Directions for the Children’s Cloth of Many Colors
Each section of the Chidlren’s Cloth of Many Colors is 36”x36” square.This specific size is VERY IMPORTANT, since each piece is connected with many others of the same size to make a long, narrow peace quilt.Each piece should have finished edges, and be backed with cloth.Each section will be permanently joined with the Children’s Cloth of Many Colors, and is not returnable.
The Children’s Cloth of Many Colors is a peace quilt, made exclusively by children.Your section will contain your children’s thoughts, ideas, pictures, and feelings of what “peace on earth” will be like for them.
A group of children mutually create a section to their own design.In the case where a geographical area is represented, the children may choose to use illustrations of the beauty of nature in the area.They may use graphic symbols representing the area, town, or organization.They may choose to illustrate representative pictures or acts of what “peace” is like.
Each child is encouraged to bring a piece of cloth from something that is special to him or her to create the section.For instance, some children bring a piece from their first baby blanket, or a number of a winning sports shirt, or a piece of their grandmother’s handkerchief.If it is more appropriate, the children can do handprints with paint, or draw pictures of “peace” on a larger piece of cloth that is provided.
The children then ask an adult to help them create their section.Some sections are actually quilted, some pieced, some tied.In every case, however, the 36”x36” square should be backed by another piece of cloth, and the edges need to be finished.The pieces need to be sturdy as they will be used again and again as they are shown around the world.
When the section is finished, the children add their FEELINGS of what “peace on earth” will be like to their section.The inclusion of these feelings gives the quilt its remarkable transformative healing power.If possible, the children should say, “may peace prevail on earth” three times over their section.
On the back, in permanent marker, please include the name of the contributing group, names of the participants and contact information.
If possible, please have the children write the story of their experiences doing their section, in an email to us atcommunitiesofpeace@gmail.com or send to the address below.These stories are very special in bringing forth the message of the children’s love.A picture is also good to have.
Donations to the Children’s Cloth of Many Colors are appreciated.Permanent sponsorship of sections is available if desired.
