Learn how to add a little Irish spirit to your door with an easy DIY St. Patrick’s Day wreath. This simple St. Patrick’s Day craft project takes only 30 minutes to make!
If you ever get the chance to dance and Irish jig, don’t do it on a steamy day in July with temperatures well over 100 degrees. Especially not with your future inlaws.
My husband’s parents and many of his extended family members emigrated from Ireland in the late 1960s, and his cousins own a world-renown Irish dance studio in New York. So whenever there’s a family wedding his cousins lead the guests in a boisterous, traditional dance – which is a nightmare for those of us with two left feet.
My first experience with Irish dancing left me drenched in sweat and nearly passed out at my sister-in-law’s wedding. Rather than embarrass myself again, we keep our St. Patrick’s Day celebration far more low-key.
This year I’m adding a few new DIY St. Patrick’s Day decorations to our home, starting with a simple wreath that you can make in about 30 minutes.
Supplies to Make DIY St. Patrick’s Day Wreath
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To make this simple shamrock wreath, you’ll need:
- Wreath form (either straw or foam)
- Two rolls of ribbon, either the same print or two coordinating prints (here’s the plaid ribbon I used)
- Faux spring greenery
- Wood shamrock (I found mine at my local JoAnn store, but this one is similar)
- Green craft paint and foam brush
- Gold foil paint pen
- Floral pins or straight pins
- Hot glue gun
How to Make a St. Patrick’s Day Wreath
Before You Start
Before you start, it’s important to prepare your work surface. I typically use my kitchen table because it has the best lighting for taking blog photos, but other times I work in our craft space. Regardless of where I craft, I always put wax paper on my work surface before I paint.
Why wax paper? Because it’s cheap, always in our kitchen, and paint doesn’t really stick to it. So, after my project dries, it’s easy to peel it off the wax paper without damaging my freshly-painted piece.
After preparing your work area paint the wood shamrock with a foam brush and set it aside to dry.
While the shamrock dries, pin the end of the wide ribbon to the wreath form, then wrap the wreath form with ribbon. Take care to overlap the ribbon slightly to ensure that the wreath form is completely covered.
A 25′ spool of ribbon isn’t long enough to cover an 18″ diameter wreath, so have two spools ready or use coordinating ribbon (such as this sparkly gold version) to cover the gap and add interest.
Once the painted shamrock is dry to the touch, use the gold paint pen to highlight the edges. This step is certainly optional, but I love the way it complements the gold ribbon.
Lastly, use a generous amount of hot glue to attach the shamrock and faux flower to your DIY St. Patrick’s Day wreath.
Now, wasn’t that easy? Hang this pretty shamrock wreath on your door and you will feel lucky as a leprechaun! No dancing required. 😉
I have a few more simple St. Patrick’s Day crafts up my sleeve, as well as St. Patrick’s Day printables, so stay tuned!
Check out these other St. Patrick's Day ideas!
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Megan Lacey (@adventurenhome) says
OMG — My cousin took Irish dancing when she was little (she grew up in Ireland) and I remember her trying to teach me to the tune of Riverdance on PBS in the background. I think I got a lot of sighs and “No, that’s not it!” comments.
I was terrible!
I also love the pops of gold against the green on your wreath. It’s so pretty! Also– The tip about the wax paper is brilliant! I use it so much in baking to prevent dough from sticking to our granite counters. I can’t believe I didn’t think to use it for crafts! Love it!
<3 Meg
Laura says
You should have seen me that time – my first time meeting my husband’s extended family. So embarrassing! Every woman in his family knows how to Irish step dance except me. LOL!
Erlene says
Omgee, your dancing story had me laughing. I’ve almost passed out a few times from other things and it can be a scary thing. Your wreath on the other hand is more my speed.
Laura says
Thanks, Erlene! 🙂
Debbie says
I love the plaid and the gold especially on the wreath. Yes it was quick and simple…no I didn’t make it yet, but I totally could. Thank you for sharing the stories as well. I love to hear about the dancing that leaves you sweaty and faint!
Laura says
Thanks, Debbie! I’m glad I married into a fun family. 🙂