Looking for simple Christmas crafts to make with the kids this year? These little cork reindeer decorations are a firm favourite in our house. They’re quick to put together, use materials you probably already have lying around, and kids of all ages love adding their own personality to each one. Best of all, they end up hanging proudly on the tree, made entirely by little hands.
What You’ll Need
- 5 corks per reindeer
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners (for antlers)
- Christmassy ribbon
- Thread, for hanging
- A little imagination
How to Make Your Cork Reindeer
1. Cut two of the corks down to about three-quarters of their original length – these will become the legs.
2. Glue one full-size cork at a right angle to one of the shorter corks to form the back leg.
3. Glue another full-size cork (this will be the neck) on top of the other short cork to form the front leg.
4. Join the two leg sections together to create the reindeer’s body.
5. Glue the last cork (the head) at a right angle on top of the neck.
6. Now for the fun part! Stick on the googly eyes, twist the pipe cleaners into antlers, and add a little red nose. Tie on a length of ribbon for a festive finishing touch, and thread through the top so your reindeer can hang on the tree.
Every reindeer turns out a little different, and that’s the charm of it. Let the kids take the lead on personality and decoration – some of the best ones are a bit wonky and all the more loveable for it.
More Christmas Crafts to Try
If this one’s a hit, there are plenty more festive craft ideas to keep little hands busy right through December. Take a look at our full collection of Christmas craft ideas for more inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is this craft suitable for?
This is a lovely craft for older kids to make mostly independently, while younger children will enjoy helping with the decorating stage – sticking on eyes, twisting antlers and adding ribbon. An adult should handle any cutting of the corks.
Do I need special glue for this craft?
A strong all-purpose craft glue or hot glue (adult-applied) works best for joining the corks securely, especially since the finished reindeer will be handled and hung repeatedly.
Can I make this without wine corks?
Yes – if you don’t have real corks to hand, craft foam corks or cork sheets cut into similar shapes make a good substitute.
How do I hang the finished reindeer on the tree?
Thread a loop of string or thread through the top cork (the head) before you finish decorating, then tie it off securely so it’s ready to hang straight onto a tree branch.
Share Your Reindeer Creations
Have you made your own version of this craft, or do you have other homemade Christmas decoration ideas? We’d love to hear about them – share your ideas and photos in the comments below.
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