How to make a paper ANZAC poppy

As ANZAC day approaches, families of Brisbane look for ways to remember our diggers. Whether that is through a dawn service with others, attending a march or simply a quiet moment at home in remembrance, this significant day in our history and the sacrifices made is one we all stand together for.

One way to get the kids involved is by making a commemorative poppy and taking the time to explain to them the significance of this striking red flower (here is an ANZAC resource to help you do that). Below is a simple step-by-step guide to how you can make a paper poppy with your kids. It requires only a few items to make and will give them a personal sense of involvement and contribution.

What you need to make a paper poppy

A red sheet of A4 paper
Scissors
Pencil
Glue
Stem wire or pipe cleaner
Black marker

Step 1

Fold the red A4 piece of paper in half horizontally. Repeat this twice more until you have a rectangle approximately 10.5cm x 7.5cm in size.

Step 2

One long side of the rectangle will be a fold and on the other side you will be able to flap open. Draw two petal shapes (as seen below), one slightly larger than the other, at the bottom of the folded sheet on the side that can open. Cut out the two shapes.

Step 3

You should be left with the following petal shapes. The two large and two small joined petals pieces are all that we will need.

Step 4

Using glue, make a small dot at the centre of one of the larger joined petals and place the other large one on top in the opposite direction. Then repeat this with the smaller two petals on top.

Step 5

Cut a small circle out of the remaining petals and draw a black dot in the centre of it using the marker pen. Glue this into the centre of the flower. Draw some lines out from the centre dot like (see below) so that it looks more like the centre of a poppy.