It’s that time of year again when everything is green, and Saint Patrick is remembered for spreading Christianity across Ireland. Over the centuries, Saint Paddy’s Day has turned into quite a fest.
So if you’re planning to host guests this Patrick’s Day and you want your home to be a heaven of green, you’ve come to the right place.
1. How to make a crochet shamrock garland
There’s something so rustic about shamrocks.
Not only do they celebrate the icon of Mr. Saint Patrick, but shamrocks are also known as a symbol of good luck, particularly in Irish society.
There are many reasons to add shamrocks to your home. Real shamrocks can be temperamental to use as home decor; they are quite fragile, which is why I love the idea of crocheting shamrocks.
What you’ll need to make the shamrock garland
- Green yarn in two different colors ensures it isn’t super thin.
- Yarn needle for weaving the ends
- Green twine
- Scissors
- A size G/6 crochet hook
Creating the shamrock masterpiece
This is the fun part, so put on an episode of Father Ted, have some tea by your side, and get crocheting.
A few things to note:
Every shamrock consists of three heart-shaped leaves and a small stem.
To create the shamrock shape, all you need to do is create three hearts.
Step 1
Start by chaining 4 to join them; add a slip stitch. This will create a ring.
Step 2
Work 11 double crochet into a ring.
Step 3
Join with a slip stitch to the top of the beginning chain.
Top tip
For each leaf, chain 5, then work back down the chain with single crochet to create a single curve.
Step 4
Slip stitch back to the ring and repeat two more times for two leaves.
Step 5
Chain 6 to 8 for the stem and fasten off.
Creating the garland
Weave the loose ends with your yarn needle. This can be annoying, but it’s worth it.
I, personally, like to evenly space the shamrocks 6-8 inches apart, but it’s up to you.
Top tip when making the garland
Thread your twine through the top of every shamrock using the yarn needle.
There you have it: a cottagecore-style Saint Patrick’s Day decoration.
2. How to create an aluminum embossed Celtic motif art piece
Aluminum embossing has been my hyperfixation for a while now, and I mean, what’s not to love about it? After all, it’s a cross between jewelry making and drawing.
There’s also nothing more Irish than a good old Celtic motif, such as the tri spiral. The tri spiral is rich in history, symbolizing strength and the ability to move forward despite challenges.
Anyway, that was a ramble. Let’s get to crafting.
What you need to create the metal embossed art
•Tin, aluminum, or thick foil of any metal
• Sandpaper
•Goggles
•Mask
• Pencil or embossing tools
Black acrylic paint
Foam or fabric to lean on
How to Make an Embossed Artwork
Step 1
Use sandpaper to get rid of any glossy residue that might be on the metal. Use goggles and glasses, as particles of metal might get into your eyes.
Step 2
Draw your design on paper or print a photograph you’d like to recreate.
Step 3
Place foam on a hard surface like a table, cut your metal to size, and trace over the design, pressing firmly as if you were writing.
Step 4
Take the paper off to reveal the design. The 3D side of the design is the front. To make it stand out, trace over places to enhance the design.
Step 5
Using a sponge, apply a thick layer of black paint and allow it to cool for 1 minute before removing it with water and paper towels. This should give your design a perfect 3D effect. Allow to dry for at least 1 hour.
Step 6
Using your favorite frame, place the design inside it and add a colored piece of paper, preferably green, behind it.
There you have it: a unique design for Saint Patrick’s Day.
3. How to make a woven cross
When I think of Irish crafts, nothing is as Irish as a woven cross.
Woven crosses are typically made in commemoration of Saint Brigid’s Day. Through research, I found out she was one of Ireland’s patron saints, known for her charity and kindness to others. The cross itself is hung above doors to guard against any danger.
What you’ll need
• Fresh rushes
•Scissors
•Thread
Step 1
Soak the rushes in warm water to make them flexible
Step 2
Hold one rush and bend it into an L shape.
Step 3
Place another L-shaped rush over the center; make sure it’s at a right angle.
Step 4
Repeat this process, adding the folded rushes one by one around the center, and keep rotating it to create an even shape.
Step 5
Tighten each layer to secure it and keep building the weave until four arms reach your desired length
Step 6
Tie each arm with a string to keep it in place.
Trim the ends to perfect the look
There you have it, a decoration that protects your home; it really couldn’t be more Irish.
4. Shamrock-painted mugs
Imagine this: you come home from work tired, want a cup of tea, open your press to find a lovely shamrock mug you hand-painted, and suddenly your day is brighter.
What you need to make the shamrock mug
- Green acrylic paint
- A white plain mug
- Fine paintbrush for details
How to make a shamrock-painted mug
Clean your mug beforehand, ensuring it has no dust.
Paint the shamrock design using green paint
Top tip
A shamrock shape consists of 3 hearts and a tail, so it’s simple to create.
Coat with dishwasher-safe Mod Podge to make it usable.
5. Green bow garland
Bows are all the rage this year, and who can honestly blame us for our love of cute things
I love this bow garland, as it looks intricate, as if it took hours to make.
Basically, having one of these in your home for Saint Patrick’s Day will win you the title of master crafter.
What you need to make the green bow garland
- 3 types of green ribbon varying in texture
- Scissors
- Twine or thread
- Hot glue
Steps on how to make a green bow garland
- Cut ribbon to 75 cm
- Make bunny ear loops on each side
- Pull one loop through the knot in the center, and tighten evenly on each side
- Trim ends in a V shape
- Add hot glue to the backs and stick them on the twine
6. Pot of gold clay candy bowls
Imagine this: you live in a land full of leprechauns that have happened to leave a pot of gold in your living room. That’s the sort of energy I hope this craft brings you.
What you’ll need to make a pot of gold out of clay
- ½ a packet of air dry clay
- Rolling pin
- UV resin
- Paintbrush for resin
- Small bowl of water
How to make it
- Begin by making a small bowl by pressing your thumb into a small ball of clay and pressing into the center to hollow it out.
- Use a clay tool for more definition.
- Roll out a small snake and add it to the top of the pot of gold.
- Use water to smooth it out.
- This is optional, but you could use resin to make it more durable.
- Once dry, add your favorite treats. My personal favorite is gold coins.
7. Irish blessing calligraphy prints
I love this craft because it beautifully captures the heartfelt sentiments and timeless wisdom of traditional Irish blessings, perfect for home decor or thoughtful gifts.
This is my favorite DIY because you can’t really go wrong; all you need is some creative flair and your favorite Irish saying.
What you’ll need for the Irish blessing
- fountain pen
- pen ink
- Card or watercolor paper
- Watercolor for little doddles
- Your favorite frame
- Print off your favorite Irish sayings or use AI to create a personalized one
- Carefully draw with the fountain pen your favorite Irish saying. You could even write it in the style of the Book of Kells, a medieval Irish script.
- Add little shamrock drawings or embellishments to the corners.
- Place your drawing in your favorite frame and hang it up for all your loved ones to see.
There you have it, an original piece of art that reminds you to be positive and trust in Irish luck.
8. Irish Clay horseshoe
I love this DIY because it’s so simple; all you require is some clay and a bit of Irish luck.
What you’ll need to make the Irish horseshoe
- Air-dry clay
- Brown paint
- Resin or varnish
- Paintbrushes, one larger and a thin one for details
- A printer and printer paper
- Paper knife
How to make the Irish clay horseshoe
- Print out a stencil of a horseshoe, or just wing it
- Cut along the edge of the stencil using the paper knife
- Now you have your horseshoe; add water to any cracks
- Leave to dry for 24 hours.
- Paint it in brown paint once dry; this will make it look more like a traditional horseshoe.
- Add the letters lucky in block capitals with white paint
- Allow to dry before coating with resin or varnish.
9. Irish-themed road sign
In Ireland, the road signs follow an iconic design. With that being said, this design involves recreating this for the area of your choice.
What you’ll need to create an Irish road sign
- Large piece of cardboard
- A large paintbrush
- Acrylic paint in white and black
- A small paintbrush for details
- Mod Podge or PVA glue
How to make the Irish road sign
- Cut out your design following the shape of the picture displayed
- Paint the entire piece of cardboard white
- Create a border with black paint around the edge
- Use an online translation app to find the Gaelic for your hometown
- Paint with the smaller brush the writing you wish to include
- Add a larger amount of Mod Podge once dried to seal it.
10. Irish flag mason jars
I love the idea of swapping stationery for the different seasons and adding a pencil holder that’s Saint Paddy’s themed.
What you’ll need
- Green paint
- Orange paint
- White paint
- Medium-sized paintbrush
- Masking tape
- Mod podge
- Mason jar or jam jar
- Twine
- Scissors
- Divide your jar into 3 even sections with masking tape.
- Paint green first, then white, and then orange
- Once dry, take off the tape
- Add Mod podge to seal
- Add a piece of twine for an extra rustic look
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