Each figure is hand sewn; no glue, tape or adhesives are used in creating the figure. Sewing alludes to concepts of healing; the closing of a wound, both emotionally and physically, as well as connections to family and friends. Sewing is also meditative and rhythmic. It is very comforting to see participants reaching out and helping each other; threading needles, sharing materials, and reading the soldiers names that they had chosen to memorialize.

The abstract figurative sculpture is created to reference the human form, and therefore should not be a literal representation with all limbs and head intact. Many soldiers have been killed by I.E.D.s’.  Many bodies are burned or torn apart. This tragedy is reflected in the form; figures are constructed with missing limbs and/or heads to mirror the harsh reality of war. This harshness is tempered with the care, meditation, and warmth inherent in the sewing process, as well as the bundling of fabrics infused with tea water during the dying process.

All figures include the name of the U.S. service member represented. Some names are more visible than others. It is important to note that some individuals chose to first wrap the teabag with the name, then bundle and sew the completed figure.