Creative Cutouts

• Using the work of Henri Matisse for inspiration, make a quilt square or a pane of stained glass window. You may decide to work with a friend or a group of friends to make a complete "quilt" or "window."
• You may want to try to portray a Biblical event, such as creation or resurrection.
• You may choose to express a theological concept, such as forgiveness or reconciliation, joy or hope.

An Exercise Around the Fountain

• Choose one of several suggested scripture passages that have to do with stones.
• Read the passage through at least three times.
• Identify one word in the passage that really "speaks" to you.
• Reflect on what God is trying to say to you through that word of God's Word.
• Write that word on two of the small stones near the fountain.
• Place one stone in the fountain and one in your pocket or name-tag pouch as a reminder of what God said to you today.
  

Make a Journal

1. Select a piece of cardstock for a cover
2. Count out six pieces of lightweight paper for pages
3. Fold each piece of paper in half. Use a popsicle stick to crease it well.
4. Stack all of the folded pages together inside the cover and use one of the hole piercing templates laid in the inside fold to punch 3 holes through all 7 layers, using the sharp dental tool.
5. Select a piece of waxed linen thread (cut 2 times the height of the book). Thread a tapestry needle. Start on the outside of the journal and go through the center hole, leaving about a 4-inch tail on the outside. Go into the next hole above the center hole (now on outside again). Skip over the center hole and go into the one below. Bring the needle out through the center hole and clip the thread the same length as the 4 " tail. Tie the two tails together in a square knot. (Right over left and then left over right)
6. Thread on a couple of decorative beads, if you choose, and tie knots to secure them.
7. Cut out words and pictures from magazines and use glue sticks to create a collage for the cover of your prayer journal or use the rubber stamps and markers to create a cover.
8. Use markers to create page headings. Here are some examples:
   • Things I'm grateful for ...
   • Spiritual role models and mentors ...
   • People I want to pray for ...
   • Situations that I want to pray for ...
   • Quotations from the week that have spiritually challenged me ...
   • Scripture I want to read or read again ...
   • Answered prayers ...
   • Things I am learning about my spiritual self ...