Reindeer, synonymous with the holiday spirit, aren’t just Santa’s trusted companions; they’ve also become iconic symbols of Christmas decor. DIY reindeer crafts add a personal touch to your holiday decorations and are a delightful way to usher in festive cheer.
Whether you’re crafting with kids or looking to create something special for your home, homemade reindeer projects promise both fun and creativity.
The importance of DIY reindeer crafts during the holiday season cannot be understated.
They offer an opportunity to bond with family, keep children engaged in creative activities, and produce unique decorations that hold sentimental value.
Moreover, choosing to go the DIY route with reindeer crafts has the added benefit of being budget-friendly.
You can often use materials that are readily available at home or those that are inexpensive to purchase.
In this article, we will delve into five DIY reindeer craft projects that are sure to sprinkle your holiday season with a dash of charm and warmth.
Each project is designed to be accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for crafters of all ages.
From handprint ornaments that serve as cherished keepsakes to adorable reindeer sock puppets, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s dive into the world of crafting where glue, paper, and a little imagination can bring a herd of joyful reindeer to life!
DIY Reindeer Handprint Ornament
Overview of the project
A DIY reindeer handprint ornament is a tender and memorable way to capture a moment in time.
This project transforms a child’s handprint into a reindeer’s antlers, creating a lovely keepsake for parents and grandparents that can be hung year after year on the Christmas tree.
Materials needed
To begin, gather the following materials:
· Non-toxic brown paint
· A paintbrush
· White cardstock or a sturdy paper plate
· A pair of googly eyes
· Red pompom or a small red button for the nose
· Ribbon or string for hanging
· A hole punch
· Scissors
· Glue or double-sided tape
Step-by-step instructions
1. Start by spreading newspaper or a protective cover over your work area to keep it clean.
2. Apply a thin layer of brown paint to the child’s hand using the paintbrush.
3. Carefully press the painted hand onto the white cardstock or paper plate to make a print.
4. Allow the handprint to dry completely.
5. Once dry, cut around the handprint, leaving a small border if desired.
6. Use the hole punch to make a hole at the top center of the handprint for the ribbon or string.
7. Glue the googly eyes near the thumb and index fingerprints to represent the reindeer’s eyes.
8. Attach the red pompom or button below the eyes as the nose.
9. Thread the ribbon or string through the hole and tie a loop for hanging.
Tips for making the most of your DIY reindeer handprint ornament
· To add extra sparkle, decorate with glitter or metallic pens for a festive finish.
· Use a fine marker to add details or to write the child’s name and the year on the ornament, a lovely way to track their growth over time.
Variations and customization options
Feel free to tweak the design by using different colors of paint for the handprint, or by adding additional decorative elements like small bells, sequins, or felt ears.
DIY Reindeer Mason Jar
Overview of the project
Transform a simple mason jar into a charming reindeer-themed container.
This craft is perfect for holding holiday treats, serving as a vase for festive flowers, or simply adding a touch of whimsy to your winter decor.
Materials needed
Prepare the following items for this craft:
· A mason jar
· Brown acrylic paint
· Black and white felt
· A red pompom
· Brown pipe cleaners
· A paintbrush
· Glue or a hot glue gun
· Scissors
Step-by-step instructions
1. Paint the entire outside of the mason jar with the brown acrylic paint and allow it to dry.
Apply a second coat if necessary for full coverage.
2. Cut the black felt into small oval shapes for the eyes and smaller ovals from the white felt to serve as the eye highlights.
3. Twist the brown pipe cleaners to resemble antlers.
Wrap them around the top of the mason jar and secure them with glue or by bending the ends.
4. Stick the black felt ovals onto the jar slightly above the midline, and add the white highlights on the eyes.
5. Attach the red pompom to the jar below the eyes to represent the reindeer’s nose.
Tips for making the most of your DIY reindeer mason jar
· Make sure the paint is completely dry before proceeding to decorate the jar so the felt and other decorations adhere smoothly.
Variations and customization options
· Consider filling the jar with homemade cookies or candies for a thoughtful gift or using it to display a tea light for a cozy glow.
DIY Reindeer Wood Slice Ornament
Overview of the project
Wood slice ornaments exude a rustic charm and making a reindeer version is both simple and delightful.
It’s a great way to create a natural-looking piece of decor that’s sure to stand out on your Christmas tree.
Materials needed
Collect these items for your DIY reindeer wood slice ornament:
· A small wood slice, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter
· Brown, red, and white acrylic paint
· A paintbrush
· Small twigs for antlers
· Ribbon or twine for hanging
· A hot glue gun
· A black marker or paint pen
· A drill with a small drill bit (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
1. Begin by painting the wood slice with brown acrylic paint as the base for your reindeer.
Allow the paint to dry completely.
2. Drill a small hole at the top of the wood slice for the hanging ribbon, if not pre-drilled.
3. Paint two white circles towards the top of the wood slice to represent the eyes.
Add a dot of black paint or use a marker to create the pupils once the white paint has dried.
4. Use red paint to add a nose at the center bottom of the wood slice, or glue on a red pompom for a three-dimensional effect.
5. Break the twigs to the desired length and glue them to the back of the wood slice as antlers.
6. Thread the ribbon or twine through the drilled hole and tie it off to create a loop for hanging.
Tips for making the most of your DIY reindeer wood slice ornament
· Sand the wood slice lightly if it’s rough; a smoothened surface will be easier to paint and decorate.
Variations and customization options
To personalize your ornament, add glitter or names and dates with a paint pen or marker.
DIY Reindeer Paper Plate Craft
Overview of the project
A paper plate provides the perfect canvas for young children to create their reindeer.
Easy to do and requiring minimal materials, this craft is highly appealing for a quick holiday activity.
Materials needed
For this simple craft, you will need:
· A paper plate
· Brown paint
· A paintbrush
· Brown, red, and black construction paper
· Glue
· Scissors
Step-by-step instructions
1. Paint the paper plate with brown paint and let it dry thoroughly.
2. Cut out antler shapes from the brown construction paper.
3. Cut out a red nose and use the black paper to make eyes.
4. Once the paper plate is dry, glue the antlers to the top back of the plate.
5. Stick the eyes and nose onto the front of the plate to complete your reindeer’s face.
Tips for making the most of your DIY reindeer paper plate craft
· Let kids use their fingers to paint for a sensory experience, or provide different materials like sponges or stamps to create textures.
Variations and customization options
Add other materials like cotton balls for a fluffy nose or yarn for hanging the plate as a wall decoration.
DIY Reindeer Sock Puppet
Overview of the project
Upcycle an old brown sock into an adorable reindeer sock puppet.
This project is not only an entertaining craft but also doubles as a fun toy for imaginative play.
Materials needed
You’ll need the following to make your reindeer sock puppet:
· A brown sock
· Felt in various colors
· Googly eyes
· Brown pipe cleaners
· A hot glue gun or fabric glue
· Scissors
Step-by-step instructions
1. Lay the sock flat with the heel facing up; this will be the reindeer’s face.
2. Cut ear shapes from the felt and glue them to the sides of the heel.
3. Attach the googly eyes above the heel on the upper part of the sock.
4. Cut a red or black nose and glue it onto the tip of the sock (the toe area).
5. Twist the brown pipe cleaners to form antlers and securely affix them to the top of the sock.
6. Place your hand inside the sock to bring the reindeer puppet to life!
Tips for making the most of your DIY reindeer sock puppet
· Wear the puppet while you make it to get a better sense of where the facial features should go.
Variations and customization options
· Accentuate the puppet with accessories like a bow tie, a small bell, or a jingle bell collar for extra holiday flair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using DIY techniques to create reindeer crafts is not just cost-effective; it’s a heartwarming activity that can become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.
Each craft introduced here offers a unique way to celebrate the season while expressing your creativity and personal style.
Whether you choose to make a handprint ornament, a mason jar reindeer, a wood slice ornament, a paper plate craft, or a reindeer sock puppet, the process is sure to be as rewarding as the outcome.
These DIY reindeer crafts are not simply decorations; they’re keepsakes that encapsulate the joy and magic of the holidays.
I hope you feel inspired to try one or more of these DIY techniques.
Gather your materials, summon your holiday spirit, and let your imagination soar.
The delight is in the making, and the result is a lovely, handcrafted celebration of the most wonderful time of the year!