Guest Author - Deborah L. Kompare
One theme that comes around each Christmas season is reindeer. I think that reindeer are a good �transition� idea because this theme can start the season and carry through until the end of winter. There are some great ways to �honor� this holiday character.
One way is to craft ornaments of reindeer. This could be something as simple as using construction paper and making a reindeer. You could use a tracing of the child�s foot for the face and their hand tracing for the antler�s. Also, another simple idea is using a candy cane and twisting brown pipe cleaners around it for antlers and decorating it. Check out pictures and instructions for both of these ideas at DLTK Kids. There is a whole page devoted to reindeer crafts.
One of the cutest ideas I have seen for reindeer ornaments is at AllFreeCrafts.com. The ornament is made using a small clay pot as the reindeer head. It is a craft recommended for older children, but younger ones could probably manage it with adult supervision. The link is at the end of this article.
Clay is always a fun medium to use. I have included a pattern from Sculpey at the end of this article. The pattern is more for older children, but it is very cute. I think I�ll try to encourage my eight year old to give it a try and see how it works out.
Reindeer need to eat, don�t they? There are so many different ideas on having packets or reindeer food to make. Some involve things like glitter or confetti, but I would prefer to go natural. Why not make up a bag of reindeer food to sprinkle on the yard for them? You could try things like oatmeal, chopped nuts, raisins, etc. Whatever the reindeer don�t eat, I�m sure our feathered and furry friends would be happy with the leftovers!
Along the same lines as the reindeer food, there is always something that follows it-reindeer poop. You could put some small chocolate pieces, chocolate covered nuts or other similar items into a bag and that could be your reindeer poop. If you have a Girl Scout troop, finding a cute poem to go with this, or making a small label, would complete this project as a S.W.A.P. for a holiday event.
I have made some really cute reindeer cookies to pass out at school, but with growing food allergies, this is something to consider. I have made the cookies using a basic peanut butter cookie recipe, but gingerbread might work as well. You use the small, twisted pretzels for the antlers, and then either candy coated chocolate pieces for the nose and eyes, or wait for the cookie to bake and use a gum drop for nose and some icing for the eyes. These were a big hit with kids and adults-Santa likes his with a big glass of cold mile!
I hope you have some fun crafting some reindeer for the season. Please stop by the forum and let us know how your projects turn out. It�s always great to hear from you.
Happy Holiday Crafting!
