The Legend of the Dogwood Tree ~ Crafts and Cards

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." from "Sower's Seeds Aplenty: Fourth Planting," # 29, p. 22

A little more information on the dogwood and its blossoms:

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

image source
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. 

image source

The pink flower centers are often brown.

 image source
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 image source

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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".

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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).

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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

Available Here

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.

~Jennifer