Daily Fiber

Today we consider the fourth in the series of Tibetan Prayer Flags. It is green, and represents water. Because I am so happy when around or in water, I feel especially drawn to this element. There are so many blessings related to this substance. In the form of rain, it is yearned for when scarce and cursed when excessive. Rivers, lakes and shores are places of rest, relaxation and sport. Today’s message is about the water that is within us. We are told that in the human body, water content ranges from 50% to 75%. I am grateful for access to clean water, so that I can replenish my cells. This flag is pieced together, with color-wash muslin and fabrics that I colorwashed and salted. The letters are written with pen and stenciled.

hand embroidery, painting

Prayer Flag #3 – Fire

Posted on April 5, 2019September 28, 2020 by Laura Kate

The third flag in the series is red, representing fire. We tend to think of fire as the flame tamed by man to do his bidding, or the flame sparked by a flash of lighting. For me, the most remarkable fire of all is the one that keeps our bodies at level temperature – metabolism. When this fire goes out, we begin to cool and return to the earth. The images in my flag are natural creatures, full of the fire of life. Special acknowledgment to Gustav Klimt for The Kiss. Dyed muslin, applique, hand embroidery and painted.

hand embroidery

Prayer Flag #2 – White

Posted on April 4, 2019September 28, 2020 by Laura Kate

Traditionally, the second flag is white. It represents the air and wind, better known in modern times as atmosphere. The atmosphere of Earth protects life in a multitude of ways. In my prayer flag, I refer to the air in our bodies, which gives us life by infusing our cells with oxygen. The wind, which swirls around the earth, both pollinates and scatters the seeds of many plants. Thus air is a force in providing for future generations of the plants and all breathing things.

I have been taking a class in embroidery, so today I wanted to try out some of the stitches and techniques I have learned. The image I chose is the dandelion seed head. Natural muslin, hand embroidered, and bedazzled with trim and sequins.

sewing

Prayer Flag no. 1

Posted on April 3, 2019September 28, 2020 by Laura Kate

In the traditional prayer flag arrangement, the flags are laid out in a specific order from left to right. Five colors represent the five elements The first is blue. It represents the sky and space. My blue prayer is in gratitude for the orbs of the sky: the sun and the moon. This piece is made with applique on dyed muslin, machine embroidered, stenciled and marked.