January Prayer Flag

Create one prayer flag for your partner to add to her string.

Prayers/mantras/messages, colors, elements, text, and mediums are Sender's choice.

Some wonderful examples can be found at websites such as these listed below. Please Note: you do NOT have to be a quilter or know how to sew to join this swap!

Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine

The Prayer Flag Project

Prayer Flag Project on Flickr

THE PURPOSE OF THIS SWAP IS TO HAVE FLAGS TO HANG OUTSIDE OUR HOMES AND EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS IN THE MANNER THE TIBETANS DID - SO THAT AS THE THINGS FADE AND THE STRINGS UNRAVEL - THOSE WISHES/POSITIVE MANTRAS/PRAYERS ARE RELEASED INTO AND ONTO THE WORLD

How to Make Prayer Flags

Cut pieces of fabric to 6" x 12". (you can use fabric that is of the traditional 5 colors, or use any other color you love). Use materials you already have on hand if at all possible. I welcome you to re-purpose materials you have at home. It's best for the fabric to be cotton as it needs to be able to unravel as time passes.

Fold the top down on each piece of fabric and stitch in place (by hand or machine) to create a 3" sleeve, making the flag surface 6" x 9". Leave the edges unhemmed or unfinished. You may use fabric glue instead of sewing to create the hanging pocket - that way non-sewers can also participate. Make sure to use a sufficient amount of glue to hold in the elements as this will hang outside.

Paint, stitch, stamp, dye, embroider, applique, print, or collage the flags... absolutely WHATEVER strikes your fancy. Just remember - the style you send out may NOT be the style you get in return (you may embroider but your partner may paint theirs, for example). The point is the intent and the THOUGHT that your partner has put in to making this flag.

Add words, journaling, or symbols as desired. You can appliqué letters, add hand stitching, stencil with textile paint, or just write with a permanent marker.