Make A DIY 3D Cardboard Reindeer (With Free Templates)

My first December in Minnesota has me embracing my Scandinavian roots in a major way. Norwegian traditions like lefse-making, putting up straw ornaments, and watching for the nisse have always been a part of our family’s holiday celebration, but this year I’ve found Christmas inspiration in other places…

Taking style cues from petroglyphs in the Alta Fjord, I designed a simple cardboard reindeer out of basic shapes – similar to the stylized art made way, way, waaaay back in 4200 B.C.

The bold and bright decoration is influenced by the colorful styles of Scandinavia’s Sámi – the only indigenous people of Scandinavia. The Sámi have a long tradition of herding reindeer – helping them navigate their migration paths every year and protecting them (throughout all seasons) from an ever-growing list of dangers. 

Let Håkan introduce you to a true northern reindeer…

This artful project is a fun way for kids to decorate their own reindeer (and a great way to recycle a cereal box!) but it’s also sprinkled with nods to the cultures that have given these natural beauties the recognition and protection they deserve throughout the centuries.

One of the BEST ways we can help reindeer now is to learn more about them and support the people who have spent generations watching over these majestic mammals.

Smitten with this stylin’ reindeer? Save this template set to make fawns, does, or bucks for any season! Visit our cereal box deer tutorial to see how we reused this concept to make a little fawn covered in fresh spring blooms.

How to Make a 3D Cardboard Reindeer – DIY Instructions:

Cut out your cereal box sides and reindeer template pieces.

Cut two large sides of a cereal box. Download, print & cut out our large free reindeer template pieces. One set will make a reindeer that stands up tall, and the other will make a reindeer bending down to hunt for lichen.

Trace each template onto a folded cereal box side.

Fold both cereal box sides in half with the printed side facing OUT. Line the long edge of each template piece up at the fold in your box sides and trace each reindeer template piece onto each side.

Cut out your cardboard reindeer pieces.

Cut out your cereal box pieces along the traced lines, but DON’T cut at the fold.

With your cereal box pieces cut, open them up, and fold them to the reverse, so the brown cardboard side faces toward you. We’ll leave the body piece open, but glue the head piece together with craft glue so it’s flat.

Decorate!

Decorate your reindeer with art and craft supplies! I used black washi tape, strips of colorful foam sheets, and scrap paper, but you can use nature supplies, office label stickers, holiday wrapping supplies – anything you have around!

You can use paper scraps, paint, or a marker to make an eye and nose. Use cereal box scraps to cut simple ears and a tail.

Cut a short line at the top of the main reindeer body piece.

Cut a short line at the fold in your body piece. This is where we’ll insert the neck of the headpiece and glue in the next couple of steps.

Add stick legs with a glue gun.

Using four sticks that are equal in length (an adult might need to help trim them up) add two to one side of your reindeer body. These will be the legs! Try to make sure the bottom of your sticks are evenly aligned – this will keep your reindeer standing steady.

Once dry, flip over and add your other two legs. Again, you’ll want to make sure the bottom of the legs lines up with the first two so your reindeer stands up.

Insert the headpiece and glue to secure

Slide the “neck” of your reindeer into the cut at the top fold of the body and secure with a little craft glue or hot glue.

Add twig antlers!

This is the step that truly turns your cereal box assemblage into a reindeer! Use a hot glue gun to glue a twig or two to the top of your reindeer’s head.

Truly a MAGNIFICENT cardboard reindeer. The combination of graphic and natural elements makes for a unique handmade addition to any winter windowsill, holiday tablescape, or other spots your reindeer might like to stop and pose for the paparazzi.

During the snowy months, this majestic reindeer craft makes a fantastic easy DIY classroom pet or winter dramatic play prop.

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