Coffee Filter Poppy Craft: How to Make & Ideas for Enjoying

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This coffee filter poppy craft is a wonderful way to enjoy a creative activity with kids. It can be used in so many ways and is easy to make.

For this project, you only need a few materials (like coffee filters and markers) plus no prep. It also makes for a meaningful project around Memorial Day, Armistice Day, or as an activity for World War I.

In this post, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions and share my tips for using to boost learning and just because.

Two examples of coffee filter poppy crafts on navy blue paper with white stars.

A Simple Way to Enjoy a Meaningful Activity with Kids

Need a quick and easy project to use as part of your Memorial Day, Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, or World War I lessons? Maybe you're learning about different flowers and want to add a DIY poppy craft to your theme? Perhaps you'll be watching Wizard of Oz (or Wicked) and think it would be fun to do a hands-on activity?

Well, this coffee filter poppy craft is one of those super simple yet incredibly meaningful activities that my boys and I had a blast doing for all of those things!

We made these colorful poppies during a homeschool unit where we were learning about World War I and Armistice Day. It was such a great way to get into history while getting creative at the same time. Professor (now in college as a history/secondary education major) was obsessed with WWI so really appreciated having an activity to do with his brothers (and share lots of facts about "The Great War". The boys loved coloring the coffee filters - and I loved how easy it was to pull together with just a few basic supplies.

This craft is also perfect around Memorial Day! Whether you're honoring veterans or just looking for a frugal screen-free activity, these little poppies are a great way to spark some meaningful conversations and learning.

What You'll Need for This Poppy Craft

For this project, I recommend that you gather these supplies prior to starting. Better yet, get your kids involved and have them help you collect and organize these materials:

Coffee filters
Red and pink washable markers
Scissors
Spray bottle with water
Green pipe cleaners
Black pom-poms
Glue

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Coffee filters, green pipe cleaners, scissors, markers, black pom poms, and blue spray bottle.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Coffee Filter Poppies

Fold the coffee filters. Cut the petal shapes.

Take two coffee filters and fold them in half. Fold them in half again. Fold them in half one more time to create a triangular shape.

Folded coffee filters on black construction paper with scissors.

Color the coffee filters.

Use red and pink markers to color the coffee filters. You can try different amounts of each color if you'd like your poppies to have a variety. Bits of yellow and orange can be nice, too.

Two coffee filters cut into flower shapes and colored red.

Spray with water.

Spray the colored coffee filters with water to allow the colors to spread and blend. Let them dry completely.

Child spraying red colored flower-shaped coffee filter with water.

Assemble the flower. Attach the stem.

Stack the dried coffee filters on top of each other. Be sure to alternate them so all the petals show. Pinch the back center and gently twist to form the flower shape. Wrap a green pipe cleaner around the twisted center to secure the shape and create a stem.

Coffee filter poppy with green pipe cleaner stem.

Attach the center.

Glue a black pom-pom in the center of the flower to complete the poppy look.

Coffee filter poppy with black pom pom in center.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Coffee Filter Poppy Craft

What age group is this coffee filter poppy craft suitable for?

Kids of all ages can participate in this craft in some way. Younger children can scribble with markers and help spray water. They may need a bit of assistance with cutting or adding the stem. You can challenge older students to add more details and even create a bouquet of poppies.

How do I make the poppy petals stand out more?

For a more vibrant effect, you can add more layers to the poppy by cutting multiple coffee filters and stacking them. You can also experiment with using different shades of red, orange, or pink for a unique look.

Two examples of coffee filter poppies with black pom pom centers and green pipe cleaner stems.

Creative Ideas for Making and Using Your DIY Poppies

If you don't have pipe cleaners (or want a different type of look), you can try popsicle sticks or straws. A black button or wood bead could be used in place of the black pom pom.

Want to make this craft even easier and faster? Skip the coffee filters, markers, and water. Use tissue paper in different colors of red.

These coffee filter poppies can be used as beautiful home or classroom decorations. Also, you could attach to a card (especially if you make smaller versions) or even a simple headband for a fun accessory. Create a DIY centerpiece by placing a few poppies in a vase or jar.

More Fun and Frugal Crafts for Kids

Once you try a budget-friendly craft like this coffee filter poppy, you'll want to do more. Your kids will love being able to get creative and have delightful completed projects to admire and share. Here are a few to give a go:

⭐ Isn't this coffee filter poppy simply adorable? How will you use it with your students? And do you have any questions for me? Please let me know in the comments area at the bottom of this post!