DIY: Wine Cork Reindeer

By now I am sure everyone’s home (or in my case my apartment on campus) is already decorated for the holidays.  The Christmas tree is up with the ornaments strategically placed, the holiday lights outside are twinkling in the dark, the garland is sparkling from every corner of the wall, and so on.  Although, your holiday decorating might be complete for this season, I’m sure there is still a place in your home that needs a little more décor.  Or are you still searching for that perfect trinket to add to a gift?  Well there’s still time to get in touch with your crafty side this season.

Say hello to my little friends!  My wine cork reindeer are not only fun to make but look great in any small place or placed with your favorite holiday decorations.  They also make a great gift.  Keep on scrolling to read the step-by-step guide on how to make these adorable holiday reindeer.

Supplies:

• Wine corks
• Razor craft knife
• Screwdriver
• Twigs (some with forks)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Green or red pipe cleaners
• Small red pom-poms
• Jingle craft bells 

Step 1:

Take one cork and carefully cut it in half.  I used a knife but I was super careful when cutting the cork because trouble could easily follow if you are not paying close attention.  If you have a razor craft knife use that.  Or if you have an easier and safer way to cut the cork go with that. 

Step 2:

If you have not gathered your twigs yet, go outside and explore your surroundings.  I am sure you will find branches of all sizes.  Make sure to find branches with forks to be used for the antlers.

When you gather all your twigs, start cutting your twigs so they are all the same size, about 2 inches long.  I found that the twigs on the thinner side work best because they are easier to cut and stick into the cork. 

Step 3:

Take your regular sized cork and use a screwdriver, a nail, ice pick, or any object with a sharp tip, and punch four holes into the cork, two in the front, and two in the back.

Stick the twigs into the holes as legs, thus constructing the body of your reindeer.  Once the four twigs are in, make sure your reindeer can securely stand up.  If your reindeer body needs to be adjusted try trimming the twigs.

Before you move on to the next step, safely punch another hole on top of the body so we can use a twig to connect the reindeer’s body to its head.

 Step 4:

Next, it is time to work on the reindeer’s head.  Using the half cork, punch a hole that is closer to the center so your reindeer head will stand at an angle.

Now insert a twig into this hole and then connect it to the hole on the reindeer’s body.

What’s a reindeer without antlers? Punch two holes on top of the reindeer’s head and then add two twigs (preferably twigs with forks). 

Step 5:

Your reindeer is starting to look good, but it is time to add a little style to your reindeer.  Take a green or red colored pipe cleaner and cut a little piece and wrap it around the twig between the head and the body. This will act as the reindeer’s scarf.

To let your reindeer jingle, I attached a jingle craft bell to the pipe cleaner using a hot glue gun.

Finally, you can’t think of reindeer without thinking of Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer.  So I took a small red pom pom and a glue gun and applied the pom pom to the tip of the reindeer’s head.

Now your reindeer is complete and ready to be showcased throughout your home.

Next time you finish off a bottle of your favorite wine, make sure to save the cork, because a throw away piece like a wine cork can be transformed into a cute holiday decoration.  There is still time to get all the supplies you need and to sit down and craft while listening to your favorite holiday tunes.  But move fast because the countdown to Christmas is ON!  Only 19 more days!  Hope you all enjoyed this DIY post.  Let me know in the comments below what are some of your favorite holiday DIY’s.  Happy Holidays!