Bring yourself some luck this St. Patrick’s day by creating this zero waste craft!
Shamrocks are common clovers with 3 leaves. Hundreds of years ago in Ireland, the rarer four-leaf clover became a symbol of luck. The four leaves represent faith, love, hope, and success. Celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day generally involve public parades and festivals, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks.
Consider the environment during your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this year by creating this salt dough craft. Salt dough is a zero waste craft because it can be composted!
Materials: salt, flour, water, food coloring, parchment paper, mixing bowl, mixing spoon, measuring cups, clover template, scissors, knife (butter or plastic), chopstick or small wooden dowel (optional), ribbon (optional)
Directions
Step 1:
Begin by mixing together 1 cup of flour with ½ cup of salt.
Step 2:
Add a few drops of green food coloring into ½ cup of water, and slowly pour that into the flour mixture. You may not need the full ½ cup of water, so add a small amount at a time.
Step 3:
Mix the dough with a spoon until it is mostly combined and becomes too tough to continue with the spoon.
Step 4:
Mix and knead the dough with your hands until a combined ball forms.
Step 5:
Place the dough onto parchment paper and portion out the amount you would like to use. Flatten the dough either with your hands or a rolling pin. Make sure it is large enough for your clover shape.
Step 6:
Cut out a clover template and place it on the flattened dough. Use a butter knife or plastic knife to cut out the clover. A cookie cutter can also be used for this step.
Step 7:
Use a small wooden dowel or chopstick to add a hole to the clover if you would like to be able to hang your craft.
Step 8:
Leave the dough out to dry, turning it frequently. Once it has at least partially dried, add ribbon to the top of the clover.
Display your lucky four-leaf clover this St. Patrick’s Day! At the end of the season be sure to remove and reuse the ribbon, and put your clover in the compost.