St Patrick Day Crafts: A Few Simple Ideas!

Finding or even making St Patrick Day crafts is one great way to express our Irish sides!  In this section we would like to share three ideas for craft-minded adults.  For more kid-oriented ideas, visit our section on crafts for kids!

And if you should find yourself interested in learning more about Irish customs, please visit our main section on Irish trivia and traditions here...  Meanwhile let's have a look at three ideas for fun St Patrick Day crafts!

First, to State the Obvious...

Centuries ago everything was handmade.

The emergence of factories in the 1800s resulted in mass-production of many necessities - but some items of special meaning continue to be hand-crafted even today.

Crafts such as paintings, embroidered panels, tapestries, jewelry, greeting cards, and hand-blown glass can be found in Irish homes and stores.

Hand thrown tableware, handbags, coats, and engagement rings are also among today's Irish crafts.

St Patrick Day Crafts Project #1:  Irish Greeting Cards

Computers provide wonderful ways to make greeting cards and invitations.  You can offer a personal touch if you go out and get the photos you print on the front of the card.

For example, take the kids to a flower boutique or garden to obtain pictures of clovers.

You can use computer software like greeting card programs found online to upload the picture and then insert a personal message inside.

This works for the invitations too. A more personal touch would be to create all the greeting cards by hand.

• Gather construction paper, scissors, glue, green pens, paint, and glitter. Also gather other colors of pens, paint and glitter.
• Fold the paper in half or in quarters, depending on how you want the greeting card or invitation to look.
• Draw a design on the cards. Leprechauns, clovers, the claddagh, Irish castles, and any other Irish symbol can work.
• After the front of the card is dry you can add your personal message inside. Add more decorations if you wish like a pot of gold and a rainbow.

Project #2:  St Patrick's Day Name Bracelets

Name bracelets are another great form of St Patrick Day crafts.  If you intend on hosting a party where everyone might not know each other or you want to make a lasting gift, name bracelets can be the way to go.

It is also a fun activity for children if you throw a children’s St. Paddy’s day party. Beads are the best way to go for these bracelets.

• Go to your local craft store to pick up an elastic string. Also pick up rainbow colored beads and lettering.
• Tie one end of the elastic string and then test a wrist to see what length would be best. Remember, with the beads on you need the string a little longer than the actual wrist size. You also have to have enough to tie the two ends together when you are done putting on the beads. Test a couple of wrists if you know you are making them for adults and children.
• Green beads as the main bracelet color make the most sense with St. Paddy’s Day. Put an even amount of green beads on each side of the name. As long as you do not tie the first end too tight you can always add more if necessary once you get the name on. Rainbow colored names can be the most fun, but white beads with black lettering are also available.

Project #3:  Handmade Hair Pins

In keeping with the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day you might want to make name bracelets for the boys (see instructions above) and hair pins for the girls at your children’s party.  That provides something special for all!

Hair pins can be made as follows:

• Visit your local craft store to purchase hair pins, beads, and glue.
• Name hair pins can be made with the beads. If you do not want name hair pins consider finding clovers you can glue onto the hair pins.
• Hot glue guns are best for this rather than other craft glue. If you make name hair pins use different color beads for the letters in each name.

Many other craft ideas can be found for making St Patrick Day crafts.  A few other concepts include resin casted clover coasters, clip art craft pins or name craft pins, Shamrock boutonnieres, and clover cookies.

Any of these crafts can be enjoyed with your children while you share history and stories about the Irish culture.

Fun!  What's Next?

At Irish Expressions, our our goal is simple: to provide you with a unique Irish experience, on demand, wherever you are in the world.

If you have enjoyed our section on fun Irish trivia and customs, you have probably been exposed to many of the most exciting traditions that Ireland has to offer!

Will that entice you to visit Ireland - or to return if you have already been? 

We hope so!  

But even if that is not possible, you can still enjoy the magic of Ireland in these pages.  Check out the links at the top of the page for simple instructions on how to explore Irish landmarks, sing Irish songs, enjoy Irish food, and much more!

Your Most Personal Irish Expression

One way to share your love of Ireland is by displaying your family coat of arms (family crest).  A very personal symbol of the stories and accomplishments of your ancestors can adorn clothing, kitchenware, wall art, personal accessories and so much more. 

Want to have a look?  Our friends at House of Names can help! 

Tap the button below and see your family crest for free!

A Note from Bruce

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