Daylesford artist Ron Davis spent four years collecting old bullets, dating back to 1906, used by cadets, Voluntary Defence Corp and Light Horse Brigade.

Mr Davis scrapes the top of the old, crumbling bullets. He heats them until the lead melts out.

The hot liquid is poured onto a metal plate and shaped with a heavy mallet.

The poppy-like shapes are then pressed and sprayed with a red paint.

The result – an Anzac Day poppy – a memory of those who have fallen, made from the very weapons used.

“If anyone said that I would be making poppies four months after Anzac Day I would never have believed them,” a shocked Mr Davis said.

“Having spent four years of fossicking the lead from a local historical rifle range dating back to 1906, I knew one day I would make good use of them.”

Two weeks before Anzac Day Mr Davis decided to recycle the bullets into the poppies and framed them in a free standing frame.

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Mr Davis hoped by selling the poppies, he could raise money for local RSL and Legacy clubs.

The response greatly exceeded his expectations.

He was overwhelmed with 150 orders, collecting more than $3000 for charity – distributed between RSL Wooden, RSL Ballan and RSL Bendigo.

In his small, jam-packed shed Mr Davis has been brought to tears by moving stories locals have told him about their connection to war.

“It’s unbelievable, my life has been enriched by the beautifully emotional stories from customers who have connected with the poppies,” Mr Davis said.

He hopes to donate a map of Australia made out of bullets (pictured above) with a poppy to the war museum.

“This has to be one of the most powerful pieces of artwork I have ever created.  It has so much significance and poignancy knowing that … 100 years later I have created something that people can handle and connect with,” Mr Davis said.