Years of being a child care provider means I really stepped up my game on these fun little holidays! Who would have thought that magical green milk, cereal, pudding and more would create such excitement in kids? Well, trust me, it does! St. Patrick's Day was always one of my favorites.
A few days before we start talking about those pesky little leprechauns and how they like to cause mischief and how we might like to trap one this year... Then that morning I am prepared with my magical food coloring! LOL
Before they arrive, I put some in the toilet tank to surprise the first visitor in the restroom. Then I put a drop into each of their empty cups and also into their cereal bowls before covering with Cheerios or Kix. Then as I call them to breakfast I start pouring milk into a cup and am so shocked when I see the white milk turning green! The kids quickly become so excited and watch in surprise as all the rest of the milks also turn green! Next I start pouring milk into their cereal bowls which are on the table in front of them. More magical amazement!
While they eat breakfast I add a few drops of green into a mixing bowl and dump my vanilla pudding powder into the bowl, talking about making pudding for them for their afternoon snack. As I begin stirring, the amazement continues! GREEN pudding! Those leprechauns keep busy, let me tell you! (You can also turn eggs green!! lol)
Since we always have had so much fun with the leprechaun silliness, I thought I would share some of our favorite crafts, recipes, etc., here for you to enjoy as well. Be sure and comment with any of your own favorites or share the reactions you receive when those leprechauns stir up trouble at your house this year!
Pot of Gold Craft (Thank you Angela Anderson atcraftyshops.com)
Fill this leprechaun pot of gold with gold coin or even popcorn!
Materials needed:
- 2 liter soda bottle to make a bowl shape
- Black tissue paper
- Card stock
- Green glitter foam sticker paper or St. Patrick's Day stickers
- 2 metal fasteners
What to do:
- Cut the top off of a soda bottle, making a bowl shape and wash out the inside.
- Cut a strip of black tissue paper that is about two inches wider than the bowl shape you created.
- Wrap the tissue paper around the bowl. Tape in place. Wrap the bottom and tape. Then fold the extra two inches of the tissue paper down into the side of the bowl.
- Make a handle for your pot of gold - cut a 1x8 strip of card stock and wrap with the black tissue paper.
- Choose where you want your handle and mark it.
- Parents, use a safety pin to poke a hole on each side of the pot and through the handle on each end.
- Attach each side of the handle with the metal fasteners. Now you will be able to move the handle up and down.
- Decorate your pot of gold with a green glitter shamrock or use St. Patrick's Day stickers.
- Fill with gold coins or golden buttered popcorn!
Leprechaun Hat (Thank you Angela Anderson atcraftyshops.com)
Make a leprechaun top hat out of a paper plate and some construction paper. This is best for the older kids.
Materials Needed:
- 1 large paper plate
- Green tissue paper
- Green construction paper (of the same shade green)
- Stapler
- Tape
- Black tissue paper
- Green glitter foam sticker paper
What to do:
- Cut the center out of a paper plate.
- Wrap the paper plate with tissue paper, making the brim of your leprechaun hat.
- Cut out 2x8 strips of green construction paper (about 8 strips)
- Fold the strips 1 inch from the top.
- Lay the folded strip inside the circle and staple into place. Repeat all the way around the brim.
- Cut out strips of green tissue paper. Apply glue and attach to connect where the construction paper strips meet.
- Cut the top so that it is even. Cut out a strip of green tissue paper and make a border around the top.
Irish Claddagh Rainbow Streamer (Thank you Angela Anderson at craftyshops.com)
The Irish Claddagh symbol correspond to the qualities of love (heart), friendship (hands) and loyalty (crown).
Materials Needed:
- Paper plate
- Tissue paper (multiple colors)
- Construction paper
- Green paint, crayons or markers
- Scissors
- Glue
What to do:
- Cut out a half moon shape on each side of the paper plate.
- Color the plate green with paint, crayons or markers.
- Trace both of your child's hands in orange construction paper and cut them out.
- Cut out a heart with red and a crown with orange construction paper. Cut out jewels (diamond shapes) also.
- Lay out the Claddagh design on the paper plate and glue them into place. Add jewels to the crown in the same color as the tissue paper used.
- Cut out long strips of construction paper. We used the same colors as the jewels.
- Wrap the tissue paper inside of the paper plate openings and tape or glue in place.
Shamrock Mask (Thank you Angela Anderson atcraftyshops.com)
Materials Needed:
- Cereal box
- Green construction paper
- Craft stick/Popsicle stick
- Glue
- Scissors
What to do:
- Cut out one side of a recycled cereal box (used as card stock).
- Glue a sheet of green construction paper to it and let it dry.
- On the other side, draw a shamrock shape (3 intersecting hearts and a stem).
- Cut out your shamrock.
- Mark eye openings and cut them out.
- Paint or color your craft stick green and allow to dry.
- Glue the craft stick to the back of the mask.
- Decorate your mask with stickers or glitter glue. Maybe add a ribbon around the craft stick.
