By Mindy Rubenstein, Times Correspondent
Friday, January 7, 2011
In this piece, cremains form a heart inside a unique glass and sterling pendant that Michele Palenik made in her studio.
When Michele Palenik's husband, a funeral director, first suggested she make jewelry for the cremated remains of some of his clients, she said no way.
But after more prodding from others in the industry looking for an alternative to traditional urns, she finally relented.
Now, it has become her calling.
"By far it's the most fulfilling work I have ever done," said Palenik, 48, of Land O'Lakes, who has been making jewelry for 20 years and has sold her work to 18 galleries across the United States.
For the past six years she has been making unique glass and metal pendants, sun catchers and other items from the cremated remains of people, and now pets as well ...