Kids of all ages can make this puffy tissue paper poppy craft for Remembrance Day. Toddlers and preschoolers can crumple the tissue paper, while older children can twist it around a pencil to create little tufts.
Yay! Here’s another quick poppy craft, perfect for Remembrance Day. This puffy poppy uses a classic, easy technique kids love: crumpled or twisted tissue paper. It’s simple, tactile, and ideal for group settings or home crafting.
I’ve always called this puffy tissue paper art or crumpled tissue paper art. It’s forgiving, low-mess, and produces a beautiful textured result that looks great on bulletin boards, classroom displays, or as part of a remembrance project.
Great process for all ages
This craft works well for a wide range of ages. Young toddlers enjoy the sensory experience of crumpling soft tissue paper, while older children appreciate the finer motor skill of twisting small squares into tufts. It’s an inclusive activity that can be adapted for preschool, early elementary, and older kids by varying the technique and level of guidance.
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Crumple
For the youngest crafters, simply crumpling small squares of tissue paper is perfect. This action builds hand strength and fine motor control while offering a pleasant sensory experience. The soft texture and gentle rustling of tissue paper add to the enjoyment.
Or twist
Older children can use a pencil to twist the tissue squares into tiny tufts, then dip the ends in glue and press them onto the paper plate. This method creates a fluffier texture and a more refined look, and it’s a good way to practice precision and patience.
Or roll a tight ball
Middle-aged kids often prefer rolling the tissue into small tight balls and gluing them in place. This produces a slightly denser texture and is a nice compromise between crumpling and twisting.
Whichever method you choose, the process is creative and calming. It uses minimal supplies, so it’s great for classroom projects, daycare activities, or at-home crafting sessions.
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Supplies:
- paper plate
- tissue paper – red for petals, black and white or yellow for the center
- scissors
- glue (white school glue or a glue stick for less mess)
Instructions
Time needed: About 1 hour (including drying time)
How to Make Puffy Tissue Paper Poppies
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Cut Tissue Paper
Cut the tissue paper into roughly 2-inch squares. Preparing a stack of mixed red and black (or yellow/white for the center) squares ahead of time keeps the activity moving and helps children focus on the creative step rather than cutting.
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Cut a Paper Plate
Make four evenly spaced cuts in a paper plate to create distinct petals. Trim the edges into smooth curves to give the poppy a rounded, realistic petal shape. If desired, pre-cut plates for very young children or offer safety scissors under supervision.
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Mark Paper Plate
If your child wants guidance, have them lightly mark the different color areas with a pencil: a small circle in the center for yellow or white, then a surrounding circle for black, and the outer area for the red petals. This helps place pieces and teaches planning before gluing.
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Glue Tissue Paper to Plate
Crumple, twist, or roll the tissue paper pieces and apply glue to the tip or base before pressing each piece onto the plate. Cover the center first (black or yellow), then fill the petal areas with red tufts until the plate is fully covered. Allow the glue to dry flat to preserve the puffy texture.
Aren’t they pretty? These puffy poppies make a meaningful Remembrance Day project and are a lovely way for children to engage in a thoughtful, hands-on activity.
Quick tips: use a glue stick for less mess with younger children, spread glue sparingly to avoid soggy tissue, and let projects dry completely before stacking. Display finished poppies on a bulletin board or string them together to create a remembrance garland.
Find all of our Remembrance Day Crafts here.
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