Here’s a fun kid friendly ornament to keep your little elves busy this holiday season! We all love the classic Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I remember watching that every year along with Frosty the Snowman as we strung popcorn and helped decorate the tree. Some of my favorite holiday memories. Let’s take a quick peek as to how you can do this fun tutorial with your kiddos!
Let’s grab a few supplies:
Paint Brushes, Baby Flat Clothespins, Mini Red Pom Poms,
Brown Paint, Twine, Glue Gun, and Wiggly Eyes
First things first — let’s paint the clothespins!
Tip: I highly recommend playing or humming Rudolphs theme song.
It adds to the holiday fun…and you’ll smile along the way!
Of course you could glue them together first if you’d like, this is the order that I like to put this project together. Apply as many coats as you prefer. I did two coats. Allow drying time before assembling the reindeer. I used a hot glue gun to speed up my process, but glue guns aren’t necessarily kid friendly, so feel free to use other glue and allow for some additional drying time — while you enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or something. YAY!
We’ll start with attaching the twin to one of the clothespins. Place a small dot of glue and press firmly on the twine loop. I used a 8-9″ strand of twine and knotted at on end. Be sure there is a small bit of twine hanging below the know, as that is where you will will glue it so the clothespin. The knot will rest above the top of the clothespin. See below.
Once you’ve attached the loop to the clothespin, you’ll then apply more glue along the twine below the knot and down. Place the second clothespin on top and press firmly. We now have the body of our reindeer.
You’ll now take your third clothespin and glue upside down onto the body of the reindeer. This will be your head and antlers. Oh my goodness. Oh my goodness. How cute is this? Below is what he looks like from the side, so you can see how all the pieces are attached and placed.
Now to attach our little red nose and wiggly eyes! Hello Rudolph!
Below is our kid friendly ornament and another version that I did with rustic reindeer twist. I followed the same steps, but used a chestnut stain and sanded it up for some character. I also kept my reindeer faceless, so he’s no Rudolph, but a perfect addition to my Woodland themed tree! You can purchase the rustic version {here} too.
….and if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows…
Oh, sorry — got a little distracted singing!
Happy Holiday Crafting!
Ho-Ho-Ho!
I’ll be partying {here and here}.
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Danni Baird says
12/01/2012 at 6:25 amHow cute Kelly! I love ornaments that kids can touch and play with at Christmas time!
Kelly says
12/03/2012 at 9:53 pmHi Danni! Thanks so much for loving on my project. Have a fabulous week, friend. Hugs.
Brian says
12/01/2012 at 7:31 amI remember making these when I was a kid. I think my mom still has one on their Christmas tree from when I made it in kindergarden. Very easy, cheap, kid-friendly way to make ornaments.
Kelly says
12/03/2012 at 9:57 pmThanks, Brian! I have one on my tree that was given to me when I was a kiddo… Memories in the making! Cheers!
Jill @ Create.Craft.Love. says
12/01/2012 at 8:56 amThose are absolutely adorable! Pinning!
Kelly says
12/03/2012 at 9:58 pmThanks, Jill 🙂 Appreciate the sharing too! You’re the bestest. Hugs.
shoprubyjean says
12/01/2012 at 3:41 pmOh My Goodness!!! Is Mr. Rudolph just not the cutest thing ever!!!! He is beyond adorable hanging out there in the tree with his little GOOGLY EYES!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing him with us 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Angelina
Kelly says
12/03/2012 at 10:03 pmYou are the bestest, Angelina! Thanks so much for loving on this project. Rudolph is as handsome as ever, right? {giggle} xo
megan says
12/01/2012 at 10:12 pmKelly, I love your little reindeer! My son and I might have to try making these! I’m loving all of your Christmas ideas!! Question – where did you get the burlap ribbon on your tree? Or is it just burlap fabric you cut? I have searched our local craft stores for burlap ribbon and can’t find any :(.
Kelly says
12/01/2012 at 11:06 pmHi Megan! Thanks so much for loving on my project 🙂 I got the burlap ribbon/garland at Michael’s. I believe it was with the floral tapes, etc. I hope you find some — it’s pretty fabulous! Hugs.
Emily says
12/12/2012 at 1:33 pmAdorable! Love this project 🙂
Kelly says
12/20/2012 at 4:53 pmThanks a million, Emily! Hoping we’ll connect in the New Year… HUGS!
Crystal says
12/16/2012 at 10:12 pmKelly, these are SO cute! I want to make them with my oldest, he’ll love them. Thanks for the tutorial! 🙂
Kelly says
12/20/2012 at 4:54 pmYAY! So glad you like this fun project 😉 Trust you’re feeling better and all ready to go for the big day next week… MERRY CHRISTMAS!