Description
Patterned Pillow Water Urn: 100% Biodegradable
Our Pillow Water Urns are perfect for deeper rivers, lakes, or the sea. Designed to float briefly before gracefully sinking, these urns naturally break down within a few hours. Choose from a variety of colours. Each urn also has a matching ‘mini’ version (sold separately) for scattering a token amount of ashes.
This biodegradable water urn is crafted by hand using a traditional paper-making technique. We harvest mulberry tree bark without harming the tree. After soaking the bark to create pulp, we spread it out to dry on a bamboo screen. Often referred to as pillow or cushion urns due to their unique shape, these urns blend functionality with environmental consciousness.
We are excited to introduce new patterned designs in our popular Journey Water Urn range:
- Scottish Thistle (Royal Blue): Revered since ancient times, the thistle is Scotland’s national symbol and known as the “Flower of Scotland.” Celebrated for its resilience and rugged beauty, the thistle thrives in harsh conditions, symbolizing strength and persistence.
- Lily (White): Symbolizing purity and modesty, lilies are commonly associated with funerals, representing the soul’s departure from the body and the return to innocence.
- Waves Blue – Inspired by the sea, this urn features cool blue swirls that mirror the ebb and flow of the tide.
- Waves Green – Soothing green waves create a calming design, perfect for a meaningful goodbye on the water.
- Dogwood Lilac – Soft lilac tones and delicate petals make this water urn a gentle tribute for a peaceful farewell.
- Dogwood Green – With its fresh green hues and floral detail, this urn brings a serene sense of renewal to your water ceremony.
- Moonbeam – Dark blue and pearlescent, the Moonbeam urn glows softly, offering a graceful way to scatter ashes on water.
- Black & White – Bold yet elegant, this striking urn reflects the simplicity and dignity of your final tribute.
- Slate Grey – Understated and timeless, this smooth grey urn blends effortlessly with the natural beauty of the water.
Customize your urn with an inscription of your choice, such as a name, date, or poem. We adjust the text size according to space availability. Note: Adding an inscription will extend delivery by one week, and the layout will be designed by the engraver to optimize space usage.
Please note: The duration the urn floats varies based on factors like ash weight and water conditions. Typically, it floats for about five minutes, although this can vary. A companion urn, holding two sets of ashes, is likely to sink more quickly due to its weight.
Sizes:
- Standard: 14″L x 12″W x 3″D (35cmL x 31.5cmW x 7cmD)
- Mini: 8″L x 6.5″W x 2″D (21cmH x 17cmW x 5.5cmD) (not available in all designs)
Capacities:
- Standard: Holds up to 3.60 litres, suitable for the ashes of one adult.
- Mini: Holds up to 0.98 litres.
How to Fill your Pillow Water Urn
Filling the urn is straightforward. Watch our instructional video here: Filling a Journey Water Urn
Ashes Water Ceremony
Water burials offer a dignified way to conduct an ashes ceremony. You may cast petals or place last words on our promises notelets while the urn floats. This moment provides enough time for final words, prayers, or thoughts. Many find the presence of water soothing and a poignant reminder of the departed.
We recommend these urns for deeper water, beyond the low tide line. For more guidance on conducting ceremonies in a river or the sea, please visit our guidance page.
Recording your Water Ceremony
It’s important to document the location of the ceremony for future generations. If you’re on a boat, the skipper can provide the exact coordinates, which you can record in our Scattering Ceremony Record.
What people say about the Pillow Water Urn
“My Dads water urn has arrived within 24 hours & is even more beautiful that we expected. Your service has been fantastic & through your site we have been able to plan Dads final journey which will happen in May when we take him to be scattered in Cornwall. Thanks again Clare”
“Just want to thank you for the very fast delivery which arrived this morning, arriving less than 24hrs after I placed the order, it is no wonder that you have had awards for your company. Regards, Paul”
Planning an Ashes Ceremony?
Planning an Ashes Ceremony?We work hard to dispatch all orders promptly and use trusted couriers, but delays and breakages can occasionally happen. If you’re planning to use this product for a scattering or memorial ceremony, please allow extra time for delivery in case a replacement is needed.
We know how important these moments are, and we want everything to be just right on the day.
For international orders: Delivery times can vary due to customs and local courier handling. Please order well in advance and feel free to contact us if you need help with timings.
Thank you for trusting us with something so meaningful.
With care,
The Scattering Ashes Team
For Delivery information please click here.
Jean (verified owner) –
I am so pleased to have the opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Richard for his very kind assistance when I ordered the Pillow Water Urn. I had problems doing the order on line and he was able to do it for me from your end. He was a star.
I am so pleased with the urn and am now able to go forward with my wishes, to scatter some of my late husband’s ashes at sea, when cruising in late September.
Thank you so much Richard for your help and professionalism at a very emotional time.
Karen Martin –
Thank you so much for your lovely message. I’m really pleased Richard was able to help when the online order was proving difficult — he’ll be very touched to hear your kind words.
It’s wonderful to know you’re happy with the Pillow Water Urn and can now move forward with your plans to scatter some of your husband’s ashes at sea during your cruise. We hope the ceremony in September brings you a peaceful and meaningful moment.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
7 July 2026 – We’re so grateful to Helen and her team for their thoughtful support. The Pillow Water Urn was beautifully crafted and simple to use, giving my mum confidence at a difficult time. On a bright, peaceful day at sea, the urn floated gently for several minutes, giving us space to honour and remember her late husband. It was a dignified experience that would have been stressful without their guidance. Mum hopes for the same when her time comes (a long time yet I hope) and she’s not seafaring!. We wholeheartedly recommend Scattering Ashes.
Karen Martin –
Thank you so much for such a heartfelt message — we’ll be sure to pass this on to Helen, who will be so touched to read it. We’re really glad the Pillow Water Urn helped bring a sense of calm and confidence to the day, and that you were able to give your mum the space to honour her husband somewhere so peaceful. It sounds like it was a truly dignified send-off. And we’ll be here whenever your mum needs us, whether that’s on the water or otherwise! Thank you for your kind words and recommendation.
A UK customer (verified owner) –
Bought this large urn and a smaller one for a dear friend who wanted ashes to be scattered in two different places. It arrived super quick, looks nice – like a cushion for my friend to rest on – and it was really easy to get the ashes inside – a task I had not looked forward to. We have not yet scattered them so can’t review that aspect yet.
Karen Martin –
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so glad we could get both urns to you quickly and that you found the design to be a fitting ‘cushion’ for your dear friend.
We completely understand that the task of moving ashes can be a daunting one, so it’s heartening to hear that our design made that process a little easier and more manageable for you. We believe that every part of the journey should be as stress-free as possible.
When the time comes for the scattering, we hope it is a peaceful and special moment for you all. Best wishes from our team here in Devon
Caroline –
Just wanted to let you know that Paul and his crew mate in Mudeford were absolutely lovely when we scattered Mother’s ashes at sea yesterday. I purchased your water journey urn and just as you described it floated for several minutes, allowing us time to reflect and remember. The weather was perfect which helped to make it a beautiful and fitting tribute to Mother who loved the sea.
Karen Martin –
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. We’re truly honoured that the Water Journey Urn played a part in such a beautiful and fitting tribute to your mother. It’s wonderful to hear that Paul and his crew made the experience so supportive, and that the urn allowed those quiet moments of reflection at sea. We’re so glad the weather was kind and the ceremony brought comfort.
Richard (verified owner) –
We used a pillow urn which was very attractive. We put it in the sea from the end of a pier. It didn’t sink! After 5-7 mins the ashes floated out like a plume, which was OK. The empty pillow then drifted out to sea but didn’t sink before we lost sight of it AFTER 15-20 mins – Which again was also OK.
Karen Martin –
Thank you so much for your review. We’re pleased to hear the pillow urn helped create a gentle and meaningful farewell. These urns are designed to biodegrade naturally, with the ashes released slowly into the water. The float time can vary depending on how much air remains inside after filling — more air means more buoyancy, which can cause the urn to remain visible for longer. We completely understand that this might feel unexpected, so we really appreciate you sharing your experience.
Rachel Hayter-James (verified owner) –
I ordered the pillow water urn. It came beautifully packaged and I was really impressed with the quality.
The only negative was the price, I feel it was overpriced for the product received.
Karen Martin –
Thank you for your review! We’re so pleased you were impressed with the quality and packaging of the pillow water urn. We appreciate your feedback about the pricing – it’s something we take seriously as we balance quality craftsmanship with value for our customers. Thank you for choosing us and for taking the time to share your experience.
Rachel (verified owner) –
This is a beautiful item to give your loved ones a lovely send off. It was beautifully packaged and I was really pleased. The only negative would be the price. Seems overpriced for the item
Karen Martin –
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We’re delighted that you found the item beautiful and appreciated the care we took with the packaging. It’s always our goal to provide something special for such an important farewell.
We hear your concern about the price. Our products are handcrafted from quality materials, and that is reflected in the cost. However, we always strive to offer good value and to honour the significance of the occasion.
Your feedback is valuable, and we’ll keep it in mind as we review our pricing. If there’s anything else we can help you with, please don’t hesitate to let us know.