Shamrock Card 2399

Here’s a St. Patrick’s Day art project the whole family can get excited about! Make beautiful watercolor designs and cut them into shamrock shapes to make a decorative banner or cards for loved ones. Alyssa has included directions for both below. Aren’t we lucky?

marble paint spring 2398

Supplies

  • 8 ½ x 11 white cardstock or watercolor paper
  • 8 ½ x 11 white or colored cardstock 
  • Paintbrush
  • Water cup
  • Liquid watercolor paint (green, blue and yellow) OR liquid food dye
  • 3 small cups for paint (empty/clean yogurt cups work well) 
  • Plastic tray, shallow box or foil baking dish 
  • Eye dropper or teaspoon
  • Heart shape for tracing (2” cookie cutter works well) 
  • Pencil
  • Scissors 
  • Glue
  • String

 

Directions

  1. Put about ¼ cup of each paint color into separate cups. 
  2. If colors are too dark for your liking, add one teaspoon of water (at a time) to dilute until satisfied with color. 
  3. “Paint” paper lightly with water.
  4. Using an eye dropper, paintbrush or teaspoon, drop drips of paint onto various areas of the paper, moving the tray around so colors blend. The idea is to blend colors to make different shades of green. 
  5. Allow to dry completely.

Shamrock Card 2399        Shamrock Card WC 2399        shamrock card wht 2399

To make cards:

  1. Fold a second piece of cardstock in half to make a card.
  2. On the back of the colored paper, trace and cut out three hearts for each card.
  3. Arrange hearts in a shamrock shape (points touching) and glue to the front of the card. 
  4. Cut a stem from the painted paper (or draw one with a marker) and adhere to card. 

Shamrock Flags 2399

To make shamrock banner (bunting): 

  1. Cut two pieces of cardstock in half to make four 5 ½ x 8 ½ rectangles. 
  2. Find the center of the short end of each rectangle and cut an angled line on each side to make pointed “flags.” (see banner photo for reference)
  3. Punch two holes at the top of each “flag” and add string to form a banner. 
  4. Glue painted hearts and stems to each flag (see instructions above in “to make cards”).

 

More to Learn

  • Historians believe that watercolor painting mimics the cave paintings of the Paleolithic period.
  • Watercolor has been used to illustrate manuscripts since ancient Egyptian times. 
  • The widespread use of watercolor as an art medium began in the Renaissance period. 
  • The three-leaf clover is often thought of as a symbol of Ireland and the unofficial national flower of Ireland. 

 

Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized and award-winning art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East County.

 

For more St. Patrick’s Day crafts and ideas, check out our St. Paddy’s Day Round-Up at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/st-patricks-day.

_____________

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Spring is an excellent time for nature-inspired art projects for kids. This month’s “Art with Alyssa” project provides instructions to make nature pendants, which make wonderful gifts for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

These cute burlap bunnies are fun to create and fill with treats, making them perfect for friends or classmates! Kids can participate in assembling or decorating these treat filled easter decoration . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Celebrate Earth Day by doing an art project at home and participating in local Earth Day events around San Diego. Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents How to take care of the planet—Reduce, . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Make miniature baskets using simple materials like paper plates, pipe cleaners and markers; then deliver springtime treats to neighbors and friends! Supplies Paper plates, one per basket Marker . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

  Surprise friends, classmates or teammates with festive treat bags filled with candy or snack crackers. Perfect for Easter or any springtime celebration! Materials 8½ x 11” cardstock i . . .

Read more

Easter Egg Decor

Easter Egg Decor

Decorate real eggs this Easter to look like sweet treats such as cupcakes, lollipops and wrapped candies. SuppliesEggsEgg decorating kit/dye of choiceSmall pieces of colored and clear cellophaneBake . . .

Read more

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Don’t you miss hugging people? Here’s a clever DIY hug craft that lets loved ones know they are missed! Whether it’s Mother's Day, Father’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, a birthday or some othe . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Combining Easter fun and environmental awareness in honor of Earth Day is a win-win in our eyes. Here are instructions to make DIY Easter “eggs”— a fun and clever way to wrap and hide treats f . . .

Read more

Raindrop Drip Painting

Raindrop Drip Painting

We don’t know many kids who can resist jumping in rain puddles. And since we don’t get rain puddles too often in San Diego, it’s a particularly unique and special activity! Why not commemorate . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

  Marble painting is a great art project that encourages eye-hand coordination and muscle control. It’s fun to experiment with different colors and designs and it’s easy to adapt the project . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe