Here's a cool idea for your child to make some $$$ on St. Patrick's Day this year! Get your DIY trousers on and make a Leprechaun Pot with your child to hang for St. Patrick's Day. So when the Leprechaun comes round *HINT HINT* your child will end up with some chocolate gold coins or real coins in the pot on St. Patrick's Day morning!


Things you will need:
1 Felt Sheet, brown or black
1 Felt Sheet, green
Scissors
Pencil
3 Pipe Cleaners of different colors, 12 inch length
Craft Glue
Hole Puncher


Step by step:
1) Take a sheet of brown/black felt and fold in half lengthwise.
2) Draw a shape of a pot onto the felt half. (Helpful Hint: Use a lid or bowl as a guide for the circular shape.)
3) Cut the pot shape out of both halves of felt.
4) Line-up the two felt shapes on top of each other.
5) Punch a hole at each corner of the pot through both felt shapes, about 1/2 inch from top.

Sometimes it is hard to find little DIY projects that the little ones can do mostly by themselves (but that doesn't mean you should go and watch the footy while they are doing it). The one we're describing here allows your child to be creative along with making something that they can have on display (until the dog eats it). This little project is great for children aged 3-5 and helps develop their eye-hand coordination and decision making.

Things you will need:
* Six 12 inch pipe cleaners
* 44 to 66 Translucent Tri Beads
* Old Scissors
* 18 inch Ribbon

1) Your child chooses six pipe cleaners, colors of their choice. Then if your child is strong enough, cuts each pipe cleaner in half. You should now have 12 pipe cleaners.

2) Help your child hold 11 pipe cleaners together in a cylindrical shape and wraps the 12th pipe cleaner around the middle tightly. Make sure the pipe cleaners stay in place.

Get some father-daughter time and show her what a great dad you are by making a bracelet with her. This little project is real simple and relaxing to make.

Things you will need:
A bag of buttons
Ribbon ¼ inch or less in width
Scissors
Tape

Step by step instructions
1) Cut a 12 inch length of ribbon with one end cut at a sharp angle. On this angled end, wrap a piece of tape around the end to create a thin point.

2) Wrap the ribbon around the widest part of your child’s hand, usually at the knuckles and measure with the ribbon. You use this measurement to see how long your button pattern should be because this is how much you will need to slip onto their hand.

3) Now take your bag of buttons and spread out the buttons for your child to see. Let your child use their creativity and pick out buttons they would like on their bracelet.

For all our busy dads we are starting a mini series on small DIY projects you can do with your children. The idea is that you can make the whole thing in minutes – particularly good for young children (or dads) who don't have the patience / attention span yet.

OK, let’s kick it off with a simple Ice Cream Cone made out of felt. Best thing about it ... it never melts! First, you will need supplies that you can find at any craft store or even your local supermarket. You may even have most of the stuff at home anyway. Here's what you need:

* felt (any color you want the cone to be)
* 1 inch pompom (any color for the ice cream)
* markers (non-toxic, washable markers are ideal)
* craft glue
* scissors

Step by step instructions
1. Draw a circle on the felt about 3 ¼ inch in diameter (ribbon spool works great if you have one laying around).