Honouring Memories
Client Testimonials
“This rug is a way to have a living memory with me every day. I love it!”
Memory Tapestries
My lifelong passion for weaving was passed down from my grandparents. I love being able to put my hands on the same materials and tools they used, and to carry forward their warping styles and weft working techniques.
I consider myself a unique blend of artistry and reverence, and I bring these qualities to my work. As a Master Practitioner of Holding Space and a Reiki practitioner, I infuse my creations with love, healing, and intention, making each piece an extraordinary and meaningful work of art.
As a Church Organist for 30 years, I have attended a lot of funerals and have been witness to many families journeying through grief. A recent memorable experience was officiating my Aunt’s funeral, where it was an honour to offer a fitting tribute for this very special person.
I believe in the value of creating trusted containers for rituals around death and dying. It occurred to me that I could incorporate that heartfelt energy into woven work if I were to use the garments and fabrics that a person used or wore during their life. The concept of Memory Tapestries was born and felt like a significant connection to many of the things I hold dear.
The offering of Memory Tapestries blends all of my work together and brings it full circle: the instruction and example of my Grandmother, the ongoing spiritual presence and family bonds of my Grandfather, the sacred reverence for a life lived and connected to others in this earthly realm, the work of community sharing and storytelling as an avenue for processing grief and collecting wisdom, the belief that all of life as we know it is made of the energy of unconditional love, and the desire to hold space for evolution and authenticity.
One on One Coaching
If you find yourself in a transition, a difficult time of life, or desiring space for personal reflection, consider scheduling a one-on-one coaching session with me. I can assist the movement through these “liminal spaces” to help you find clarity and balance.
Reiki Infusions
Experience the transformative power of Reiki energy with infused handwoven products. Each item can be filled with the healing energy of Reiki, promoting balance, harmony, and well-being in your home and life. If you have a specific desire or intention to be added, please mention this.
Reiki Sessions
You are invited into the gentle flow of Reiki energy by having a personal session with me. Simultaneously relaxing and invigorating, these sessions meet you exactly where you are, and support your healing journey with the light of unconditional love.
Custom Handwoven Goods
Immerse yourself in the luxury of handwoven artistry with custom-designed rugs, placemats, yoga mats, tote bags, pillows, and table runners. Each piece is carefully crafted to suit your needs and unique style, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to your home.
Gift Cards
Do you have someone in mind who could benefit from the items offers at SpiritWeaver Studio? Gift cards can be selected in any denomination and, if you wish, can be customized for a specific service. An elegant card (with envelope) will be sent to you or to the recipient.
Holding Space Workshops
Explore the art of holding space with insightful workshops and classes. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of this transformative practice or develop your skills as a caregiver or leader, specialized workshops offer a nurturing and inspiring environment for growth and learning.
Memory Tapestries
Transforming the clothing of someone who has passed away into a treasured family heirloom
Whether it’s a fancy outfit, a collection of dress shirts, or everyday jeans and t-shirts, this service is about capturing the love that was present in your relationship and honouring a lifetime of memories with your loved one.
It’s a way to recall the special times you spent together, and to keep the magic of this treasured person alive for generations to come.
Plus, it can be hard to decide what to do with the clothing and personal items of our beloveds when the pieces hold so much meaning but are not longer useful.
Fabric items other than clothing can be considered, such as a special baby keepsake made from the receiving blankets, sleepers, and crib bedding of a child who has grown past that stage.
I love to explore new creative concepts and work alongside others to make items that are truly treasured and spirit-led.
Sorting through precious family keepsakes is a big part of the grieving process.
With “Memory Tapestries”, hand- and heart-made by Emily Gillies, an overwhelming task can become a life-restoring opportunity.
“I love that you are taking your experiences and offering them for people like me.”
The fabrics that touched us so intimately during life become imbued with our unique energy, and with intention and skill I can preserve that precious lifeforce into a handcrafted woven work of (he)art.
Perhaps you’d like to commission a wall-hanging, matching decorative table mats for your grandchildren, or a hearty rug that will greet visitors to your home for years to come. I’ll explain the many options and help you decide, based on the fabric amount and suitability, and your preference of how you would like to commemorate your special loved one.
Also included in this service is the opportunity to have a tender conversation with me about your loved one, your memories of when they were wearing these items, and anything you’d like to share about your relationship with the dearly departed. As a Master Practitioner in the Art of Holding Space I am uniquely suited to these types of compassionate conversations. It is good to receive support and comfort during the grieving process.
Whenever it feels like time for this project, please reach out and together we can design this precious memorialization.
As our relationships with the deceased evolves from one of physical closeness to that intangible, indelible, ethereal place in the heart, a physical item can help to ease the transition.
Memory Tapestry Pricing
You may select your preference for a wall hanging piece, table-top décor, throw pillow, tote bag or rug.
Width options are determined by current warp set-ups on the looms. Typically there are 3 available.
Price estimate and approximate completion date will be determined when items are transferred, and 50% deposit will be collected when project is confirmed.
The price is based on the finished object, determined by multiplying width x length in inches (excluding fringe).
Examples (in Canadian dollars):
16” x 20” $320
16” x 30″ $480
25” x 25” $625
27” x 27” $729
28” x 30” $840
(There are an unlimited variety of finished sizes; these are just for example.)
For pillows and tote bags, add additional $50 for extra materials and labour.
The deposit becomes non-refundable when work begins on the item.
At this time, these goods and services are tax-free.
Discounts are available for multiple items made from the same set of materials. After the first piece at full price, subsequent items receive the following increasing reductions: 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, continues at 70% for each additional piece.
