Easy Leprechaun Trap
My kindergartener came home recently with an assignment to construct a leprechaun trap. I wanted a project that she could do mostly on her own with some guidance using our recyclables and what craft supplies we already had on hand. We had so much fun crafting this together! Little sister who is three, also was able to complete most of the steps herself. I made some printable trap signs that are free to download below and have outlined our steps as carefully as possible in case your little ones would also like to try to catch a leprechaun.
Here are all the supplies we used: construction paper, an empty Capri Sun box, toilet paper roll, the free printable above printed out onto white cardstock, cotton balls, two popsicle sticks, some paint, tape, glue, and of course gold glitter.
Start by punching out the scored opening on top of the box. Go through the sides of the box and insert a piece of packing tape sticky side up.
Invite your kids to cover everything up with paint with the exception of the tape part.
Sprinkle gold glitter everywhere before the paint dries. Them push aside and let everything dry.
While waiting for the main part of the trap to dry, kids can paint the toilet paper roll black. When this is dry, cut several one inch slits at the bottom.
Cut the two black pots out and glue them to the front and back of the toilet paper roll. You may need to trim the top of your toilet paper roll if it is sticking out. After all you, you don’t want the leprechaun to get suspicious.
Glue the black pot down by securing the slits of your toilet paper roll to the box, making sure the opening of the toilet paper roll is directly over the sticky part of your trap. Finally glue the leprechauns welcome sign to the front of the box.
Next is time to work on the rainbow! I just used the width of a ruler to make some quick lines to cut onto a pile of construction paper. You could use a paper cutter for straighter lines or just give lined paper to your kids for cutting practice. In hindsight, a smaller width probably would have been better as we had to overlap the colors of our rainbow a little.
Start gluing your rainbow, one color at a time, from the side of the box to the first part of the black pot.
When your rainbow is complete, it is time to add on the cotton ball clouds. My kindergartener wanted to add two layers so the clouds would be low enough for the leprechauns to climb onto without needing a ladder.
We also added more cotton balls all around our pot of gold and then added our signs. To make the signs, the kids taped their cut out arrows onto popsicle sticks with gold washi tape and placed them so the leprechauns would be sure to find their trap.
We considered using gold foiled Almond Roca candy as bait but my kids kept eating it all! Fortunately, big sister came up with the idea to use air dry clay we had, rolling it into balls, then coating it with gold glitter.
This was such a fun family project we all enjoyed together and it sparked so much great conversation. They shared stories of their teacher chasing rainbows as a child to stories of friends’ past experiences with mischievous leprechauns. They also truly believe the leprechauns won’t stand a chance in our home! Hope you will give this a try with your kids!
Your child may also enjoy:
Free Articulated Leprechaun Puppets
Saint Patrick’s Day I Spy and Count and Clip Cards
Cute Saint Patrick’s Day Coloring Pages
Sandcrawler Valentine Box (Made from a Capri Sun Box)
I create more fun and educational printable activities for kids here with the goal of helping to grow kids who love to learn.
If you use these printable leprechaun trap signs or make this leprechaun trap, I would love to see it! Please use #sodangfun on social media, tag me @sodangfun on Instagram, or post to my Facebook page.
Hoping you and your family enjoy a wonderful Saint Patrick’s Day!
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