A few years ago, I was so inspired by my friend Vanessa Valencia's blog, A Fanciful Twist, and a darling glitter shamrock tutorial that she had posted. We emailed back and forth about it, but I never got the chance to actually make it that year. It was layered and sparkly, and it has been in the back of my mind ever since...
I don't see the tutorial one her blog any longer, so this is my version of what she inspired. It is not a replica, just an homage to a wonderfully creative soul. Thanks, Vanessa!! xoxo
It always surprises me what can be done with just some paper and a little bit of glitter!
Here are the materials I used. After I took this photo I realised that the tiny bottle of Tacky Glue had wandered off, so just pretend that it is there also. :)
The paper is a very lightweight chipboard. This piece was actually from a stack of scrapbook paper. It is the cardboard they use between every 20-25 pieces when they are packaged. You could also use a file folder, a cereal box... anything about that same weight.
You will also need the pieces cut from the PDF provided at the bottom of this post, small scissors or a craft knife, small paintbrush, green glitter (this is German glass glitter), a lightweight white glue for glittering, a heavyweight glue for attaching the pieces and the "bling".
You will also need a small amount of craft paint. You can either match the color of the glitter or use a metallic, as I did. This is "Glorious Gold" from Deco Art, which is definitely my go-to paint.
Finally, we will be using a small rhinestone button or jewelry piece. The one I used is an old earring.
Trace and cut out your 4-leaf clover pieces. On the smaller one, I cut off and discarded the stem. Using my craft knife very gently, I made a shallow "score" line across all petals to create dimension. Be careful not to cut all the way through!
Paint your pieces front and back and allow to dry. (I used a small desktop fan to speed up the process.)
Glitter only the front side of the larger clover. (I plan to use this as a pin, so I don't want glitter on the side that comes in contact with clothing.)
It will look like this in the back.
Glitter both sides of the smaller clover.
As you are working with the paint and glue on the carboard, there will be moments when it seems too "soft", especially when you are treating both sides at once. This is why it is important to let it dry a bit between steps. When the glitter is applied and it cures completely, it will really stiffen up nicely. So be patient! :)
When completely dry, stack the two pieces and use your heavy-duty glue to attach. You can use a glue gun for this step if you wish.
It appears at this point that there are two different colors of glitter. It is simply a shadow being cast on the bottom layer.
Finally, attach your bling!! Almost finished........ just one last touch.
I will be attaching a pin back to this and proudly wearing it tomorrow for St. Patrick's Day!
Get the PDF for this project here.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!! Let me know if you make this project!!
xoxo
