The weather in Atlanta is unseasonably cool this weekend. I want to roll around in it all day long, as I know it won't last. I'll be battling b.o. and bug bites in full force by next weekend. But while it's still cool, my daughter and I have been doing some flower-planting and puttering around in the back yard.
Today we planted hot pink petunias and bright orange marigolds. So cheerful.
Earlier this morning I launched into a flag-making project. I was inspired by an article on prayer flags written by Jane Lafazio in the March/April issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.The flags in her article are beautiful and quite detailed. I didn't have much time, so I decided to throw caution and planning to the wind and just start stitching to make a strand of scrappy Happy Flags. I stitched strips of fabric to some light-weight muslin. I didn't plan anything or finish any seams, so the whole set took under an hour. I used a textile pen to write a list of things that make me happy onto white cotton. I then cut the fabric into strips and stitched them onto the flags.
I strung the whole thing onto some old bias tape and rick rack, then tied the flags between two trees in my backyard. I'm excited to see them fade out and change with the weather.
I hope the flags will remind me and my family to slow down and give thanks. Perhaps the wind carry our gratitude out into the world.
As I walked back to the house after hanging my Happy Flags, I saw this fellow just sitting right in the middle of my patio.
I took it as a good sign.
Bright and happy flags flying in your yard. And a big old toad to help you celebrate. Enjoy. xox
ReplyDeleteI think the happy / prayer flags are beautiful. I spied them early this morning in a quick run through my reader and was heading back here when I saw your comment on my post.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, these recipe books and the notes compiled in them certainly speak of a different time - no less for not having a great deal, I imagine.
I've added your flags to a Pinterest board and plan to use them for a spiritual service with a group of Girl Guides. Thanks for sharing.
How I love your happy flags! They're excellent. I also planted some marigolds recently. They always remind me of being in kindergarten and being asked to bring a flower to class and tell everyone what it was called. I insisted mine was called a merry-go-round no matter how much the teacher tried to convince me otherwise.
ReplyDeletewhat a cute memory!
DeleteLove your flags - they are wonderful. Maybe your frog could use a little patchwork vest? He sounds like he appreciates creativity.
ReplyDeleteThese are so cool! I just love them! I've been wanting to do something as a family to practice thanksgiving and this is it. Thank you so much - and oh that frog took me back to my childhood in South Africa - s cute :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE your happy garden flags!!! I first made one (on my blog)for a friend who's dog recently had passed after reading about Jane's project online and and then reading her article too. I'm currently involved in a garden themed prayer flag swap with 8 other artists. It really is such a lovely AND creative way to send intentions out in the universe.
ReplyDeleteI do feel happy now.
ReplyDeleteBright colors and a spontaneous way, yum!