Who are ANZACs? ANZACs are men and women of the Australian and New Zealand Army. On April 25th each year, events are held all over the country to remember the sacrifices of those who served and their families. I have ideas of how things go on this day for so many people, so please allow me to tell a story. While the story is made up for me.. I am sure there is someone out there who can possibly relate. Here is the project I created..
Items to make the Poppies:
Helmar Fabric Stiffener and Draping
Felt
Scissors
Poppy Pattern from google or pinterest
Heavy cardstock
Markers
Freezer paper or parchment paper
Paper bits and clipart images and typed words…
Ribbon
Each year a group of ladies come to our restaurant for a tea. They come on ANZAC Day. I am sure they are a group of wives of servicemen who have in fact passed on. I was told that while their husbands were away, they committed to gather on this day and reminisce. So I on this day I left a decorated basket on their the table with a few ANZAC personal touches and vintage keepsakes. I wanted them to know.. We as civilians honored not only their spouses, but also the families, who sacrificed for us all..
I began with making some over-sized poppies. I went and search for poppy patterns on google and pinterest and found one I liked. I printed it and because I knew I needed to use it multiple time.. I took the page and I added support to it by adhering it to cardstock with Helmar Super Tac . I cut out the shapes and placed them against the felt and cut them out.. I wish I had some straight pins to hold the pattern instead of my hands though.
I later decided the felt was too floppy, so I brushed the edges with the Helmars Stiffener and Draping.
That way as I curl the edges or shape the petals more they would have more body. If you own sheers, they cut the felt more precisely.
If you own sheers, I think they cut felt more crisply. I pinched the petals of the flowers together with Helmars Fabric Glue and held them with a binder clip. Then also began layering the pieces and the Poppy came together nicely!
I decided it wasn't enough and found some vintage photos on google. I printed them for the ladies to keep and made little note cards for the day!
I hope you are encouraged to remember the servicemen and women and the their families not just today. They need our support and love and if all you can do is offer something handmade or a smile or words of gratitude we will all be on our way to making the world a better place.. Just don't forget all projects make awesome projects, when you're using Helmar Products!!
