This paper leprechaun is a wonderful craft for kids to make around Saint Patrick's Day.
Here, you'll find a free template that you can print to cut out the necessary pattern pieces.
Then it's just a case of tracing the patterns, cutting them out, and assembling your very own little Irish leprechaun.
This is a super easy craft to make at home or in the classroom. Many readers of Irish American Mom are proud grandparents and this craft is a perfect way to celebrate your Irish heritage with your family.
Teachers may like this craft, since this little Irish guy makes a cute classroom decoration.
This craft can also be turned into a puppet by gluing it to a popsicle stick.
Leprechauns are symbols of Ireland, and around Saint Patrick's Day they start appearing after the long winter.
Here's what you'll need to make this cute leprechaun. You can choose your own craft paper colors, but a little green goes a long way when it comes to creating an Irish leprechaun.
This craft can also be used to make a gnome instead of a leprechaun. The hat has a curl, similar to a gnome's hat.
First of all you need to cut out the paper pieces.
Here's a template you can print through the link on this button or the image below.
Cut out the pattern pieces, then match them to the color papers you wish to use for creating your unique little leprechaun.
Select two different shades of green for the body and the hat, if you're sticking with an Irish green theme.
Trace the template patterns on the selected papers and cut them out using scissors.
Supervise little ones when using scissors, just to be on the safe side, and always use safety scissors for elementary school projects.
A raised nose is extra cute. This is achieved by adding two layers.
Cut out a small piece of craft foam. Make sure it is smaller than the nose cutout.
Glue the foam cutout near the top side of the beard cutout.
Glue the nose cutout on the top of the foam cutout. This will give the nose a 3d look.
Glue the square frame cutout on the middle of the belt strip. This can be black, but sparkly paper is extra special.
Glue the belt pattern near one side of the round body cutout.
This will then become the lower part of the body.
Glue the beard pattern on the body cutout, positioning it at the opposite side to the belt.
The tip of the beard can nearly touch the top of the belt buckle.
Glue the shoe cutouts on the bottom side of the body pattern. It's best to attach them to the back of the body piece.
Take the hat cutout and the decorative shamrocks.
Glue the shamrock cutouts on the hat cutout in whatever pattern you like.
Add as many shamrocks as you wish.
And now it's time to crown your leprechaun.
Glue the paper hat on the top side of the beard pattern, right above the nose to complete this cute leprechaun craft.
Little ones can color in eyes and a mouth if they wish, but I like this little fellow with just his 3-D nose.
I created a printable tutorial with step-by-step photos and instructions.
This may be helpful for older children who can read, and need to learn how to follow instructions.
You can find the printable tutorial through this button.
Or simply click on either of the pictures below to get to the printable file.
I hope you will find these tutorial sheets helpful.
Please feel free to share these sheets with any teachers or home schooling parents you think might find this craft to be beneficial.
If you like this craft, and would like to explore your Irish heritage with me, why not sign up for my email list. You'll even receive a free printable Irish recipe book. The form is just at the bottom of this post.
Plus here are some other leprechaun crafts especially for Saint Patrick's Day.
Thanks for following my recipes, ramblings and crafts.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy…
If you like mystery novels then the Dermot O'Hara series set in Ireland may be just what you're looking for.
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He is such a cute little leprechaun. Thanks for the free printable templates.Hello. I'm an activities aid at a nursing home. I'd like to make the gnomes for St Paddy's Day. I'd like to cut the parts with my cricut. Is the a pdf for the cut outs?
Hi Diane - The template is available through the orange button in the middle of the post. You'll also find it through this link.
https://www.irishamericanmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Lerprechaun-Paper-Craft-Cutting-Template.pdf
I hope the residents of the nursing home have a little fun creating their own Irish leprechauns for Saint Patrick's Day. Thanks so much for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
I believe it’s never too late to explore your Irish cultural heritage and celebrate your ancestors’ spiritual legacy. Read More About The Irish American Mom Community
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