Prayer Flag inspired by Nepal
Lesson Overview
For this project, we took what we learned about prayer flags and created our own versions. As stated in my previous post, prayer flags can be seen throughout Nepal. Whether you are in a rural or metropolitan area, these beautiful and meaningful flags are draped across the skies bringing peace, compassion, wisdom and strength to all. Each flag is woodblock printed and has a blessing or intention on them. When hung outside in the sky, it is believed that the wind carries these messages. Faded flags represent a blessing or mantra that has been answered. The flags are traditionally five different colors, each representing a different element - yellow = earth, green = water, red = fire, white = air/cloud/wind and blue = sky/space.
Both artists and families alike can work on this project! For our version, we used colors that resonated with our messages. My kindergartener put together these based off of a few inspirational images she saw on my Nepal Family Pinterest board.
Prayer flags can be seen throughout Nepal. Whether you are in a rural or metropolitan area, these beautiful and meaningful flags are draped across the skies bringing peace, compassion, wisdom and strength to all. Each flag is woodblock printed and has a blessing or intention on them. When hung outside in the sky, it is believed that the wind carries these messages. Faded flags represent a blessing or mantra that has been answered. The flags are traditionally five different colors, each representing a different element - yellow = earth, green = water, red = fire, white = air/cloud/wind and blue = sky/space.
For this month’s Art Passports projects I wanted to work on an abstract prayer flag painting, a mini portrait series reflecting the elements of each flag, and a kids/family project where we create our own prayer flags using our own intentions or mantras. Below is my mini portrait series tutorial. More to come on the abstract and kids project!
Art Supplies & Instructions
Canvas/Paper, outdoor paint (if hanging outside) OR paints/drawing supplies for indoor use, twine/string, sewing machine or hot glue gun, ribbons and embellishments.
Cut paper or unwrapped canvas into approximately 5”x8” rectangles.
Think of several intentions / mantras / words you would like to include and send out into the world.
Write these intentions or draw imagery and symbolism connected to each word on your prayer flag. Select colors that resonate with the word or meaning.
Once each piece is dry, you can string each flag on a string or piece of twine. Fold these about 1/2” at the top over the twine and use your sewing machine or hot glue gun to secure the canvas over the twine. If you used paper, you can use a paper hole punch to string the twine through the holes.
Traditionally, prayer flags are meant to hang outside so the wind carries your messages to the universe. If you don’t have outdoor paint you can give them as a gift to someone or hang them in a place in your house as a reminder to send those messages verbally.
Thanks for joining. Enjoy!
NOTE: You could also work on this project in a journal. You can write the words in the background either repeated or large and bold. Layer ephemera and collage papers, paints, pastels, and charcoal to get layered effects in your journal.
Share your Creations with us!
There is nothing I love more than to see what you create from one of our lessons. You can share with us on Instagram or through email.
@kensingercreative