Imagine a stole that tells your unique story, a vibrant tapestry of the spiritual journey.

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.

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.

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.