How To Make A Leprechaun Trap

I have a friend that tries each year to catch a leprechaun. Yes, a leprechaun! It’s a tradition she does every year with her kids and they set up traps that they made with craft supplies in hopes of catching one. Each year the traps get more and more elaborate but she’s never caught one. So, I decided to try and make one myself!

The assortment of colors with CutCardStock makes this the perfect project to try. My version is like a classic mouse trap, except that it also converts into a treat basket! So no matter whether you win, or lose, you will enjoy the gold at the end of the rainbow!

I started with an 8“ x 8“ piece of Neenah Classic Solar White 110lb. paper, scoring the line at 2 inches deep on each side. Then, I trimmed the corners of opposite sides in order to be able to fold it up like a box.

With the cut tabs, glue them on the insides to form a box. Let this dry.

Next, cut .5“ x 11“ strips of paper in the following colors, to make a rainbow. Note, I used mostly scraps in my stash and it’s a great way to use up paper: Stardream Jupiter Red, Canvas Textured Adobo Orange, Pop Tone Banana Split Yellow, Canvas Textured Bonzai Green, Blast Off Blue (I used a discontinued metallic color, but this is very similar), and Pop Tone Grapesicle.

Punch holes in each end of the paper strips, and holes on either side of the box. Attach the paper strips to the box using a large brad on either side. Using a brad allows the handles to freely move, which is great for storing this box for next year.

Now, to set the trap, I am using a paper straw. I have cut a V shaped crevice in one end for the edge of the box to sit in. You will tie a thin piece of twine around the stick at the bottom end.

I’ve also added a couple of die cut arrows in Mirrisparkle Glitter Evergreen. My friend says that it’s easier to catch a leprechaun if you add lots of sparkly things!

Fan out your paper strips like a rainbow, set the box on top of the straw, then lay the twine out and wait. Leprechauns are attracted to what is at the end of the rainbow. When the leprechaun walks by, simply pull on the twine!

Now, if you happen to be unlucky and don’t catch one this year, don’t fret! Simply turn the strips of paper around to the outside of the box and fill your box with candy. Or maybe the leprechaun will do it for you!

This project is a great idea to do with your kids and also for teachers in their classrooms, but it doesn’t have to be just for kids! What a cute display this rainbow basket makes when filled with candy coins or treats. A version of this basket for Easter would also be so adorable in pastels. What colors would you use in a basket like this?

I hope you find the gold at the end of the rainbow this year! For more “golden” project ideas, come see us on the CutCardStock site and the Creating with Card Stock Facebook group. See you next time!