hen I left Japan I was presented with a Japanese doll that rolled out into a scroll. On the scroll were the handwritten farewell wishes from all the people I worked with. The doll itself was rather simple and anything but artful, but I found it so meaningful to look back at later and read all the messages that these people had left for me. Wonderful memories were kept alive as I looked at this memory maker again and again. 

Handwritten messages are so personal, so precious. And we’ve lost the art of making them. So I created my first memory scroll for a close friend’s new baby.

From there, I could see memory scrolls being used to mark all kinds of life milestones. A goddaughter’s wedding. The birth of a first grandchild. A best friend’s promotion to company partner. A memorial to a veteran grandfather. Significant birthdays (Sweet 16, 21st, 50th, etc.) A team gift to the coach. To express sympathy for the loss of a loved one.

The scroll becomes a treasured item that the recipient will keep and will allow them to enjoy their friends’ and family’s handwritten, heartfelt messages for years. Or, perhaps the recipient may want their loved ones to sign the scroll at different intervals throughout life.

Plus, the thought of having an artfully created scroll appeals even more to me (as an artist). Because each scroll becomes an art object to be displayed, to be enjoyed, and to house memories that will be preserved in a most distinctive way.

Look for my Signature Scrolls in gift shops and galleries. Or contact me about purchasing from already existing inventory or to arrange for a custom scroll perfect for your occasion.