Easy DIY Paper Shamrocks
It's shamrock time again! I've piped shamrock pistachio meringue cookies and now we're going to make some out of paper.
I'm going to give you two size variations, the small one is perfect for a garland but it's a little finicky, the larger size is easier to put together and great for a kid crafting adventure. My kindergartner had it mastered by the time she finished her first.
If you can get your hands on a paper cutter this will go much faster, if not you'll need an xacto knife or scissors and a ruler. The best paper for this is a thick cardstock, the kind you can get at Joann's in multi-color packs. It's always on sale.
Paper Shamrock Supplies:
- 1 inch x 11 paper strips (2 for a small, 4 for a large)
- Glue dots or lines
- Scissors
If you want to make a garland you'll also need:
- Twine
- Tape
- ⅛ inch hole punch
Instructions:
The instructions are the same for both sizes, the only difference is the strips are cut in half for the small shamrocks and left long for the large. You can use any length and width of strips for this project but longer and wider are much easier for tiny fingers.
1. Fold 3 strips in half for the leaves and clip a small section off the 4th strip. The amount you remove doesn't matter it just makes the stem a bit smaller than the leaves.
2. Apply glue dots to the outside of the folded papers and to one end of the stem piece.
3. Roll the paper inwards so the outsides of the V are touching. This will make a heart shape, do it three times, one for each leaf.
4. Use another glue got to attach two hearts together. If your strips are uneven like mine glue the pieces together so that the front looks flat. It doesn't matter if the back is a mess.
5. Fold the stem piece in half without making a hard fold. Attach it to the leaves.
6. Add the last leaf. Bend the stem so it's pointing down. You can leave it like this but I like to give the stem a more triangular look to set it apart from the leaves.
7. Use your thumbs to press up on the bottom and your pointer fingers to press down on the sides. I'm only using one hand here because I was taking the photo but I do both sides at once.
Make s Shamrock Garland
1. Use the tiny hole punch to put two holes in the top of each shamrock. I made mine on the same half of the heart so they all hung a little crooked.
2. Wrap the end of the twine in tape and then clip at an angle to make threading easier.
3. String the shamrocks on the twine and hand up. I've got mine strung across my giant wall calendar where I try (and fail) to organize my life.
Check out my St. Patrick's Day Page for more ideas or start here:
Very crafty shamrocks! Love it!!
Love these shamrocks.
So cute... I have no St. Patrick's Day Decor... this is easy and I can make a bunch if I want. Thanks for linking up to Pomp Party this week:)
I love St. Patrick's Day, and cannot wait to make these! I am hosting my first link party today, and would love for you to add this along with anything else you like!
http://www.mom4realky.blogspot.com/2012/02/4-real-friday-link-party-1.html
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real
I love this design. It is so pretty. If you don't mind, I might just make an edible craft using this idea.
Beth @ Hungry Happenings
This is such a fun idea for St. Patrick's Day! Would you be willing to link this up to my Springtime Holiday Link Party going on now? http://michellepaige.blogspot.com/2012/02/springtime-holiday-link-party.html
I'd love to have you.
I did see the pretty paper hearts on Pinterest for Valentines but I never made any. Thanks for giving me a second chance for using the shape for a different holiday. Those are super cute. I saw your post ovver at "2805".
These shamrocks ROCK!! And your tutorial is so clear and easy to follow. I'm featuring you on my Facebook Artist Talent Album this morning. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Igottacreate/100573240032625?sk=wall
Thanks SO much for sharing at the Kiss Me I'm Irish linky party over at I Gotta Create!
http://igottacreate.blogspot.com
Thanks for linking up @CountryMommaCooks…Have a wonderful Sunday:)
CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE!!! I love the way those turned out! And so easy too! I'd love to have you share this with our readers for our Fun Stuff Fridays link up! http://www.toysinthedryer.com/2012/02/fun-stuff-fridays-11.html
These are super cute! Coming by from the 1929 Charmer blog hop!
-Pamela, InspiredbyFelicity.blogspot.com
What a clever idea! This would be great for a Sunday School or preschool class...
Stopped by from 1929 Charmer
Ann @ Suburban Prairie Homemaker
NIFTY!!! I made paper hearts. These are cute~ Stopped in from 1929 Charmer
So cute and so easy! Great idea! Thanks for sharing it!
How clever - your Shamrocks rock, so cute and what a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best.
These are adorable. Besides my weekly fri-monday linky, I am hosting a St. Patties "Go Green Linky" and group giveaway. You can find the photo link to it on my right side bar, and you can link up this post for an entry into the giveaway, if you like. I will have to try these shamrock hearts.
These are clever! I was just thinking last night when I saw some heart garland (post Valentines) too bad... may try this but make it hanging garland for the window.
I LOVE St. Patrick's Day! What a cute and easy way to decorate for the holiday. I'd love for you to share this at my link party tomorrow!
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing your terrific project at Potpourri Friday! I am following you via Linky and GFC. Hope you will too!
Very fun. Puts you in the mood for St. Patty's.