This free build a leprechaun printable is low-prep, easy to make and only requires a few simple supplies that you probably already have at home! Download the free template and use it to build your own leprechaun with your kids.
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Not feeling crafty? This simple printable craft comes with a free template for you to print out, so that you don’t have to draw anything yourself! Simply color in the shapes, cut along the lines and glue all the pieces together to make your very own paper leprechaun at home.
You probably already have everything you need to make this craft at home, so grab some markers and get started! This easy craft is the perfect way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with your kids.
Why You’ll Love This Project
- Easy to download: You won’t need to enter your email address or track down a resource library password in order to download this printable—simply click on the download link in the post to be redirected to the PDF!
- Low-prep and low-mess: This activity doesn’t require any prep beyond printing the template, and you won’t end up with a huge mess of glitter (or anything else) to clean up.
- Simple supplies: The only supplies you’ll need for this craft are cardstock, markers, scissors and glue, which means you won’t need to make a special run to the store in order to make it.
- Good for fine motor skills: The coloring, cutting and glueing required to make this craft are a great opportunity to sneak in some fine motor practice for your kids!
Looking for more crafts to color, cut and assemble? Check out this Build an Ice Cream Cone Printable, this Build a Monster Printable or this Build a Santa Printable!
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Required Materials
- Cardstock: I recommend using white cardstock for this project, because it is thicker and sturdier than regular paper. You can always use regular printer paper if that’s all you have at home, but you’ll need to handle the shapes with care, as they will be more prone to tearing.
- Markers, colored pencils or crayons: Use whichever your child likes best! I used two shades of beige (for the leprechaun’s face, nose and hands), orange (for the leprechaun’s hair), yellow (for the buckles), black (for the leprechaun’s belt, hat and boots) and green (for the leprechaun’s clothing and hat). If you decide to use markers, make sure you use cardstock, which is thicker and sturdier than regular printer paper.
- Scissors: Make sure to use sharp metal scissors that are comfortable to use. Plastic safety scissors will not be sharp or precise enough for this project.
- Glue: A glue stick is best because it will dry quickly and prevent the paper from becoming wavy. If you don’t have one, you should be able to use a small amount of liquid school glue instead. (P.S. Making this craft with a younger child? Consider using repositionable glue in case they’re having trouble assembling all the shapes.)
The full supply list and instructions can be found in the how-to card.
Download Your Free Build a Leprechaun Template
Click the text link below the image to be redirected to the PDF file. (The preview image is not print resolution.)
Please note that this template is for school and personal use only and cannot be redistributed. When sharing this free printable, please link to this article rather than directly to the files. You can read our full printables terms of use here.
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Printing Instructions
This file was designed to be printed on US Letter-sized (8.5 x 11 inches) paper or cardstock. Simply print it on cardstock and hand it to your child!
You may also be able to print it on A4 paper if that’s the format your printer uses, but you’ll need to adjust the “Scale to Fit” setting on your printer to ensure that none of the printable area is being cut off.
How to Build a Paper Leprechaun (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Color shapes. Print the template on white cardstock and color in all the shapes. (The PDF includes a preview of the finished craft in the bottom right corner—that part is meant to be used as a reference and doesn’t need to be colored in.)
Step 2: Cut shapes. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out all the shapes you colored in.
Step 3: Glue arms and legs. Give the leprechaun arms and legs by adding a bit of glue to the front side of the limbs and pressing them against the back of the leprechaun’s body.
Step 4: Glue head and hat. Add some glue to the back side of the leprechaun’s beard and press it against the body to give him a head. Then, add some glue to the back side of the hat, on the bottom only, and press it against to top of the head to finish off the craft.
This project turned out super cute! Older kids should be able to do it all on their own, but even younger kids should be able to participate with the help of an adult, which makes it perfect for the whole family.
Helpful Tips
- Stick with cardstock: You can use regular printer paper if that’s what you have at home, but I highly recommend cardstock, as it won’t tear as easily and will prevent marker ink from bleeding through.
- Start with the edges: This craft is a great opportunity for kids to practice coloring inside the lines! Encourage them to color along the edges of each shape first before filling in the inside.
- Avoid dry markers: If your child decides to use markers to color in the shapes, make sure the markers have enough ink to color in all the shapes, to avoid having to switch colors partway.
- Try isolating each shape: To make the cutting process a bit easier, cut around each shape to detach it from the full page before you start cutting along the lines. Smaller pieces of paper with just one shape are easier to handle, especially for little hands.
- Only add glue where needed: Prevent the craft from sticking to your table by only spreading glue on the parts of the template that need it, rather than covering the entire shape.
- Make a puppet: For added fun, glue a popsicle stick to the back of your paper leprechaun to turn it into a Saint Patrick’s-themed puppet for your child to play with!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that wasn’t answered here? Let me know in the comments and I’ll be happy to help!
More Saint Patrick Crafts for Kids
If you have tried this Build a Leprechaun Craft or any other project on my website, please let me know how it went in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Build a Leprechaun Craft
Materials
- free build a leprechaun template
- 1 sheet white cardstock
- colored markers, pencils or crayons in beige, orange, yellow, green and black
- 1 pair scissors
- 1 glue stick
Instructions
- Print the template on white cardstock and color in all the shapes. (The preview image in the bottom right corner is for reference only and can be left white.)
- Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out all the shapes.
- Assemble the different parts of the craft with glue. The head should be glued to the front of the body, with the hat glued on top; the arms and legs should be pressed against the back of the body.
Video
Notes
- Start with the edges: To help your child practice coloring inside the lines, start by coloring along the edges before filling in the rest of the shape.
- Isolate each shape: When cutting smaller shapes, make the cutting process a little easier by cutting around each shape to detach it from the sheet of cardstock.
- Avoid dry markers: If you choose to use markers, make sure they have enough ink to fill in all the required shapes.
- Use glue sparingly: To prevent the craft from becoming sticky, only add glue to the parts of the shapes that need it, rather than covering the entire shape.
- Turn it into a puppet: Try making a leprechaun puppet by glueing a popsicle stick to the back of your craft.
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