Remembrance Day Poppy Wreath

As a Royal Canadian Legion member, the yearly Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign has always been important to me.

Poppies are a symbol of Remembrance; wearing a poppy is a visual promise identifying we will never forget our fallen soldiers. Together, we honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We remember those near and dear to our hearts, standing proudly alongside those we know who are currently in military campaigns and peace keeping missions.

All funds from the poppy campaign benefit and support veterans and their families.

In honour of Remembrance Day, I have created a simplistic and elegant wreath, using lapel poppies.

NOTE: I have consulted with military personnel and various Legion representatives within my city about glittering a poppy. I would never intentionally be impertinent. The idea has been embraced and well received, last year many fatigues proudly revealed glittered poppies.

What you need:

• Poppies (I’ve had a small collection and I’ve asked family members for any extras) You can also make a nice donation to your local legion and receive more than just the usual single.
• Mod Podge
• Black Ribbon
• Small Styrofoam wreath (Michael’s Craft Store)
• Red and Black Martha Stewart Glitter
• Pins

Set aside a few poppies which you’re going to glitter. I used about 6-8 in full red glitter. I also used a few with just black insides glittered.  Apply mod podge to the poppy and dust with glitter. Let dry and add another coat of mod podge to create a clear coat.

Using the black laced ribbon, wrap the small Styrofoam wreath, using a pin to secure it.

Pin poppies to the wreath in a pattern you wish.

I’ve added my wreath to my chalkboard; with my favourite stanza from “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian physician, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.

“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”

 Although my wreath was fitting here at home, I needed one more. I found the most fitting location for them, with my grandparents.