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Pipe cleaner reindeer crafts are a joyful and hands-on Christmas activity that kids and adults will love.
These fuzzy little reindeer are simple to make, inexpensive, and perfect for decorating the house, classroom, or even gift boxes.
Using basic craft materials like pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and googly eyes, you can bring Rudolph and his friends to life in no time.
How to Make Pipe Cleaner Reindeer Crafts
They make wonderful keepsakes or ornaments—and since every reindeer can have its own personality, no two ever look the same.
Materials
- Brown pipe cleaners (about 6–8 per reindeer)
- Red pom-poms (for noses)
- Small brown or black pom-poms (for feet)
- Googly eyes
- White felt or foam (for ears)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Green or red cardstock (for display base, optional)
- Optional: white pipe cleaners for snow or colored ones for variety
Shop the materials
The steps
Step 1: Create the Body
Take one brown pipe cleaner and wrap it tightly around a pencil or your finger to form a spiral. This will be the reindeer’s body.
Slide it off gently and stretch it slightly so it looks like a spring—this gives your reindeer a fun, bouncy shape.
Step 2: Make the Head
Use another pipe cleaner to form a small circle about the size of a quarter. Twist the ends together to secure it, and glue a red pom-pom to the center for the nose.
Above that, glue on two googly eyes. Cut two small ovals from white felt or foam for ears and glue them behind the head for a cute touch.
Step 3: Add the Antlers
Take one or two brown pipe cleaners and twist them into branching shapes for antlers. You can make them simple with one curve or more detailed with little “points” by bending the ends. Glue or twist them onto the top of the head securely.
Step 4: Attach the Head to the Body
Glue the head onto one end of the coiled body. Hold it in place until the glue sets. The spring shape of the body gives your reindeer a little bounce, making it look full of life and charm.
Step 5: Make the Legs and Feet
Cut two pipe cleaners in half to create four short pieces. Twist each piece into a small “U” shape and glue them to the bottom of the body to form legs.
Add small brown or black pom-poms to the ends for hooves. Adjust the legs so your reindeer stands or sits upright.
Step 6: Add the Belly and Tail
Glue a large red pom-pom to the front of the body for a belly. For the tail, twist a tiny piece of brown pipe cleaner and glue it to the back—just a small detail that adds extra personality.
Step 7: Optional Finishing Touches
Mount your reindeer on a piece of green cardstock to make it stand securely, or turn it into an ornament by adding a small loop of ribbon to the top. You can also decorate the antlers with tiny beads, jingle bells, or glitter for a festive sparkle.
