"A Leprechaun is an Irish "elf". Leprechauns are small in size, and some say they look like a tiny, old man in a top hat and red beard. They are tricky fellows and like to play pranks on unsuspecting people. Legend says that Leprechauns are shoemakers (also called cobblers). Curiously enough, they only make one of each type of shoe. You can tell a Leprechaun is near if you hear the tapping of their hammers. Each Leprechaun also has a pot of gold! Some say they bury it in secret places only Leprechauns can reach; others say they hide it at the end of the rainbow. One thing is for sure though, if you catch a Leprechaun he will lead you to his pot of gold and give it to you as a bribe to let him go.
Remember, Leprechauns are tricky fellows, so you must be creative and tricky when deciding on a way to try to catch him. You can try to lure him to you and grab him, or you can try to build a Leprechaun trap to capture him in. If you are lucky enough to capture a Leprechaun, your work is not done yet! Legend says you cannot take your eyes of the Leprechaun for even a second or he will disappear. Now, here are some suggestions to help you build your own leprechaun trap.....
It is very difficult to catch a tricky Leprechaun, but you can sure have fun trying! The first thing you need to do is build a trap. There is no right or wrong way to build a Leprechaun trap. You can make a contraption with a net, boxes, a clean can, or anything else you can think of such as paper towel rolls, empty containers, tin foil, paper, string or yarn, sandwich bags, etc; or, how about using an old shoe since they are said to be cobblers. You have to be very creative to catch a Leprechaun.
Once you build your trap, don't forget to add bait to help lure the Leprechaun. Since Leprechauns are very greedy, one of the best things you can use for bait are coins! If you don't want to use real coins, you can easily substitute candy coins or make your own gold coins by cutting circles out of cardboard and painting them gold. Gold nuggets made by painting small rocks are another option. Here are a few more tips and suggestions to help you get started:
- Rainbows are good to use on or around your trap.
- Color your trap green and decorate it with green items (stickers, glitter, etc)
- Leprechauns are also attracted to four leaf clovers.
- Leprechauns like Lucky Charms cereal!
- Make sure your trap is disguised well - make sure it blends into its surroundings.
- No two traps should be alike or the Leprechaun will get suspicious and leave.
- A Leprechaun will leave a trail of gold and/or green glitter, so watch for it!
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