How to Make a 3D Reindeer Christmas Decoration

Learn how to make a 3D Reindeer Holiday Decoration that will add to your holiday decor. An easy DIY tutorial idea that is a perfect Christmas Craft.

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 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.

I love to make my own decorations for Christmas because it gives me time to think and reminisce of past Christmases.

Supplies Used: Some links may be too similar items when exact items couldn’t be found online.

• Cricut Explore
• Foam Board
• Holiday Wrapping Paper
• Craft Knife
• Multi-Purpose Spray Adhesive
• Red Glitter Glue

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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.

Put your Cricut on the paper setting, and cut.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

If you liked this post you can find more DIY craft ideas in my Christmas Gallery.