Every house I’ve ever lived in (5 of them) was blessed to have a dogwood tree in the yard! So I’ve had a love of dogwoods even when I was very young. As a teen, I heard the legend of the dogwood and I just loved the story. No, I don’t think it’s true, but the imagery and symbolism of the cross and the dogwood blossoms are so beautiful!
So, for the last week and a half, I’ve been slowly working on the artwork to create the printable cards and the dogwood craft patterns which are in this post…

If you don’t know the Legend of the Dogwood here it is:
The Legend of the Dogwood
At the time of the crucifixion, the dogwood had reached the size of the mighty oak tree. So strong and firm was the wood that it was chosen as the timber for Jesus’ cross.
     To be used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the dogwood. While nailed upon it, Jesus sensed this, and in his compassion said. “Because of your pity for my suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used for a cross. Henceforth, it shall be slender, bent, and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross–two long and two short petals.
     “In the center of the outer edge of each petal will be the print of nails. In the center of the flower, stained with blood, will be a crown of thorns so that all who see it will remember.”
 

A little more information on the dogwood and its blossoms:

The trees look like clouds all covered with flowers in the spring! 

 Dogwood flowers have a few different colors.  They can be White (purity) or pink (blood-stained). The white flower centers are green to start and then become more yellow as the mini flowers open.
When the flower starts to die the center turns brown. 

The pink flower centers are often brown.


 In the fall, the centers (crown of thorns) swell and turn into berries, which birds eat.  Neat isn’t it!! (I’m also a science nut!)
Dogwood fruit
 
 
A Dogwood Craft
I created a pattern for my kids to make their own dogwood flowers.
They are very simple to make!
To make this you will need:
  • the pattern Choose: {large} or {4 small} 
  • crayons
  • tape or glue
  • scissors
 
Print the pattern (there is one large or 4 small on a page)
(stock paper works best)
Available Here
 
Color the flower and the leaves.
Add red and brown to the flower’s notched tip -“nail prints”
Color the center yellow and/or brown
Color the leaves green
Color the petals pink or leave them white.
Cut out the flower and the three leaves
Tape the leaves to the bottom of the flower so they are shown through the petals of the flower.
Curl the pedals up beside the “nail prints” and at the center.
For a little extra fun, you can add a pipe cleaner center to resemble the “crown of thorns”.
You can add these flowers to almost anything to decorate it!
You can cut out two strips of brown paper to make a cross and add a paper dogwood flower.
 
I added them to my Lenten/Easter cross…
 
And 
to a wreath (along with my legend print and a bow)…
Glue craft sticks to the back to make the legend card stay straight.
This must be hung in a dry spot (unless you laminate them).
 
Prints and Cards of the Legend of the Dogwood
You can also print out the legend story to go with your flowers. 
(This is also some of my original artwork)
Folded Gift Card 
This folded card and a handmade flower would be nice for any occasion including mother’s/grandmother’s day, a thinking of you surprise, an Easter card, etc.
(Print onto stock paper)
Available Here
 
 
Legend Prints
Nice for decorating or for framing
 
Simple Legend Printables
Nice for a class or large group
4 on a page
Available Here
 
I found so many ways to use these paper dogwood blossoms and legend cards!

 I enjoyed drawing these flowers and cards.
My kids enjoyed coloring and creating the crafts.
I hope you enjoy them, too!!
God Bless.
~Jen-Marie

7 Comments

  1. I also loved this legend as a teen. I know my girls are going to enjoy making these flowers and decorating everything with them. Thanks!

  2. Just beautiful Jennifer! I had only recently heard about this story and checked it out from the library. It's really good and filled with pretty pictures.

  3. I'm not sure why I've never stumbled across your blog before, but I am certainly enjoying looking around! I'm always looking for new ideas. God bless! Annita +JMJ+

  4. Your local library had it!?! Mine didn’t! 🙁 ♥ Thanks, Noreen! God Bless.

  5. Your kids always do a beautiful job! Hope they enjoy it! God bless!

  6. It’s nice to meet you, Annita! So glad you found me! May God bless you and your family!

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