Irish Craft Project Ideas
- Cable-knit sweaters can be an excellent Irish craft project.Factory fabric with elements of decorative knitting image by Luckybargee27 from Fotolia.com
Whether you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply looking for an unusual craft theme, you can glean plenty of inspiration from Irish history and traditions. Make Irish-inspired breads, knits, laces, jewelry or pots. Look to Irish folklore and literature to find rich and whimsical motifs---from fairies, silkies and banshees to changelings and pookas. Celtic designs can add style to almost any craft project, including greeting cards, clothing, jewelry and scrapbooks. - Use green scents, such as pine or rosemary, to fragrance Irish-themed soap.soap image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
Soaps, candles, bath salts, lotions and other products can easily be given an Irish spin. Make melt-and-pour soaps in Irish-inspired shapes, such as shamrocks, leprechauns, rainbows or sheep. You can also embed Irish charms---such as clovers and blooming thistles---in soap. Swirl green and white soaps together for a marbled look. Scent candles and lotions with Irish-inspired fragrances---such as sea breeze scents; fresh clover, wild rose, lily of the valley, chamomile and hyacinth perfumes; woody chypre; and fir, rosemary, spearmint, balsam and clary sage essential oils. - If you like baking, why not try your hand at some Irish scones?scones image by palms from Fotolia.com
Irish culinary tradition contains many delicious breads and cakes, such as soda breads and barmbrack. Bake bannock breads, oat breads or farmer's loaves. Savory scones can be made with the addition of white Irish cheddar and green onions; sweetened scones include raisins and dates. - Use Celtic crosses to embellish necklaces.authentic cross image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
Irish motifs can be used to create festive pins, necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings. Cut felt into shamrock or rainbow shapes and glue them to pins. Use Celtic knots to add exotic flair to beaded necklaces and earrings. Incorporate Celtic crosses into brooches and necklaces. - Cable-knit sweaters will keep you both warm and chic.clew image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
Irish cable-knit sweaters, which originate from the Aran Islands, are justly famous for their beautiful, intricate patterns. Though cable knit sweaters can be difficult to make, the results will amply reward your efforts. In addition to knitting sweaters, you can also attempt hats, socks, booties or scarves. If you have worn-out cable knit sweaters languishing in your attic, re-purpose them. Country Living recommends using old sweaters to recover lamp shades, decorative bowls and vases, sconces, bangles, pillows and candle holders. - Vintage doilies can be used to trim skirts, sweaters and bags.lace work image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
Renowned Irish lace can add beauty to virtually any household item. Use vintage Irish doilies to redecorate pillows, add grace to window valances, create unique book coverings or even embellish quilt squares. You can also find Irish lace patterns and tat your very own. - Lupines add grace to any garden.lupin image by Andrzej Włodarczyk from Fotolia.com
Celebrate Ireland by adding Irish plants to your home or garden. Pot daffodils, Canterbury bells, Irish moss or Irish ivy, and using them as centerpieces or mantel decorations. Give your garden an Irish cottage feel by planting traditional Irish plants such as snapdragons, lupines, cabbage roses, cornflowers and white clover.
