Poppy Brooch

The tradition of wearing a poppy on your lapel Memorial Day to commemorate the brave soldiers who lost their lives at war is a tradition that goes back to World War I. It began with the publication of the poem In Flanders Field in 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrae.  The poem tells the tale of poppies growing where the dead soldiers body’s once lay after a battle in Flanders Field.

In honor of this tradition, I’ve designed a poppy made of felt that can be worn as a lapel pen or a brooch.  Take some time this weekend and make one.  It’ll only takes about 15 minutes and while your making it think of all the soldiers who gave their lives so we have the luxury to sit and do such things.

MATERIALS

Red felt

Black pom pom

Black fabric

Glue gun

Embroidery thread (optional)

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Print  and cut out out petal template.

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 Trace 3 of each size onto the felt.

 Cut out petals.

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If you’re not using the embroidery thread, place a drop of hot glue on one side of the notch...

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...and overlap the bottoms of the petals to create a slight cup.

If you are using embroidery thread, make three straight stitches down the center of the petal as decoration.

With the same thread sew together the two notches

at the bottom to create a cup.

 Whichever method you’re using, do the same with all six petals.

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Take two of the larger petals and glue them together at the base so they’re slightly overlapped.

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 Add the third large petal.

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Add a small petal on top of the three petal base.

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Add the second small petal.

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 Add the final small petal.

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Next, create the black center of the flower:

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Cut off a strip of the black fabric’s selvage edge.  If there is no selvage edge, cut a strip and unravel an edge so there’s about 1/2” of fringe.

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Lay a line of glue on the non frayed edge of fabric and roll the pom pom up in it.

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Insert the fringed pom pom into the center of the cupped flowers and glue in place.

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To wear the brooch, simply pin through the petals onto your lapel

or add a permanent pin to the back with a drop of glue or a few stitches.

Debbie Matenopoulos and Cameron Mathison welcome NFL player and coach Tony Dungy and his wife, early childhood educational specialist Lauren Dungy. Legendary actor and animal advocate Robert Wagner visits our home. Chef David Codney cooks beer can chicken with a pickled watermelon salad. Baker Tina Zaccardi makes confetti Italian cookies. Hungry Girl creator, Lisa Lillien prepares retro pork chops and apples. Beauty and lifestyle expert Ami Desai is here with hot hair for summer. “The Proximity Principle” author, Ken Coleman provides a simple plan to help anyone land the job they will love. Ken Wingard shows us DIY poppy brooches. Paige Hemmis creates welcome mats. Our family members reveal their favorite apps for summer. Credit: © 2019 Crown Media United States, LLC | Photo: Kim Nunneley / Alexx Henry Studios, LLC.

In Flanders fields the poppies 

blow

Between the crosses, row on row,That mark our place; and in the skyThe larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Short days agoWe lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved, and now we lieIn Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:To you from failing hands we throwThe torch; be yours to hold it high.If ye break faith with us who dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields.

Happy Memorial Day!