Hello!
I’m Emily Gillies
The creator behind SpiritWeaver Studio
My personal discovery journey involves three key chapters: Weaving, Holding Space, and the spirituality I find through the system of Reiki.
My eco-conscious weavings and spirit-led coaching, workshops and reiki sessions are a way to disentangle from the hectic, consumer-driven, top-down-systems of our distracted culture so that we can slow down and support gentle, life-sustaining evolution and discern what truly matters in this life.
I believe we are all radiant souls on a journey of love, and that the work of this life is to inquire deep within to uncover the hidden treasures and gifts we are meant to share in this life.
Below are some of the personal excavations I have done that weave together my offerings at SpiritWeaver Studio:
Weaving
These photos hanging on the wall of my home studio are of my Gramma, my Grandpa, and the small “Log Cabin Craft Shop” they operated at their home in rural Wisconsin.
My journey with creativity began at a young age through the influence of my innovative and crafty grandparents. Among other projects, they experimented with making rugs on big floor looms, and when I spent summers at their house as a teenager I enjoyed many happy days doing the same thing. When my grandparents passed away I inherited their looms, tools, and materials, which motivated me to find my own expression as an artist. Despite facing life challenges, such as mental health decline, career changes, and divorce, I remained committed to my craft.
Initially, while my young sons were starting school, I transformed an unused room in my garage into an artist’s studio. There I spent countless hours honing my skills and discovering different materials I could use in my designs. Over the years weaving has been a balm through difficult times, a connection to my local arts community, and a way to joyfully interact with customers at craft shows. I have expanded my repertoire beyond rugs to include wall hangings, tote bags, pillows, yoga mats, placemats, and table runners. Each piece is a testament to my dedication to quality, sustainability, and artistic expression.
Eco-Friendly
I love to scour thrift shops, just as my Gramma did, for colourful corduroy pants, high-quality cotton bedsheets, and other items that catch my eye for great weaving possibilities.
I also purchase bulk shipments of selvedge upholstery fabric and terry sock byproducts that are taken out of the industrial garbage stream in the USA which transforms excess waste product into a work of (he)art.
These efforts, and others, such as old belts as handles and repurposed corduroy pockets for my tote bags, give my products a tiny environmental footprint with a huge impact on sustainability.
Durability
Growing up with these weavings around the house, I can attest that they last a long time.
At my front door is a rug that my Grandpa made in the late 1970’s and has been in continual high-traffic use ever since. The first rug I ever had in my bedroom as a little girl is now a mat at the kitchen sink. Many little woven creations grace my home – because they never wear out!
I am always glad to hear people at craft shows say, “Emily, that rug I got from you ten years ago is just as good as ever!”
While I cannot guarantee the longevity of any one piece, I promise to listen to any concerns and stay in conversation until we are both satisfied with the transaction. See my Terms & Conditions page for information on returns and refunds.
Machine Washable
Most of SpiritWeaver Studio’s products are machine washable.
Rugs, yoga mats and placemats can be tossed in with regular laundry, hung to dry, then fluffed in dryer if desired. Vacuuming is okay if the ‘beater bar’ is turned off.
Table runners are also machine washable, with the exception of items with decorative double-crossed tassles at the ends, which may tangle in the washing machine.
Pillows and tote bags are mainly spot wash, or gentle handwash.
With all items, a hairbrush through the fringe will straighten out tangles (I like to comb my hair after a shower too, just sayin’.)
Complete details will be shared with each item upon purchase. Inquire for more information.
Holding Space
Inspired by the work of writer and teacher Heather Plett, I explored the concept of “Holding Space,” which encourages authenticity and offers supportive ways to witness and journey with others. This practice deeply resonated with me. I started applying these principles to my life and work. This led to healthy personal development and a deeper connection to my true voice.
Since 2019 I have been on the teaching team of the Centre for Holding Space where we facilitate online programs and offer coaching services. I have helped people from all over the world learn about and integrate the concepts of holding space. This practice offers profound benefits to relationships, parenting, family dynamics, mental health, professional development, work-life balance, and much more.
When we hold space for others we walk alongside them with compassion, stepping out of judgment and the need to “fix” their situation, while maintaining our own boundaries and sense of self.
It’s also important to “hold space for yourself” which includes knowing how to accompany yourself with tenderness instead of criticism, and to become better equipped to handle uncertainty and overwhelm.
Read More
Some of this work is about exploring the ways our beliefs and personal identities are shaped and how they continue to unknowingly impact us. We peer into the shadows of trauma, adverse childhood events, codependency, social and cultural conditioning, and how the dysfunctional systems of capitalism and patriarchy keep us small, divided and fearful. We emerge with a clearer picture of who we truly are, how we want to feel and function in our relationships, and how we can move through life changes with more ease and steadiness.
The Centre for Holding Space holds the trademark for Holding Space in Canada and the USA. It is based on the work of Heather Plett, a writer, educator, and international speaker with two books: “The Art of Holding Space – A Practice of Love, Liberation and Leadership” and “Where Tenderness Lives – On Healing, Liberation and Holding Space for Oneself.”
Reiki
During a challenging period in my life, I discovered the practice of Reiki. My heart was opened to spiritual realms wider than I had envisioned in my religious upbringing through the United Church of Canada. The transformational peace and the deep sense of spiritual unity that enveloped me when I experienced the sacred light of Reiki energy helped me commit to being a Lightworker. Now I use my inner light to offer harmony, balance, and a path to the middle way.
My journey with Reiki has been about spiritual awakening and existentialism. I have attained my level II certification and continue to explore Reiki’s healing power, and to blend it with traditional understandings of mainstream religious denominations where, in the end, “we are all just walking each other home”. (~Ram Dass)
My Certifications
Certified to Illuminate Your Journey
Master Practitioner of Holding Space
I am certified by The Centre for Holding Space, which is based on the work of writer, educator, and international speaker Heather Plett. This certification enables me to lead workshops and programs on Holding Space, empowering individuals and groups to cultivate authentic connections and compassionate presence.
Reiki Level II Practitioner
Certified by Michaela Daystar of HeartScapes Insight. This certification allows me to offer Reiki sessions to infuse body, mind, and spirit with radiant, healing energy.
Pulpit Supply
I have experience leading church services and providing pastoral care, enhancing my ability to hold space for individuals going through life transitions and challenges.
Art Guild Member
I was a member of my local Art Guild from 2009 until we folded in 2021, specializing in photography and weaving. This membership allowed me to engage with the local arts community and to showcase my creative work in galleries, art fairs, and studio tours.
Professional Craftsperson
Juried as a Professional Craftsperson by the Saskatchewan Craft Council in 2023, this recognition validates my skill and craftsmanship in handwoven goods and allows me to participate in craft fairs and markets as a professional artisan.
Seek Safely Promise
As a provider of personal growth support services, I have signed the promise at to foster ethical, safe practices in the self help industry. Read More HERE