Shamrock Bead Garland

Let’s bring some luck o’ the Irish into our homes this St. Patrick’s Day with a fun and festive Shamrock Bead Garland. Here’s how to create your own.

Materials:

jute/twine

wooden beads, your choice of sizes

green and white acrylic paint

paintbrush

wooden skewers (optional, but helpful!)

green felt

scissors

shamrock template

Poly-Fil

sewing needle and green thread OR glue

jute tassel

ribbon

Step 1: Paint your beads.

Decide how many beads you want in your garland (mine has 23), and what color pattern you would like to use. Once you know how many beads of each color you need, paint them with your desired colors of acrylic paint (I used 7 green, 8 white, and left 8 natural). Round objects can be tricky to work with, so I recommend putting the beads on skewers. This lets you reach the entire surface at once. Balance the skewers on a box to let them dry.

Step 2: Thread your tassel and beads.

Cut a piece of jute/twine that’s about 10″ longer than your garland will be. Tie a tassel onto one end. You can purchase pre-made tassels at craft stores or online, or you can create your own tassel. Then, string your beads.

Step 3: Create your felt shamrock.

First, download this free shamrock template, then print it out to use as a pattern. (Or, you can freehand your own. Mine is about 3 1/2.”) Cut two shamrock shapes from green felt. Hand stitch or glue the edges together, leaving an opening for adding filling. Stuff with Poly-Fil for a 3-dimensional effect. Then, finish sewing or gluing the edges shut.

Download template here

Step 4: Attach the shamrock to the end of your bead garland.

Use a tapestry needle to thread the jute through the top of the shamrock, then tie a knot at the top.

Step 5: Add accent ribbon.

Tie coordinating ribbon around the top of the shamrock to cover the knot. I also added ribbon to the tassel.

Now, your garland is ready to display on a mantel, shelf, or tray to add some St. Patrick’s Day cheer! If you try this project, I’d love to see how yours turns out. Make sure you’re part of the Amy Latta & Friends Facebook Group so you can share your photos and we can all be inspired.

Also, be sure to check out these other festive holiday and spring projects!