What I do best.......

prayer flags in NH garden

As a weaver, my work is all about building webs, creating connections. I use threads to create visual works that nurture, support and inspire connections between people, animals, nature and the invisible mysteries of this world. This is what I do best.

Gifting prayer flags to Kopang

Last night I had a very sweet surprise when I opened my email box. There I found a note and photos from an Phaphama, organization in Johannesburg, South Africa. This winter I sent several prayer flags to them while I was in Cape Town.  The big surprise was that I thought that the flags had been lost in the mail and I had given up hope of locating them.

Little did I know that the ripple of love and peace that began months ago with the gathering of these messages was weaving magic thousands of miles across the globe.

In this photo, two of the prayer flags are being gifted to a women's project called Kopanang, an embroidery project run by women who are infected by HIV/AIDS. I am so moved that these flags are being used for such powerful and healing work.
This is peace, hope, love and community in action. This is the Woven Voices project at its best.

Garden door prayer flag

Jack and Jean London at Topsail House Simonstown, South Africa
http://www.topsailhouse.co.za/

As noted in previous a previous blog I am creating a Grand Finale for this global community art project.

In order to make this happen I need your support. Please check out the Kickstarter website. There is a two minute video that explains everything.

Loraine in Simonstown, South Africa

~ Peace ~

Please share the opportunity to support this project  . This is what I do best......use my skills as a weaver to build community, foster positive energy and build a stronger web of love for this planet for all beings.
I am grateful for your support and affirmation of this work.

Namaste ~ Sarah

1000 prayer flags for Peace ~ The Grand Finale !

Positive message from around the globe

Today is Friday June 3, 2011. Nearly three and a half years ago I began "Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart".

Messages from Iraq

My original thought was that this would be a 6-8 month project. Little did I know that I would receive over 800 messages in the first month, and over the next few years, the messages have kept coming, and coming. Heartfelt, eloquent, simple and artistic. Messages from schools, book groups, individuals and communities. Each message has been read out loud in Market Square. Each message has been spoken and released to the breezes. Each message has been given voice by someone other than the creator. Each message has been heard and honored.

The looms have traveled to bring the weaving out to the greater community

These messages have been woven by community volunteers into over 500 prayer flags. Many messages are still waiting to be woven.

Reading messages in Market Square Portsmouth, NH

Prayer flags hang all over the world

Dispersed over all over the world are over 500 prayer flags. Some hang in private homes and gardens. Some are in very public locations and some are installed in secret venues.

These prayer flags unravel, fade and release the messages of peace, hope and renewal to all beings.
One of the founding principles of this project has been the Buddhist concept of impermanence. Nothing lasts forever. And so it is with this project. I have decided to bring this project to an honorable and fitting conclusion.

Bringing the project to closure by weaving 1000 prayer flags.

 My plan is to weave 1000 prayer flags by September 11th, 2011. Between the dates of September 11th (the 10th anniversary) and the 21st (International Day of Peace) I will disperse these prayer flags to a variety of international locations, including dozens to Ground Zero in NYC.

Please help  ~ Today I launched a Kickstarter fund drive to help fund this grand closure to "Woven Voices". You can help by making a pledge here. Every dollar will help fund studio overhead, weaving materials, postage to send these prayer flags and for travel costs to NYC on 9/11/11. Plus there are rewards for donors...check it out!

I have self funded this project from the start, but I now need your support. Please go to the Kickstarter site and make a pledge to help bring "Woven Voices" to a grand culmination.

I am SO grateful to everyone for your continued support for this project. And I look forward to your help to fund this final phase of "Woven Voices: Messages from the Heart".

Prayer flags in Nepal

Thank you. Peace, Sarah

P.S. I will be continuing to accept your messages to be read and woven into prayer flags until August 15th.