How do I Stop Clothtique Santas From Falling Over?

Clothtique Santas are a Christmas favorite--especially when they remain standing.

Clothtique Santas are very popular and have been created by dozens of Santa artists over the past few years. Regardless of the artist or the size of the Santa, however, there always seems to be the recurring problem of Santa toppling over. Because Clothtique Santas are so lightweight, the falling-over problem will always exist, but simple solutions exist, as well.

Things You'll Need

• Craft knife
• Fiberfill batting
• Small florist's marbles, gravel or weights
• Cardboard
• White or craft glue
• Acrylic paint
• Small artist's brushes
• Measuring tape
• Heavy cardboard or foam core board
• Scissors
• Hot glue and glue sticks
• Artificial snow
• Mica chips
• Silver glitter
• Toothpicks
• Pencil

Instructions

How to Stop a Clothique Santa with Long Robes from Falling Over

1. Turn Santa upside down.

2. Make a small square opening on the bottom with a craft knife.

3. Place some fiberfill batting in the body cavity. Add small florist's marbles, gravel or weights to the inside of the Santa. Add a small amount of fiberfill batting to prevent the weights from moving around and breaking the figurine.

4. Cut a piece of cardboard a little larger than the square opening. Glue the cardboard square over the opening, using white or craft glue.

5. Touch up the cardboard with acrylic paint and a small brush. Allow it to dry before standing Santa.

How to Stop a Freestanding Clothtique Santa from Falling Over

1. Measure the widest part of Santa with a measuring tape. Add two inches.

2. Draw a circle with a pencil on a piece of heavy cardboard or foam core board that is the width of the measurement taken. Cut out the circle with a scissors or a craft knife.

3. Turn Santa over and apply hot glue to the bottom of his boots. Position Santa in the middle of the cardboard circle. Allow the hot glue to dry.

4. Apply a thick coat of white acrylic paint with a small artist's brush to the cardboard circle. Sprinkle artificial snow, mica chips or silver glitter to the white paint before it dries. Use a toothpick to "swirl" the paint and "snowflakes" around Santa's boots.

5. Allow the paint to dry completely before putting Santa back on display.

Tips & Warnings

• Another way to keep Clothtique Santas from falling over is to mount them to a wooden base. These are available at the local craft stores and can be finished in any wood tone desired.