In honor of St. Patrick’s day, the Monsters did some scrapbook layouts honoring the legends and folklore found in Irish culture. This post is about the making of Puk’s Irish scrapbook layout for St. Patrick’s Day – although it is really just his way of giving low-key shade to leprechauns as “simple shoe cobblers.” More on that below!
This post will also provide Irish culture inspiration prompts and ideas for scrapbooking and junk journaling.
This post is all about Irish culture – legends and folklore to inspire ideas for an Irish themed scrapbook or junk journal page.
Monsters of Mayhem Crafters
If you don’t know who the Monsters are, check out their introduction post here!
Blog posts featuring the Monsters include:
- A junk journal layout or scrapbook layout (we use these terms interchangeably because we don’t really consider them to be different)
- A video showing the creation of the junk journal page or scrapbook page
- A list of the journal supplies or scrapbooking supplies
- Junk Journal ideas inspiration or scrapbook page ideas inspiration based upon what the featured layout is
Irish Culture – Leprechaun Scrapbook Page for St. Patrick’s Day by Puk
Puk has been mistaken many times in the past as being a Leprechaun, to which he takes great offense. He considers Leprechauns to be bit players in terms of being tricksters, and their low-level magic to be essentially nonexistent. The other monsters all think that, while Puk does have much stronger magical powers, the main difference is that leprechauns are generally good-natured creatures, while Puk is certainly a creature with a malevolent side to him.
Thus, he designed this layout not only to show the colors and images that represent Irish culture, but to also throw a little shade at leprechauns being known as shoe cobblers.
Irish Culture – The Making of “Leprechaun”
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are included for convenience and ease of reference. If used for purchase, they will result in a small commission at no extra cost to the buyer.
Junk Journal Supplies Corner
We know that seeing other people’s (or creature’s) junk journal layouts or scrapbook journal often makes you want to get the same supplies as those being used. This is the area where we provide quick references for the scrapbook supplies the Monsters use on their junk journal and scrapbook layouts.
Generally, you can also look to the Monster’s Junk Journal Scrapbook Storefront (linked below) for all kinds of amazing stickers, ephemera, tools, storage, and more for your scrapbooking hobby.
For this Irish Culture layout specifically, we have some things itemized.
The Celtic-inspired red and green square and two small rectangles came from the John Derian scrapbook. This is a very eclectic book of stickers that we absolutely love! The amazing leprechaun cut out came from the mythical creature book linked below. Here are quick reference links for the main features of this junk journal page:
Mayhem Crafters Storefront
Quick link to our storefront if you want to do a little browsing!
Mayhem Crafters Amazon Storefront - Junk Journal Supplies, Scrapbook Supplies
Irish Culture Scrapbook and Junk Journal Inspiration
The monsters actually have an expert on Irish culture in their midst, as Banshee hails from Ireland!
Irish Culture – Banshees
In Irish folklore, the banshee is a “mythical” creature with deep roots in Celtic mythology, particularly associated with Gaelic families. The name “banshee” is derived from the Irish term “bean sí” or “bean sidhe,” where “bean” means woman, and “sidhe” refers to a fairy or spirit. Banshees are often depicted as ethereal women in white or gray robes, with long, flowing hair. Although the term includes the word “sidhe,” suggesting a connection to fairies, banshees are generally considered spirits rather than traditional fairies. They are solitary beings who may be seen combing their hair with a silver comb or washing a blood-stained garment, symbolizing death.
The banshee’s most distinctive feature is her mournful wail or scream, known as the “caoineadh” or keening. This piercing cry is considered an omen, warning of an impending death in the family she watches over. While the banshee’s scream is haunting, her presence is not malevolent; instead, it fulfills a specific role in Irish folklore, serving as a premonition and means of preparing families for an imminent loss. The banshee, with her mysterious and otherworldly characteristics, is a captivating figure in Irish myth and legend.
The Monster’s Banshee has shown that the folktales have some truth to them (as most do) but other things are not quite accurate. Our Banshee loves the color purple, coffee and while she defintely enjoys her alone time, she loves to spend time with the Monsters. She particularly loves to get in deep conversations with Dragon. The Monsters have never heard her scream (thank goodness!!) and she is actually quite soft spoken. Although her actual age is unknown, Dragon has referred to her as “ancient,” which is saying a lot, coming from a dragon.
10 Irish culture prompts for your scrapbook or journal
Creating an Irish culture or St. Patrick’s day scrapbook or journal page is perfect anytime of year, but particularly in the springtime! Along with a page you may now be inspired to do about a banshee, here are 10 more ideas to inspire your project:
- Irish Culture – Shamrocks:
- Symbolism: Shamrocks symbolize luck and are associated with St. Patrick, representing the Holy Trinity.
- History: St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish.
- Incorporation: Use dried or pressed shamrocks to create a layered effect around photos or journal entries. Draw or use shamrock-shaped stickers for a playful touch.
- Irish Culture – Leprechauns:
- Symbolism: Leprechauns are mythical creatures known for their mischievous nature and a pot of gold.
- History: Leprechauns are believed to be descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann in Irish folklore.
- Incorporation: Illustrate whimsical leprechauns hiding behind photos or peeking out. Add small pockets or envelopes to hold tiny leprechaun notes or treasures.
- Irish Culture – Celtic Knots:
- Symbolism: Celtic knots symbolize eternity, loyalty, and interconnectedness.
- History: These designs have roots in Celtic art and date back to the early Christian period in Ireland.
- Incorporation: Use Celtic knot patterns as borders or frames for photos. Draw them or find Celtic knot stickers to add intricate details.
- Irish Culture – Claddagh Ring:
- Symbolism: The Claddagh ring represents love, loyalty, and friendship.
- History: Originating in Claddagh, Galway, the ring has been a symbol of Irish heritage for centuries.
- Incorporation: Create a pocket in the shape of a Claddagh ring to hold notes or small trinkets. Draw or print the Claddagh symbol as a focal point.
- Irish Culture – Irish Flag:
- Symbolism: Green represents Catholics, orange represents Protestants, and white represents peace.
- Incorporation: Use green, white, and orange color schemes. Create flag-inspired borders or frames for photos. Incorporate small flag stickers or cutouts.
- Irish Culture – Irish Harp:
- Symbolism: The harp is a national symbol of Ireland.
- History: Associated with bardic traditions and ancient Irish kingship.
- Incorporation: Draw or print an Irish harp as a central element. Use harp-shaped embellishments or stickers. Consider incorporating musical notes or sheet music.
- Irish Culture – Irish Wolfhound:
- Symbolism: The Irish Wolfhound symbolizes loyalty and courage.
- History: Bred as war hounds by the Celts, prized in ancient Ireland.
- Incorporation: Add illustrations or stickers of Irish Wolfhounds. Create a silhouette border with the dog’s profile. Use paw prints as decorative elements.
- Irish Culture – Saint Brigid’s Cross:
- Symbolism: A woven cross symbolizing protection.
- History: Associated with Saint Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints.
- Incorporation: Craft a Saint Brigid’s Cross and attach it to your page. Use it as a central motif or create a border around photos.
- Irish Culture – Ceilidh Dancing:
- Symbolism: Traditional Irish group dancing emphasizing community and celebration.
- Incorporation: Incorporate images or drawings of Ceilidh dancers. Create a dynamic layout that mimics the energetic movements. Use dance-related quotes or song lyrics.
- Irish Culture – Gaelic Language:
- Symbolism: Gaelic is an important aspect of Irish identity and culture.
- History: Although English is dominant, efforts to preserve Gaelic continue.
- Incorporation: Integrate Gaelic phrases or words. Use Gaelic-inspired fonts for headings or captions. Incorporate images of Gaelic calligraphy or vintage manuscripts.
Irish culture & St. Patrick’s Day journal and scrapbook inspiration
The Irish culture is so rich with depth and imagery, it is like a…wait for it….. pot of gold for junk journalers and scrapbookers. You know we had to go there! We hope this has inspired you to create lots of Irish themed layouts this spring and throughout the year!
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Happy Scrapping!
Mayhem Crafters, crafty division of Slowestuff Blog
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