The Poppy Project

... Is a sustainable alternative to the traditional red, plastic poppy. Unlike the plastic poppy, the seed paper poppy will decompose in your garden and will bloom in the spring.

 

This project is an educational collaboration between Fanshawe College, The Royal Canadian Legion, London area schools and beyond.

 

The concept of the project is for students to create a sustainable poppy made from seed paper that they can wear to commemorate Remembrance Day. Classrooms will be able to use this interdisciplinary experience as a vehicle to teach about the history of the poppy, the importance of Remembrance Day, and to connect with various curricula areas including science, social studies, literacy, the arts and beyond. 

 

The kits from Fanshawe are $10 each (plus HST and shipping) and include:

  • instructions 
  • brief history of the poppy and John McCrae
  • red construction paper 
  • poppy seeds 
  • psyllium 
  • pins 

 

Teachers will receive lesson plans (created by Fanshawe College) that will include step-by-step instructions: how to make the seed paper, a pattern of the poppy, a guide to assemble the poppy, a video/slide presentation highlighting the po­­­­­­­­em In Flanders Fields by John McCrea, the history of the poppy and its symbolism. 

 

Request your Kit

The Poppy Story: The Lesson Plan

 

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Seed Paper Poppies

 

2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the Remembrance Poppy in Canada, a lasting symbol of hope since the First World War. In 1915, Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote the poem, 'In Flanders Fields.'

 

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

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Remembrance Day: Lest We Forget with illustration of a poppy

Between the crosses, row on row, 

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

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.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies

grow in Flanders Fields.

 

The poppy, adopted as the symbol of Remembrance by the Canadian Legion in 1921, became a huge commemorative success as millions of people pinned the bright red flower over their hearts to show their solidarity to the men and women who had made such great sacrifice.

Today, the Royal Canadian Legion continues its Poppy Campaign. The money raised provides financial assistance to veterans and their families, as well as funding for medical equipment, medical research, home services, long-term care facilities and much more. The remarkably delicate flower is a symbol of hope and a reminder to never forget those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

 

"The poppy making process was an incredible learning experience for all of us! The children, families and staff loved the idea of sustainable poppies! We will definitely make them again next year. We plan to bury a plastic poppy and our left over sustainable poppy paper pieces in our worm bin and watch to see what happens over time." - Michelle Hill, Teacher, Kindergarten, West Oaks Public School, Thames Valley District School Board

Videos

Seed Paper Making Process

Free-form Poppy Instructional Video

Making your own screen video

Additional Videos

 Video: Heritage Minutes: John McCrae

Video: The story and 100th anniversary of the Poppy of Remembrance

Video: The Royal Canadian Legion

 

The Poppy Project in the Media

 

The Poppy Project would not have been possible without the assistance of many. 

Our Generous Sponsors

Ontario Seed Company (OSC) - donated the poppy seeds

Sterling Marking Products - produced and donated ink stamps for instructional packages

Royal Canadian Legion - donated pins for the poppies

Noreen DeShane

Fanshawe Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services - printing and packaging

Fanshawe School of Design - printing and packaging

 

 

 

 

 

Special thanks to Dana Morningstar, Brian Harris, Darlene O'Neill, Annette Markvoort, Tracy McIntyre, Lorrie Dunn, Drew Ellwood, Deb Trotechaud, Elizabeth Oakley and Ben Robinson, Edwin van der Wolf, Hyunmin Lee, Joshua Gall. 

 

Programs Involved in the Project

Design Foundations

Fashion Marketing and Management

Fashion Design

Fine Art

English Language Institute

Library and Media Services

General Support of the Project

School of Design

Innovation Village

Employment and Student Entrepreneurial Services

Fanshawe's Military-Connected Campus Initiative

 

The Poppy Design is a registered trademark of The Royal Canadian Legion, Dominion Command and is used under license.

Le motif du coquelicot est une marque déposée de la Direction nationale de La Légion royale canadienne et est employée sous licence.