Looking for a fun Saint Patrick’s Day activity? March 17th is just around the corner and this dancing leprechaun paper plate puppet craft is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the holiday with your little ones.
We’ve included a free printable template in this article, available for digital download. With the step-by-step instructions and the provided template, making these adorable leprechaun puppets becomes a delightful and easy experience.
Ready to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Let’s get started!
- Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Leprechaun Craft
This fun craft is a great way to help younger kids celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day while practicing their fine motor skills. It’s so much fun to make and play with; it adds a touch of Irish cheer to your home or classroom but also provides developmental benefits for your children.
Materials
- Paint: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
- Paintbrush
- 2 Paper plates
- Cotton balls
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Construction paper: black, green, orange, yellow
- Marker
- Gold glitter
Instructions
Step 1)
Gather supplies and print the included template.
Step 2)
Paint the paper plate with rainbow colors. You can reference the photos below. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and indigo. Make sure to let it dry before doing the next steps.
Step 3)
Print and cut the template provided then trace it onto the construction paper:
- Trace the hat and tear-drop-shaped leprechaun body onto green construction paper.
- Trace the pot and the small strips onto black construction paper, these will be the hat stripe and belt.
- Trace the beard and round circle feet onto orange construction paper.
- Also, cut out two small squares of yellow construction paper and add a dot of black marker in the center of each, these will be buckles on the belt and hat.
Step 4)
Once the template is traced onto the construction paper, cut the pieces out. Draw on the leprechaun’s face and use gold glitter on the top piece of the pot of gold.
Step 5)
Assemble the leprechaun with glue. Put the hat on top of the head and then put the orange beard behind the head. Glue the body behind the assembled head next.
Next, attach the black construction paper belt and hat band as well as the feet and buckles.
Step 6)
Assemble the pot of gold and attach a popsicle stick to the back of the leprechaun.
Step 7)
Cut another plate in half and then cut curves into the flat edge to make it look cloud-like. Attach ripped cotton balls to this paper plate piece to make it look like clouds.
Step 8)
Attach the pot of gold to the inside of the white cotton-covered paper plate.
Step 9)
Attach the two paper plates together using glue or staples and make sure to leave a space where you will insert the popsicle stick at the bottom.
Step 10)
Lastly, insert the popsicle stick leprechaun and make it dance around the rainbow and pot of gold!
Video Instructions
If you prefer watching video instructions, check out the YouTube channel for CraftyKidsPlay! You can watch the How To Video for this Leprechaun Puppet Paper Plate Craft right here!
Template Download
This free template is for personal use only, not for resale or commercial use. Using the template will make this an easy craft, a fun project that both kids and adults can enjoy together. Gather your crafting supplies, let the creativity flow, download your free leprechaun craft template using the button below this image.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Prepare Materials in Advance:
For your young kids, pre-cut the templates, have paints ready, and gather all other necessary materials beforehand. This ensures a smooth crafting experience and minimizes interruptions during the activity.
Allow For Drying Time:
Emphasize the importance of letting the painted paper plate dry completely before proceeding to the next steps. This prevents smudging and ensures that the next layers adhere well.
Encourage Personalization:
Foster individuality by encouraging kids to personalize their leprechaun craft. Whether it’s adding unique features or using alternative colors, this makes each craft special.
Components Won’t Stick:
If paper components and small pieces are not sticking well, consider using stronger adhesive like glue dots or a glue gun for a more secure attachment. You could also use staples to attach the two plates together, just remember to leave a space for the popsicle stick to move.
Variation Ideas
Personalized Rainbow Colors:
Encourage each child to choose their own set of rainbow colors for the paper plate. This variation adds a personal touch to the background.
Alternative Backgrounds:
Experiment with different background scenes. Instead of a rainbow and clouds, create a meadow, a garden, gold coins or a magical forest. This variation allows for imaginative storytelling as children craft different settings for their leprechaun.
Mixed Media Elements:
Glitter, sequins, or small stickers add sparkle and texture and can be a great addition to this craft. Children can attach these materials to the leprechaun puppet, rainbow, or pot of gold.
You could also use green glitter paper instead of green construction paper to build your leprechaun with, or orange tissue paper for the leprechaun’s red hair and beard.
Storytelling Cards:
Another great idea is to turn this paper plate leprechaun craft into a storytelling activity by creating small cards with prompts or story elements related to the leprechaun’s adventures. Children can pick a card and incorporate that element into their story.
Benefits of This Leprechaun Craft For Kids
Creativity and Color Recognition:
Painting the paper plate with rainbow colors not only introduces children to the vibrant spectrum of colors but also encourages creativity as they mix and layer paints. This fun activity promotes color recognition and allows kids to express themselves artistically.
Fine Motor Skills Development:
Steps 2 and 3 involve printing, cutting, and tracing the leprechaun template onto construction paper. This leprechaun paper plate craft enhances fine motor skills, promoting precision and control as children manipulate scissors and trace shapes. Such skills are essential for early writing and coordination.
Cognitive Skills and Sequencing:
Following the step-by-step instructions in assembling the pot of gold and the leprechaun fosters cognitive development. Children practice sequencing as they follow a set of instructions in a logical order, enhancing their ability to organize and execute tasks.
Imagination and Storytelling:
Creating a scene with hills, clouds, a rainbow, and a leprechaun dancing around a pot of gold sparks imagination. Older children can use this craft as a storytelling prompt, fostering creativity and narrative skills as they invent tales about their leprechaun’s adventures.
Developing a Sense of Pride in Accomplishment:
The final step of making the popsicle stick leprechaun dance around the crafted scene allows children to take pride in their completed project. This sense of accomplishment boosts self-esteem and encourages a positive attitude toward creative projects.
Final Thoughts
This adorable dancing leprechaun paper plate puppet craft is a delightful way to bring the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to life in your home. With the free printable template and easy-to-follow instructions, kids of all ages will love this cute leprechaun craft.
As you watch their creations dance around a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, may your St. Patrick’s Day be filled with joy and laughter. Have a happy and fun St. Patrick’s Day!
Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more awesome craft ideas, sensory play activities, and free printable resources.
