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How to Make a 3D Reindeer Decoration

By: Katie23 Comments

You can make a fun 3D Reindeer Decoration to add to your holiday decor using your Cricut Explore Airt. Video tutorial below!

title image for How to Make a 3D Reindeer Decoration

When I was a little girl we had a 3D reindeer that was made of wood, I think my oldest sister painted it.

It was one of my very favorite decorations and I would put it together and take it apart over and over again. I

I couldn’t help but think of that reindeer decoration over and over again as I was in my studio crafting today. That memory is what inspired my own 3D Reindeer Decoration.

Do you love to make handmade Christmas decorations too?

Supplies Used

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3D Reindeer Decoration Video Tutorial

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How to Make a 3D Reindeer Christmas Decoration

This project started when I was browsing Cricut Design Space for some holiday inspiration. I came across this file called Deer Stand-up Icon. Isn’t he cute?

stand up deer from cricut design space

That is when I had my idea to trace the cut-out onto foam board to make him a bit more sturdy and dress him up with wrapping paper.

I wanted my reindeer as big as I could get it while still using my 12×12 cutting mat. I ended up stretching it to where the file would have to be cut out on two sheets of 12×12 cardstock. The body on one and the front and hind legs on the other.

stand up deer on cricut design space canvas

Here are my pieces once cut out. These became my pattern pieces.

stencil of 3d reindeer

I used my pattern pieces and traced around them onto my foam core board.

stencil traced onto foam core board

With a craft knife, I went around each line and cut the piece out. This was the most time-consuming part.

cut out 3d reindeer pieces out of foam core board

I did have to cut the slit on both of the leg pieces a little bit wider than marked, and when assembled my cute little reindeer already looks awesome!

blank 3d reindeer decoration

I decided to cover my reindeer with wrapping paper because I would need 4 sheets of matching scrapbook paper, and I wasn’t sure I had that. But I knew I had enough wrapping paper.

Did you know that you can run wrapping paper through your Cricut? You totally can, but I would recommend using a mat that doesn’t have a lot of stickiness left to it.

Wrapping paper is much thinner than regular paper and if you have a new or super sticky mat, it will be difficult to remove the wrapping paper without tearing it.

wrapping paper on a cricut cutting mat

Put your Cricut on the paper setting, and cut.

cricut explore paper setting

I kept my file the same size as my pattern pieces and just cut them out of the wrapping paper. Then I went back in and mirrored the file and cut out another set so I could cover both sides of the reindeer.

To adhere the wrapping paper pieces to the foam board,, I used Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive. I thought of using liquid glue, but I didn’t want my paper to bubble because it was wet. The spray adhesive worked perfectly.

wrapping paper applied to foam core board pieces using spray glue

To hide the stark white edges I applied some Red Glitter Glue all the way around each piece.

red glitter glue

I put a bead along all of the edges and spread it out using a thin paintbrush, only focusing on one small area at a time.

red glitter glue on the edges of the foam core board

To dry, I balanced each piece on top of a couple of acrylic paint jars. I did this so the glitter glue wouldn’t drip and dry the pieces to my table.

red glitter glue on the edges of the foam core board drying before assembly

I let the glitter glue dry overnight. The next morning I assembled my majestic reindeer, Prancer. I couldn’t be more pleased with how my 3D Decorative Deer turned out.

assembled 3d reindeer decoration for the holidays

What was your favorite Christmas decoration you played with growing up? Share and leave a comment below!

3D Reindeer Decoration 20
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How to Make a 3D Reindeer Decoration

You can make a fun 3D Reindeer Decoration to add to your holiday decor using your Cricut Explore Airt.

Materials

  • Cricut Explore Air
  • Foam Board
  • Holiday Wrapping Paper
  • Craft Knife
  • Spray Adhesive
  • Red Glitter Glue

Instructions

  • Cut stencil pieces out of cardstock using your Cricut Explore Air.
  • Trace around stencil pieces onto the foam core board.
  • Cut pieces out with a sharp craft knife.
  • Cut wrapping paper on Cricut Explore using a mat that is not super sticky.
  • Adhere the wrapping paper pieces to the foam board using Spray Adhesive.
  • Apply Red Glitter Glue around the edges of the foam core board pieces.
  • Let dry.
  • Assemble.

Love reindeer? These DIY Plaid Fabric Reindeer are pretty awesome too!

Want to learn more about the possibilities of Cricut? Click here to purchase your own Cricut Cutting Machine!

mint cricut explore air 2

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Comments

  2. Sara says

    This is absolutely adorable! I’m having trouble finding this cut file on the cricut design space. I have searched every which way and cannot find Deer Standup Icon? Please help! I love this and want to make it so bad!

    Thanks, Sara

    Reply

  6. Create With Joy says

    Dear Katie,

    Every time I see your reindeer, it brings a smile to my face!
    Congratulations – I’m happy to announce that you are one of our Featured Guests at this week’s Inspire Me Monday Party #205 at Create With Joy!

    Hope you are having a blessed Christmas season! 🙂

    Reply

  11. Cheryl Fanning says

    Are you able to share the cricut Deer Stand-Up Icon #M524E46? They must have taken it down… I want to make one! Cheryl

    Reply

  12. Linda says

    Hi
    Could you please share this template? It seems to be the most beautiful shape and easiest to make.
    Would really appreciate x

    Reply

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