Flags
Objectives
Creativity, fun, decoration, team identity, collaboration, learning new skills and following directions . . .
Group Size
Any size group, if broken into teams of 5-7 people.
Materials
Work surfaces: tables, counters. Fabric - a wide variety of fabric pieces that can be cut into 6" squares. String, thin rope, or ribbon. Scissors, thread, other sewing tools. Glue for fabric (possibly a glue gun). Other craft materials for decorating,e.g. glitter. Fabric markers. Optional: iron, sewing machine. (Fewer tools and materials give the opportunity for more collaboration and communication about sharing.)
Set Up
Invite people to bring fabric to share if they'd like, and supply more. Show examples of strings of flags: homemade ones, and Tibetan prayer flags. Each person could make their own string of flags. Yet it could be even more team-building for groups of 5-7 to each contribute one flag for the same string.
Directions
The designs could be about whatever each person chooses, or something such as "flowers and birds," or each small group could decide on a theme related to their work/project. Decorate the fabric squares. Have someone help either glue-gun or sew the squares onto a string or ribbon, allowing some space between each one, and enough spare string on each end so that the line can be hung up. Hang the results in the workplace. Flags wave pleasingly outside places, or inside near a"breeze" from a cooling or heating fan. Share the clean-up! Take photos of teams holding their flags!
Debrief
Discussions/reflections could be about the collaborative process, cross-inspiration, and the level of satisfaction with the decorative results.
Alternatives
Participants could collaborate to design and create one large flag together. Each flag square on a string could be tiny, e.g. 3 inches, for hanging in work cubbies.
