Poppies are the traditional symbol for Memorial Day, which when first implemented was called Decoration Day -- a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.
Poppies came into the picture in 1915 when Moina Michael wrote her own poem inspired by “In Flanders Fields,”.
"We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies."
She began wearing red poppies and the idea spread.
Here we make our own out of felt.
Supplies
Poppy template here
Red felt
Glue or glue gun
Small, black pompoms (black beads or knotted yarn will work too)
Safety pin
Directions
1. Cut the 3-spoked poppy shapes out of felt, using the template (there are 2 of each on the template).
2. Glue the large over the small 3-spoked poppy shapes.
3. Glue a small black pompom in the center.
4. Let dry.
5. Add a safety pin to the back to wear.
To make the ruffled poppy (which is great for wreaths)
1. Cut a large 4-petal shape out of felt, using the template.
2. Put a dab of glue in the center.
2. Crunch the center in your fingers and clip with a clothespin.
3. Let dry.
4. Add a safety pin to the back to wear.
