Today’s guest post if from our pals at CraftFoxes! Bethany Marcello is an assistant editor for CraftFoxes.com, a social network for crafters.
St. Patrick’s Day may have been “green” long before organic suds lined the aisles at Whole Foods, but with a little focus we’re going to eco-tize one of our favorite holidays. From T-shirt redos and glitter-glammed shoes to modernized pots and plastics, this clever collection of Irish-inspired upcycled crafts offers all you need for a greener St. Patrick’s Day.
Chartreuse your Shoes
Whether fir, olive or chartreuse, a touch of green glitter adds instant allure to rundown flats and heels. Want just a temporary glint of green? Create a glittery shamrock shoe embellishment with a clip earring and stiff cardboard or felt.
To glitter glamor your shoes, check out this DIY Dorothy tutorial from CraftFoxes.
Sham Wow
Lucky shamrock plants in charming recycled containers green up your home and offer an escape from winter gray. Great for your child’s first garden craft, shamrock is hardy, disease-resistant and needs little water. (Keep in mind, though, it’s harmful to pets.) A coffee sleeve makes a great upcycled planter, and don’t forget chipped Mason jars and tea cups also work (with river rock placed along the bottom).
Raise Your Glass
Speaking of old Mason jars, a simple hole punch turns the classic canner into a cheap travel mug, great for those St. Patrick’s Day pub crawls. Scrapbook paper or scrap fabric adds festive flavor. Speaking of festive flavor, teetotalers may want to consider filling their new mugs with a copycat version of McDonald’s Shamrock Shake.
Foam Home
For a quick piece of Irish front door décor, a frame, foam wreath and green ribbon are all you need. For an upcycled version, replace the foam with a sturdy cardboard circle, scrap fabric for the ribbon and twigs tied with twine for a rustic version of a frame.
Lose Your Shirt
A stained green T-shirt earns a second-life as an upcycled, no-sew necklace. A shamrock pin can Irish-up this quick craft, or consider using the necklace as an unexpected but charming door garland.
Open Book
Dictionary décor is one of the craft world’s trendiest juxtapositions. Try crafting a St. Patrick’s-themed series with phrases like “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” in a clever font. The stark black definitions contrast nicely with an emerald shamrock for eye-catching home décor.
Polish ‘Til It Shines
Particularly good for teenagers, this simple St. Patrick’s upcycle combines a bold pendant and green-tinted nail polish. Be sure to do a color test the polish on the back of the jewelry before going whole hog.
Planking
Scrap and mill-end planks become a rustic 8-inch by 20-inch shamrock, ideal for outdoor porch décor or even as a fun spring centerpiece. Feel free to go for a deeper green, finishing with some light sanding for a shabby chic look.
Stay Golden
Glossy black paint upcycles a piece of second-hand ceramic into a charming cauldron that’s good for both March 17th as well as Halloween. Paired with a second-hand frame, proudly displaying a St. Patrick’s Day expression, the charming table décor makes a quick and frugal upcycle.
Hat’s Off
Turn a tomato-tinted plastic container upside down and you’ve got the makings for a clever Wee One upcycle. This party favor can hold the classic foil coin or green candy, but consider making gold cookies for unique St. Patrick’s Day charms.
Sowing Seeds
For sophisticated St. Patrick’s Day table décor, consider these Anthroplogie-inspired seed blooms made with—can you believe—Q-tips! (Unused, of course.) Food coloring adds a touch of green while a foam ball and Chinese takeout chopsticks make up the rest.
So there you have it! 11 “green” ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s day!
How will you be getting lucky this year?
