25 Easy St Patrick’s Day Crafts Parents Can Make with Kids in Under 30 Minutes

St Patrick’s Day is a wonderful time for families to come together and enjoy some colorful, hands-on activities. Kids especially love the chance to make something they can see, touch, and even display around the house. St Patrick’s Day crafts are perfect for keeping young children entertained while also encouraging creativity, fine motor skills, and a little bit of holiday learning. From shamrocks and rainbows to leprechaun hats and gold coins, there’s a variety of fun projects that can be completed quickly, making them ideal for busy parents who want to celebrate the holiday without spending hours preparing. Many of these crafts can be made with supplies you already have at home, and they allow children to express themselves while engaging in seasonal themes. Whether it’s a simple coloring activity or a slightly more detailed project like a mini terrarium, there’s something on this list for every age and skill level. Below are ten easy and fun St Patrick’s Day crafts parents can make with kids in under 30 minutes, each designed to spark creativity and create memories.

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1. Rainbow Handprint Art with Glitter Accents

Bring bright colors to your St Patrick’s Day celebration with rainbow handprint art. Kids love pressing painted hands onto paper, and glitter adds a festive sparkle.

Materials Needed:

  • Washable paints (rainbow colors)
  • Sturdy paper or cardstock
  • Paintbrushes
  • Glitter or glitter glue
  • Newspaper

Steps:

  1. Cover the workspace with newspaper.
  2. Paint each hand with a different rainbow color.
  3. Press handprints onto paper in an arc to form a rainbow.
  4. Repeat for all colors.
  5. Once dry, add glitter along the arcs.
  6. Write a name or St Patrick’s Day message.
  7. Display on walls, windows, or the fridge.

2. Leprechaun Hats Made from Construction Paper and Cotton Balls

These leprechaun hats are simple to make and double as fun decorations or wearables for kids.

Materials Needed:

  • Green and black construction paper
  • Yellow paper (for buckle)
  • Cotton balls
  • Glue
  • Scissors

Steps:

  1. Cut a tall rectangle from green paper for the hat.
  2. Cut a black strip and glue it near the bottom as a hatband.
  3. Add a yellow square buckle.
  4. Glue cotton balls along the brim for a fluffy look.
  5. Let kids decorate with stickers or markers.
  6. Wear the hat or display on a shelf.

3. Shamrock Sun Catchers Using Colored Tissue Paper

These sun catchers let sunlight shine through vibrant greens for a festive look.

Materials Needed:

  • Black construction paper
  • Colored tissue paper (green shades)
  • Scissors
  • Glue or contact paper

Steps:

  1. Cut a shamrock shape from black construction paper.
  2. Tear tissue paper into small pieces.
  3. Stick tissue pieces inside the shamrock frame on contact paper.
  4. Layer different shades for a stained-glass effect.
  5. Press firmly to secure.
  6. Display on windows for sunlight to shine through.

4. Gold Coin Sensory Jars with Green Water Beads

A fun, tactile activity where kids can explore textures while pretending to find a leprechaun’s gold.

Materials Needed:

  • Small clear jars
  • Green water beads
  • Plastic or foil gold coins

Steps:

  1. Soak water beads in water until fully expanded.
  2. Place beads in jars.
  3. Add gold coins on top.
  4. Kids can shake, stir, or count coins.
  5. Optionally, add shamrock confetti or small toys.
  6. Seal jars for display or play.

5. Paper Plate Leprechaun Faces with Yarn Beards

Kids create cute leprechaun faces that can also be used as masks or decorations.

Materials Needed:

  • Paper plates
  • Colored construction paper
  • Yarn
  • Glue
  • Markers or crayons

Steps:

  1. Use paper plate as the face base.
  2. Cut out a hat from construction paper and glue on top.
  3. Add eyes, nose, and mouth with paper or markers.
  4. Glue yarn pieces as a beard.
  5. Decorate the hat with stickers or glitter.
  6. Display or use as a mask for play.

6. St Patrick’s Day Rainbow Necklaces Using Colored Pasta

Fun, wearable craft with rainbow-colored pasta that builds hand-eye coordination.

Materials Needed:

  • Dry pasta
  • Food coloring
  • Yarn or string
  • Small bowls

Steps:

  1. Dye pasta using food coloring and let dry.
  2. Cut yarn to necklace length.
  3. String pasta in rainbow order.
  4. Tie ends to finish.
  5. Optionally, add beads or other decorations.
  6. Wear or gift the necklace.

7. Shamrock Stamping with Green Paint on Cardstock

Easy stamping craft for decorations or handmade cards.

Materials Needed:

  • Shamrock stamp or homemade potato sponge stamp
  • Green paint
  • Cardstock

Steps:

  1. Dip stamp in green paint.
  2. Press onto cardstock repeatedly to make patterns.
  3. Layer shades or shapes for variety.
  4. Let paint dry completely.
  5. Use as cards, wrapping paper, or decorations.

8. Mini Rainbow Terrariums in Clear Jars

Layer colored sand or rice in jars to create small rainbows kids can display.

Materials Needed:

  • Small clear jars
  • Colored sand or rice
  • Small shamrocks or gold coins
  • Spoon or popsicle stick

Steps:

  1. Layer colored sand/rice in jars to form a rainbow.
  2. Press each layer gently to keep lines neat.
  3. Add small shamrock or gold coin decorations.
  4. Seal jar lid.
  5. Display on shelves or windowsills.

9. Leprechaun Shoe Paper Bag Puppets

These playful puppets encourage imaginative play and creativity.

Materials Needed:

  • Paper bags
  • Construction paper
  • Cotton balls or yarn
  • Glue
  • Markers or stickers

Steps:

  1. Fold paper bag to resemble a shoe.
  2. Add construction paper details like the hat or buckle.
  3. Glue yarn or cotton for accents.
  4. Decorate with markers or stickers.
  5. Use for storytelling or display.

10. 3D Shamrock Garlands with Folded Paper

A simple garland that adds a 3D effect to your holiday décor.

Materials Needed:

  • Green construction paper
  • String or ribbon
  • Glue or tape
  • Scissors

Steps:

  1. Cut out multiple shamrocks.
  2. Fold each slightly for 3D effect.
  3. Glue or tape shamrocks along string.
  4. Mix different shades of green for variety.
  5. Hang across windows, walls, or doorways.

11. Rainbow Salt Painting with Glue Outlines

This craft combines color and texture for a fun St Patrick’s Day activity. Kids love the bright, tactile effect of colored salt.

Materials Needed:

  • White cardstock or thick paper
  • White glue
  • Table salt
  • Food coloring
  • Small bowls
  • Paintbrush

Steps:

  1. Draw rainbow shapes lightly with pencil on cardstock.
  2. Outline shapes with white glue.
  3. Sprinkle table salt over glue and shake off excess.
  4. Mix food coloring with a few drops of water to create colored solutions.
  5. Use a paintbrush to drop color onto the salted glue lines.
  6. Let dry completely.
  7. Display colorful artwork on walls or shelves.

12. St Patrick’s Day Crown Made from Gold Paper and Shamrocks

Kids can make festive crowns to wear or use for decorating.

Materials Needed:

  • Gold construction paper
  • Green construction paper for shamrocks
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape

Steps:

  1. Cut a strip of gold paper to fit around the child’s head.
  2. Cut out small shamrocks from green paper.
  3. Glue shamrocks evenly around the gold strip.
  4. Join ends of the strip with glue or tape.
  5. Wear the crown for photos or celebrations.
  6. Optionally, add glitter or stickers for extra decoration.

13. Leprechaun Trap Dioramas Using Small Boxes

This fun project lets kids imagine catching a leprechaun while being creative.

Materials Needed:

  • Small cardboard boxes
  • Construction paper
  • Glue
  • Cotton balls, coins, stickers, or small toys

Steps:

  1. Decorate the box with paper, markers, or stickers to look festive.
  2. Add a “trap door” or flap inside the box.
  3. Place gold coins or small toys inside as bait.
  4. Add cotton balls or decorations for texture.
  5. Let children create imaginative scenes or stories around the trap.
  6. Display the trap on a table for fun holiday play.

14. Stained Glass Rainbow Window Decals Using Contact Paper

These bright decals let light shine through rainbow colors for a festive look.

Materials Needed:

  • Contact paper
  • Colored tissue paper
  • Scissors
  • Pencil

Steps:

  1. Cut contact paper into the desired shape (rainbow, shamrock, or sun).
  2. Peel the backing off carefully.
  3. Tear colored tissue paper into small pieces.
  4. Stick tissue pieces onto the sticky side of the contact paper.
  5. Layer colors for a rainbow effect.
  6. Place decal on a window or glass surface.

15. Rainbow-Colored Slime in Small Jars

Kids love making slime, and rainbow colors add extra St Patrick’s Day fun.

Materials Needed:

  • White school glue
  • Baking soda
  • Contact lens solution
  • Food coloring
  • Small jars

Steps:

  1. Mix glue with a small amount of baking soda.
  2. Add food coloring to create each rainbow color separately.
  3. Add contact lens solution gradually until slime forms.
  4. Layer colored slime in jars to create a rainbow effect.
  5. Seal jars and allow kids to squish and play.
  6. Display jars as part of holiday décor.

16. Shamrock Wind Spinners with Paper and Straws

These wind spinners move in the breeze and bring St Patrick’s Day cheer outdoors.

Materials Needed:

  • Green construction paper
  • Straws
  • Scissors
  • Glue or tape
  • String (optional)

Steps:

  1. Cut out multiple shamrocks from green paper.
  2. Fold shamrocks slightly to make them 3D.
  3. Attach shamrocks to a straw using glue or tape.
  4. Optionally, tie string between multiple straws for a hanging spinner.
  5. Hang near a window or outdoors.
  6. Watch as shamrocks spin and catch the light.

17. Painted Rock Rainbows for Garden or Windowsill Display

A simple outdoor craft that kids enjoy painting and arranging.

Materials Needed:

  • Smooth rocks
  • Acrylic paints in rainbow colors
  • Paintbrushes
  • Newspaper

Steps:

  1. Cover workspace with newspaper.
  2. Paint rocks with rainbow stripes or small arcs.
  3. Allow paint to dry completely.
  4. Optionally, add glitter or small shamrocks for decoration.
  5. Arrange painted rocks in garden beds, along windowsills, or in decorative bowls.
  6. Display as cheerful holiday décor.

18. Rainbow Footstep Art on Large Poster Paper

Kids can make a big rainbow using their own feet, combining movement and art.

Materials Needed:

  • Large sheet of paper or poster board
  • Washable paints in rainbow colors
  • Paintbrushes or shallow trays

Steps:

  1. Pour each paint color into a shallow tray.
  2. Have children step into paint and press feet onto the paper in arcs.
  3. Repeat for each rainbow color.
  4. Clean feet after each color.
  5. Add glitter or a St Patrick’s Day message if desired.
  6. Display the large, colorful rainbow on a wall.

19. Leprechaun-Themed Bookmarks with Felt and Foam

These bookmarks are useful and let kids get creative with St Patrick’s Day designs.

Materials Needed:

  • Felt sheets
  • Foam sheets
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Markers or stickers

Steps:

  1. Cut felt into rectangle shapes for the bookmark base.
  2. Cut leprechaun hats, shamrocks, or rainbows from foam sheets.
  3. Glue shapes onto the felt base.
  4. Add stickers or drawn details.
  5. Let dry completely.
  6. Use bookmarks in books or gift to friends.

20. Clover-Shaped Bubble Wrap Prints with Paint

This craft combines texture and stamping to create fun shamrock patterns.

Materials Needed:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Green paint
  • Paper
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush

Steps:

  1. Cut bubble wrap into small clover shapes or rectangles.
  2. Apply green paint to bubble wrap with a brush.
  3. Press onto paper to create textured shamrock prints.
  4. Repeat as desired for patterns or borders.
  5. Let prints dry completely.
  6. Display as St Patrick’s Day artwork or use as cards.

21. Paper Chain Rainbow Garlands for Room Decoration

Create a colorful, easy-to-make garland that instantly brightens up any room for St Patrick’s Day.

Materials Needed:

  • Construction paper in rainbow colors
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick or tape

Steps:

  1. Cut construction paper into strips (about 1 inch wide).
  2. Form the first strip into a loop and glue or tape the ends.
  3. Thread the next strip through the first loop and secure its ends.
  4. Repeat with all colors to form a rainbow chain.
  5. Hang across walls, windows, or doorways.
  6. Optionally, mix in shamrock shapes for extra holiday flair.

22. St Patrick’s Day Greeting Cards with Layered Paper Cutouts

Kids can make personalized cards for friends or family using layered paper designs.

Materials Needed:

  • Cardstock
  • Construction paper in green, yellow, and rainbow colors
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Markers or stickers

Steps:

  1. Fold cardstock to create a card base.
  2. Cut shamrocks, rainbows, or gold coins from construction paper.
  3. Layer and glue shapes onto the card.
  4. Add details with markers or stickers.
  5. Write a St Patrick’s Day message inside.
  6. Give as a handmade card or display as décor.

23. Leprechaun Hat Pencil Toppers Using Felt and Glue

Transform ordinary pencils into festive leprechaun hats for a quick and fun decoration.

Materials Needed:

  • Green felt
  • Small yellow paper or foam squares
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Pencils

Steps:

  1. Cut a small circle from green felt for the top of the hat.
  2. Cut a matching strip for the brim.
  3. Glue the brim to the circle to form a hat shape.
  4. Add a yellow buckle detail with paper or foam.
  5. Glue the hat to the top of a pencil.
  6. Use pencils for writing or display as festive décor.

24. Glittery Shamrock Magnets for the Fridge

Make fun, sparkly shamrocks that stick to metal surfaces for St Patrick’s Day cheer.

Materials Needed:

  • Green craft foam or cardstock
  • Glitter or glitter glue
  • Scissors
  • Small magnets
  • Glue

Steps:

  1. Cut shamrock shapes from foam or cardstock.
  2. Cover shamrocks with glitter or glitter glue.
  3. Let dry completely.
  4. Glue small magnets to the back of each shamrock.
  5. Place on the fridge or any metal surface.
  6. Mix and match sizes or add layers for extra sparkle.

25. Rainbow Mosaic Art Using Torn Colored Paper

This colorful mosaic project is simple, hands-on, and perfect for kids.

Materials Needed:

  • Construction paper in rainbow colors
  • White cardstock
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors (optional)

Steps:

  1. Tear colored paper into small pieces.
  2. Arrange pieces on cardstock to form a rainbow shape.
  3. Glue each piece in place.
  4. Fill in gaps with smaller pieces for a complete mosaic look.
  5. Let dry completely.
  6. Display as a cheerful St Patrick’s Day decoration.