Decorative mosaic object and grout containing cremains

A method for making a decorative memorial item comprises the steps of:

• forming a metal substrate into a selected shape, with a raised bezel around the periphery of an area thereof;
• placing mosaic pieces in a selected arrangement within the area defined by the bezel;
• fixedly attaching said mosaic pieces to said metal substrate in said selected arrangement;
• making a grout mixture containing a binder, a filler, and a selected quantity of cremains of the subject being memorialized;
• applying said grout mixture to fill the spaces between individual mosaic pieces and between said mosaic pieces and said raised bezel;
• and,
• cleaning the finished mosaic to remove excess grout.

A decorative grout for making a memorial item comprising:

• a filler material of a selected color;
• a binder phase;
• and,
• a selected amount of cremains that will be visible on the surface after the grout has hardened.