Making a Joseph's Coat to display (group project)
Posted by Julie Burton

A local production of "Joseph and the Technical-Colored DreamCoat" was done here a few years ago. The "coat of many colors" was made from old neckties, and it was stunning! Perhaps for art you could give them a coat pattern, then have them use different colored papers or fabric pieces to decorate it with.

Or, for art, divide the children into groups. Give them a different piece of a robe pattern (one group gets a sleeve, another group gets one side of the robe, etc). These pieces could be felt, or other plain fabric. Give children colored pieces of felt, fabric, sequins, etc., don't tell them what their piece is - just tell them to decorate it however they wish. When they are finished, bring all the pieces together and pin on a bulletin board or attach to the wall. I did this at a workshop a few years ago and it was beautiful (and fun!) This could also be done on a banner.

Making a single Joseph's Coat from neckties
Posted by Lisa M.

We are in the process of making a Joseph's coat of many colors from donated used neckties. The children cut the back seam of the ties, remove any lining and lie them flat. They also trace and cut out double faced interfacing. Then they decide where the fabric should go and an adult irons the ties in place. When all groups are done, a seamstress trims up the rough edges and makes a complete coat -- it's looking very interesting.