With the maiden name of McMahon, I can’t let St. Patrick’s Day pass by without posting an Irish-inspired craft. St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful holiday….how can you not like Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, Irish music, green beer and of course leprechauns?
These cute 4-leaf clover ornaments are easy enough for your kids to make and are perfect for giving to friends, teachers or grandparents, Irish or not!
Did you know that shamrocks and four leaf clovers are not the same thing? The shamrock has three leaves and was said to be used by St. Patrick to symbolize the Holy Trinity of Christianity and became synonymous with Ireland. The four leaf clover really has little to do with Ireland but represents good luck in many cultures around the world. Because the four-leaf clover is so rare, it is said to bestow good luck on anyone who finds one. Each leaf represents faith, hope, love and luck. Over the years, the shamrock and the four leaf clover have become interchangeable.
To make these ornaments you’ll need:
- green felt
- needle and thread
- glue
- twine for hanging
Step 1
- Cut the felt into the shapes shown below. The pieces measure about 2″ wide x 1 3/4″ high.
- Each clover will need 4 petals and 1 stem.
Step 2
- Make a knot in your thread.
- Sew 2 stitches in the first petal.
- Continue with the rest of the petals, making 2 stitches in each.
Step 3
- Gently pull the thread so that the petals scrunch together.
- To finish off, make 2 or 3 stitches through the felt so the thread is secure.
- Trim excess thread.
Step 4
- Glue the stem and twine to the back.
And that’s it—your four-leaf clover is done! Add a little gold glitter if you’d like!
