Making Christmas ornaments is a traditional holiday project for families, schools, church groups, scouts and other children’s groups. Candy cane reindeer are an inexpensive craft and are an easy party activity for children of all ages. Adults can make a dozen ornaments to keep on hand as a simple gift for children who visit during the holiday season. Decorate a wrapped gift by tucking a candy cane reindeer behind the bow.
Step 1
Bend a pipe cleaner around the top of the ‘hook’ of a candy cane. This will become the reindeer’s antlers so it’s OK if one side is a bit longer than the other.
Step 2
Shape each side of the pipe cleaner. This can be done by twisting the pipe cleaner for an antelope look or bending it to get a moose look. If you prefer, you can cut smaller pieces of pipe cleaner and twist around the antlers to look like a deer.
Step 3
Draw eyes on the shrink wrap using a permanent ink marker. The eyes should be about half way down the front part of the candy cane hook.
Step 4
Use a hot glue gun to glue a tiny pom pom on the bottom of the front hook. This will become the reindeer’s nose.
Step 5
Add other decorative items to the reindeer such as colored ribbon tied around the reindeer’s body or tiny bells glued to the antlers.
Step 6
Hang the candy cane reindeer on the Christmas tree by hooking the cane over a branch. You can also slip an ornament hook through the back of the ribbon.
Warnings
- Supervise children using a hot glue gun.
- Pipe cleaners have pointy ends, so warn little children.
- Keep the candy cane reindeer out of the reach of small children to prevent accidental choking.
