Trappist Monk

I was asked to make a monk for a friend who has a close family member who just professed his final vows with the Trappist monks.

On the back the phrase "Ora et Labora" is hand embroidered. It is Latin for Pray and Work which is a Benedictin motto the trappists use regularly. The facial hair is designed to look like the monk family member. One feature I liked was the way the monks would often stand with their hands together and their long sleeves across the body. I decided to represent that pose in the design of this monk.

I used images she provided, from www.monks.org (his order) and some google images to complete the softie. It is made with cotton felt, polyester stuffing, and is completely hand sewn.