PAPER MACHE REINDEER

Paper Mache Reindeer are easy to make and fun for kids to paint.  To make reindeer you will need the following materials ~

2 different size cardboard tubes, one a bit smaller for head.  You can make reindeer any size you like. The tubes I used were 2 inch and 1 inch.

Glue Gun (you can use tacky or another strong glue but you will have to hold the head in place to let it dry a bit, glue gun works best here), masking tape, scissor, sharp knife, large needle or kitchen metal skewer (something to poke holes in reindeer with), white paint or Gesso, dowels or lollypop sticks for legs  (wood or cardboard), twigs for antlers, any size you like, fancy or simple.  Liquid starch for paper mache which can be found at most large markets or Smart and Final.

I like to use acrylic paints on paper mache but you can also use tempera or poster paints.  Tempera is a little too chalky looking so I prefer acrylics.  You can buy those little 2 ounce bottles at any craft store and they work great.  If you are working with kids, be sure to tell them it's okay to paint their reindeer any way they choose...even blue with stripes.

Mark and cut your body and head pieces.  I use a sharp knife for cutting most cardboard as it's easier than scissors but be careful.  For these reindeer, the body was cut 6 inches long and the head, 3.  Next you need to cut circles out of tag board or cardboard to fit and close the ends of your tube pieces.  Tape in place with masking tape.  Now you can cover both pieces with a layer of paper mache.  I prefer torn newspaper strips dipped in liquid starch but you can use a different method if you prefer, such as water and glue which drives me nuts.  After dry, paint white with Gesso.  You can use a white acrylic paint or even a white house paint but I like Gesso and if you do a lot of paper mache, you will see it covers the best.  

After Gesso is dry, with sharp knife, poke small holes where legs will go.  Better to make hole too small and force the leg in a bit, it will be more secure.  When all 4 dowels are in place you can add some hot glue or tacky glue around the area where legs are inserted, for extra security. 

Cut about a 1/2" slit in the head where you will be attaching it to the body about 1/2" from one end.  Open the cut up a bit with your knife so it will fit on to the body piece.  Put some hot glue around the cut and to the end so it will stick to the body.  Place the head on the body as shown in the photo and hold it in place a bit till dry. If you prefer, you can skip making the head at a bit of an angle and just glue it on straight to the body as shown in the very first picture.  It works and is a little easier.

To add antlers, poke 2 small holes in top of head about 1/2" apart.  A large needle will work but I like those little metal skewers used for closing your turkey. Be careful as this little guy is not that strong.  Work your twigs in and after adjusting them a bit, add some hot glue to make them secure, 

Ready for painting.  I prefer acrylics and if you want to you can add a clear gloss acrylic finish. If kids are painting be sure to encourage them to paint their deer any colors they choose and have fun.  You can add pom pom for nose, eyes, and glitter as well.