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.

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.  

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.

I begin with cardboard.

This baking pan will aid me in making the heart shape.

I traced the pan on the cardboard and cut out this heart that I'm using as a base for my wreath.

I'm using more cardboard (white on one side) and added some colors using paint.

While I let the paint dry, I took out my craft stamps and ink pad.

I applied the inked stamps on my colored cardboard to make flowers...TADA!

Then I cut around the flowers. 

I attached the flowers on the heart-shaped cardboard backing using white glue.

 

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.