Looking for a simple craft project for your American Legion Auxiliary Junior members? This poppy button, introduced at the 2017-2018 national Junior meetings, is a bright and brilliant way to offer a team-building activity for Juniors while also teaching them about the ALA Poppy Program and why we wear the red flower to honor our servicemembers.

The buttons can be worn by the Juniors making them, or they can be tacked onto a magnet, glued to a headband/hairclip, or worn as a brooch. Because of the button’s size and color, it’ll be sure to stand out on any surface.

Consider asking your Junior members to distribute the buttons for donations on National Poppy Day® (the Friday before Memorial Day), give them to veterans, or present them to senior ALA members.

To learn more about the poppy buttons, or to receive firsthand information about the 2018-2019 national Junior meetings, contact JuniorActivities@ALAforVeterans.org or (317) 569-4500.

What you need:

Red felt, approximately 3″ x 3″ per poppy

1″ Black felt circles, precut with sticky backs

Small yellow buttons, 15 mm

Small round magnets with adhesive

What to do:

1. Trace poppy design onto red felt, using a poppy template or freehand
2. Cut out poppy
3. Remove backing from black felt circle; place circle in middle of poppy
4. Glue yellow flower button onto black circle
5. Remove back from magnet; place on back of poppy

This craft project was originally published in the February 2018 issue of Auxiliary magazine.