Pine Cone Reindeer ornaments are the perfect holiday nature craft for kids of all ages! Made with pine cones, felt, twigs, and wiggly eyes, this easy kids craft looks beautiful tied to gifts or hanging from the Christmas tree. Continue reading for how-to instructions and our handy video tutorial!
Related: Popsicle Stick Reindeer Craft
Pine Cone Reindeer
I purchased the book, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May, several years ago to enrich my bullying prevention curriculum at school. Rhyming couplets and beautiful artwork illustrate the well-known story of Rudolph. As we read the story together, my students and I discussed teasing, helping others, and treating other people the way that you like to be treated.
Fun fact: Robert L. May is the original creator of the Rudolph story! In 1938, May worked as a copywriter for Montgomery Ward & Co. in Chicago. His supervisor asked him to write a Christmas story for a store-wide giveaway. May’s story was distributed to nearly two and a half million children that year!
You know Dasher and Dancer, but do you recall Rudolph the Pine Cone Reindeer? My kids loved creating these simple, adorable Christmas ornaments to accompany the story!
Related: Twig Reindeer Ornaments
Craft Supplies Needed for Pine Cone Reindeer
- Pine cones
- Brown pipe cleaners or twigs
- Wiggly eyes
- Tacky craft glue or hot glue
- Brown felt
- Scissors
- Red pompoms
- Twine
- Ribbon
Directions for Pine Cone Reindeer
1. Glue wiggly eyes and a red pompom nose to the bottom of the pine cone. We used hot glue, but tacky craft glue will work as well!
Related: Clothespin Reindeer Ornament
2. Use scissors to cut two small felt ears for the reindeer. Glue them into the top of the pine cone. We found it helpful to place the pine cone on a cookie-cutter so it wouldn’t roll around!
Tip: Want to keep it natural? Use fuzzy Magnolia tree buds for the reindeer’s ears, and a single cranberry for the nose!
3. Glue two small twigs or a pair of pipe cleaner antlers to the top of the pine cone. If you are using pipe cleaners, all you need to do is bend a brown pipe cleaner in half and cut it at the fold. Fold one of the cut pieces (about 7-inches) into a V. Cut the other half into 3–4-inch pieces to create the size needed for the rest of the antler. Wrap the smaller pieces around the longer pieces, shape, then glue into the pine cone.
4. Glue a small bow to the bottom of the pine cone, then glue a loop of ornament string to the top of the pine cone.
5. Your pine cone reindeer ornament is complete! Allow the ornament to dry completely before hanging on the Christmas tree!
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Pine Cone Reindeer
Pine Cone Reindeer are the perfect holiday nature craft for kids of all ages!
Materials
- Pine cones
- Brown pipe cleaners or twigs
- Wiggly eyes
- Tacky craft glue
- Brown felt
- Scissors
- Red pompoms
- Twine
- Ribbon
Instructions
- Glue wiggly eyes and a red pompom nose to the bottom of the pine cone.
- Use scissors to cut two small felt ears for the reindeer. Glue them into the top of the pine cone. We found it helpful to place the pine cone on a cookie-cutter so it wouldn’t roll around!
- Glue two small twigs or a pair of pipe cleaner antlers to the top of the pine cone. If you are using pipe cleaners, all you need to do is bend a brown pipe cleaner in half and cut it at the fold. Fold one of the cut pieces (about 7-inches) into a V. Cut the other half into 3–4-inch pieces to create the size needed for the rest of the antler.
- Glue a small bow to the bottom of the pine cone, then glue a loop of ornament string to the top of the pine cone.
- Your pine cone reindeer ornament is complete! Allow the ornament to dry completely before hanging on the Christmas tree!
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Ashley says
Very cute Reindeer!
Victoria says
This is so cute!!
Samantha @ Stir the Wonder says
I just love these reindeer ornaments! So create & Too cute!
CS Calkins says
We used to make similar in the ’60s…very nice to see again!
Mihaela says
Such a lovely Rudolph craft!