Reindeer Crafts, Decorations, and DIY Projects for the Holiday Season | MakerPlace by Michaels
Few holiday symbols capture the magic of Christmas quite like reindeer. From Dasher and Dancer to the most famous red-nosed reindeer of them all, these beloved creatures have inspired generations of crafters, decorators, and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter craft night, decking out your home for the season, or looking for handmade gift ideas that will genuinely impress, reindeer-themed projects offer something for every skill level and style. At MakerPlace by Michaels, we believe the best holiday memories are the ones you make yourself — and reindeer crafts are one of the most joyful places to start.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything reindeer: the best materials, trending styles, project ideas for kids and adults, tips for creating show-stopping decorations, and how to make the most of your time at MakerPlace by Michaels locations and online resources.
Why Reindeer Are a Timeless Holiday Crafting Theme
Reindeer have been woven into the fabric of holiday tradition for centuries. Long before Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem introduced us to Santa’s flying team in 1823, reindeer were symbols of the winter wilderness, strength, and the magic of the far north. Today, they appear on everything from ugly sweaters to elegant mantelpiece displays, and their versatility as a crafting subject is unmatched.
What makes reindeer such a perfect theme for DIY projects is how well they translate across different aesthetics. A rustic farmhouse reindeer silhouette cut from reclaimed wood feels just as at home as a glittery, jewel-toned reindeer ornament on a modern Christmas tree. You can go whimsical with googly eyes and pom-pom noses or sophisticated with gold leaf and velvet ribbon. Reindeer bend to your creative vision, which is exactly what makes them so endlessly inspiring for crafters of every kind.
Getting Started: Essential Supplies for Reindeer Crafts
Before you dive into your project, it helps to stock up on the right supplies. MakerPlace by Michaels carries an enormous selection of materials suited for reindeer-themed creations, and knowing what to look for will save you time and help your projects turn out beautifully.
For paper and cardstock projects, you’ll want a sturdy cardstock in natural tones like kraft brown, cream, and deep chestnut. Metallic cardstocks in gold and copper are perfect for elegant reindeer ornaments or gift tags. A good pair of craft scissors and a bone folder for clean folds will serve you well across dozens of different paper projects.
If you’re working with wood, MakerPlace by Michaels locations offer laser cutters and other precision tools that make it easy to create clean reindeer silhouettes for signs, ornaments, or wall art. Pre-cut wood blanks in reindeer shapes are also available and are a wonderful starting point if you’d rather focus on painting and decorating than cutting.
For fabric and felt projects, pick up a range of browns, tans, and creams alongside deep red for the classic Rudolph nose. Felt is forgiving, inexpensive, and easy to work with, making it ideal for beginners and kids’ crafts alike. If you’re making stuffed animals or pillows, polyester fiberfill is your best friend.
Don’t overlook the power of embellishments. Googly eyes, jingle bells, twine, burlap ribbon, glitter, and rhinestones can all elevate a simple reindeer craft into something genuinely special. Picks up a few shades of acrylic paint in earthy tones and metallics, and you’ll be prepared for nearly any project that comes your way.
Reindeer Ornament Ideas for Every Skill Level
Ornaments are arguably the most popular reindeer craft, and for good reason. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and they make excellent handmade gifts or tree decorations that can be cherished year after year.
Painted Wood Reindeer Ornaments
Start with a pre-cut wood reindeer blank, available at Michaels or from the MakerPlace laser cutter. Apply a base coat of warm brown or tan acrylic paint and let it dry completely. Use a fine-tipped brush to add details like a lighter coat on the belly, dark hooves, and a bright red or pink nose. Once dry, seal with a matte or glossy Mod Podge and add a twine loop at the top for hanging. Personalizing these with a name or year using a paint pen makes them an instant family heirloom.
Popsicle Stick Reindeer Ornaments
This classic kids’ craft never goes out of style. Arrange three craft sticks into a triangular shape to form the reindeer’s head and antlers. Glue them together and let dry. Paint the bottom stick brown for the face and the top two sticks in a slightly darker brown for the antlers. Add two googly eyes, a red pom-pom for the nose, and tie a small ribbon bow below the face. Punch a hole at the top of one antler stick and thread a ribbon through for hanging. These are perfect for classroom craft sessions or holiday party activities.
Resin Reindeer Ornaments
For a more advanced project, try casting reindeer-shaped resin ornaments using silicone molds. Add dried botanicals like tiny pinecones, sprigs of rosemary, or dried cranberries to the resin before it sets for a nature-inspired look. A MakerPlace by Michaels workshop can walk you through the basics of resin casting if you’re new to the medium.
Felt Reindeer Ornaments
Cut two identical reindeer shapes from brown felt using a die-cut machine or a template. Sew or glue them together around the edges, leaving a small opening to stuff with fiberfill before closing. Decorate the face with embroidered or felt features, and add a hanging loop of ribbon or twine. These plush ornaments have a charming, handmade quality that store-bought decorations simply can’t replicate.
Reindeer Home Décor Projects to Transform Your Space
Ornaments are just the beginning. Reindeer-themed home décor can carry your holiday spirit throughout the entire house, from the front door to the mantle to the dining table.
Reindeer Wreath
A reindeer-themed wreath is a showstopping front door decoration that greets guests with warmth and creativity. Start with a grapevine or foam wreath base. Hot glue faux greenery, pinecones, and red berries around the wreath. Add a prominent reindeer face made from felt or a wood cutout at the center — complete with a bright red pom-pom nose — and finish with a wide plaid ribbon bow at the top. The result is a welcoming, personalized piece that elevates your entryway all season long.
Wooden Reindeer Yard Decorations
Large-scale wooden reindeer silhouettes are a beloved outdoor decoration and a surprisingly achievable DIY project. You can cut your own from half-inch plywood using a jigsaw or work with the laser cutters and larger-format equipment available at MakerPlace by Michaels for cleaner results. Paint your reindeer in classic brown tones or go modern with white paint and minimalist detailing. Group three or more together in varying sizes for a whimsical “reindeer family” display in your yard or on your porch.
Reindeer Table Runner and Centerpiece
Elevate your holiday dinner table with a handmade reindeer table runner. Using fabric paint or iron-on transfers, stencil repeating reindeer silhouettes across a length of natural linen or burlap fabric. Hem the edges and you have a beautiful, custom table runner. Pair it with a centerpiece featuring a wooden reindeer figurine surrounded by candles, pinecones, and evergreen clippings for a cohesive, magazine-worthy holiday tablescape.
Reindeer Stocking Holder
Instead of a standard stocking holder, create a custom reindeer-themed version using wood blocks painted in holiday colors with the letter of each family member’s first name. Attach a metal hook to the front of each block and paint or stamp a small reindeer silhouette on the side. Line these up on your mantle for a charming and functional display.
Reindeer Canvas Wall Art
A painted reindeer canvas is a wonderful project for intermediate crafters. Use a projector or a printed template to lightly trace a reindeer silhouette onto a pre-stretched canvas. Fill in the silhouette with rich jewel tones, geometric patterns, or a classic painterly style — whatever suits your home’s aesthetic. A series of three canvases in different sizes looks especially striking above a fireplace or on a gallery wall.
Reindeer Crafts for Kids
Getting children involved in holiday crafting creates memories that last a lifetime. These kid-friendly reindeer projects are simple enough for little hands but exciting enough to hold their attention from start to finish.
Handprint Reindeer Cards
One of the most beloved reindeer crafts for young children is the handprint reindeer. Press a child’s hand into brown paint and stamp it onto cardstock with the fingers spread wide — the fingers become the antlers and the palm becomes the face. Once dry, add googly eyes and a red dot for the nose with paint or a marker. These make the most heartfelt Christmas cards for grandparents and loved ones.
Paper Bag Reindeer Puppets
Fold a brown paper lunch bag so the flap is at the top to create the reindeer’s head. Cut ears from brown construction paper and antlers from darker brown or black paper. Glue everything in place, add googly eyes and a pom-pom nose, and you have an instant puppet ready for holiday storytelling.
Reindeer Headband
Pick up a plain plastic headband and some brown pipe cleaners or foam sheets. Twist the pipe cleaners into antler shapes and secure them to the headband. Cut small ears from brown or tan craft foam and glue them at the base of each antler. Add a bit of glitter or paint for sparkle. These are perfect for holiday parties, school events, or Christmas morning photos.
Reindeer Treat Bags
Fill small kraft paper bags with holiday candies and transform them into reindeer faces for a gift that combines craft and treat in one. Draw on reindeer features with markers, add googly eyes and a red pom-pom nose, and fold the top of the bag into a pair of antler shapes secured with a staple. Kids can assemble these as a group activity and take them home as favors.
Using MakerPlace by Michaels for Reindeer Projects
MakerPlace by Michaels is a creative studio space within select Michaels stores that gives crafters access to professional-grade tools and equipment they might not have at home. For reindeer projects specifically, the available resources are incredibly valuable.
The laser cutters at MakerPlace locations are ideal for creating precise reindeer silhouettes on wood, acrylic, leather, and other materials. Whether you’re making ornaments, signs, or decorative tiles, the laser cutter delivers clean, professional results that are difficult to achieve with hand tools alone. You can upload your own reindeer design or use templates provided at the MakerPlace station.
Vinyl cutting machines, like those in the Cricut family available at MakerPlace, make it easy to cut reindeer-shaped decals, stencils, and heat-transfer designs for personalizing mugs, tote bags, t-shirts, and pillowcases. A heat press finishes the job cleanly, making your reindeer-themed gifts look polished and professional.
Sewing machines available at some MakerPlace locations are perfect for fabric-based reindeer projects like stuffed animals, holiday pillows, table runners, or advent calendars featuring reindeer pockets. If you’ve been wanting to try a sewing project but don’t own a machine, MakerPlace makes it accessible without the investment.
Many MakerPlace locations also offer scheduled workshops around the holiday season specifically focused on Christmas and winter-themed crafts. These sessions are a wonderful way to learn a new skill, meet fellow crafters in your community, and walk away with a finished project in just an hour or two. Check with your local Michaels store or visit the Michaels website to see what workshops are available near you.
Tips for Making Your Reindeer Crafts Stand Out
A few small techniques can make a big difference in the finished quality of your reindeer projects, regardless of the medium you’re working in.
Layering colors adds depth and dimension to painted pieces. Instead of one flat coat of brown, try starting with a darker base and dry-brushing a lighter tan or cream on top to create a fur-like texture. This simple technique transforms a basic wooden reindeer from flat to lifelike in minutes.
When working with felt or fabric, don’t skip the stabilizer. A thin layer of iron-on interfacing behind your felt pieces prevents stretching and makes stitching much cleaner and easier.
If you’re using a Cricut or vinyl cutter, take the time to weed your design carefully and use transfer tape for clean application. Rushing this step is the most common cause of bubbles and misalignment.
For resin projects, always measure your resin and hardener precisely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Even small measurement errors can result in sticky, uncured resin that ruins your project. Working in a well-ventilated space is also essential.
When painting wood, a quick sand with fine-grit sandpaper between coats creates a smoother final finish. It takes just a few extra minutes but the difference in the final product is noticeable.
Reindeer-Themed Gift Ideas to Make and Give
Handmade gifts carry a meaning that no store-bought item can match, and reindeer-themed gifts are among the most universally beloved during the holiday season.
A set of personalized reindeer ornaments — one for each member of a family, customized with names and the year — makes a meaningful gift for new homeowners, young families, or grandparents. A custom reindeer-themed cutting board made with the laser engraver at MakerPlace is a practical and beautiful kitchen gift. Reindeer-stamped gift wrap, made with a carved foam stamp and ink, gives your packages a distinctive, handcrafted look that sets them apart under the tree. A reindeer-shaped cookie cutter, paired with a handwritten recipe card and tied with a ribbon, is a simple but thoughtful foodie gift. Embroidered reindeer tea towels are quick to make with iron-on transfers and a bit of hand stitching, and they’re a gift that will get used year after year.
Bringing It All Together
Reindeer crafts have an energy that feels uniquely holiday — warm, playful, nostalgic, and full of possibility. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter tackling a complex woodworking project or a first-timer jumping into a beginner-friendly ornament kit, reindeer-themed DIY projects are a joyful way to connect with the season and the people you love.
MakerPlace by Michaels is here to support every step of your creative journey, with the tools, materials, expert guidance, and community you need to bring your reindeer vision to life. Stop by your local Michaels store, explore the MakerPlace workspace, and let this holiday season be the one where you make something truly unforgettable.
