Commemorative Anzac Poppy Craft
WORDS:: Chyka Keebaugh
PHOTOS:: Lisa Atkinson
The pretty red poppy was spotted in the battlefields and has since become the emblem of remembrance. Once the battle was over in Flanders, the only flower that was able to grow in the fields was the poppy. It was this sight that inspired Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae to write the iconic poem ‘ In Flander’s fields’. The poppy is a beautiful symbol of a very special day for Australians all over the world.
I love that the poppy constantly changes, the different varieties and colours that it transforms into. As kids growing up in school we were all taught about the significance of the day; when Anzac Day came around we all wore our poppies pinned to our collars to show our respect. Many of our grandfathers and uncles have fought for Australia and to show that we are thankful for the lives that we lead because of their brave efforts is very important. With all the dramas that are going on in the world, it is really important for us to celebrate and be thankful for those who put themselves on the front line to defend their countries. This is a small way we can show gratitude.
To get your kids involved, or to get involved yourself with an Anzac Day tradition I thought we could make three types of Poppies using simple crafting supplies. These can be kept in a vase, given to a special friend or even worn on your lapel to show your support. Time to get crafting!
Crepe Paper Poppies, what you'll need...
How to make it...
Thread a button through some wire to create the pollen centre of the poppy. Fold the tissue paper into multiple squares, trace a circular shape onto pare and cut out your poppy shape. Once your paper is all cut into a circle, thread your wire through.
Crinkle each petal to create your paper poppy flower. To avoid your petals falling, thread the wire through a straw. Using your green paper cut the shape of a leaf and attach to the straw. Cute and simple.
Patty Pan Poppies, what you’ll need…
How to make it...
Using two different sized patty pans, flatten them out halfway, glue the smaller patty pan to the inside of the larger patty pan, simply double side tape your button to the centre of the patty pan and tape the straw to the back and you are done! These poppies look bright and fun in a vase.
Felt Poppies, how to make it...
Using one sheet of red felt, cut small triangles with rounded edges. Fan the petals out and pin them together in the centre, place your button in the centre and sew to the felt, making sure you catch a section of each felt petal. Extend your stitching into the centre of some petals to ensure its all sewn together. You can do multiple things with these felted poppies - sew a badge element to the back and wear on your lapel, glue to a card, bookmark or inside a small picture frame as a keepsake.
In Flanders Field
by John McCrae, May 1915
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.