Nature Finds: Make Your Own Flag

With all the excitement of the World Cup and with many countries celebrating their “birthday” this week (as it has been referred to around here), we thought we would transform sticks into mini flag poles.  Prior to starting we talked about symbols and how they might relate to the countries of origin.  Make your flags as simple or elaborate as you like.

Materials

• Fabric /fabric glue/ fabric markers/ fabric scissors
• OR paper/ craft glue/ markers or crayons/ scissors
• A sturdy stick or a piece of dowel
• Embellishments (craft jewels, sequins, jingle bells, ribbon etc.)
• Print out of the flag template to practise on flag_practice_sheet
• Craft tray, piece of cardboard.
• Cardstock (optional)
• Smock
• Glue gun (optional- we used ours for ease on some of the flags and fabric glue on others.)
• Iron (to press your fabric prior to cutting it)

Directions

• Print out the flag template and design a symbol for your flag.  It may be something important to you or related to what you are going to use the flag for.  For younger children it could just be a design.

• Collect a fallen stick.  Or you could you a piece of dowel, should you prefer.  This can be purchased at craft, dollar or hardware stores.

• Cut out paper or fabric in the size and shape that fit your stick (this will form your flag).  We cut out two layers of the fabric and you could do this in differing colours, should you like.  Something that is always helpful when doing beginning sewing is to press your fabric beforehand.

• Don your smock and draw your symbol or design on your fabric pieces.  When using fabric pens, it is a good idea to put a piece of cardboard under your work so that leaks don’t damage your work surface.  We used a craft tray as well.  Glue or sew on any embellishments that you may like.

• We cut out two layers of fabric and then sewed them together with the good sides facing in and then turning them inside out (after sewing around the edges of the drawings to add some detail.)

•  You could insert a piece of cardstock if you would like your flag to stand upright.  Just cut it a bit smaller than your finished flag.  Sew it closed.  (You could also use fabric glue as a no sew option.) With the last side we tucked in the edges and sewed a simple line.  (As this would be covered when the flag wraps around the “flag pole”.)

• Glue your flag on your stick, wrapping it around a bit.  Allow to dry overnight.

• Fly your flag at a summer parade, put it atop of a sand castle (our plan) or mount it in your room.  Enjoy!

Purpose

• Understanding that a flag represents an area of the world, organization, ideology etc. and often has a meaningful, relevant symbol, logo or design.

Safety Notes

• Exercise caution when using scissors.
• A sewing machine should be used by an adult or with direct adult supervison/ guidance depending on age and ability.
• Be sure to follow the directions on glue type products regarding use, ventilation etc.
• When using fabric markers, crayons or paint wear a smock to prevent damage to your clothes.
• An iron (used to press your fabric before starting) should be used by an adult.