Poppy Art: Honouring Veterans Through Creativity

Published on Sep 03, 2024

Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by everyone who gave their lives to the service of their country. It’s a day filled with solemn ceremonies, moments of silence, and the wearing of poppies as a symbol of remembrance. Crafting can be a meaningful way to engage with this important day, especially for families, schools, and community groups. Creating poppy art and tribute decorations, not only honours veterans but also serves as a tangible reminder of the significance of their contributions.

Poppy Painting

Poppies are the most recognisable symbol of Remembrance Day, and creating poppy art is a simple yet powerful way to honour the occasion.

Materials Needed:

• Canvas or paper
• Red, black, and green paint
• Brushes.

Instructions:

• Start by painting the background of your canvas or paper in a light colour to make the poppies stand out.
  
• Using red paint, create the shape of the poppy petals. You can make these as detailed or as abstract as you like.
• Add a black centre to each poppy to represent the seeds, for an added touch you could use beads or buttons for the centres
• Finish by painting green stems and leaves.

Paper Poppy Wreath

Creating a paper poppy wreath is a wonderful craft for families and schools. It can be displayed on doors or in windows as a tribute to those who have served.

Materials Needed:

• Red and black construction paper,
• Green ribbon
• Scissors
• Glue
• A wreath base (foam or cardboard).

Instructions:

• Cut out poppy shapes from the red construction paper and small circles from the black paper for the centres.
• Assemble the poppies by glueing the black circles in the centre of the red flowers.
• Attach the poppies to the wreath base, covering it completely.
• Use the green ribbon to create a bow and attach it to the bottom of the wreath.

Crafts can play a significant role in Remembrance Day ceremonies and educational activities. Display the poppy paintings or wreaths in community centres, schools, or at home as part of the day’s observance. Memory lanterns can be used during a moment of silence, each one representing someone being remembered. Banners can be carried in parades or displayed at remembrance services, serving as a collective tribute to those who have served.

By involving families, children, and communities in these craft activities, we create a more personal and reflective experience on Remembrance Day. These crafts not only help to honour veterans but also educate younger generations about the importance of remembering and respecting those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

Take the time this Remembrance Day to engage in these meaningful crafts, and in doing so, help to keep the memory and legacy of our veterans alive.

Lest we forget.