Originally called Armistice Day, Remembrance Day is celebrated to mark the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
This Wednesday, November 11th, Canadians will pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace.
To honour the occasion with your elderly loved ones and those in your care, create a beautifully painted scene of poppy flowers, using arts and crafts materials and real poppyseeds!
Use the scene to decorate the room or hold during the special celebration, or perhaps use it to create a card with a poem like the one below or a letter to those who have fallen or those who continue to serve.
For the Fallen - excerpt from the poem by Laurence Binyon
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Potato Stamp Poppies
Materials
Small potato with one end sliced to create a flat, smooth surface for stamping
Red craft paint (i.e. Tempera)
Green craft paint (i.e Tempera)
Black poppyseeds
Craft glue
White cardstock or craft paper
Paintbrush, small
Directions
On a solid working surface, place all materials within easy reach.
Gently dip the sliced end of the potato into the red paint and stamp or blot your first petal. Stamp 3 more in a circular pattern to create a flower design. Create as many poppies as you wish to design your landscape.
Using a paintbrush or finger painting option, dip into the green paint and draw lines from each set of flowers to create the stem and leaves.
While the paint dries, careful not to get on hands while working, dab a ring of glue in the middle of the red petals. With your hands or a small spoon, pinch poppyseeds and sprinkle over the glued area. Making sure to cover enough of the glue with a generous amount. Once completed for all flowers, gently lift the paper and shake off any excess seeds.
Let your design dry before adding any inscriptions or words.