Tag: prayer flag

Posted in hand embroidery

And on the seventh day….

Posted on by Laura Kate

I strung the flags together and installed them in the garden.

Prayer Flag project completed 4-07-2019

This was a good project for me. I was able to try out some new techniques. I was also able to practice hand embroidery, something I hadn’t used since childhood. In preparing each image, I spent time thinking deeply about each element, and how it benefits my life. Figuring out how to represent each element took time and effort, but I enjoyed that part of the project. Here are some closeup photos of the series:

Space, Wind, Fire, Water and Earth.

Posted in colorwork, sewing

Prayer Flag #4 – Water

Posted on by Laura Kate

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.

Posted in hand embroidery, painting

Prayer Flag #3 – Fire

Posted on 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.

Posted in hand embroidery

Prayer Flag #2 – White

Posted on 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.