If you are looking for any interesting home activity for the seniors, perhaps you should think about a cork-crafted Leprechaun. The all famous character of St. Patrick’s Day could be made at your home in just a few simple steps but would be a great way for a senior to spend their time. Most of the items can be arranged from home but those that are not available can be easily bought. Read more about how to create a Leprechaun from corks and other assorted accessories. We also have some product suggestions for you in case you want the best ones.
What exactly is a Leprechaun?
A Leprechaun is considered as a supernatural being in an Irish folktale classed by a solitary fairy. The physical appearance is what differentiates it from normal humans. They are classified as little men having beards while wearing a coat and a hat to engage in mischief. Despite being a myth, the character has become quite popular all over the world right after the movie “Leprechaun” was made in 1993 as a horror comedy film by the all-famous Mark Jones. The film was an instant hit all over and earned $8.6 million.
Leprechaun Craft Ideas
Round Cork Leprechaun
You will need:
- Cork with rounded top
- Green acrylic paint and brush – for rim at bottom of cork (or use ribbon)
- Round black plastic bottle top for hat top – any item can be painted black also
- Circle of black felt for hat rim – or colored paper
- Green ribbon for hat band
- Beard material (I used orange yarn –or try fleece, fake fur, or cut paper)
- 2 small googly eyes
- Back and red fine tip markers to draw face
- Two stick pins with round tips for arms – (or use toothpicks)
- Chocolate gold coin for stand
- Craft glue – I used Tacky glue
Instructions for Making a Leprechaun
This is easy to assemble. First, paint a green decorative band at the bottom of the cork. Or just glue on a wide ribbon. Let it dry. Glue the black bottle top into a circle of black felt that you have cut out.
Next glue on a length of ribbon to fit around the hat for its band. Glue the hat onto the head. Glue on the eyes.
Then draw the nose, mouth, and cheeks. When you have the face in place, you will see where to glue on the beard.
Poke the stick pins in for arms. If you use toothpicks (green would be fun), then I suggest digging a small hole into the cork first, as the cork is hard and a toothpick may break if you try to just poke it in.
Put a dab of glue at the end of the toothpick to keep it in place. Then put the leprechaun craft on top of its chocolate coin. Fun to give away or use at tables.
Straight Cork Leprechaun
You will need:
- Straight cylinder cork (or one that is tapered works great too)
- Craft glue
- Beard material (I used orange yarn –or try fleece, fake fur, or cut paper)
- Large button for hat rim (or use black paper)
- Spool for hat top
- Black acrylic paint and brush
- Ribbon for hat band
- 2 small googly eyes
- Black and red fine tip markers to draw face
- Chocolate gold coin for stand
This little cork leprechaun craft can even be used as a temporary cork – with a bottle of ale, perhaps. Or root beer? It is one of our very easy craft ideas and quick to assemble.
First, I painted the spool black, let it dry, and then glued it onto the button. Next, glue on the ribbon hat band. When dry, glue the hat onto the cork top. Under the hat is where you make the face.
It is easiest to glue the googly eyes on first, then draw on the other features. Glue the beard under the mouth. That is it! Then just put your leprechaun craft on its stand. (Or into a bottle of beer or root beer if you are serving it).
These are fun senior activities, and great to make in a group too. When my 28-year old son saw these cork leprechauns, he immediately wanted them. So, they are sure to be a hit.
Also See:
Candy Jar Leprechaun Craft — A delightful leprechaun craft, with a jar full of golden candies, including chocolate coins, submitted by a reader to our Share Your Craft forum.
Chocolate Strawberry Leprechaun
It seems I have made chocolate strawberries for just about every occasion, so I could not resist a leprechaun. For this one, it is just a matter of adding orange and green food coloring to melted white chocolate chips for frosting the strawberries.
Leprechaun Sign
We came across a really cute sign, shown below, which could be made of heavy tag board (or even from wood for those who are handy with tools), in either large stand-up sizes, or as small table-top signs.
The shape of this sign is very simple, but any cute leprechaun figure will work. You may already have a favorite pattern that you can take to a quick-print shop and have blown up. Cut it out, then spray glue it onto your board. Or draw/paint him directly onto the board.
Make a Game — Just cut a round hole in its center if you want to make a game for a beanbag (or other) toss. And for St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to toss something green. You can find other different fun activities and toys for seniors at this link.
In case the elderly wants to have an outdoor activity enjoyed, find out more at our guide for Top Outdoor Activities for Seniors