How to Make a Clothespin Reindeer Ornament

In this post, you’ll learn how to make a classic Clothespin Reindeer ornament for your Christmas tree. This easy Christmas craft is perfect for kids and adds a handmade touch to the holidays. With just a few simple supplies, little hands can turn an ordinary clothespin into the cutest reindeer ornament—fun for home, school, or a family crafting night.

If you like this craft, you may also enjoy our Three French Hens Clothespin Ornament.

Clothespin Reindeer Ornament

Last year, my mother-in-law mailed us a box filled with my husband’s childhood Christmas ornaments. Tucked between the handmade candy canes, snowmen, and Santas was the sweetest 1970’s clothespin reindeer with a green pom-pom nose. We instantly loved it.

Inspired by that memory, I decided it would be fun for my children to make a new version just like their daddy’s. With only a handful of inexpensive craft supplies, these wooden peg reindeer make a thoughtful gift, and they look adorable hanging on the tree or tied onto Christmas presents.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

This clothespin reindeer craft is a fun holiday activity that’s easy for kids, sparks creativity, and helps them build skills while making a festive ornament.

Here are even more reasons to love it:

• Quick and low-mess – Perfect for busy families looking for an easy craft.
• Inexpensive supplies – Only a few basic materials are needed to make this craft.
• Kid-friendly – Easy enough for preschoolers, but fun for older kids too.
• Versatile – Works well for home, school, or holiday parties.
• Keepsake ornament – Makes a sweet handmade reindeer ornament to treasure.
• Creativity boost – Decorating the clothespin reindeer encourages imaginative design.
• Fine motor practice – Painting, gluing, and adding small pieces strengthens little hand muscles.
• Focus and patience – Following the steps helps kids practice attention and careful work.
• Confidence building – Kids feel proud seeing their finished ornament on the tree.

To Make This Reindeer Ornament You Will Need

Gather the supplies below and you’ll be ready to make your own clothespin reindeer ornament in just a few minutes.

• Antler Printable
• Wooden clothespins
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes
• Small wiggly eyes
• Small pom poms
• Brown felt
• Tacky craft glue
• Craft ribbon (1/8 inch)
• Holly stickers
• Scissors

Reindeer Clothespin Ornament Directions

Follow the simple steps below to turn plain clothespins into an adorable reindeer ornament for your Christmas tree.

STEP 1: Lightly sand the clothespins. Lightly sand each clothespin to smooth any rough spots or splinters, especially along the inside edges. This will help the reindeer ornament look neat and keep little hands safe while crafting.

STEP 2: Paint the clothespins. Next, paint all three clothespins with a coat of brown paint, covering each side evenly. Let them dry completely before you move on so your reindeer has a nice, finished look.

STEP 3: Glue two clothespins together. Then, glue two of the clothespins together side by side, as pictured below. Press gently to help them stick, and allow the glue to set before continuing.

STEP 4: Attach the head and add a loop. Place a small dot of glue on top of the reindeer’s body. Then, lay the ribbon loop on the glue, and press the head firmly on top. Hold for a few seconds so both the head and loop stick securely.

STEP 5: Decorate the reindeer. Finally, add the finishing touches! Attach the felt antlers (you can use my free printable from the supplies list to trace them), then glue on the eyes and nose. Finish by adding a holly sticker for a festive touch.

STEP 6: Add the tail. Stand your reindeer upright and glue a small brown pom-pom onto the back as the tail. Once it’s dry, your clothespin reindeer ornament is ready to hang on the Christmas tree! If desired, write the year and your child’s name on the ornament with a paint pen.

Variations

Make it your own with these cute ideas!

• Change the antlers – Use twisted brown pipecleaners for the antlers!
• Make it jingle – Thread a small jingle bell through a ribbon and tie it around the reindeer’s neck instead of using a holly sticker.
• Save supplies – Use 1 clothespin in the back instead of 2.
• Keep it natural – Instead of painting the clothespins brown, leave them natural.

More Reindeer Crafts and Activities for Kids

Keep the holiday fun going with these festive reindeer crafts and activities! Perfect for classrooms, playdates, or cozy crafting at home.

• Twig Reindeer Ornament – Use small twigs to form a reindeer shape, then add eyes and a nose for a charming, nature-inspired ornament.
• Popsicle Stick Reindeer Ornament – Create a reindeer face using craft sticks, googly eyes, and a red pom-pom nose.
• Paper Reindeer Craft – Cut and assemble paper shapes to make a cute reindeer, ideal for preschoolers.
• Chocolate Reindeer Cookies – Decorate cookies with pretzel antlers and candy noses for a sweet holiday treat.
• Pine Cone Reindeer Ornament – Glue on googly eyes, a red nose, and pipe cleaner antlers to a pine cone for a rustic woodland ornament.
• Jar Lid Reindeer – Upcycle jar lids into a reindeer ornament, adding eyes, a nose, and antlers for a fun and easy craft.

Save This Craft

Save this craft on Pinterest using the image below!

This craft was originally published December 21, 2015.