Warring flags

[flaglady]

I decided to make some warring flags. These are moderate sized flags about 30x40 inches and made of polyester lining material but not the soft polyester silk that I normally use for flags. This stuff is harder and stiffer.



I hemmed them on all four sides as the activity shreds them beautifully!! I also put them on 12mm diameter sticks but shorter than usual. When complete, you can whip them from side to side and crack them like a whip. They make sounds like the marching feet of an army. Wild!!!

:chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance: :chickendance:

[HelenaZF]

I love the sound of warring flags! It summons your spirit right to attention.



I find I get the best "crack" from acetate taffeta. They don't last long, though...the edges shred up pretty quickly from the snapping. Haven't found any really effective way to slow down the deterioration, so I'm just glad that these materials are not very expensive, and can be easily replaced.

[flaglady]

Thanks for that tip - I'll try some!

[HelenaZF]

Oh, and I found they seem to crack better if you turn a rolled hem along the edges. Don't fray quite as quickly as just a glue-sealed or paint-sealed edge.



It's been a while since I've been in a meeting where there was some good warring flag action. Very powerful when you have a whole team of people doing coordinated patterns.

[flaglady]

Got the taffeta, Helena, and you're sooo right - it makes a great noise.



However, I was wondering what size you make your flags.



I made mine 30" by 30" and hemmed them all four sides as you suggested. However, I think maybe they could be a tad smaller as I find it very difficult to make them 'crack'.

[Jireh]

I am so excited about how God has opened us up to praise and worship him through various art forms.



He opened the eyes of my understanding to the use of banners/flags/streamers etc. about 2 years ago. I was at a dance conference in Atlanta and a gentlemen had a REALLY BIG flag and was running around the church sanctuary during the praise & worship time of the service. At one time he ran past me and I heard the flag in the wind. It was at that point that I understood that the sound the flag was making was praise unto God!!!



We have since incorporated the use of streamers with our Jireh Dance Team. We actually need some additional streamers for a dance presentation we're doing at a wedding in November. We'd love to support one of the local ZionFire Friends in our purchase.



Holla back!



Peace & Blessings

[HelenaZF]

Jireh, what a great report! On the streamers, maybe you can describe in a bit more detail what kind of streamers you are looking for....maybe there's someone here that already has something designed that will be perfect for you.



FL, I believe our cracking flags were made to fit the swivel flag rods we were using, and the shafts were around 24 inches, but we made the lengths a bit longer, maybe 28 or 30. You'll probably need to experiment a bit to see what works best for you. I'm usually of the opinion that things should be as big as possible, but if you are having trouble maneuvering the size you made, then a smaller size may be a better option.

[flaglady]

Right, thanks for the reply. I will make some a little smaller, just to see if it makes any difference. I can manoeuvre them, but can't always make them 'crack'! I also have sore shoulders to cope with so that is an issue.

[HelenaZF]

It might have more to do with the length of the rod than the size of the flag. I think it takes a tremendous amount of strength to crack a flag on a 4-foot stick, for instance. The swivel rods are 18-30 inches long with a ball end handle, and you buy them according to your particular height and arm length. If I remember right, 24 inches was a comfortable length for me.



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[Jireh]

The streamer we have now is about 7 feet long, 8 inches wide, and multi-colored. We need about 4 more.



Peace & Blessings