inhale...exhale...relax your shoulders...repeat as often as needed

Monday, September 20, 2010

a memory piece

inspired by erin, i made this for my friend potts.
read about our story here.
i included a photo transfer
 (i took the photo in february while i was visiting them)
of their sweet pooch, keenan.
and the "love...e"?
well,
that's all about our love (and our tattoos).
i polyurethaned some sunflowers seeds and stitched them on,
in celebration of these beauties.
 (folks who participated in the blood drive received
 packets of sunflower seeds to plant in memory of erin.)
lime green was erin's favorite color.
whenever i see sunflowers now, in fields, in bouquets, 
in paintings and in photos,
i remember erin's sturdy stem and the deep roots
she grew amidst her family and friends.
erin's volleyball number was "8",
her dad has it tattooed on his wrist.
turned sideways, it's the symbol for infinity.
erin loved the snow.
i stitched this tree on snowflake fabric,
embellished with french knots, beads and buttons.
erin's grave rests under a beautiful pine tree,
where one sparkling snowflake ornament dangles from a branch.

8 comments:

  1. This is a really wonderful way to commemorate someone. There was so much thought put into these. Just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a beautiful post, Karen. You and Mary and your families share something very special. What a beautiful and symbolic gift.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It can be difficult for some to know how to be supportive to a friend in need when that friend no longer lives down the street, but many miles away. YOU, my dear friend reed, have remained steadfast since you dared!! to move away years ago.

    Beginning with our sweet Erin's awful diagnosis in December of 2006, and continuing on since her death last December, you have shown consistent support through cards, emails, care packages, a prayer shawl, a tattoo!... and now this spectacular gift.

    Your exquisite attention to detail makes this treasure a special reminder, both of Erin and of the ties that bind our friendship across those miles. You are still the "neighbor two doors down", and I am so deeply grateful for this most beautiful gift of your time and talent.

    I love you reed,
    potts

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm always moved by how tragedy can result in things of beauty, and the friendship this work highlights is as much the beauty as the quilt itself. Lovely work, Karen.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such a beautiful visual expression of loving memories:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. So much thought and care went into this. Absolutely stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  7. WoW this is beautiful. I am in awe.
    What a truly beautiful keepsake ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. what a beautiful and thoughtful memory piece! the green in addition to being Erin's favorite color is such an affirmation of life and the continuity of love and memory.

    ReplyDelete