My mother was a creative woman and she would replace the straight pin with a tiny Canada flag pin – with a backer that clicked and locked in place. That solution did work, however while chatting with my girls about Remembrance Day last year we decided to get a little crafty. We dropped our donation in a local poppy box and instead of taking a poppy from the box we went home and made a Remembrance Day felt poppy.
Sewing a poppy is a wonderful way to get children interested in learning more about Remembrance Day and Veterans Day. The first world war is very far removed from us – it ended 100 years ago! How can children possibly understand why we wear poppies.
So, we read the famous In Flanders Fields poem and we take the time to discuss the impact that war has had on our lives. We also take the time to discuss the wars that have followed WWI – after all, unfortunately it wasn’t the last war we have faced.
Who knew a simple craft could lead to such interesting conversations.
How to Sew a Felt Poppy
To make the petals of the poppy, sketch a four petaled flower on a piece of paper (about 2″ wide). Cut out the paper flower.
Pin the paper flower to a piece of red felt. The paper flower centre is small enough that you don’t even need to use a pin, simply hold the cutout in place.
Next, sew the pin to the backside of the centre of the red felt. The stitches will be hidden when you sew on the green centre.
Finally, sew the green centre piece onto the red flower. Be sure to tie any knots on the backside of the poppy.
In no way do I believe that we should not donate to the Royal Canadian Legion. In fact, I think we should give more. These felt poppies are a tribute to the original plastic poppies. My daughter’s and really liked the idea of making a beautiful poppy to honour our veterans. These poppies can be worn for years to come. With our poppies on our jackets and our donations made, we are ready for Remembrance Day.
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Domestic Goddesque says
November 6, 2012 at 10:34 amI was hoping that you would be able to link up with my poppy-related linky? I do read your blog (in fact I subscribe and share though am utterly hopeless at commenting) and I love the craft.
Domestic Goddesque says
November 6, 2012 at 10:34 amAnd I forgot the link: http://domesticgoddesque.com/2012/11/simple-poppy-remembrance-day-craft-and-linky/
Domestic Goddesque says
November 7, 2012 at 7:26 amAnd thank you for linking. I appreciate it!