1. Vessels Of Intention
History
In 2010, I made a resolution to stop using disposable drink containers. These include: Plastic cups,
paper cups, plastic bottles with necks, styrofoam cups.
Naturally, I had to learn to bring my own container as a substitute when I was offered a disposable
container. I settled on the mason jar.
I chose mason jars because they are made of glass, an oxide made of 72% silicon dioxide, 14%
sodium oxide, and calcium oxide 10% As an oxide, glass imparts negligible contamination to a
drinking liquid it contains, unlike plastic. Silicon dioxide is the most plentiful element in the earth's
crust, so it makes sense to make products with it. Also, mason jars are ubiquitous, resueable and will
not degrade through repeated use.
Next, I wove a cover for the mason jar to personalize the jar, allow me to hold hot drinks, and give
some grip to the slippery glass surface. Also, the covers helped to protect the fragile glass from
breakage.
These covers are made from nylon, hemp or cotton cord which is approximately 1/16 inches in
diameter. Hemp, cotton, and other natural (plant based) fibers are most suitable for a “green product”
because they are biodegradable, but I find the nylon cords most suitable for Vessels of Intention.

2. For the same reason aramid fibers have replaced natural fibers in sailing, climbing and some textiles, I
prefer nylon line because it is stronger, last longer and has less shrinkage/ expansion than natural fiber
line. The cord, once woven, is held 'in-tension' and the nylon cord is the best material to hold this
tension. Nylon is also weather resistant so it is safe to put a Vessel of Intention in the dishwasher.
As I began weaving covers for the jars, I became interested in the meaning behind different patterns of
the weavings. Symbolically, the seven, eight, and nine pointed stars shown above have very different
meanings. Since it is possible to vary the weaving patterns when I make the Vessels in as many ways
as there are geometrical patterns, I think there is an opportunity to create meaning within the context of
our cultural history, interpretations, and scientific knowledge.
As a sailor, I have used my skill and knowledge in knot tying to develop ways to fasten the weaving to
the mason jars. These vessels have been tested and used hundreds of times in many differing condition
to satisfy my desire to have the Vessels fulfill their intended uses.

3. August 2012 Vessels of Intention Blog
Vessels of Intention (the blog) vesselsofintention.blogspot.com is my exploration into discovering
meaning behind the patterns of the weaving on the mason jars.
I have discovered that the act of giving meaning to my endeavor has helped me see the relationship
between me as an individual and me as a member of the body of world-wide consumers. I think that
the reason many consumers are not willing to take ownership of the problem of throw-away beverage
containers, despite the awareness that these containers are a problem, is because the plastic containers
are purposely made not to convey ownership.
I believe that creating a re-useable, personalized beverage container is the correct method of creating
awareness and replacing throw-away containers. I believe that stating an intention is a method of
retaining the commitment to change.

4. Etsy Store, November 2012
Opening the etsy Store is the beginning of a way to market Vessels of Intention.
Although the etsy store is a sales model for marketing this product, my main objective is on
popularizing this product with a business model that is more non-profit. Similar to the business model
that Mason jars held, whereby John Mason applied for a patent on the concept, but never renewed the
patent. The existence of “mason” jars today is due to the fact that other manufacturers simply use the
name to symbolize a universally uniform product, thread size, and concept. The end user is the one
who uses the product in a 'do-it-yourself' manner, making the end product by supplying the contents.

5. I intend to popularize Vessels of Intention with an education model as well. Here is a flyer for the
knowledge-share school where I am instructing a class on how to make a Vessel of Intention.
This class is being taught for a fee which only reimburses me for my costs only. My hope is that this
and future classes will serve as a laboratory for making a video on how to make a Vessel of Intention
and perhaps for the publication of a “How-To” Book.
My desire to teach others to make Vessels of Intention also relates to the actual practice of making the
vessel. I teach that tying the knots is a type of meditation. This practice has become as important to
me as the utility the vessel will provide as an alternative to plastic, foam, and paper cups and bottles.