lep trap2 2234

Have fun this St. Patrick’s Day making leprechaun traps with the kids. Start by reading a related story, such as How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace, for inspiration. Then use your imaginations and materials you have around the house (boxes, pipe cleaners, LEGOs, etc) and let the creativity flow! If you prefer directions, below are guidelines on how to create a leprechaun trap.

Be sure to share a photo of your invention on Instagram and tag us @sandiegofamilymagazine for a chance for it to be shared on our IG stories. 

SUPPLIES

Read through directions below. Choosing the type of trap you want to make first will help determine what supplies are needed from the list below.

  • Recycled items such as boxes, cups, containers, straws, bottle caps, lids, cardboard tubes.
  • Newspaper or placemat cover work space
  • Construction paper or cardstock in rainbow colors and different shades of green
  • Paper fasteners
  • Chenille stems (pipe cleaners) in rainbow colors
  • Pom-poms or cotton balls
  • Tissue paper or cupcake wrappers
  • Tape, white glue and/or hot glue
  • Chopsticks, craft sticks or twigs
  • Washi tape
  • Colored pens
  • Scissors
  • Glitter, coins, stickers or other St. Patrick’s day items

DIRECTIONS

lep trap4 2234
Cylinder Leprechaun Trap

  1. Cover a Handi-wipes or Pringles container with green paper; attach with tape.
  2. Decorate the green container with stickers, if desired.
  3. To make the rainbow (in photo), cut 1½” x 9” strips of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple construction paper. Fasten the ends together, making a loop with each color, then fan out to make a rainbow. Attach the rainbow to the bottom end of the container with tape or hot glue. Add pom-poms, or cotton balls at the base of the rainbow to make clouds.
    lep trap1 2234
  4. Make a sign that says “gold” and use tape to attach it to the open end of the container.
  5. Make a “pot of gold” to entice leprechauns into the trap. Crumple yellow tissue paper, use a cupcake wrapper or fill with gold coins.

lep trap3 2234
Ladder Leprechaun Trap

  1. Cover a cereal box in green paper; use Washi tape for decorative accent.
  2. Cut a hole in the wide side of the box. Optional: Camouflage the hole with fake leaves.
  3. Cut a small section out of the edge of the cup and a hole on the opposite side (see photo). (This is where the slide will go.)
  4. Turn the cup upside down and decorate the base with green paper cut like grass. Attach the cup to the cereal box with hot glue so that the opening is right over the hole in the box (see photo).
  5. For the slide, cut a cardboard tube in half lengthwise. Color in a rainbow pattern. Cut the length of the slide to fit through the cup and over the hole in the box.
  6. Add a “pot of gold” to the top of the cup. It could be a bottle cap filled with shiny items covered in glitter, gold coins or other items of your choice.
  7. For the ladder, cut 2” pieces of rainbow colored chenille stems and wrap them around chopsticks or twigs (see photo).
  8. Make a sign that says “gold” and attach it to the front of the trap. Lean the ladder against the trap.

 

Discussion points for Parents/Teachers

  • Talk about the origins and history of St. Patrick’s Day.
  • Learn about Ireland and Irish customs.
  • Discuss how characters such as leprechauns are from fables.
  • Discuss different ways kids might trap a leprechaun.
  • Have children sketch their ideas.

______

Alyssa Navapanich is an art enthusiast who teaches art to elementary school kids in North County.

______

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Spring is an excellent time for nature-inspired art projects for kids. This month’s “Art with Alyssa” project provides instructions to make nature pendants, which make wonderful gifts for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Smiling Sun Craft

Smiling Sun Craft

Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Art with Alyssa: Earth Monoprints

Celebrate Earth Day by doing an art project at home and participating in local Earth Day events around San Diego. Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents How to take care of the planet—Reduce, . . .

Read more

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

May the "fourth" be with you (the force, that is)! Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4 or hosting a Star Wars-themed birthday party, these easy DIY lightsabers are a hit with ki . . .

Read more

Make a Fiesta Banner

Make a Fiesta Banner

Make a festive decoration with this quick and easy DIY project for your Cinco de Mayo celebration at home.Supplies 6 sheets of tissue paper (10” x 20”)Several sheets of black paper or cardstockR . . .

Read more

Mother's Day Mason Jars

Mother's Day Mason Jars

Show mom how much she is appreciated this Mother’s Day with a decorated mason jar full of love! Supplies Empty mason jar with lid Scraps of colored/patterned paper Pieces of ribbon or strin . . .

Read more

Mother's Memory Book

Mother's Memory Book

Make Mom extra happy this Mother's Day with the gift of photos, messages and mementos organized into one handmade book from the kids. Supplies: Kids’ school papers, letters, artwork, cards, etc.2 . . .

Read more

DIY Super Mom Badge for Mom

DIY Super Mom Badge for Mom

Make a Super Mom badge for mom this Mother's Day! SuppliesCupcake linersScraps of paper and/or old book pagesCrepe paper or ribbonsAlphabet stickers or stampsScissors (plain or decorative)Cookie cu . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

  Marble painting is a great art project that encourages eye-hand coordination and muscle control. It’s fun to experiment with different colors and designs and it’s easy to adapt the project . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

It’s really fun to craft your own mini books. They make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more, or a unique place to record your own ideas and quotes. There is lot . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe