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    DIY Palm Leaves

    Sammy Jameson
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    4
    DIY Palm Leaves

    DIY Palm Leaves

    Palm leaves are an incredible material that has been used by humans for thousands of years. They come from various species of palm trees, and their uses range from traditional roofing material to modern-day fashion accessories. We’re going to explore the history, cultural significance, and sustainable benefits of palm leaves and then show you how to make DIY palm leaves since they can be hard to find.

    History and Cultural Significance of palm leaves

    Palm leaves have been used by humans for centuries, with some of the earliest known examples dating back to ancient Egyptian times. The leaves were used for making baskets, mats, and even paper. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used palm leaves for various purposes, including as a symbol of victory.

    In many cultures, palm leaves hold spiritual and religious significance. For example, in Hinduism, the god Vishnu is often depicted holding a palm leaf fan, while in Christianity, palm leaves are associated with the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

    In some African cultures, palm leaves are used in traditional healing ceremonies, while in Mexico and other Latin American countries, palm leaves are used to create intricate decorations for the Day of the Dead festival.

    Uses of Palm Leaves

    One of the most common uses of palm leaves is for roofing material. In tropical regions where palm trees are abundant, palm leaves are used to create thatched roofs that can provide shelter from the sun and rain. The leaves are also used to create wall panels and flooring material.

    Palm leaves are also used in the production of handicrafts and fashion accessories. In many parts of the world, palm leaves are woven into baskets, mats, hats, and bags. In recent years, palm leaf bags have become increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to plastic bags.

    The leaves can also be used to create beautiful decorative items such as fans, ornaments, and even furniture.

    Sustainable Benefits of Palm Leaves

    Palm leaves are a sustainable material that offers several benefits over other materials. Firstly, they are a renewable resource, as palm trees can produce new leaves every year. They are also biodegradable, meaning that they can be composted after use, reducing waste and pollution.

    In addition, the production of palm leaf products is often a local and small-scale industry, providing income and employment opportunities for rural communities. By supporting the use of palm leaves, we can promote sustainable development and help to alleviate poverty in some of the world’s poorest regions.

    DIY Paper Palm Leaf

    Palm leaves are super popular to display and highly symbolic, but sometimes it’s hard to get access to them. We made this version out of paper and love how they turned out. And bonus? They are a  BREEZE to make (see what we did there 😉


    Materials:

    DIY palm leaves directions: 

    1. Trace out your leaf template and cut it out. (We have formatted the the template to cut an 8.5×11 however, the leaves that we made were done with a much larger. To accomplish this you can use the template and size up by hand or send it to print at a larger scale.)
    2. Fan your leaf shape: start from the middle fold, choosing one side of your teardrop-shaped leaf to begin making even smaller folds, helping your leaf get that pretty fanned palm look. Repeat on the other side. (you can use a scoring tool to help you get sharper folds)
    3. Color your leaf: before connecting your leaf to the stem, you’ll want to paint it to make sure it gets an even color throughout. BEFORE PAINTING be sure your creases are defined! Then flatten out your shape again, just enough that you can get an even coat of paint on it. Paint and let dry for 1-2 hours! We used spray paint.
    4. While your leaf is drying, make the petiole stem!
    5. Use petiole stem paper cover template (once again this can be sized up on the computer or sized up based off the printed template)
    6. Fold your stem along the dotted lines on the template.
    8. You should be able to make a long pyramid-looking stem now with your paper! Hot glue the extra 4th fold to hold it all together (leave the extra 2-3 inches at the top unglued).
    9. Paint your petiole stem to match the leaf!
    10. After your leaf is dry, follow your original creases to re-fold your leaf into its fan shape
    11. Take a lollipop stick and place it inside of the most middle crease of your leaf, only a few inches from the bottom. Hot glue it in place.
    12. Cut diagonally from the leaf to the stick to take the excess off of where the leaf meets the stick (refer to photo).
    13. Tape the very bottom together to keep the shape of the leaf fanned and the stick secure
    14. Slide your petiole stem paper cover over the lollipop stick (the 2-3 inch extra end first), allowing those 2-3 inches at the top to cover the very bottom of the leaf and cover the area where your leaf is glued/taped to your stick. Hot glue the top in place.

    For Home Decor

    These palm leaves are great on their own for home decor in a vase. They’re also great as decor during Easter time like for Palm Sunday! Read about our post here.

    Palm leaves are an incredibly versatile and sustainable material that has been used by humans for thousands of years. From traditional roofing material to modern-day fashion accessories, palm leaves offer a range of uses that are both practical and beautiful. It can be hard to find them so our DIY version is a beautiful ode to this beautiful leaf!

    If you liked this post about palm leaves, you might also be interested in these posts:

    1. Palm leaf wreath
    2. Easter traditions
    3. Palm leaves and resurrection rolls

    We can’t wait to see these beautiful palm leaves in your home! Make sure to tag us with #larsmakes so we can see these beautifies in your home!

    Valentines Baby’s Breath Heart Wreath

    Brittany
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    0
    Valentines Baby’s Breath Heart Wreath

    We took a few extra steps of DIY to make this wreath as cost effective as possible by making the heart shaped foam wreath ourself. With a handful of floral foam, glue sticks, string, live baby’s-breath (we use live and then let it dry itself out naturally), spray paint, and cardboard we set out to make our wreath!

    Valentines Baby’s Breath Wreath

    Materials: 

    See above.

    Please note: We’ve since done some research on environmentally friendly alternatives to floral foam and you can find them here!

    Directions: 

    1. Draw a heart on a piece of cardboard with a slightly smaller heart (about 2 inches apart) inside of it.
    2. Take a good pair of scissors and cut out the outside as well as the inside of the heart.
    3. Take your floral foam pieces and place them around your guide making sure all of the cardboard is covered. Note that some will need to be cut in order to fit all the way around it.
    4. Taking a glue stick spread a generous amount onto and secure each piece in place, this will need time to dry. You can use a glue gun, however, it does not stick as well but it will speed up the process.
    5. With a sharp knife, trim the floral foam according to your guide.
    6. Once you have the shape you want, take some twine and secure each piece in place.
    7. Take your baby’s breath and lightly spray it with spray paint until the color is as deep as you want it.
    8. Once the baby’s breath is dry cut the pieces off and start placing them packed tightly together onto the wreath.

    We are loving this wreath on our door this Valentine season and can’t wait to see it on all of your doors! Tag us with #larsloveslove so we can see these wreaths in all their glory!

    DIY Paper Shamrock Plant

    Brittany
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    2
    DIY Paper Shamrock Plant

    DIY Paper Shamrock plant

    You can find the materials above
    Find the shamrock template here

    Directions: 

    1. Download the Shamrock Leaf PDF or SVG
    2. Prep your paper by following the white washing instructions (steps 2-5).
    3. Cut out the shamrock leaf file with craft cutting machine. This step can be done by hand with a pair of scissors if you don’t have a machine!
    4. Cut out enough pieces to create your shamrocks. We cut out somewhere around 120 pieces to create 30-40 three-leaf clovers and a few four-leaf clovers for luck!
    5. Once your pieces are cut out fold them in half to create a crease between the two arches.
    6. Mix acrylic paint with a few drops of water to create a thinner paint.
    7. Once thinned, gently paint the leaf from the stem up and out to thin points at the middle of the leaf. Repeat this action several times until you are pleased with the appearance of the leaves.
    8. Once all leaves are painted you will begin assembling them as clovers.
    9. Cut pieces of wire 3-5 inches long, we cut ours long and cut them to adjust height when we placed them into the plant.
    10. Once your wires are cut you will take a leaf and place it at the top of the wire, while holding the leaf in place you will take the floral tape and wrap down just far enough to secure that leaf.
    11. Cut the floral tape.
    12. Repeat step 10 two more times until you have three of the leaves attached.
    13. If you would like to make a four-leaf clover just add in an addition leaf and repeat step 10 again!
    14. Once you have your clovers made you can begin to place the clovers into floral foam until its full!

    Thank you to Terrain for providing us the most magical scalloped pot, we can feel our luck increasing just being around it! Be sure to tag us with #Larsmakes so we can see how you’re catching luck this month! Stay tuned for even more ways to make this St. Patty’s Day the biggest hit yet!

    Here are some more pots we love for this project!

     

    Interview with Sofia Vusir Jansson

    Brittany
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    3
    Interview with Sofia Vusir Jansson

    Interview with Sofia Jansson of Mokkasin

    What do you consider yourself? 

    I used to say that I’m a creator and a photographer mainly.  I’m not sure if creator is a commonly used word in English, but I am a person who does a lot of creative projects. My focus is often on prop/set design and DIY. And my job as a photographer, which I am almost exclusively doing these days, includes building the scene for the photos and hand making all of the props. Absolutely not a business person, that is the last I would call myself.

    Who helped you “become” who you are?

    I would say that my four kids have made me into the person I am. Their free way of seeing the world and their never ending fantasies have influenced me so much. In their minds they’re not so anxious about their worlds, it’s true and imperfect which, for me, is a very perfect way of being. 

    Do you feel like you’ve arrived at what you set out to do? 

    Yes I think so. Nowadays I do so many different things. No two days are alike, and I love it that way. It’s very easy for me to say YES even if I didn’t know if I could manage the project load. Maybe it is for this reason that I love my job so much, it is never boring and makes me stretch and develop every minute to meet the needs of each project. 

    What more would you like to “become”? 

    I would like to work more with set design. If I could do it all again I would probably go receive my education in art directing, that’s a dream of mine. Nowadays I work on projects within this spectrum, but I dream about the big traditional theaters and doing set design and art direction. It would also be very fun to be really good at building things, like a carpenter. Or a glass artist! Ohh there are so many things I would love to learn.

    Where did you study, and what did you study? 

    I haven’t studied more than high school, and after high school I studied to be a hairdresser. I worked in this field for 10 years and loved every day. But, one day I decided to quit, and I have never looked back. I think, if you do something creative you must have some fire inside you, you must love your work.  If you don’t, as it was for me that day, it’s better to find another path. 

    How did you get started doing what you do? 

    Actually, everything began when I started to run a little shop. I built all the marketing with my own pictures. The same day I started the shop I also started a blog, and THAT is where everything started. The blog transformed from a business blog that connected to the shop, to a lifestyle blog featuring almost exclusively my own pictures. People found me that way and the blog continued to live as a sort of portfolio. In that way, beside running the shop I got more and more assignments with focus at photography, styling and DIY. One lead to the other. 

    When did you discover your love for your work? 

    I think I have the blog to thank for that, I love the format. I love to tell stories with words and pictures. The blog has let me create my own universe that only my way of seeing things exists.

    Were you scared when you first started looking for jobs? How did you overcome this? 

    This sounds like some kind of humble brag, but I’m so lucky that the question of “will I have work?” crossed my mind but was never an issue, I have not had to ask or go looking for work. However, I’m not a nervous person in general and I say “yes” without thinking if I can really manage the job people are asking for. After I have said yes, I sometimes can doubt myself. But I’m lucky to have a husband that always gives me encouragement time and time again. 

    What’s your goal with your work? 

    To always do jobs that follow my gut feeling and heart. And to always have the work have as much of my personal touch on touch in it as possible, not to follow some others. To constantly be true to myself even in the work I do. 

    What are you most proud of in your career? 

    I am proud of many things! That Numero 74 chose me as their photographer many years ago and that I still get to work with them, they are always passionate their work and their way of seeing the world. This has helped me to develop myself and my vision.

    I am always proud when people ask for props/set design and use them in theater and books. These occasions make everything seem so real. That someone would choose the things you have made by your own hands to achieve their dreams.

    And, of course, I’m proud of the book Hidden Places. I’m so proud that that book is exactly as I want it to be. I wished to create a kind of book that hadn’t been done before. Something new and more than just a DIY-guide. During the whole process I wanted the book not to be anxious and stacked in norms and structures. I wanted the photographs to have big spaces and to let the text take space and be grounded in the amazing fantasies of my children. I wanted the illustrations and format to be skewed in a good way. When viewing the book you shouldn’t have the feeling that everything is perfect, things are not always but rather creative and full of fantasy and life. Every time someone gives me feedback about the book I’m so very proud and it makes me really happy!

    What is it like working with your family? 

    So many projects during the year have involved my family. My husband and my four kids. I really love this and for me it is a huge gift, that everything is like a family affair. My kids have helped me relax and let go of control in a very good way. Before, when I was younger, I was a person that wanted control of everything and everyone. When they were born, 4 kids in 4 years I couldn’t live up to this perfect surface anymore and I think that was my rescue. My husband always saves me, both in life but also with jobs and projects. When I am lost he always has a good idea. He is hugely creative and I trust him one hundred percent. I think many people perceive us as quite a messy family with a thousand projects that go on. And, maybe our house is a little bit different but I think it is only in a good way. 

    How did your childhood influence what you have become? 

    I played a lot and fantasy was always intense, close and felt very real. I remember when I and one of my sisters ventured into imaginary lands years after our friends had stopped. We built our own worlds and a with games we loved we could continue for weeks, nobody was allowed to clean it away. Every summer we stayed at my parents little cottage in the woods, there was no electricity and the TV was from a car battery which meant that we just had TV for a short moment in the morning. We played from sunrise to sunset during those endless summers, our stick horses took us around in the woods. We had our own fun fair, where the old stroller doubled as the roller-coaster. 

    Did you feel pressured in any way to pursue a certain career path? 

    Not at all, my mom and dad have always encouraged me and my two sisters to go our own way and told us that the future is ours, exactly equal as it is for everyone else. 

    What’s your work space like? 

    We live in a big house built in 1913, the whole house is my work space. It’s my photo studio and it’s a space that makes it possible (for everyone) to be creative all over the house. Every part of the house, from cellar to attic, is filled with things and ongoing projects. 

    What’s a piece of advice that you’ve carried with you and who is it from?

     I think it comes from when I was little – to always believe in myself. Always go with your gut feeling and to follow your heart. And as I have grown up my husband has always supported me in this. It is so important to have someone by your side, that believes in you. I think one should “collect” people that follow their own paths in life, people that are beyond over thinking and that are not afraid to be themself.

    What artists/designers/creatives do you look up to?

    Both historical and present, my list holds so many but it’s always women and especially those that have always followed their own path and weren’t afraid to be different. One historical figure that inspires me a lot is Karin Larsson, the wife of Carl Larsson, who is Sweden’s most famous artist. Her way of looking at life and things is very inspiring, things don’t have to be so finicky “the hand should be seen” was one of her saying – that means that you should see that the craft is made by hand. She designed a lot of her own furniture that the carpenter thought was so ugly so he delivered in the night. Another inspiration is the illustrator of the book Hidden Places, her name is Maja Sten and I love her way of painting and her way of seeing artistry and creativity. She always makes everything by hand instead of using a digital program and you can really feel the life in her art. My Feldt – she’s a writer (and running a café, and a ecologic apple farming, and a TV personality ) soon releasing her second cooking book. I love her way of being herself , she is one of the most transparent people I know.

    How has social media influenced your work? 

    I think I can thank my blog for almost everything, and of course also Instagram in the latest years. I have used it like a portfolio and in that way it has been so important. And of course also the people who have I have crossed paths with on social media.

    Who is your work intended for? 

    I hope I can inspire people and give them another way to look at the world. Everything doesn’t have to be so perfect and correct. I hope people feel that and also are inspired to be creative. I think people have so much to win in being creative in different ways, everyone should be creative in the way that suits them. I think the future will require us people to be more creative, dare to think outside the box in so many ways. To use the creative part of the brain more often. Nowadays, when so many things are served in front of you is it so easy to forget that you have so much creativity inside yourself. 

    What’s inspiring you lately?

    Actually, Swedish glass. We have had a long tradition of glassmaking, with lots of glassworkers in a particular part of Sweden.  Unfortunately, this is a craft that is disappearing, more and more every year. That is really sad, so I am reading everything that comes around. I am also planning to visit one of the glassworkers that still practices the craft. 

    You can find Sofia:

    Instagram @sofiaatmokkasin
    Website of Sofia

    Photos of Sofia by Kristen Krickelin

    When Life Hands You Lemons care package and tablescape with Spoonflower

    Brittany
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    0
    When Life Hands You Lemons care package and tablescape with Spoonflower

    My favorite Mother’s Day inspired Spoonflower patterns

    I spent a good amount of time going through the Spoonflower Marketplace, which is thousands and thousands of independent artists and great designs. Yes, it took awhile, but I came upon some really beautiful options and had a hard time narrowing it down. I saved my favorites in this collection on their site.

    Which ones are your favorites???

    There are a lot of good ones, right?! I was going for a springy, floraly vibe that also felt refined and could be used throughout the year. Here were some alternative options I was eyeing:

    Citrus fabric tablecloth with Spoonflower

    Ultimately, I ended up going for this Multi Citrus Grove Toile by Danika Herrick. It has the right touch of deGournay with its chinoiserie feel. Plus, I always love some good citrus–it makes everything feel instantly refreshing.blue and orange table ideaCustom Home Decor Options

    Perhaps you remember when I redid my bedroom in all Spoonflower? Right–so not only can you order fabric by the yard, but you can order things for your home to be made in the fabric of your choice and it’s all sewn right here in the United States. For my bedroom it was the wallpaper, duvet, pillow cases, curtains, and this time around I ordered a tablecloth for the Party-For-Mom that I will be throwing. I paired it with this Indian print inspired marigold print by Andrea Lauren because I loved the contrast of the yellow to the blue in the main selection and decided to use them for the cloth napkins.Indian block print napkins

    Visualizing the process

    What I find useful in their new home decor option is the ability to see them on a variety of products. You can do that by selecting Home Decor in the “Also available in” section to view all of the different home decor products and then it automatically shows you how it will look.

    And the marigold:

    Because of that, I was able to visualize what it would really be like. And it was going to be GOOD!

    Pattern on pattern advice:

    Pairing a pattern on pattern can be tricky, but there are a few ways to make sure it works:

    1. Identify the colors of the palette. The first pattern I worked with has a lot going on but I drew out the main colors: blue, yellow, orange, and green.
    2. Along the same lines, draw out the colors that you’d like to highlight more. If there’s a color in the fabric that you don’t necessarily love, don’t highlight it! On the flipside, if you like a color more than another, bring that color out more.
    3. The two fabrics should be of different scale. The first pattern has a very large scale so I knew I needed to go smaller on the second.blue and orange table idea

    Citrus tablescape

    To go with our Mother’s Day party, we created a centerpiece of citrus–grapefruit, lemons, and oranges, to sit atop the tablecloth. We matched with with some yellow plates, blue bowls, and goblets to tie it in with our beautiful fabric. Plus the pretty chargers that add some depth. And a dash of flowers to keep it fresh!

    Mother’s Day Care Packages

    Because we are keeping friends and family at arm’s length right now, we have been brainstorming DIY ideas of how to share uplifting moments with our loved ones near and far. We decided to make a tote from Spoonflower’s Linen Cotton Canvas –it’s the perfect thing to fill up with goodies and send along to someone who needed a dose of joy. A handpicked, handmade gift for someone you love can be the best surprise!oranges table idea

    To match the amazing fabric, we made our gift bag lemon themed! You know, the classic, “When life gives you lemons”. With everything life is throwing at us lately, let’s just say we have been making A LOT of metaphorical lemonade. We filled our gift bag with lots of lemon themed hand soap, lotion, candles, and more. Everything our loved ones need to make this extra hand washing fun!

    When Life Hands you Lemons Care Package

    Additionally, I wanted to create a care package to send along to my mom as Mother’s Day approaches. Social distancing could have interrupted the celebration of such a special holiday, but instead it turned into something that lets us show our love for our mothers in a new way. After turning the beautiful fabric from Spoonflower into a tote (the tutorial is now available in the Lars shop!), I wanted to fill it with goodies that were fun and practical. So, candy was a must (der!), as well as hand sanitizer and other necessities. Paul and Jasper joined in as well to create a tote-turned-gift-basket for Paul’s mom too to send to her in Denmark.

    Follow these simple steps to make your own gift tote bag:

    DIY Tote bag

    (inspired by the famous Baggu tote!))

    Materials:

    Instructions:

    Step 1: Print off our tote bag template found here

    Step 2: Cut your bag pieces out of the fabric using the pattern, making sure to note which part of the fabric you want to highlight on your bag and which direction it will face when complete

    Step 3: Starting with the main bag piece — face right sides together

    Step 4: Sew the sides with a single stitch (and finish off the edges with a zag zag stitch if desired)

    Step 5: Pull the edges of the notched part of the cut fabric, on the bottom of the bag, together to form the flat bottom of the bag. Sew a single stitch straight across these edges you have pulled together

    Step 6: Turn your main bag piece right side out to prep for future steps. Now to move on to the handle straps!

    Step 7: Take one of the cut handle strap pieces and fold the long edges in a quarter of an inch. Use your fingernail to crease the canvas fabric fold well.

    Step 8: Once both long sides are creased, fold the entire strap in half so both folded edges meet

    Step 9: Pin and sew a single stitch down both long sides of the strap. This will flatten the strap and make both edges look the same.

    Step 10: Repeat steps 7-9 for the second handle strap. Next for the shoulder strap!

    Step 11: Repeat steps 7-9 for the shoulder strap — to repeat, crease in the long sides a quarter of an inch, then fold the entire strap in half so both folded edges meet. Sew a single stitch down both long edges of the shoulder strap.

    Step 12: Now you will attach all straps to the main bag piece — to do this, make sure your bag piece turned right side out

    Step 13: Position the handle straps in the center on the bag opening, on either side, facing down towards the bottom of the bag with the short edges aligned with the top opening edge of the bag. Pin them in place and sew them on.

    Step 14: Attach an end of the shoulder strap piece to both edges of the bag, with the strap facing down just like you did with the handle straps, and sew them in place.

    Step 15: All straps should now be sewn on the outside of the bag, facing downwards, so they when folded up inside the bag to face up the seam will not show. You are almost done!

    Step 16: Take your facing pieces, on both pieces, crease one long edge in a quarter of an inch.

    Step 17:  Face both pieces right side together and sew both short edges

    Step 18: Place the sewn facing pieces around the opening of the bag, over the edge of all the straps. Make sure the creased edge is facing down and the un-creased edge is aligned with the top opening edge of the bag.

    Step 19: Sew a single stitch around the top opening edge of the bag, attached the facing pieces to the bag

    Step 20: Turn the facing piece to the inside of the bag, making the straps fold upwards and the seams will all be hidden inside

    Step 21: Turn the bag back inside out for the final step – Sew around the bottom creased edge of the facing pieces to keep that inside edge from fraying.

    Step 22: Your bag is finished! Turn it back right side out to admire your work!

    Send a Mother’s Day care package

    What a wonderful way to send love when you can’t visit in person! Plus, who doesn’t love surprise presents in the mail? We think that, in lieu of a visit, sending gifts for Mother’s Day can be the next best thing! orange and yellow tableorange tablescape

    Mother's Day table ideaDIY Baggu bag templatehow to sew a baggu toteWe’d love to see your Mother’s Day party-for-ones or care packages. Tag us with #LarsLovesMamas so we can see them! 

    Discount for Lars readers

    Lars readers can get 15% off with code LARSTABLE15 for all Table Linens and Tea Towels.

    This post is sponsored by Spoonflower, who we love for their many home decor and fabric options. We love working with sponsors who allow us to create awesome new content for you!

    Becoming Loria Stern

    Brittany
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    0
    Becoming Loria Stern

    In 2011, Loria Stern started attending adult education classes entitled “Medicinal and Edible Plants” where she learned about foraging and the power of plant medicine. She started combining her culinary skills with the knowledge she was learning about botanicals. All the while she was posting her bespoke creations on Instagram. In 2016 her work was highlighted in Vogue Magazine and she received over 30,000 followers overnight. Fans were asking where they could purchase her treats so she started selling them on her website. The first day she posted her treats, she received over 20 orders. Since that day, her business has grown into a successful baking operation where she employs 4 helpers with living wages. She’s still growing her business, writing a cookbook and pitching a TV show. Exciting things are in store for this hardworking woman!

    Loria is wearing a floral dress and standing in a kitchen surrounded by colorful produce.

    Meet Loria Stern

    What do you consider yourself? Example: Artist, designer, illustrator, maker, baker, business person, educator, etc.?

    Well, I consider myself all of these things but more so one than the other depending on what day of the week we’re talking about. I would say I started out as an artist and maker, and then became a baker and now my daily tasks are more of a business person and educator. 

    Where did you grow up? Were there aspects of your childhood that have influenced what you do now? 

    I grew up in Ojai, CA, a small quaint town nestled in between large mountains but just a 20 minute drive to the beach. The town had a lot of nature–my childhood neighborhood streets were lined with tall oak trees. There was and still is a huge element of health consciousness and spirituality in Ojai and I think those elements absolutely influenced what I do now and the person I’ve become. 

    Loria stands with her back to the camera. She's surrounded by fresh cut flowers and she's wearing a straw hat, and there are misty mountains in the background.

    What did you dream of becoming when you were younger? 

    Of course I wanted to be a professional tennis player! That dream ended around 14 years old and then I wanted to be an artist. I guess that dream has come true except through a different medium (culinary arts vs. the visual arts).

    Rolled out cookie dough with colorful pressed flowers pressed onto each round circle of dough.

    Is there a person who has been influential in your chosen career path? 

    Not really one single person, but more so a number of different friends who loved eating the foods I cooked and baked for them and encouraged me to follow this path.

    What sparked your interest in edible flowers? 

    I’ve always loved flowers (who doesn’t?!) but it wasn’t until I started learning about the medicinal properties of botanicals in my 3 semesters of the adult education classes that my love for combining edible flowers + botanicals with cooking and baking, really opened up an entire new craft for me. 

    Rolled out cookie dough with colorful pressed flowers pressed onto each round circle of dough.Brightly colored flowers pressed onto sugar cookies on a wooden background.

    What are three words to describe your style? 

    Creative, happy and cool.

    What is your educational background and how has it shaped or changed your current career? 

    I graduated with a BA from college and spent my last year painting and drawing. I was in an art show in my final year of college and sold several pieces. As noted earlier, I also took 3 semesters of adult education classes post college– “Medicinal + Edible Plants” and learned a lot about treating ailments naturally with wild, edible plants. I also attribute my dedication as a competitive tennis player to my strong work ethic, which I think is the most important aspect of my current success. 

    Loria sits cross-legged on a teal blanket surrounded by pressed flowers in books and a cup of tea.

    Have you ever made a big career switch? If so, what prompted that? Are there aspects of a prior career that you incorporate into what you do now? 

    I did not really have a career after graduating college in 2006–I more so worked a bunch of odd jobs to pay the rent–teaching tennis, nannying, working as an assistant, etc. It was not until 2010 when I worked my first job as a prep chef that I really learned my love for the culinary arts and that I wanted to make this a career.

    What inspired you to become a baker/florist/gardener? 

    My love for nature, working with my hands and discovering new alchemic combinations.

    Brightly-colored flowers pressed onto green matcha cookie dough.

    What is one piece of work that you are especially proud of and why? 

    I love making tall tiered wedding cakes and delivering them to the venue. It is always so rewarding.

    Tall wedding cake frosted with white frosting and purple and yellow flowerscake frosted with blush pink frosting with purple, yellow, and white pansies pressed onto it. It's styled in a pink draping fabric with a vase of flowers.

    Where do you find inspiration for new creations? 

    In nature first and foremost. 

    How do you make social connections in the creative realm? 

    Many via Instagram, I’ve met some of my best friends and have found a beautiful, supportive community of my work there.

    What artists and creatives do you look up to, both historical and present? 

    Gah, there are so so many! Truly too hard to just pinpoint a few.

    Horizontal photo of Loria wearing a floral dress and holding a tray of baked cookies. Flowers are pressed onto the top of each one.

    What books, movies, shows, or music are making you excited these days? 

    My father was a jazz clarinetist and music pervades much of my childhood. I love all types of music and have found there is a time and a place for every genre of music. I love documentaries and listening to podcasts. But I try to stay away from negative media as it definitely affects my mood.

    What is a piece of advice that you have carried with you and who is it from? Do you have a personal motto? 

    Work hard and always do your best. Hold yourself and others accountable. Treats others how you’d want to be treated.

    Horizontal photo of Loria measuring sugar into a yellow mixing bowl. She's in a kitchen and surrounded by flowers and a turquoise kitchenade mixer

    What is your workspace like? Has it changed at all since the beginning of the pandemic last year? 

    I moved to Los Angeles from Santa Barbara just one month before the pandemic began. I had to find a new commercial kitchen and employees within that time and it was extremely difficult to say the least. Looking back, I feel so grateful for the commercial baking space and my LA helpers. 

    Loria stands in a field of zinnias wearing a white dress and a straw hat. She's holding a basket full of flowers.

    How do your surroundings influence your work? 

    So much. I realized I am creatively motivated by my physical space. I love natural light and need to be close to nature. 

    Loria bends down to pick wildflowers in a meadow. She's wearing a white dress and a straw hat.

    Describe some habits that keep you motivated and productive. How do you climb out of a creative slump? 

    Exercise is always a good idea and I have found it to be the number one cure for all sorts of slumps. 

    What is a typical day like for you? 

    I enjoy waking up early. I drink coffee first thing in the morning, then I’ll mosey around my backyard garden with coffee in hand. I’ll stroll up to my home office, check business and personal emails, and then the day is off and running. I usually pick edible botanicals from my garden then meet my team at the bakery. We start cranking our baking orders and then before I know it, it’s 6pm! Then I’ll come home, meet up with my boyfriend and we’ll cook dinner and watch a show.

    Loria decorating a pan of focaccia with flowers and vegetables. She's shaped them into a floral scene.

    What advice would you give to someone who wants to self-teach a new hobby or skill?

    To learn as much as you can about the hobby / skill. There is so much readily available information that one can learn online that school is not necessary as long as there is curiosity, dedication and a strong work ethic.

    Loria standing at the head of a banquet table full of food and flowers. It is sunset and there are mountains in the background.

    Do you have a secret talent? What is one skill that you are working on? 

    I’d say tennis is my secret talent for those who are just meeting me now! Otherwise, I’m working on learning how to surf but it’s extremely hard!

    Two pans of botanical cookies with pressed flowers. The ones on the top are a vanilla shortbread and the ones on the bottom are pink.

    Nobody likes to talk about it, but can you share any advice regarding financing your business? 

    Gah, I am still trying to figure that out. I have not accepted investment from outside sources however am currently looking into it to grow my business!

    A plate of baked floral shortbread stacked up. In the background there are lots of flowers scattered.

    Is there anything more you would like to “become?” 

    I’d like to become more well-traveled. I want to visit Japan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Sweden, and the list continues! I want to visit these places and learn about new ingredients and cooking techniques and share those with an audience so that they can live on and evolve into our current day’s food. 

    A film photograph of Loria walking away from the camera through a field of wildflowers. She's wearing a white dress and a straw hat and there are trees and mountains in the background.

    What do you hope to accomplish within the next 10 years? 

    First and foremost, I hope to remain healthy! Secondly, I hope to open up a physical commissary kitchen with a retail space, classroom and on-site edible flower garden so that I can teach my botanical infused culinary arts to the greater community. There is so much information that I find so inspiring and interesting, I am sure others will as well.

    Loria sitting on a bed with teal bedding and flowers in a bowl. She's wearing a beige jumpsuit and there's low, moody lighting.

    Can’t get enough of Loria Stern?

    We don’t blame you! Follow Loria’s work on her Instagram @LoriaStern and don’t forget to check out her website, where you can buy her delicious, beautiful creations!

    Years ago we wrote a post about using edible flowers, and I hope that this interview with Loria Stern makes you even more excited to incorporate beautiful botanicals into your meals (like this edible flower pot).

    Read more Becoming interviews here to keep the inspiration flowing!

    Loria walking through a meadow of flowers wearing a white dress and a straw sun hat. She's holding a basket of flowers and the sky is blue.

    All photos are courtesy of Loria Stern.

    Friendship Bracelet Inspired Balloon Garland

    Brittany
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    Friendship Bracelet Inspired Balloon Garland

    how to make a flower balloon garland

    Friendship Bracelet Inspired Balloon Garland

    This year, we turned to our friend Wendy who has the most charming old white house (we’ve talked about her before here), which is a dreamy setting for her preschool.  We had aspirations of flowers and we wanted it to be BIG.  That’s when our friends at Anagram stepped in and gave us a hand with some of their balloons. My favorites are the purple/pink ombre ones, how about you? We knew with Wendy’s house and Anagram’s balloons we could pull off something really fun.how to make a flower balloon garland

    Midsummer decor idea

    Now, Wendy used to live in Sweden, so she was very eager to hop on the idea of Midsummer balloons. Did I also mention that Wendy is a BIG time lover of balloons!  Match made!  With the idea of greenery (read more about Sweden’s Midsummer traditions HERE) and flowers abounding, we got to work making some flowers out of balloons.

    Beaded Flower bracelets

    We were reminded of these popular bracelets that our friends at HonestlyWTF made and knew what we had to do. With some extra white balloons, we were able to make a chain and string the flowers together making the perfect balloon friendship bracelet.how to make a flower balloon garland

    Here’s how to make them!

    Materials: 

    Make a flower balloon: 

    1. Start by using a gold/yellow balloon for the center.
    2. Blow up 6 “petals” to go around the center. Use packing tape to secure together and to the center.
    3. Blow up 5 white balloons for the garlands. Use balloon tape to hold them together. Use packing tape to secure if necessary.
    4. To adhere the garlands to your structure, use gaffer tape.

    Tip: We found that packing tape is AMAZING for balloon to balloon adhesion and gaffer tape is great for balloon to other surfaces.

    how to make a flower balloon garland

    Recycling foil balloons

    Did we mention recycling?  Yes!  Anagram foil balloons can be used year after year. Or you can gift them to friends like we did to give them a second life. It turned out so cute and we can’t wait for her kids to see!  how to make a flower balloon garland

    This post is sponsored by Anagram but all opinions are my own! 

    7 Rental-Friendly Interior Design Hacks

    Brittany
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    7 Rental-Friendly Interior Design Hacks

    Rental friendly interior design is important to me because I’m a huge believer in the power of interior design to make you happy. Too often we think that unless we own a home we can’t personalize our space, and I think that’s tragic. Everyone deserves to feel at home, so making a house a home in a rental feels much bigger than a simple penchant for style.

    7 Rental Friendly Interior Design Hacks

    Living Room Reveal with wildflower wallpaperRemovable Wallpaper

    This is definitely not the easiest rental friendly interior design hack, so let’s get it out of the way first. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my love for wallpaper. There’s this archaic idea that wallpaper is a nightmare to deinstall, involving lots of steaming, stickiness, and scraping. Yuck. That used to be true, but now there are so many rental friendly wallpapers, so you can peel and stick to your heart’s content!

    I’ve loved using Spoonflower wallpaper in my homes and offices, and you can find my favorite Spoonflower artists and designs here!

    In my last apartment I really let my imagination run wild with wallpaper, and I loved how fresh and unique it made the space. Here are my tips and tricks for installing Spoonflower wallpaper (which I love!)

    Brittany works on installing blue and white striped wallpaper with text that reads "how to install wallpaper yourself"Interior shot of a bedroom with blue and white striped wallpaper. There's a yellow headboard, green floral bedding, paper staghorn ferns, and wicker lamps.Brittany sits on bed in a room with pine-themed wallpaper. She's wearing a pink dress and holding a dark blue and green pillow, the bed is warm wood with a mustard duvet, and there's a wicker lamp in the corner. There's also a blue art print on the wall.

    If you’re still looking for just the right wallpaper, check out this post I wrote about my other favorite places to buy it.

    Upgrade Your Lighting

    I can’t say enough how important good lighting is! Of course, lots of natural light is best, but it’s not always available. Don’t worry, though! There’s hope for you and it’s in the form of lamps!

    A colorful lamp in a room with wildflower wallpaper and a LACMA exhibition posterJust like when I was in college, I still love adding light with lamps. You can always go to thrift stores and upgrade them with paint or new shades (or even make your own shades). I also put together some of my favorite lampshades on the market right now, so browse these!

    On top of lamps, you can say “Let there be light” by upgrading your light fixtures. It might seem daunting, but it’s not too tricky and makes a huge difference. So many rentals are chock full of boob lights, and I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t want reminders to #FreeTheNip every time I look up. 🤷🏼‍♀️ If you’re with me on this, consider this your permission to change out your light fixtures and get a new lease on life.

    Check out this DIY light fixture you can make to add whimsy and color to your space.

    DIY lampshade in bright colors and funky shapes

    Find a Statement Piece

    Furnishing your rental with statement furniture can really elevate the space. Once you’ve found a piece that you love, plan the colors and design around it for a cohesive, beautiful look. (For bonus points, spot the light fixture I upgraded this room with)

    Brittany adjusts pillows on a beautiful green sofa in a light-filled room

    Couches, and rugsare my favorite kinds of statement furniture to base a room off. A few years ago I got a life-changing green sofa and I’ll never stop recommending that people add emphasis with colorful furniture.

    Couches

    Rugs

    Plan a Color Story For Each Space

    One of my favorite rental friendly interior design hacks is to make and stick to a color palette. Especially when it’s a space that you don’t own and you can’t control everything about, it’s easy for a space to look makeshift and haphazardly thrown together. With a color palette, though, you can go from scattered and “meh” to really fabulous. It takes some creativity and restraint, but it makes a huge difference.

    a room with pine-themed wallpaper. There are pillows in dark blue, pink, green, and black, the bed is warm wood with a mustard duvet, and there's a wicker lamp in the corner. There's also a blue art print on the wall.

    You can see I designed this room with a yellow, forest green, and deep blue color palette, and that there are little accents of pink throughout. Especially because the wallpaper is busy, having a solid (no pun intended) color palette really makes the room work.

    Plants, Plants, Plants!

    Houseplants and fresh flowers are a renter’s best friends. They bring (literal) life into your space and also freshen your air. Just remember to water and fertilize them and give them the right amount of light!

    Here are some houseplants that you can buy online!

    Mirror, Mirror

    I’m such a huge believer in mirrors that I even wrote a whole post about why they’re essential in decor. And I’m sticking to my guns here! They make a space feel bigger and lighter, act as a focal point, and they’re a convenient way to make sure we’re walking out the front door looking great. You can find lots of my very favorite mirrors on the market in this post, and also check out this lovely Rattan mirror DIY here!

    DIY Rattan Sunburst Mirror

    Add Art

    Our print shop is chock full of incredible art that would seriously upgrade your home. I know I’ve loved having it in mine! Adding art to your rental friendly interior design plans is so easy, and my main tip is to use command strips. You and your security deposit will thank me later. 😉

    Here’s a collection of some floral art prints to bring some everlasting blooms into your home, and you can also read about lots of the artists behind the Lars Print Shop here.

    art prints by Julie Marabelle installed in a wallpapered roomAmanda Jane Jones holding up her prints from the Lars Print ShopDaffodil II print by Rachel SmithRental Living

    I lived in a rental for years and years before we bought our house, and by the end of our time there we had made some significant upgrades. You can check out everything we did to that apartment here! Not everyone has the opportunity to do as much with a rental as we did, but I hope it inspires you to make your space your own.

    I’d love to see what rental friendly interior design tips you have used! Show me your renting secrets at #LarsAtHome!

    Women Who Work: Erin Benzakein

    Brittany
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    Women Who Work: Erin Benzakein

    When did you know that flowers and gardening were your jam?

    I found flowers through landscape design and my love was deepened through farming. As my understanding of flowers grew my desire to arrange them did too. I began with what I could grow in my garden, including many grown items that are not typically thought of when one creates arrangements. Herbs, vegetables, fruits, if I could grow it I was using it. I began to see the beauty in what each season could produce making each bouquet moments of captured time. I practiced and practiced and was constantly met with love,  support and positive feedback which kept me going on my journey and has helped me arrive where I am today.

    Why is it important to you to create?

    Creating is part of something much bigger than beautiful arrangements or design. Creating helps myself and others think ahead and pioneer new ideas. Creating is a chance to mark life’s greatest milestones and everyday events in a simple yet meaningful ways.

    What’s your advice to women wanting to pursue the same thing?

    It is all in the practice of your medium and finding what works best for you. I’ve found that everyone struggles more or less with the same things: how to approach color, basic mechanics, proper ingredient selection, and most importantly, confidence. Be gentle with yourself as you work through these things and thing the meaning in the work you are creating.

    How to get started

     

    You can find Erin here:

    @FloretFlower
    Floret Flowers site
    You can find her latest book, A Year in Flowers here
    Her first book, Cut Flower Garden here
    2020 Floret Farms planner here
    Her Garden Journal here

    Gardening Art Print

    You can find all of the Women Who Work here!

    If you are passionate about gardening be sure to check out Floret Farm’s A Year In Flowers and be sure to hang up the Gardening Print in your home to remind you of just how incredible you are at your work!

    DIY Dried Flower Pumpkins

    Brittany
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    DIY Dried Flower Pumpkins

    Today we’re bringing you a DIY fall project with dried flowers, but this one is a little different than our DIY Rainbow Pumpkins we posted last month. However, both projects could be left up year-round to add a little charm and cheer to your front porch.

    I love our pumpkin projects because they involve no carving. That’s right, no scraping the inside of a pumpkin for hours until your arm gets numb. No sifting through pumpkin goop to get out the seeds for roasting. And no more planning out an elaborate design, only to accidentally cut off a huge piece of pumpkin and ruining the whole thing! I’m really making a case for a no-carving Halloween, aren’t I? Well it turns out, there are other ways to dress up pumpkins, and I’d argue they let you be even more creative than a carving set!

    Unlike our colorful painted gourds, this pumpkin DIY relies on natural adornments—preserved flowers, to be precise! You don’t need a perfectly round pumpkin for this DIY fall project with dried flowers. In fact, you could even dress up some acorn or butternut squash if that’s what you have on hand. How gorgeous would these pumpkins be as a Thanksgiving table centerpiece?

    Even though we’re using preserved flowers for this project, that doesn’t mean the colors have to be tone down. You know which blog this is, right? Bring on the brightness! Choose jewel toned flowers that hold onto their hues after drying, like dried globe amaranth or strawflowers. How perfect is the name “strawflower”?! It evokes those beautiful red berries we all know and love and the “straw” makes me think of fall harvest.

    Here are some of our favorite preserved and dried flowers from around the web!

    DIY Fall project with dried flowers and pumpkins!

    Materials:

    See above!

    Instructions:

    1. Pick out your flowers (we got ours from Terrain) and pumpkins. We went with a monochromatic scheme because…elegance!
    2. Plan your pattern.
    3. Start gluing! Use extra glue to make sure they stay on!

    That’s it!

    It’s really an easy project, but you can get super intricate with the design and style of the pumpkin. Again, how lovely would it be as a wedding centerpiece. I’m definitely showing these off ASAP!

    Yes, summer is over, and it’s taking the beautiful flowers with it, but don’t fret! This DIY will help you preserve the colorful blooms all through the fall season.

    Thank you Terrain for providing the beautiful preserved flowers! You can shop their collection here. 

    4 Ways to Make Succulent Pumpkins

    Brittany
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    4 Ways to Make Succulent Pumpkins

     1. A Pumpkin Family with Succulents and Squash

    In the spirit of my Halloween decorating philosophy (classic harvest season decorations are always a win!), I will be providing you a few tutorials on how to create a lovely Halloween. First up, a DIY pumpkin family. Are you dying from cuteness overload yet? I nearly did as we shot this. It’s too much. I teamed up with the succulent expert Cassidy Tuttle of Succulents and Sunshine (a blog all about succulents. She even has an ebook!) and illustrator of the most adorable faces, Michelle Christensen of My Little Belleville to bring you the world’s cutest pumpkin family. Succulents as hair and a painted face. I die. AND, Michelle made you some templates so you can recreate her faces. You can find them in our Halloween shop here. Score!

    Materials:

    • Light-colored pumpkins (I found that white works the best)
    • Acrylic paints (black and red and white are all you really need)
    • Fine paintbrush
    • Carving knife
    • Pumpkin faces PDF template (download here)
    • Pencil
    • A variety of succulents
    • Rocks for succulents

    Instructions:

    1. Carve out the top. You won’t need it so feel free to discard.
    2. Scoop out the seeds.
    3. You can trace the faces onto the pumpkin by positioning the template where you want the face and then pressing hard with a pen or pencil.

    OR 4. You can use pins or toothpicks to transfer the image onto the pumpkin.

    OR 5. Use the template as a stencil and cut it out and paint over it with your brush.

    6. Paint in the lines with your acrylic paints.

    7. Die of cuteness overload.

    8. Put some rocks into the pumpkin and insert your succulents. Try a few in the head or just one larger succulent.
    I mean…
    Greenery AND pumpkins? I love it. Look at how adorable and colorful this pumpkin family is! You could also make this DIY pumpkin family resemble your own family! How cute would that be?
    Photography by Cassidy Tuttle of Succulents and Sunshine
    Illustration by Michelle Christensen of My Little Belleville (check out her adorable shop!)
    Assistant: Audrey Ellsworth
    Art direction and crafting: moi

    2. Succulents and flowers on pumpkins and squash

    I also thought it’d be fun to add some succulents onto some pumpkins as if they were flower petals or a mandala. Super easy yet lovely. We’ve been thinking about many ways to decorate pumpkins with succulents, and this one is fun for all ages!

    Materials:

    • Pumpkins (light-colored work best)
    • Succulents in various shades
    • Glue gun

    Instructions:

    1.  Break off the succulents carefully at the very base of where they meet the trunk.
    2. Apply hot glue onto the pumpkin and then apply the succulent. I found that when you applied it onto the succulent, it’s more prone to fall off.
    DONZO.
    You know that I’m more comfortable working with paper and fabric than succulents! But I do love greenery, and these tutorials are a great way to work with plants, even if you’re not an experienced gardener. This tutorial is especially perfect if you have succulents around the house that are falling apart. Don’t let those beauties go to waste! Use the leaves to decorate a pumpkin!

    Photography by Cassidy Tuttle of Succulents and Sunshine 

    3. DIY Words made from Succulents Pumpkins

    Here’s the third of four projects that Cassidy and I collaborated on. She made these adorable pumpkins spelling the words “BOO” written in succulents.
    This DIY is pretty easy, and it doesn’t require many materials! We stacked the pumpkins in this tutorial, but you can always place them next to each other to spell out whatever phrase your Halloween decor calls for. Gah! Stacking pumpkins is harder than it looks!

    Materials:

    • Succulent Cuttings
    • Pumpkins (live or fake!)
    • Hot glue or floral glue
    • Toothpicks
    • Permanent marker

    Instructions:

    1. If you’re opting to stack your pumpkins, I applaud you! The first step is to stack the pumpkins how you want them displayed
    2. Use a permanent marker to trace the letters on your pumpkins (we decided “BOO” was a cute and easy phrase!)
    3. Attach the succulent cuttings to the pumpkins with hot glue, floral glue, or toothpicks. Cassidy decided that toothpicks work best for larger succulent cuttings. According to Cassidy, floral glue also works very well when working with succulents!
    4. If you decide to use the toothpick method, stick the toothpick into the pumpkin, leaving about 1/2″ sticking out. Then take your succulent cutting and stick it on the toothpick. Voila!

    Get the full scoop on how to do it and pictures of the process on her blog, Succulents and Sunshine. Let me know in the comments what you chose for your phrase and how your own succulent worded pumpkins turned out!

    These worded succulent pumpkins will surely turn heads of passersby. And as if these worded pumpkins are not cute enough…

    BAM! Dogs make everything 15 times cuter.

    4. DIY Succulent Monogram Pumpkin

    These succulent monogram pumpkins are the final project in my collab with Cassidy of Succulents and Sunshine. This was my first time working with succulents and I have to say that I love the little fellers. They’re so perky and sweet. But leave it to me to find a way to kill a couple suckers. Gah! That’s why I work with paper flowers.
    Cassidy made this monogram succulent pumpkin. Luckily, it’s not too difficult to make your own! Trust me, even if you’re not great with plants, it’s still such a fun tutorial and offers a twist on classic Halloween decor. If you’re looking for an easy way to amp up your holiday decorations, this is it!

    Materials:

    • Succulent Cuttings
    • A pumpkin (live or fake!)
    • Hot glue gun or floral glue
    • Marker (for tracing initials on the pumpkin)

    Instructions:

    1. Use the marker to draw an outline of your letter on the pumpkin
    2. Glue small succulents onto the marker line
    3. Cover the rest of the pumpkin with succulents of your choice!
    Pretty simple, right? Head on over to Cassidy’s blog to check out the full instructions with pictures of the process. She even suggests which succulents to use for placing your pumpkin outdoors in freezing temperatures!

    Succulent Pumpkin Variations

    If you’re not that great at handling live plants, you could use fake succulents and a fake pumpkin to save it for future holidays. If you love succulents AND flowers, check out some of our paper flower tutorials here and here (with many more tutorials throughout the Lars archives!) to position flowers between your succulents. Place your succulent monogram pumpkins on your doorstep or inside your home for a stylish, succulent-filled Halloween!

    Need more Halloween pumpkin inspiration? Take a look at a Lars favorite, these DIY Rainbow Pumpkins! Add more pumpkins to your monogram succulent decor with a DIY Rainbow Pumpkin Arch.  Use your pumpkins to decorate for a Halloween dinner party, or display them to get into the Halloween spirit!

    Memorial Day Paper Poppy Pin

    Brittany
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    Memorial Day Paper Poppy Pin

    How to celebrate Memorial Day

    What are some of your Memorial Day traditions? Here at Lars, our holiday plans usually include hot dogs. After that, maybe a dip in the pool, and lots of time with family! We are also sure to take the opportunity to remember the sacrifices people have made out of love for their country. 

    DIY paper poppy pin for memorial day

    In addition to roasting up some hot dogs this Monday, consider adding this paper poppy pin to your list of family activities! Not only are these paper poppies super easy to make, but the pin is so sweet you’ll want to wear it all summer long! We love the way these turned out and can’t wait for you to make your own paper poppies!

    Poppy Symbolism

    Since the end of WWI, the red poppy has come to symbolize remembrance, hope, and peace. Its symbolism came about when the bright red flowers began blooming during the spring of 1915 through a battle-scarred land across northern France and Flanders (northern Belgium). A Canadian doctor named Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae saw these bright red poppies amidst the battlefield’s chaos and bloodshed and was so moved that he wrote his now-famous poem, “In Flanders Fields.”

    Inspired by McCrae’s poem, scholar and humanitarian Moina Michael decided to make and sell silk poppy pins in order to help raise money for veterans who were returning home from war. Our girl Moina eventually campaigned to make the poppy the official symbol of remembrance in the United States and worked with various countries and governments around the world to help people recognize this special flower’s significance. Moina eventually came to be known as the “Poppy Lady” (a title we LOVE) and spent the rest of her life championing the poppy!

    Nearly a century after WWI ended, millions of people across the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Belgium, Australia, and New Zealand wear the red poppy every November 11, known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, to commemorate the anniversary of the 1918 armistice. In the U.S., the tradition is slightly different because we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th to honor all living veterans and Memorial Day on the last Monday of May to commemorate all those who died fighting for their country. This cute DIY paper poppy pin is a fun and easy way to bring the red poppy to your Memorial Day celebrations!

    How to make a paper poppy pin for Memorial Day

    Supplies needed:

    All supplies are linked on Amazon Prime so you can make your pin in time for Memorial Day!

    Instructions:

    1. First, download and print the paper poppy pin templates
    2. Cut out three “petals” from the red” template.
    3. Cut out a circle from the black using your template. This is your stamen. Make tiny incisions into the circle as close to each other as possible all the way around the perimeter. Curl the edges of the stamen with a pencil and cup them so that they are as vertical as possible.
    4. Make the center that goes inside the stamen by gluing the four corners together. Also, glue the bottom to the inside of the stamen.
    5. Add embroidery stitches to the inside of the petals and to the leaves.
    6. Glue the petals together so that they evenly overlap each other.
    7. Glue the center onto the top petal.
    8. Add the leaves to the underside.
    9. Finally, add a pin backing to the back.
    10. Start a new tradition and wear your poppy pin this Monday!

    Other poppy projects

    paper poppy cake toppers for summer party decor paper poppy background for DIY party decor paper flower corsage for prom or high school dance ideas paper summer garland for DIY summer party decor how to draw a poppy drawing tutorial

    As self-proclaimed “poppy ladies,” we think poppies fit in ANYWHERE. As cake toppers, in a summery flower garland, or even covering an entire wall! You can make paper poppies as intricate and life-like as you choose. To use the poppy emblem for your own remembrance this Memorial Day, click on any of the projects above to find the perfect one for you! Some are simple enough for the entire family to help with, like these, and some look real enough to add to a bouquet. You can also teach your kids about the sacrifices we honor on Memorial Day with the help of this poppy coloring page.

    If you make any of these poppy projects we would love to see them! Tag us with #LarsMakes. Happy crafting!



     

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