Questions, Answered
with Care

Each panel is a handcrafted plaster artwork built on a board, infused with a small portion of your pet's or loved one's cremated remains. The plaster surface is hand-applied using natural lime plaster and earth pigments, then finished with a gallery-quality photographic print mounted 1/8” above the surface — creating a striking raised, 3D display with depth, shadow, and presence. The result is a living memorial designed to hang on your wall, not sit on a shelf.

The standard panel is 24×18 inches and priced at $650. Custom sizes are available — please contact Matt before commissioning to discuss dimensions and receive a quote for anything outside the standard size.

Yes — within reason. You can specify a plaster tone (ivory, warm amber, natural), any botanical embellishments (pressed flowers, botanicals, paw prints), and whether you'd like a name or phrase lettered onto the surface. Matt will use your photo, notes, and his 35 years of craft judgment to create something that feels right for the life being honored.

Not at all. While Ash & Earth is deeply rooted in the pet memorial community, Matt creates panels for all beloved companions and family members. Human memorial panels are welcome — and the process is identical. Every life that deserves honoring deserves a panel.

Approximately two tablespoons (2 Tbsp) of cremated remains. This is a small portion — enough to be meaningfully integrated into the plaster without requiring you to give up the majority of your loved one's ashes. You can keep the rest in an urn or divide them among multiple memorials.

We understand. Opening an urn and handling the ashes of someone you love can feel overwhelming — and we don't want to minimize that. Yes, you will need to scoop a small amount yourself, but we've found that many families find the act meaningful rather than difficult once they begin. If you need support or have concerns, please reach out to Matt before you begin — he'll talk you through it personally.

Place approximately 2 tablespoons of ashes in a sealed ziplock bag (double-bagging is encouraged). Place the sealed bag inside a small, sturdy box with padding (bubble wrap or tissue works well). Ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx — no special permits are required for cremated remains shipped domestically within the US. Include your name and order confirmation number inside the box. Ship to: Matt DeBenedetto · 10049 N. 25th St., Phoenix, AZ 85028.

If you'd like unused ashes returned, please note this specifically in your commission form or contact us ahead of time. We will do our best to accommodate this request. In most cases, the full two tablespoons are incorporated into the plaster, but we can work with you on a case-by-case basis.

2–3 weeks from the date your ashes arrive at the studio. Matt works on one commission at a time, applying and curing each plaster layer with care. The clock starts when your ashes are received — not when you submit your form or pay.

100% of the panel price is due before work begins. After you submit your commission form, Matt will send you a payment link within 2 business days. Once payment is received, you're confirmed and can begin mailing your ashes.

Because the plaster is applied in layers and cures progressively, we are not able to offer a proof or preview before the panel is completed. Matt works directly from your photo and commission notes to create a faithful, thoughtful tribute.

Due to the deeply personal and custom nature of each commission, all sales are final. We do not offer refunds once payment has been made. However, if your panel is damaged during shipping, please contact us immediately with photos and we will personally make it right.

Yes — Ash & Earth already has its first international commission completed, for a family in Australia. We welcome international orders. Please contact us before ordering so we can quote international shipping to your location.

Hang your panel in any indoor space that feels meaningful — a living room, bedroom, or a quiet corner of reflection. Panels are not designed for outdoor use. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can cause the photo to fade over time. For cleaning, wipe gently with a dry cloth — do not use water, cleaning sprays, or solvents on the plaster surface.

Yes — and we encourage it. One of the most powerful things about an Ash & Earth panel is that you can reach out and feel the texture of the plaster, knowing that your loved one is part of it. Many families tell us that being able to touch the panel is exactly what they needed.

Please reach out directly to Matt — he personally responds to every inquiry. You can email Matt@alliancedpinc.com or call/text (480) 343-4940. There are no silly questions here.