"Amish" letter fold!

Wow, its been a long while since I posted here on the project parade.  Trust me there has been heaps and loads of projects.  Just very little time to write about them.  This one I want to share since there are only a few obscure references to it and no real clear instructions.

The Amish letter fold is a nice simple way to fold a letter sized sheet of note paper into its own envelope.  i will detail the folds and provide a free PDF to print a Generic form which is basically a small box on one side in which you write your return address!  And When folded it lands in exactly the place it should.

The fold itself is super simple and only consists of 5 easy folds!  So without much more ado.  Here is the Amish Letter fold:  On the flip side of the paper I have edged it in blue marker so you can see where the folds wind up.

Step 1.  Write your letter or note on one side of your note paper.  Keep the opposite side blank (unless you would like to doodle, rubber stamp, mixed media art work etc.  Up to you; remember it has to go through mail machines.

Step 2. Create a small fold for alignment by folding the paper in half the long way but only crease about 2 inches at the bottom.  I marked the crease so you can see it (upside down despite my best efforts sorry!)

This pic is upside down - stupid blogger wont upload it properly

Step 3.  Fold the bottom two corners into the center to meet on the small crease you created (airplane style).

Step 4.  Bring the top right corner down to meet the edge formed by the previous folds.

Step 5. You now have three triangles covering your written words and a small rectangle of text still visible. (as in the picture above)  Fold the long edge of the large triangle in half bringing the upper point to the lower point (the edge being folded has NO BLUE LINE)

Step 6. You have something that looks like the picture below:

Step 6. Flip it over (see below).  Fold the top right corner down!

Step 7.  All finished.  Add the addresses and a stamp and you are good to go.  Please ask questions in the comments!  Have fun with this!

Prayer Flag Project 2014

Good Good Good Vibrations!

We all share the "positive" messages we see and like on facebook.  All the life building, feel good, up and at 'em inspirational messages other people like.  Take a few minutes, get your favorite down on a simple piece of cotton cloth and send it to me!

I would like to hang a few strings of hand made "prayer flags" over my backyard to celebrate the beginning of summer on June 21st.   I would like to have people submit their own prayer flags to me to add your energy and good will to the mix as well as spread your good vibes to the winds. You will find instructions below on how to submit your “prayer flags”. I will include them in the mix of flags to hang over the yard.

What are prayer flags?

A simple piece of cotton cloth. Tibetan Prayer Flags are inscribed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Tibetan Buddhists for centuries have planted these flags outside their homes and places of spiritual practice for the wind to carry the beneficent vibrations across the countryside. 

Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods, a common misconception; rather, the Tibetans believe the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion of the meanings of the flags into all pervading space. Therefore, prayer flags are thought to bring benefit to all. By hanging flags in high places the Lung ta (Wind Horse) will carry the blessings depicted on the flags to all beings. As wind passes over the surface of the flags which are sensitive to the slightest movement of the wind, the air is purified and sanctified by the intentions of the flags..
The prayers of a flag become a permanent part of the world as the images fade from exposure to the elements. Just as life moves on and is replaced by new life, Tibetans renew their hopes for the world by continually mounting new flags alongside the old. This act symbolizes a welcoming of life's changes, acknowledges the impermanence of all things and an understanding that all beings are part of a greater ongoing cycle.

Why would I want to participate?

Why wouldn't you? The project is a great family project, involve the kids, your friends. It is relatively inexpensive. It will make you sit and think good thoughts for an hour or so as you create your flag(s). Make you realize the things your grateful for. It is creative! When was the last time you sat down and “colored”.

How can I participate?

By creating and sending me you very own prayer flags. Make as many as you want, there are a few simple guidelines to follow on the next page. But, whatever, you get it to me and its doable I will fly your prayer flag!!

When I need your flags!

I would like to hang the prayer flags to celebrate the start of summer. So have your flags to me by the 18^th of June and I will include them in the hanging. I do not need to know who you are, you may include your return address if you wish. I will photograph each one and if you let me will attach your name to the photo as well.I will create a Flickr online album so everyone can view our flags. 
Instructions

Material:

If possible please use 100% cotton as they last the longest and hold the inks/paints etc. the best. They also move the most in the wind. Again, go crazy, avoid t-shirt material as it will curl very quickly and not get blown about much.

Colors: (suggestion only)

The traditional colors are blue, white, yellow, red and green. So use cloth in these colors or colored inks/paints etc. That being said, go crazy.

Media Suggestions:

Colored sharpies, fabric paints, india ink, the best bet is use black sharpie designed for laundry marking. Again be creative! You send it..I'll fly it.

Suggested Shapes:

• 8" x 9": Small image, kid sized canvas
• 4" x 9": Suitable for your favorite quote or affirmation
• 4" x 12": Slightly longer quote or larger pic
• Pennant 8.5" x 11":  typical pennant shape
• 18 x 22: large canvas suitable for a group effort (every one adds their positive thoughts to the flag)

Pennants:

Pennant: triangle 8.5 x 11 (draw lines on a piece of copier paper from two corners down to a point in the middle of the opposite end)

What should I put on it?

Again, the guideline is anything positive. Your favorite quote, favorite prayer, favorite saying, the things you like people to say to you. Pictures or symbols that mean a lot to you. A list of things your grateful for.  A list of people your grateful for.  Just draw a smiley face. Remember, every flag that is hung includes "you" as well.  So the simple feeling of being happy as expressed by the smiley face will be for all people, everywhere!  want inspiration do a google image search on prayer flags!

I am done, what do I do now?

Be sure its dry. Fold it gently, put it in an envelope (of whatever size you need) and send it to me at

Flag Project!

1427 N New Street

Bethlehem, PA 18018

Anonymity: No need to tell me who you are if you don't want. If you do want me to know then just sign your flag in sharpie!, when I photo it I'll include your name. I will create a Flickr gallery to hold the images.