Make this decorative Irish/St Patty’s Day framed moss shamrock on floating glass. You can repurpose an old picture frame for this project.
I’ve always loved the look of glass framed art, but have yet to purchase one of those pressed glass frames. I do, however, have several vintage frames that still have the glass, but are missing the artwork. Ideal for mounting something with glue, ie: a mossy shamrock, to the front of the glass for a faux pressed glass look.
How to make a framed moss shamrock on a floating glass frame
Supplies:
- Old frame with the glass still intact (remove artwork and clean glass) – or one of these floating glass frames
- Natural moss sheet (from the craft store, I used this type)
- Clear craft glue (I used E6000)
- Scissors
- Toothpicks
- Shamrock image (find one from google images, or download my shamrock drawing below)
Make a floating glass frame from an old frame
Frames can vary, so make sure it is a frame that allows you to glue the glass to the frame from the backside and that you will get a sturdy hold.
Once you are sure of that, remove any frame clips and apply some glue along the back edge of the frame with a toothpick, then insert the glass into place. Allow drying.
Print and center shamrock image
Clean glass well, front and back. Center and tape a shamrock image to the backside of the frame so that the image is facing toward the front, but behind (under) the glass.
Cut, gather, and arrange moss pieces
Cut pieces of the natural moss out that are slightly larger than the image. I used 5 pieces: A small centerpiece, a stem piece, and three shamrock leaves. I made sure to leave room for overlapping the moss wherever possible.
Once the pieces are cut, pinch the edges to soften them so that they look a bit fringy and natural.
Lay the pieces over the shamrock image until you have the look you like.
Glue moss pieces to the top of the frame
Pull the pieces away from the image and start by gluing the centerpiece first, followed by the stem. Overlap the edges as needed. Next, apply the shamrock leaves one at a time.
Don’t over glue, just put enough glue to hold it in place. As a final step, you can go back and add glue under the moss with the toothpick to secure it down better.
Remove the paper from the back.
Leave the edges fringy for a more rustic-looking shamrock, or press them in slightly to catch the glue underneath for a more trimmed and even-looking shamrock.
I cleaned the glass, but I don’t think I cleaned the frame, haha, perhaps it adds old Irish charm…
Mounting the shamrock on the glass shows off the mossy texture and gives it dimension.
Up close you can see that I was down to the last dregs of my bag of natural moss, but it was just enough to get the job done.
I love how it is festive enough for St Patrick’s Day decor, yet it is simple enough on its own that it could hang year-round in the right room setting.
If you were going to make something like this, what, other than a shamrock image would you try to use?
May the wind always be at your back ~ Amy
Feel free to use my quick-sketched (and less than perfect) shamrock drawing;)
Click on the link below to download the free shamrock printable graphic:
Download FREE PDF Shamrock Sketch here—>: shamrock-stowandtellu
Click here to save this Framed Moss Shamrock idea on Pinterest for later —>
You May Like These Other Spring Ideas:
Anne says
What a sweet idea Amy! Happy March 1st!
chris aka monkey says
i bet you were cleaning up moss for days ha ha, this is awesome and if i was going to do it i think i would back it with a scrap of irish lace xx
sharleen says
thats very cute and a very creative idea. thank you xx
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Great idea! Moss is so spring like. Visiting from Talk of the Town.
Feral Turtle says
I think you have touched the Irish in me! That is adorable. I feel lucky just looking at it even with three leaves!! Pinned it.
Ann Marie at Iris Abbey says
Very creative for St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve been making moss covered balls so I’m tuned to to anything with moss. I saw your link at Angie’s Knick of Time/Talk of the Town party.
Betsy says
I love your mossy shamrock! Such a creative and inexpensive way to add a touch of greenery to your decor. Thanks so much for sharing your tutorial at Talk of the Town.
julie nichols says
So creative Amy! Thank you for linking up to Talk of the Town.
Julie @ Love My Simple Home
Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage says
I love how your shamrock turned out Amy. It’s really lovely.The rustic look of the frame complements it beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Charm.
Linda Nelson says
That’s such a cute idea, and not just limited to shamrock shapes.
Amy says
I agree, Linda, this would be really cute for other shapes, too. Thanks for stopping by ~ Amy