St. Patrick's Day Fun for the Whole Family

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Feb 2009 02:08 PM

If you think this blog is rushing things a bit, then you haven't strolled through Wal-Mart or Target recently. Both stores are already hawking Easter items. Meanwhile, the St. Patrick's Day loot is tucked away in an obscure corner near the pet items.

I'm only an eighth Irish, but you don't have to have an ounce of green blood running through your veins to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Just gather the family, whip up some Corned Beef and Cabbage, potatoes, soda bread, and some shamrock shakes and you'll be in business. Then, gather the kids, clear off the table and get busy making these simple St. Patrick's Day crafts:

HOMEMADE BLARNEY STONE

Materials:

Smooth, clean river rocks (You can get these for a great price at discount garden supply stores)

Brush

Green paint

Glue

Markers

Embellishments--Glitter, sequins, plastic jewels, googly eyes, bits of yarn, stickers, etc.

Directions:

Wash and thoroughly dry your rock.

Paint the rock with green paint and let it dry completely before decorating.

Embellish your rock with your favorite decorations-you can make a smiley rock with googly eyes, markers and yarn or a bejeweled rock from glitter, sequins and plastic gems.

POT OF GOLD CENTERPIECE

Materials:

Small terracotta pots

Gold acrylic paint

Gold wire ribbon

Hot glue gun

Green plastic grass (like the type used in Easter baskets)

Gold chocolate coins

Directions:

Using a paintbrush or sponge, paint the inside and outside of the pot with the gold paint. After the paint is completely dry, cut a strip of gold wire ribbon (be sure to make it long for a handle).

Attach each end of the ribbon to the top sides of the gold pot with the hot glue gun.

Fill with green grass and gold coins.

Tip: If you are using these as party favors consider using glitter glue to add each guest's name to individual pots.

Related Articles:

Fit for St. Patty: Irish Lamb Stew with Irish Soda Bread

St. Patrick's Day Fun

Family Travel: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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