Friday, May 27, 2016

Inspiration Friday - Inspired by Poppies


Today we are on the brink of Memorial Day weekend here in the United States, and our minds shift to those who died in active military service. In 1918, American teacher Moina Michael came up with the idea to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in reaction to this poignant poem by John McRae:


In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
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 isn't purely an American symbol of remembrance. People around the world use this delicate but resilient flower as a symbol of beauty and commemoration amidst chaos.

I searched the web for a variety of images celebrating the significance and beauty of the red poppy, and here is a look at a few of my favorite finds:











While poppies are gorgeous as flowers, it's the magnitude of loss represented in that last photo that really hits home.

My Favorite Things has some some pretty poppy products to make your paper crafts gorgeous and meaningful. Let's take a look at some lovely projects that will inspire you to create with poppies.

A riot of red poppies dominate the background in Yoonsun's stunning design.

You Made My Day Card by Yoonsun Hur featuring Thanks so Very Much and Lisa Johnson Designs Delicate Pretty Poppies stamp set, and Blueprints and Zig Zag Stitched Square STAX Die-namics #mftstamps

Kimberly shows the delicacy of red poppies in her masterfully watercolored design.

Thank You Kindly Card by Kimberly Crawford featuring Lisa Johnson Designs Delicate Pretty Poppies stamp set and the Stitched Rectangle Scallop Frames Die-namics #mftstamps

The little touch of watercolor blue in the background of Kay's card really make her poppies POP!

You’re the Friend Card by Kay Miller featuring Lisa Johnson Designs Delicate Pretty Poppies stamp set #mftstamps

Jody keeps her design simple with a neutral color palette other than the poppies themselves. I love the perfect touch of those three score lines to underline the sentiment.

Glad You’re My Friend Card by Jody Morrow featuring Lisa Johnson Designs Delicate Pretty Poppies stamp set and Poppies and Leaves Die-namics #mftstamps

Barbara's multi-colored poppies pop out of the Stitched Cover-Up Companion - Vertical Die-namics for a design with depth and movement.

Poppy Friend Card by Barbara Anders featuring Lisa Johnson Designs Delicate Pretty Poppies stamp set, Poppies and Leaves and Stitched Cover-Up Companion - Vertical Die-namics #mftstamps

Three pretty poppies simply radiate on the gorgeous and artistic blue and green background that Yoonsun created in this glorious design.

Three Poppy Friend Card by Yoonsun Hur featuring Lisa Johnson Designs Delicate Pretty Poppies stamp set and Blueprints 25 Die-namics #mftstamps

Before you go, take a look at a few of the pretty poppy things you can buy at the My Favorite Things online store! Simply click on the photo to be taken directly to the product. If the product is currently out of stock, you can sign up for an email notification once it's back in stock!


Here's to a creative and memorable weekend!

6 comments:

  1. Stunning cards (Love that stamp!)

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  2. What a graceful post to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Thank you for the beautiful photos to capture the poppy. That last one made me gulp. As always, enjoy seeing the collection of beauties from the DT as well! Stunners, for sure! :)

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  3. What a GREAT Post! Really enjoyed the photos & cards :)

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  4. This is a beautiful post. I associate poppies more with Remembrance Day (celebrated in the British Empire in November). Would be nice to see this in November too for us Canadians 😀

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  5. Aaahhhh poppies! What a beautiful post, Susan.

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  6. these are beautiful and i enjoyed the inspiration photos also.

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