When my family stayed in Arcachon, France for study abroad in 2014, we regularly collected sea shells on the beach. I remember shell searching with the kids and having them bring different colors and shapes to my attention, delightedly calling, “Look at this one, Mom!” We filled empty jars with shells and brought them home as a reminder of our time in France. I always wanted to create something special with these shells and Blessed Grove Keepsakes helped bring my idea to life.
Custom Made Keepsakes
Blessed Grove Keepsakes specializes in helping families memorialize important moments with unique, custom-made pieces. Customers send inclusions, including breast milk, placenta, umbilical cord, cremation ash and hair/fur, to artist Monique Cast in Alberta, Canada. She then creates a one-of-a-kind ring, locket, or pendant.
Artist and owner Monique Cast explains, “These pieces are tangible memories. Links to a journey, loved one passed, a birth, a furry family members time with them. Its a link to an individual, a time and a bond.”
My Experience
I enjoyed my experience creating a custom pendant to memorialize our trip to France. Monique and I brainstormed different ideas for my pendant and she offered different options to suit my taste. The end result is lovely – a tiny corked bottle with angled sand, broken shells, and a miniature custom-made French flag, all floating in sparkling water. I placed the pendant on a long chain (this is not included with purchase) and have worn it with both casual clothes and dresses.
This pendant is a wonderful reminder of the year I became a Conqueror of What-Ifs and discovered a passion for travel. Wearing it reminds me of the amazing places I’ve visited and inspires me to see more of the world. It’s also a unique accent piece for my wardrobe. 
The Process
Ordering your Blessed Grove Keepsake takes a bit of patience because of the time it takes to mail items and make a custom item.The process goes like this:
- Select your keepsake. These can include key chains, earrings, lockets, rings, bead sets, and more.
- Order your keepsake.
- Send in your inclusion. Be sure to factor in the cost of mailing your inclusion to the overall cost of your keepsake.
- Wait 10 to 12 weeks (sometimes the piece arrives earlier) to receive your custom keepsake.
While the process might feel slow in an era of instant gratification, it is also a reminder of the care Monique takes with your inclusions. Her goal is clearly to make something that will honor your memories. Your final result will be something unique to you; a quality item you can treasure.
Want to Win?
Blessed Grove Keepsakes is also offering a Euro Bead Giveaway! Visit here for your chance to win!
Disclosure: I received product in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. Interested in sponsoring a review and giveaway? Contact Mindy at theinquisitivemom@gmail.com
Love this great unquie way to make a keepsake!
I really love these pendents… I also love the keepsake ones they make on their page… like the milk one and first curl one. Such a beautiful idea!