Story Cloak | Tiffany

"How do we best honor our beloveds when they pass from this world? To be sure, saying prayers of love for their continued peace is meaningful, as well as sharing memories of them with other loved ones. For me, my family and circle of friends, having a shroud to wrap my beloved’s body in added another deeply significant dimension of honoring her. The presence of the shroud, with Emily’s love and intention embedded within it, filled us with a sense of the sacred and further caring of how we tended and honored her body."

— Paul, Tiffany’s husband

I met Tiffany through a dear friend. She instantly became a kindred spirit that understood my essence. She had a gift of seeing people and energy and was a very accomplished teacher to many. We had talked many times about me making her a Story Cloak. Our time to complete that together fell short. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that took her life in 3 months. In her last days, I was called to make her final garment - a shroud to cover her body during a home funeral. There were 3 days of honoring her in her home after she took her last breath and this creation covered her body for that time. It is now a relic that her husband will cherish and have for the rest of his life. The experience of making this piece was beyond words. I worked on it for 3 days and completed it the day she left her body. The communication that happened between Tiffany and I while I was making it, changed my life and brought me to a deeper understanding of what I do thru my work. The process of gathering the materials from her closet with her husband was humbling and the actual construction of the shroud was other worldly. The last time I saw Tiffany alive - I sat at her bedside and told her I would be making her Story Cloak to adorn her body when she left and to please guide the process, as I would be listening to her. It was like I passed through a portal where I was being guided by spirit and the voice of Tiffany was with me. The day that I began the process, a full rainbow appeared over my home- I believe it was Tiffany! She was one of the kindest, most present, inspired people I know. This creation brings me great honor and joy, along with gratitude and deep humility. It was a great gift in my life. Thank you Tiffany for your life and service. You are a true inspiration!

Cloak Contents

This piece was made from clothing that belonged to Tiffany and her husband, Paul. The braid around the edge is the weaving of their love - made from his shirt and her scarf & shorts. The shorts were the last thing she wore in my home. I remember her standing in my kitchen making food in those shorts. It is a sacred memory now. She was drawn to Pyramids and loved the number 13 so there are 13 eyes. The main body is white silk and the back is made from a vintage sari and scarves from her collection.