If you’re searching for spring activities for kids that aren’t centered on rainbows or leprechauns, this St Patrick’s Day votive craft is a simple, tasteful option that adds subtle holiday charm to your decor.
We enjoy rainbows, pots of gold, and Lucky Charms too, and there are plenty of projects that use those themes. This particular activity takes a quieter approach. If you prefer a more overt St. Patrick’s Day craft, consider looking for printable cootie catchers and other themed projects.
*This activity uses a glass candle holder and Mod Podge. Please supervise children closely and decide if they are ready to work with glass and adhesive.
🍀 Why kids will love this St Patrick’s Day craft
- Creates a pretty decoration or a thoughtful handmade gift
- Simple to make with basic supplies—great for kids
- Battery-operated tealights make the votive glow, which kids adore
🖍️ Supply notes
- Green tissue paper — two shades add visual interest, but one works fine
- Glass votive holder — often available at dollar stores
- Mod Podge — or mix equal parts white glue and water as an alternative
- Battery-operated tealight — gives a safe, warm glow
- Scissors and a small paintbrush
📋 Step-by-step instructions
STEP 1: Cut small circles from the green tissue paper. Give the child a cup of Mod Podge, a small brush, the pre-cut circles, and a glass votive holder.
STEP 2: Have the child dab a little Mod Podge onto the glass and press a tissue paper circle onto the glue. Repeat until the exterior of the votive is covered. Overlapping the circles slightly creates a mosaic look.
STEP 3: Once the votive is decorated, apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the tissue paper to seal it. An adult may find this step easier to do neatly.
STEP 4: Allow the Mod Podge to dry clear—usually about 15–20 minutes.
STEP 5: When fully dry, place a battery-operated tealight inside the votive and enjoy the soft glow.
These votives work beautifully as part of a St. Patrick’s Day table setting, and because the design is understated, you can use them year-round. After the craft, kids can help make festive treats like St. Patrick’s Day cake balls for a full celebration.
💚 St. Patrick’s Day coloring bookmarks
For more holiday fun, printable St. Patrick’s Day bookmarks are a nice complementary activity. They let kids personalize a practical item they can use while reading.
✂️ Expert tips
Tip 1: Mod Podge dries in about 15–20 minutes, though thicker coats may take longer.
Tip 2: Supervise children whenever glass is involved. Decide whether your child is ready to handle a glass votive and adhesive safely.
🤷🏻♀️ Craft FAQs
Mix equal parts white school glue and water as a substitute. It won’t dry with the same glossy finish as Mod Podge but will still seal the tissue paper nicely.
Using a single shade is perfectly fine. Different shades add dimension, but a single color still creates an attractive votive.
☘ Related posts
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St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Craft
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St. Patrick’s Day Activity with Straws
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St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids
-
St. Patrick’s Day Kids Fine Motor Activities
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📖 Project details
St Patrick’s Day Votive Craft
Materials
- Green tissue paper
- Glass votive holder
- Mod Podge (or white glue mixed 50/50 with water)
- Scissors
- Small paintbrush
- Battery-operated tea light
Instructions
- Cut small circles from the green tissue paper. Provide the circles, Mod Podge in a cup, a brush, and the votive holder.
- Have the child dab Mod Podge on the glass and press a tissue circle in place. Continue until the votive is covered.
- Cover the decorated votive with a thin layer of Mod Podge to seal it. An adult may find this easier to do evenly.
- Let the Mod Podge dry clear, about 15–20 minutes.
- Place a battery-operated tealight inside the dry votive and enjoy.