Looking for a bonus flower craft? Create your own Memorial Day plant to honor and celebrate!
Patriotic crafts offer beautiful curb appeal, they make great gifts, they tug at your heartstrings, and most of all, there are so many creative variations! Before we dive into our craft, let’s start with what Memorial Day is all about… Yes, it is the unofficial kick-off of summer, and sure, you get a day off, but remember, you get that day off because on Memorial Day we honor all American military personnel who died in all wars. We remember our ancestors, close family members, and even strangers who gave their lives fighting for our freedom.
Memorial Day was first celebrated as Decoration Day in May 1868 as a nationwide day of remembrance. It wasn’t until 1968 that Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act to establish Memorial Day as the last Monday in May allowing for a three-day weekend for federal employees. In 1971 the change went into effect and also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday. And each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place all over the country at 3pm local time.
Celebrating is key for this special day so let’s create an easy DIY decoupage flower pot and plant a colorful bouquet in it to honor our military members! It’s a great teaching moment for you kids, hands-on family activity and could be a very meaningful gift. Plus, this craft will serve as a beautiful reminder all summer long. Let’s make it!
Supplies:
- Ceramic or clay pot
- Patriotic themed paper
- Decoupage adhesive (Mod Podge by Plaid OR Beacon Fast Finish Decoupage and Gloss Sealer combo)
- Flowers (I am using Impatiens)
Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing layers of cut out paper to a project. Each layer is sealed with varnishes until the “stuck on” appearance disappears and the result looks smooth like inlay work. Many paper crafters use 3D decoupage to create cards using adhesive foam spacers between each layer to give the image more depth but today we are going with your traditional decoupage and add layer upon layer of cut out paper.
TOP TIP: To get an added element of texture I like to tear my paper so it has rough edges.
First, be prepared to get a lil messy! I like to have a damp cloth nearby to wipe my fingers…just a thought. Make sure the pot you are using is clean, dirt free on the outside and dry. Using a brush or sponge add a layer of decoupage to the pot.
Next, add on your first piece of paper and apply more glue over the top of it. Keep adding more adhesive and more paper until the entire pot is covered. Allow covered areas to dry before you add more adhesive over the top so the paper doesn’t tear. Once it’s dry you can cover any spots you may have missed or add more design elements to the pot. Some decoupage artists will add up to 30-40 layers of decoupage to get their desired look.
The pattern is going just about 2 inches over the top rim and down into the pot. This is where the soil will top off and will look like the design goes all the way down into the plant.
Let the entire project dry overnight and then once it’s cured, apply 2 coats of a clear spray sealer to the pot to seal and waterproof it. Do this in a well ventilated area and let the sealer dry for 20 minutes or longer but be sure to follow the directions before starting. I did the base plate for the flower pot and a patriotic platter for my table setting as well!
Once it is completely dry you can add your flowers and enjoy your Memorial Day tribute all season long!
And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. ~Lee Greenwood
