Laser Engraving a Final Tribute: A First-Time Experience with Bronze Urns

Every project comes with its own story, but this one hit a little deeper.

Recently, I had the honor of helping out my old boss, Cyndi, with something truly special: laser engraving her parents’ bronze urns. These weren’t just any urns either—they were book-shaped, symbolizing the stories of two lives well-lived. It was the first time I had ever engraved bronze, and definitely the first time I had worked on something so meaningful and final.

To be honest, I was nervous. With a project like this, there’s no room for error. There’s no practice urn, no second chance. So I took my time and did everything I could to prepare.

I tracked down some scrap bronze to test out settings and see how the metal would react under the laser. Once I got a good result, I did a couple of small test hearts on the underside of one of the urns—hidden spots, just to make sure everything was dialed in perfectly.

When it came time for the real thing, I took a deep breath and committed. The engraving turned out beautifully, clean and precise. I was proud of the result—and more importantly, so was Cyndi.

Now, her parents’ urns are ready for their final resting place in Cincinnati, personalized with care and intention.

This project reminded me how powerful this work can be. It’s not just about designs or materials—it’s about memories, legacy, and creating something that lasts.