet urn begins with carefully selected hardwood. We personally inspect each board for: beautiful, consistent grain patterns; rich natural coloring; structural integrity (no knots or defects); proper moisture content for stability; sustainable sourcing certification.
Wood Turning
For our traditional urns, we use time-honored lathe techniques passed down through generations of woodworkers. Cedar box urns are constructed with precision joinery. Every piece is shaped, sanded, and finished by hand.
Portrait Carving
Using your photographs, we create detailed relief carvings and hand-finish for organic detail. The result captures your pet's unique features such as the curve of their ears, the expression in their eyes, the personality that made them irreplaceable.
Hand-Applied Finishes
We finish every urn with multiple coats of natural oil, hand-rubbed to bring out the wood's character. This creates a durable, touchable surface with a warm, natural sheen that deepens beautifully over time.
Our family business
Eric L.
Father & Co-ownerOur dad is the chief carpenter and does most of the hand carving and detail work for your urns. He got his MBA at Arizona State University and had a long career as a teacher before he began following his woodworking passion full time.
He has two dogs and alongside woodworking, he enjoys hikes, camping, skiing, rafting, and touring the nation’s great national parks.
Son & Co-OwnerNathan L.
Nathan helps his dad with the technological aspects of the business and creates the initial carvings and shapes for your urns on a lathe or wood mill. He helped grow many small businesses as a consultant before he started his own with his dad.
He and his wife have a cat and share the same love of the outdoors.
Serving locally and nationwide
Our family business is proud to serve the D.C. metro area for custom sculpture and urn creation. We are happy to provide free local drop off in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia to ensure your custom urn reaches you in perfect condition. For our valued clients nationwide, we provide secure shipping options and insured delivery. If you are ready to create a lasting and beautiful work of art for your pet you can place an order or contact us to start the conversation about your custom project.
Our Mission
To create unparalleled works of art that honor the significance of your loved ones.
Our Vision
We combine a deep passion for artistry with skill and technology to ensure your loved ones have a resting place that honors their life and role in yours.
Frequently asked questions
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Most custom pet urns are completed within 4-6 weeks from design approval. This includes time for handcrafting, carving, finishing, and curing. Rush orders may be available for an additional fee if you need your memorial urn sooner. After completion, shipping takes 3-5 business days via our secure carrier with tracking included.
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All three of our pet urn styles hold 220 cubic inches, which accommodates pets up to 220 lbs. This works for nearly all cats, dogs, and household pets. The general rule is 1 cubic inch of capacity per pound of healthy body weight. If you have a pet over 220 lbs or need a smaller urn, contact us for custom sizing options.
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We can work with most photographs, though clear, well-lit photos with good facial detail produce the best portrait carvings. Side profiles and three-quarter angles often carve beautifully. We'll work with you to select the ideal image during design consultation.
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All our wooden pet urns feature secure lids (threaded for traditional urns, fitted for cedar boxes). The opening is large enough to easily transfer ashes from the temporary container provided by your veterinarian or pet crematorium. Some pet parents prefer to have their vet handle this step during pickup.
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Yes, we ship handcrafted pet memorial urns throughout the United States. Each urn is carefully packaged with protective materials to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Shipping costs are included in our pricing. International shipping is available upon request.
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Our pet urn prices include: custom portrait carving based on your photos, personalized text engraving (pet's name, dates, short message), premium wood construction, hand-applied finish, secure lid, design consultation and approval, nationwide shipping, and satisfaction guarantee. No hidden fees.
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You are welcome to review our gallery and various business profiles to see completed orders and testimonials. Although we cannot complete design work for you before an order is placed, we understand that some designs can be unique and are happy to discuss feasibility on the phone before an order is placed.
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Wooden pet urns are finished with protective oil that brings out natural beauty while sealing the wood. Simply dust occasionally with a soft cloth. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. With basic care, your pet's memorial urn will remain beautiful for generations, becoming a cherished family keepsake.