01 March 2021

A Floral Heart

Today, March 1st, has been declared "National Day of Mourning" for all we lost to COVID-19. In cities across the United States there will be a laying of floral wreaths as part of the Floral Heart Project.

Floral Heart Project, Kristina Libby, Covid memorial, heart-shaped wreath, flowers, floral wreath, Brooklyn Bridge, blah to TADA,
1800flowers.com

I first heard about the Floral Heart Project on the news. It's pioneered by artist Kristina Libby to help provide healing, compassion and sympathy for those impacted by COVID-19. She makes heart-shaped wreaths using fresh flowers; flowers being a traditional gift during loss and hearts as symbols of love and support. So far these wreaths have appeared in iconic locations around New York City, but the plan is to bring it around the U.S. and the world.  

Washington DC Covid Memorial, Joe and Jill Biden, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, National Mall Covid Memorial, blah to TADA
The only other time we really paused to mourn was on the eve of the Biden-Harris inauguration. There was music, prayer, and rows of 400 lights representing the loved ones we lost. The number still keeps growing and many of us continue to be burdened by loss.

If you want to participate as a donor or make your own floral wreath, you'll find more information at The Floral Heart Project website. 

I don't have fresh flowers right now but I'm making a floral wreath using recycled materials.

heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
I begin with cardboard.

Wilton baking pan,heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
This baking pan will aid me in making the heart shape.

heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
I traced the pan on the cardboard and cut out this heart that I'm using as a base for my wreath.

heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
I'm using more cardboard (white on one side) and added some colors using paint.

heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, floral rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
While I let the paint dry, I took out my craft stamps and ink pad.

heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
I applied the inked stamps on my colored cardboard to make flowers...TADA!

heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
Then I cut around the flowers. 

heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
I attached the flowers on the heart-shaped cardboard backing using white glue.
 
heart-shaped wreath, paper wreath, rubber stamps and ink pad, watercolor flowers, blah to TADA, crafty recycling, recycling crafts, spring wreath, Floral Heart Project
And just like that, I transformed plain cardboard from blah to TADA! to make this floral wreath. I'll hang it on my window with a ribbon.

Let's remember all we lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind. 

2 comments:

  1. What a sweet idea to put a homemade wreathe in the window. Covid has been tough.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Priscilla! This pandemic has definitely affected everyone. Looking forward to better days.

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