This DIY clothespin reindeer ornament idea is so cute! I love how easy this is to make and how it is also great to add to your tree. Of course, you know I love that it is repurposing something you have on hand.
A bit of brown paint, a red nose, and some ribbon, and you have a fun new Rudolf ornament for the tree this year!
While having your kids help make these this year, you'll want to whip up a batch of these reindeer rice crispies treats. So yummy, easy, and perfect for a reindeer ornament crafting session!
Jump to:
- Clothespin Reindeer Ornaments
- Can I Add This to My Christmas Tree?
- Can I Use Old-Fashioned Clothespins Too?
- How Can I Display These Off the Christmas Tree?
- Supplies Needed
- How to Make Clothespin Reindeer
- Video Tutorial:
- Printable Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial:
- Materials
- Tools
- Instructions
- Notes
- Recommended Products
Clothespin Reindeer Ornaments
When I initially made these cute little reindeer out of clothespins, I didn't think about using them as an ornament on the tree. I just thought they were cute and would be fun to add amongst my other decorations.
Then, I was suddenly inspired to add a ribbon and turn them into an ornament. So, while not all of the pictures don't show them on a tree, it is still a great idea to turn into an ornament.
They look great on the tree alongside my fun little cinnamon stick reindeer ornaments. You might also want to just sit them on the counter around these fun clay pot reindeer Christmas decorations I made recently.
I love the addition of Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer to my holiday decor. Even for adults, it brings a reminder of childhood, silly songs, and the magic of Christmas!
Can I Add This to My Christmas Tree?
Yes! As mentioned above, you can definitely add this clothespin reindeer to your Christmas tree. Just add a loop of ribbon on the back for hanging. You can also wrap the pipe cleaner around the middle and attach it to a tree branch.
Of course, depending upon the type of tree you have, you may even be able to simply sit the reindeer clothespins into the branches, and they will stay there for you throughout the holidays.
They aren't quite as rustic as this method of turning a pine cone into a reindeer, but they are still great on the tree. I think they look great next to my 3D Santa and snowman ornaments. There is so much fun to be had with these little reindeer!
Can I Use Old-Fashioned Clothespins Too?
Of course you can! Sometimes, the old-fashioned clothespins make a craft look just a bit cuter. They don't clamp as easily to some surfaces, but they are still a great way to create this reindeer ornament idea.
If you have leftover clothespins after this craft, you can make this beautiful star clothespin lamp! It's so beautiful for the holidays, but it can also be used year-round. Paint them or leave them with wood grain and add a fun, homemade look to your decor.
Don't forget to check out these letters to Santa the kids can use this year to share their wishlist!
How Can I Display These Off the Christmas Tree?
I love that these reindeer clothespin ornaments are so versatile. Since they are flat on the bottom, they can easily be used to decorate anywhere, not just on the tree. I've shown several ideas in the pictures that you could use, but I have a few more that may be of use.
- Make 10 clothespin reindeer and set them up with some twine or ribbon to look like the team of reindeer in front of a small Santa's sleigh
- Put them around or in front of this Scandinavian gnome made from a sock.
- Use them with your elf in one of these great Elf on the Shelf ideas!
- Attach them to a length of string or twine and use as a way to hold Christmas cards you've received this year.
Make sure to have some fun treats on hand for the kids while you make these. I love the reindeer sugar cookies or reindeer treat bags as they fit this theme!
Supplies Needed
- Clothespins
- Brown paint
- Light brown pipe cleaners
- Red pom poms
- Small googly eyes
- Black permanent marker
- Yarn (I used blue)
- Hot glue gun and glue
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
How to Make Clothespin Reindeer
To begin making your clothespin reindeer, you will need to paint the clothespin(s) brown. I used basic craft paint and painted all sides and as much of the inside as possible. You can leave the bottom unpainted until it dries, then go back and paint it if wanted. This way, the paint can easily dry without smudging on anything.
Next, you will add the red pom pom nose to your reindeer.
Using the black marker, draw a line down the middle about ½" from the bottom of the clothespin to create legs.
Using the light brown pipe cleaner, form two antlers for your reindeer. I used about ¼ pipe cleaners for each antler.
Glue those into place.
Next, tie a length of ribbon or yarn around the middle to make a scarf.
Finally, add two small googly eyes for the eyes.
You can draw a smile if desired. If you want to hang this from the tree, add a loop of ribbon to the back.
Video Tutorial:
Printable Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial:
Charming DIY Clothespin Reindeer Ornaments
This fun clothespin reindeer is a great ornament for your holiday tree this year! Combine old clothespins, paint, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and your imagination to make Rudolf come to life!
Materials
- Clothespins (1 per reindeer)
- Brown paint
- Light brown pipe cleaners
- Red pom poms (1 per reindeer)
- Small googly eyes
- Black permanent marker
- Yarn or ribbon for scarf
Tools
- Hot glue gun and glue
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
Instructions
- Paint your clothespin brown;
- Set aside and allow to dry completely before moving on to the next step;
- Glue a red pom pom toward the top of the clothespin to become the nose;
- Draw a line about ½" from the bottom to create reindeer legs;
- Using ¼ of a pipe cleaner for each, create 2 small antlers for the reindeer;
- Secure these to the top back of the clothespin with hot glue;
- Tie a small ribbon or yarn just below the nose to create a scarf;
- Glue googly eyes in place at the top of the clothespin;
- You may add a loop of ribbon or twine to the back for hanging on the tree if desired;
- Display throughout the holiday season!
Notes
If you wish, you can write the 10 different reindeer names onto them and use black pom poms as noses on all but one. Making it Rudolf and his reindeers.
Recommended Products
Fun Etsy Reindeers (Affiliate Links)
Shawna
These are cute. I remember making them with my church group years ago. We made them for the elderly that couldn't make it to church. We would sing Christmas carols at their houses And give them ornaments.