Inexpensive Fun

The holidays always inspire me to want to do fun (easy) crafts. I love to give away the things I make as gifts (see Holiday Giving: Getting Real Part 1). I’m a push over for cute critters, so the candy cane reindeer project was perfect. This simple project will create whimsical ornaments to decorate trees, gifts, stockings or presents.  It can also be a good project to take on with the kids.  Plus, the materials are inexpensive if purchased at a store like JoAnn Fabrics.

Round up your materials first.

Materials List

1 box of candy canes – use the ones that are individually wrapped for the head.

1 package of brown pipe cleaners for the antlers.

1 small bag of red or black small pom-poms for the nose.

1 small bag of wiggly eyes for the eyeballs.

1 bottle of  Aleene’s Tacky Glue to hold it together.

1 scissors – Use the ones you set aside for crafts so you won’t risk dulling the blade when you cut the pipe cleaners.

Instructions:

Step 1A: Wrap the antlers.

Step 1B: Trim antlers.

Step 1: Antlers

Fold a pipe cleaner in half and loop it under the curve of a candy cane. Twist the two ends two or three turns until they cinch down against the cane. Snip off about an one inch of pipe cleaner from each end.  Bend the antlers to your desired position. Twist on the smaller leftover pipe cleaner pieces to make branches about half way up the antlers.

Step 2: Apply Glue

When you have your antlers the way you want them, put a small drop of glue at the end of the curved portion of the candy cane for your nose and two more above it for the eyes.

Step2: Apply glue.

Step 3: Set eyes and nose in place.

Step 3: Set Eyes And Nose

Set a pom pom and wiggly eyes in the glue.  Move them around until you are satisfied with their positions, and then set your candy cane in a safe spot while the glue dries.

Step 4: Smile

You have just completed your very first candy cane reindeer.

I love hearing about fun and easy craft projects.  To me a craft or hobby is a terrific way to improve the quality of  life.  If you’ve got a project you think I should try, why not tell me about it in the comments below, or you can send me an email from our contact page.

By Carol Austin

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