Candy Cane Reindeer Kits

Lets start with the less expensive of the two kits, the candy cane reindeer.

Candy Cane Reindeer Kit

This is the kit. It is best to do this assembly line style. Count up the number of kids that you need to make kits for and figure out how many you need of each piece. Then cut all of the pieces of pipe cleaners and put them in two piles. Cut a few extra. Kids find creative ways to lose things. I used brown chenille for this kit. In each kit you will need

1 6in piece of pipe cleaner

2 2in pieces of pipe cleaners

1 candy cane

1 tiny black pompom

2 googly  eyes

1 tiny jingle bell.

4 glue dots

I unrolled the glue dots and started putting on the pieces.  Two eyes, one pompom, and one bell. Once I get a couple of sets on the roll, I tear off what I need for each kit. When I sit down to assemble the kits I have a pile of long pipe cleaners, a pile of short pipe cleaners, a pile of candy canes and a pile of glue dot sheets with eyes, a nose and a bell..because every reindeer needs a jingle bell.

Finished kit

This isn’t the best photo but I found super cute bags to put the kits in this year. The last time I did this the kits were assembled in clear zip lock bags. I remember making candy cane reindeers as a kid. It was so frustrating. The little eyes were tiny. We had to use elmer’s school glue and they just slid all over the plastic wrapper on the candy cane. I don’t think I ever got my nose to stay on.  Glue dots are awesome. There is no mess. The teacher does not need to get anything out to do this project, Everything that the kids need is in the bag. As soon as the kids place the eyes and nose on the reindeer, they are on there. There is no need to wait for anything to dry. The reindeer are easy to make. All you need is one adult in the class to lead them along. I’ll give you the basic directions though.

step one

Take the pipe cleaner and bend it in half. Slip the crook of the candycane through the bend in the pipe cleaner and twist it until it is secure.

step two

Bend the pipe cleaners up. You are making the main branch of the antlers.

step three

Take the two short pieces of pipe cleaners and twist one around each side of the antlers.

Step Four: The fun bit

Have the kids peel off the eyes, bell and nose one piece at a time and stick them to the candy cane in the appropriate places.

Voila! One Candy Cane Reindeer. I went with the black nose. I thought about making the noses red, but I firmly  believe there should only be one Rudolph. :p If you are feeling particularly difficult,  go ahead and make one of the kits with a red nose, although you may want to check with the teacher first. If you go that route, the kids should draw the kits out of a bag randomly. Another option is that Rudolph could be awarded as a prize in a game. I’m pretty sure though that if you do this, you’ll lose any brownie points that you scored in making the kits in the first place.

I do not recommend tossing Rudolph in to the middle of the room and letting the kids the scramble for him.

When you send in the kits, always send in a few extra, or send in extra parts. That way if a candy cane gets broken, there are a few extra to go around. Ditto on the pipe cleaners, googly eyes and noses. I dont do the extra pieces as kits though. I just do a small sheet of noses, a small sheet of eyes and a small sheet of bells. That way, if someone needs an extra piece, whoever is in charge can just tear of what is needed. There is no reason why the kid that sits in front of the class clown needs to get on the bus with googly eyes and a pompom nose stuck to the back of his shirt. I’m just sayin’…

If you are wondering how this particular project relates to beading, the reindeer have “beady” eyes. I know its weak, but its all I’ve got.