Crafting Your Vision: A Peek into the World of Custom Stoles at Carrot Top Studio
Imagine a stole that tells your unique story, a vibrant tapestry of the spiritual journey.
That's the brilliance of a custom stole from Carrot Top Studio!
As a clergy member, you're not just wearing a piece of fabric – you're wearing a testament to your calling and convictions. Each stitch, color, and design element should be carefully curated to reflect your personality and faith, creating a visual representation of your ministry. What follows is an example of the custom commissioned stole process.
A commission starts with a request. It’s helpful if the inquiry is from the form on the Carrot Top Studio website. Our example request was: I would like to talk about creating a custom stole. I am thinking of something like "open doors for all since 1863." This would need to include our church logo. Since this is a "high church" model of worship, I would like to have the imagery available within the first 12 inches on each side of the center so that the congregation can see it. Symbols could include a dove, PCUSA logo, FPC Rutherford Logo, Music Notes, peace, etc.
The pastor then requested a video call to discuss the project. A phone call is a good alternative but email and text are usually the methods our clients prefer.
More details
After learning more about the church we received the church logo, a picture of some of the stained glass windows the church building is known for, and were directed to a video about the recent church window restoration.
First draft
After the interview, this sketch was sent to the client. When Carrot Top Studio began in 2004 this process either was at least a written description or at most a hand-drawn and scanned image. We’re thankful for the progression of technology and our ability to share digital images. The visual is always a good starting point and we go back and forth as much as necessary until the client is pleased and we feel like we can accomplish the challenge with great skill.
After initial feedback, we sent two more sketches to the client. Which would you choose?
The process took several months partly because of going back and forth on the design and partly because of the studio’s schedule. Here are details from the finished stole —
The official description of the finished product —
This stole celebrates the past, present, and what's to come for the congregation of First Presbyterian Church Rutherford, NJ. As part of the PCUSA, the seal is comprised of essential components such as a cross, an open Bible, and a descending dove to represent the Holy Spirit. The meaning of the seal is interestingly more profound than this and can be discerned here.
The dogwood blossoms are a reminder of the trees on the church property that provide beauty for the entire community. According to Christian tradition, dogwood blossoms bear the scars of Jesus' crucifixion. The petals are tipped with blood-fringed nail indentations, the flower is cross-shaped, and the center represents the crown of thorns.
The historic stained glass windows of the church building are hinted at on the border of the stole. They are accented with a lily and an iris. Both are traditional symbols for Mary, the mother of Jesus, and remind us of what faith can be.
The bluebird, also spotted in a church stained glass window, represents a messenger of hope and joy as we look toward the future.
What Rev. Justin Warner shared with his congregation —
"Today we dedicate a new beautiful stole to this church that celebrates the rich visual history of the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford. Walter Meyer was a long-time active member of this church and served as both an Elder and a Deacon here, and this stole is dedicated in loving memory of him by his family.
Walter loved the fellowship in this beloved community and the church as a whole. His dedication and care for this church focused on Finance and Stewardship but expanded to almost every aspect of church life. He also enjoyed working outside in his garden and completing many home projects.
His family is excited about the many possibilities of dedicating this white stole to symbolize Christ’s resurrection as current and future church pastors wear it during Baptisms, Funerals, and Services of the Lord’s Day. While wearing the stole, we are excited that today in worship a baptism is celebrated as a witness to the resurrection. We hope all remember Walter’s love for this church as they see this beautiful piece of art as a symbol of our ministry together."
I hope this encourages you that custom work is meaningful and possible! Complete the form below for your own inquiry! Remember It's not just a stole; it's a story woven onto fabric, a tangible visual connection to ministry.
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