How to make a sleigh bell reindeer
Inspired by candy cane reindeer, sleigh bell reindeer create a more lasting and sugar-free Christmas gift. A sleigh bell reindeer is a potential Christmas tree ornament, party favor, napkin ring decoration or decorative pin. The whimsical reindeer can be as detailed or generic as your artistic bent desires. Adapt the elements of the reindeer to suit the age of the user. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1 silver or gold sleigh bell, approximately 30 mm in diameter
- 10 inches of brown pipe cleaner or chenille stick
- Craft paint or fabric paint in white, black and red
- 6 to 8 inches of red or green yarn or very narrow ribbon
- Heavy duty scissors
- Tapestry needle or needle threader
- Rack to hold bells
Instructions
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1
Identify the side of the bell that will be the reindeer's face. The slots in the bell may vary in width. Choose one of the two sides where the slot is parallel to the hanging loop at the top of the bell. Paint two small white dots for eyes, above and to either side of the slot. Set aside to dry.
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Paint a small black dot in each of the two white dots for the pupils of the eyes and a slightly larger black dot at the top of the slot for the nose. Allow to dry.
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3
Use red paint to add a smile in the lower part of the face, crossing the slot. Allow to dry.
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4
Cut the pipe cleaner into a 5-inch length and two pieces, each 2 1/2 inches, for the antlers. Pass the longer piece through the loop at the top of the bell and twist once to secure it at the midpoint. Spread the two ends perpendicularly to the loop.
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Bend each of the ends upward at a 90 degree angle about 1/2 inch from the tip. Twist a 2 1/2-inch piece of pipe cleaner onto the main antler at the bends. Bend the ends of the additional pieces upward as well.
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Use a tapestry needle or needle threader to pass the end of the piece of ribbon or yarn through the loop on the top of the bell. Tie the ends to form a hanging loop.
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Tips & Warnings
Older children may prefer to use stick-on moveable eyes and small poms for the nose. Use caution -- these can create a choking hazard for younger children.
For a "Rudolph"-type reindeer, paint a red nose rather than a black one.
Use a hot glue gun to secure a reindeer to a napkin ring to brighten a holiday table setting.
Tie the ribbon into a bow rather than a loop and glue it to pin hardware for a decorative pin. Look for pin hardware under "jewelry findings" in the local hobby or craft shop.
If you use a larger bell, adjust the size of the pipe cleaner pieces to maintain proportion to the size of the face.
The bells will roll and smear the paint unless secured in some fashion. If no baking rack is available, use a towel gathered into pleats or a cereal box with holes poked through the front or back to create depressions to hold the bells.
Don't use dressmaking scissors or other light scissors to cut the pipe cleaners. Use wire cutters if you don't have heavy duty scissors.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
