One of my most favorite family traditions is making handmade ornaments just around Christmas time. We create one for our own tree (naturally) and give the others away to our family members as part of their Christmas gift. And since reindeer crafts go hand-in-hand with the holidays, we decided to create these adorable reindeer ornaments.
These simple ornaments were made using small pieces of driftwood we collected on the beach near our family cottage so they definitely have sentimental meaning. We do have a bit of a driftwood obsession as you might discover from our other DIYs. These include a full-sized driftwood Christmas tree (yes, that’s right, I said full-sized) and a quirky driftwood nightstand (which ironically resembles reindeer legs!) to name a few. But they can just as easily be made with cut down twigs, popsicle sticks and even cinnamon sticks! There are so many possibilities with these simple reindeer crafts.
We couldn’t resist making a family of reindeer with different sized driftwood pieces.
This simple Christmas craft idea is part of the Remodelaholic #CreativeChristmas challenge.
You’ll find links to all the inspiring DIY Christmas ideas at the end of this post. In addition, there’s over a dozen Christmas crafty videos in this fun YouTube playlist. So grab a coffee and enjoy!
Supplies Needed to Make these Reindeer Crafts with Driftwood:
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- X3 driftwood pieces ranging in size approx. 4”-5” long (2 pieces that form the face should be about the same length, the 3rd piece can be a bit shorter than the other 2)
- Decoart Multi-Surface Satin Acrylic Paint in Lipstick, Black Tie and Cotton Ball
- X1 larger crafting wood circle, 1” diameter
- X2 smaller crafting wood circle, ¼” diameter
- Glue gun and clear hot glue gun sticks
- Small sized, flat bristle acrylic paint brush and fine tip paint brush
- Baker’s Twine or any thin cotton twine
- Scissors
How to Make a Reindeer Ornament with Driftwood:
Paint all sides of the larger sized wood circle in Lipstick. This makes the reindeer’s nose. Put it aside to dry fully.
Paint all sides of the smaller sized wood circle in Black Tie. Let them dry fully before moving on to the next step.
Using a fine tip paint brush, dip the brush into Cotton Ball and add a small white dot to each small black painted wood circle. These are the reindeer’s eyes.
Position the driftwood pieces into an upside triangle to form the reindeer’s face overlapping the “antlers” as shown. Using a hot glue gun, apply a dab of glue to the intersecting points and press the pieces together to set in place.
Add a dab of glue to the bottom of the triangle and glue the red nose in place over top of the triangle point.
Add a dab of glue to the back side of each eye and press in place onto the driftwood.
Cut the baker’s twine and attach the top of the reindeer for hanging.
Just like that, you have an adorable reindeer ornament that’s perfect for the Christmas tree or as a decorative gift tag. You could also pair them with these free printable Christmas gift tags and hang them with these decorative clothespins. Enjoy!
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More DIY Christmas Inspiration
We hope you’ve enjoyed these reindeer crafts. As promised, here are links to over two dozen ideas to get you in the holiday decorating spirit!
DIY Christmas Trees and Ornaments
Wintry Silver Dollar Store Christmas Tree Decor | Remodelaholic
Marbled Christmas Ornaments | Doodlecraft
Scrap Wood Inlay Ornaments | The Ugly Duckling House
Woodburned Wood Slice Ornaments | Sisters What
Flocked Pine Cones | Practical and Pretty
Abstract Monogram Ornaments | Domicile37
Concrete Christmas Ornaments | The Palette Muse
Wood Slice Deer Ornaments | Our Crafty Mom
Vintage Gumball Machine Ornaments | Beth Watson Design Studio
Etched Glass Ornaments | Just Call Me Homegirl
Unicorn Inspired Christmas Tree | The DIY Mommy
Driftwood Reindeer Ornaments | Sustain My Craft Habit (you’re here!)
DIY Christmas Gifts and Decor
Christmas Pine Hoop Wreath | This Mama’s Dance
Gingerbread Man Candles | Nourish and Nestle
Wire and Glass Chandelier | Home with Cupcakes and Crinoline
Christmas Scroll Wall Art | Grace In My Space
Lighted Wood Trees | Frazzled Joy
Crocheted Christmas Hat | Luz Patterns
Christmas Card Photo Display| Hertoolbelt
JOY Porch Sign | Ginger Snap Crafts
Folding Bar Cart Table | Everyday Party Magazine
Wood and Burlap Christmas Sign | Leap of Faith Crafting
Wood Block Snowman | Anika’s DIY Life
Holiday Candle Wrap | Dragonfly & Lily Pads
Christmas Pom Pom Pillow | Small Home Soul
Handlettered Wall Art | Smiling Colors
Toni | Small Home Soul
Friday 17th of November 2017
Seriously these are the best reindeer ornaments yet! I love the big eyes and the gigantic noses. So cute, now I just need to find some driftwood :D
Sarah
Sunday 12th of November 2017
These are so cute! I can see using driftwood to make lots of different kinds of ornaments too! Thanks for the ideas!
admin_craft
Wednesday 15th of November 2017
So very true, there are so many possibilities. We just need to get a little creative!
Lorene @Remodelaholic
Saturday 11th of November 2017
These are so cute! We are going on a beach vacation again next summer and now I know what to collect driftwood for!
admin_craft
Wednesday 15th of November 2017
Absolutely! I'd be taking an empty suitcase;) Enjoy your beach vacation!
Amy Pelzner
Saturday 11th of November 2017
What a sweet ornament to make with kids! Love that it's driftwood. Thanks for sharing!
admin_craft
Wednesday 15th of November 2017
It is a great ornament to make with the kids! I made a variation of these last year with my daughter and she gave them to her aunts.
lynn spencer
Saturday 11th of November 2017
So very cute! Looks just perfect on the outside of a giftbag...and ideal for your beach house Christmas tree. I live on the coast too, so need to ground up some driftwood.
admin_craft
Wednesday 15th of November 2017
Yes! How wonderful it must be to live on the coast. Make the most of it and collect that driftwood!