Any time of year is a good time to teach Juniors about the poppy! Art is a great way to educate our younger members on the significance of this memorial flower. The fingerprint poppy painting project is easy, fun, and suitable for a wide range of ages.

The painting project has been part of a few national Junior meetings as an opportunity for attendees to express themselves creatively. It was a joint idea between National Headquarters Senior Program Coordinator Kristin Hinshaw and past national Junior Activities Chairman Pam Ray.

“It was hugely successful,” Hinshaw said. “Kids love it. Adults love it. It’s easy to do and you don’t have to be an artist to make it look great.”

To ensure the project is indeedsuccessful, be sure to let the paint dry in between layers. Additionally, Hinshaw recommends letting kids add their personal touch to their painting.

“They may not be doing exactly what the instructions say, but let them be creative and have fun with it,” she said. “You may have a budding Monet or Picasso on your hands!”

What You Need:

Red, black, green, and yellow paint

White paper or canvas

Two paintbrushes (one small, one medium)

What To Do:

1) Dip thumb or finger in red paint and make a circle with thumbprints (four to five) in shape of a poppy. Let it dry.

2) Dip thumb or finger in black paint and dab in the middle of each flower. Let it dry.

3) With a small paintbrush, paint a yellow dot in the middle of each flower.

4) Clean the small paintbrush. Paint skinny stems on each flower.

5) With a medium paintbrush, paint “X’s” at the bottom to make it look like grass.

Source: www.craftymorning.com/fingerprint-poppy-flower-craft-kids.

This article was originally published in the August 2019 Auxiliary magazine.