Gossip Stopping Poppet

GOSSIP STOPPING POPPET

Using black felt, a needle and thread, and stuffing, make a simple poppet to represent the offender. Cut a slit into the fabric for a mouth and stuff it well with slippery elm. Sew the mouth shut with a six-stranded piece of purple embroidery floss. As you sew, say: “Your mouth is closed. You cannot speak. To gossip, slander, or havoc wreak. Your mouth stay shut, but only ’til it speaks of friendship and good will.” Place the poppet in a box. Stuff the box with paper to force the poppet’s face into a corner. Leaving the poppet as such removes the offender’s urge to gossip.