Saint Patrick would have approved of these little green accessories. According to popular legend, the fifth-century Christian missionary to "heathen" Ireland used a three-leaf clover to explain the Trinity. The shamrock later became the Irish national emblem, proudly worn on Saint Patrick's Day (March 17) to honor the Emerald Isle and its patron saint. This year, add a personal touch: Wear shamrocks of your own design.

Tools and Materials
Cotton fabric
Waxed paper
Paintbrush
Liquid starch
Iron
Scissors
Pencil
Floral wire
Craft glue
Green ribbon
Corsage pins

Shamrock How-To
Choose a mix of cotton fabrics in green solids and patterns.

1. On waxed paper, use a paintbrush to coat both sides of a cotton swatch with liquid starch. Let it dry. Iron the fabric to flatten it.

2. Photocopy shamrock templates to desired sizes. Cut them out, and trace them on fabric; then cut out fabric shamrocks. Crease each leaf in half lengthwise.

3. To make a stem, cut a 4-inch piece of floral wire; fold it in half, and twist it until the ends form a tiny V. Bend the V forward slightly and attach it to the back of each shamrock with a small dab of craft glue. Tie a bow around one stem or a bunch of shamrocks. Use a corsage pin to fasten to your clothing.