Several years ago, I came across an adorable garden stake (Tuesday Morning), perfect for creating this Lucky Leprechaun centerpiece for a St. Patrick’s Day table.
I had to have him, but at first I wasn’t sure how I was going to use Lucky. The weather usually isn’t warm or dry enough here in Pittsburgh to plant anything in my outdoor urns. Since I couldn’t really incorporate Lucky into a wreath either, I decided to make a centerpiece.
At first, I considered inserting him in a small, black cauldron and filling it with gold coins. But, that would mean sending hubby into the attic to root through Halloween decorations in freezing temperatures. Then I remembered seeing other St. Patrick’s Day floral arrangements using a leprechaun’s hat. That’s when I had my eureka moment and headed off to the craft store for supplies.
Here’s my Lucky Leprechaun centerpiece holding court on the Ireland Pursuit St. Patrick’s Day Table. Let me show you how quick and easy the DIY project was to make.
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Locating Lucky
Recreating the Lucky Leprechaun centerpiece requires locating a similar Irish character. But, maybe you can find it, or something similar, at a local florist shop or landscape center? Hobby Lobby might also be a possibility?
My figure is about 16 1/2″ tall, not counting the stakes.
Going Green
With the exception of the garden stake, all the other supplies for the leprechaun centerpiece came from Michaels.
Supplies List
- Metal leprechaun garden stake
- Green felt leprechaun hat
- 5″ square floral Styrofoam block
- Silk clover floral picks (2-3)
- Shamrock glitter floral pick
- Green shamrock ribbons (2 1/2″ wired & 1/2″ grosgrain)
- Floral wire & wired spikes
- Plastic gold coins
Easy, Smeasy DIY Project
Once all the materials are gathered together, the leprechaun centerpiece is quick and simple to make.
Start by flipping the hat over and then insert the foam block inside. A 5″ block filled the entire inside of the hat snugly. I didn’t even bother to remove the plastic wrap.
Depending on the size and shape of the hat, you may need to use a knife to trim the foam for a good fit. I do suggest using one solid piece of Styrofoam as it’s stiffer than regular floral foam.
Feet Firmly Planted
Next, flip the hat back over. The block of foam should remain firmly in place.
Center the leprechaun’s leg stakes into position in the center of the hat. Now, insert the stakes through the hat and into the foam block. Apply firm, even downward pressure until the hat touches Lucky’s feet.
Because I actually made the leprechaun centerpiece last year, I had to deconstruct it in order to show you how to put it together.
The pictures below show what the hat looked like after all the holes were made. But, I actually punched the holes with a metal skewer as I went along. You can make the holes in advance if you feel confident of the position and spacing of each element.
A solid foam block holds the weight and height of the leprechaun garden stake firmly in place. You could say he has his feet firmly planted!
Shamrock Embellishments
I love the silk clover floral bunches. There is a wee bit of sparkly gold dust on the leaves. I used two bunches, which were cut into several smaller sections.
Once determining the position of each element on the hat, mark the spot with a black pen. Then, use a metal skewer (or something similar) to punch a hole through the hat into the floral foam.
To make the bows, I took lengths of wired ribbon and made three loops — with a tail at each end. Then, I twisted floral wire around the middle.
It helps that all the floral wire I have is also green! The loops don’t have to be exact, although you probably want the tails to match in length.
Each ribbon cluster, or bow, is then attached to a mini floral stake. Thin wire is already part of each green stake for attaching.
The process is repeated with the 1/2″ grosgrain ribbon.
Stakes, with ribbon clusters attached, are inserted into pre-made holes in the hat.
Looking Lucky Coming & Going
After inserting the thicker ribbons, I turned the leprechaun centerpiece around to concentrate on the rear view. Because I planned to set Lucky on either the round table or at one end of the kitchen island, he needed to look good coming or going.
This is where I inserted the shamrock floral pick, more ribbon and clover — enough to cover the top of the hat.
Originally, I just placed the gold coins on the top of the hat and around the rim.
But, when I reassembled the Lucky Leprechaun centerpiece for this post, I realized I should just hot glue them in place.
I like that it looks like Lucky got a little greedy while stuffing his pockets, and now is leaving a trail of gold coins behind him.
Leprechaun Centerpiece for Paddy’s Day Table
Be sure to check out a new tablescape starring Lucky — Ireland Pursuit St. Patrick’s Day Table.
For a more formal setting, see the dining room’s Elegant, Easy Shamrock Tablescape. Lucky dropped some gold coins out of his pockets there too!
Another fun project for St. Patrick’s Day are making these DIY Shamrock Glasses.
Or, try the Lucky 3 Leaf Clover Napkin Fold Tutorial.
Are you feeling lucky?
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
what a cute idea!!!
You’re welcome to borrow Lucky for a visit anytime!
Your projects is really great. Pinned
Glad you like it Anita! It was an easy one. Regretting now that I sold Lucky in my Etsy shop though. Miss having him to decorate the house.
Super cute Debbee! The leprechaun really added a nice touch- I love it when I get something even if I’m not sure what I”m going to do with it and then it works out so well like this did for you!
I know what you mean. Who knew I needed a leprechaun garden stake?
adorable
What a cute idea! I just purchased a dancing Irish girl figurine and may try to use some of your ideas. You are so creative and inspiring. Love all your Alice tablescapes 🙂
Hi Nancy, so nice to hear from you! It’s really helpful to me to hear from readers to know what they like, are interested in. Thank you for your lovely remarks.
This is adorable Debbie! He is soooo cute! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for visiting Tiffany; I hope March is a lucky one for you!
Oh, Debbee, this is so cute. You thought of all the details…the shamrocks, the gold coins, the leprechaun! I have had trouble finding much in the way of St. Paddy’s decorations around here. Wanted to switch out my Valentine’s Day things on my tiered tray and go straight for the green but no such luck…ha, pardon the pun.
Leslie, I’m delighted you enjoyed ‘meeting’ Lucky! I agree — it’s hard to find nice St. Patrick’s Day decor and tableware. Most looks garish I think. That’s why I use my everyday dishes with Lucky as the centerpiece. See Ireland Pursuit St. Patrick’s Day Table.
Debbee, what a cute leprechaun. I love his feet. To think I put back the green hat a couple of days ago and walked out without it. In my tool stash is an awl and I use an odd knitting needle to make holes. My favorite thing to tie off bows is pipe cleaners.
Once again you have amazed us with your creativity.
I like his feet too Myrna, but especially that he doesn’t have one of those more ‘scary’ leprechaun faces. An awl or knitting needle is a great tip for making holes!
P.S. Did you check out the tea party menu items and recipes? See Tea Party Menu: Finger Sandwiches & Savories and Wonderland Tea Party Menu: Scones & Desserts? Sorry it took me so long to get around to sharing them!
This looks great! I really like the Leprechaun!
Thanks! Bet you could crochet a cute leprechaun T’onna!
Such a cute centerpiece and a great tutorial! Great pictures as well!
Hi Nancy, thanks for stopping by! Glad you enjoyed ‘meeting’ Lucky. I just put him out on the kitchen island.
Great idea for how to use a garden stake ~ so many other holiday possibilities. I pinned both your unique Leprechaun centerpiece and your awesome hand painted glasses. Now, you know what else you need? #48 at the Happiness is Homemade party ~ print and frame my ‘Lucky’ printable. LOL
Top of the morning to you Allyson! Thanks for checking out and pinning my two DIY St Paddy Day projects. I took a looksy at your adorable signs — so cute!
Debbee, Well, you have done it again – a gorgeous St. Patrick’s Day centerpiece. Congratulations, you are being featured on Happiness Is Homemade this weekend. Hugs, Bev https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2020/02/happiness-is-homemade_29.html
Lucky, lucky me! Thanks so much Bev. Really appreciate your support.
This looks AMAZING!! I absolutely love it!
Thanks so much Pamela, it was fun to make.
Such a fun centerpiece Debbie. I loved how you showed how to create this. Any blessings to you and your family. Do stay safe out there.
Just as I loved your leprechaun centerpiece in today’s post! Mine was really pretty easy to put together.
Soo cute Debbee!
Thanks Jenna, appreciate you stopping by!
Looks great!!! I do so miss Tuesday Morning. We had one for a couple of years and then it went out of business. I used to get so many wonderful things there that nobody else has.
It was weird, the one near me closed but two others are still open. Was nice when I could easily pop in and treasure hunt. Now it’s a major trek.
How fun and festive!!
Thanks Sherry — appreciate you stopping by!
Debbee, this is just too, too cute! I hope I can find a similar leprechaun to use to make something similar this year!
Thanks for stopping by Chloe! I’m kicking myself for selling the centerpiece. Have had trouble finding a similar leprechaun and hope you have better success. Unfortunately, they closed two of three Tuesday Mornings relatively near me.
That Lucky and his greed! I thought this was adorable, and so creative too. I rarely decorate our dining room table, maybe it needs more attention.
Well, hubby and I are more than a wee bit Irish, so we enjoy celebrating the holiday. Plus, I’m always up for an occasion to set a theme table or craft decorations.
This is so cute! It would be the perfect centerpiece for a fun family St. Patrick’s Day tablescape for dinner on the 17th! I like to do themed dinners with fun & games on little holidays throughout the year that we normally just skip over. Thanks for sharing on Crafty Creators! I’ll be featuring your post on tomorrow’s Crafty Creators. Congrats!
I miss Lucky and wish I hadn’t sold him Niki! But, I did bring home some pieces from our trip to Ireland that are more authentic decor. Really appreciate the feature! It’s an easy craft to recreate if you can find a suitable leprechaun alternative.
Debbee, Lucky is sooo cute! I was happy to share your sweet Leprechaun at this past Wednesday’s Share Your Style #380 for you. I know you already know about my sharing. 🙂 It’s fun to reread how you put him together on his hat!! Very cute!!! Hope you had a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day despite freezing temps! Barb 🙂
Thanks so much Barb — I miss him, making the mistake of selling Lucky via my then Etsy shop, as a reader contacted me and wanted him. Since Tuesday Mornings closed here several years ago, I also miss the decor and tableware finds I use to score there. We had a lovely holiday as our temps were pretty mild, but stayed home and watched our family’s 4 teams all win in March Madness games.