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Home > Candy Cane
Crafts
Candy Cane Reindeer
 Children
of all ages absolutely adore the candy cane. This confection is one
of the truest signs that Christmas is just around the corner. The
difference with candy canes today is they are appealing to almost
everyone, since peppermint is no longer the only flavor they can be
found in. With deep red cinnamon, bright pink cherry, white and
green spearmint, dark blue berry, and many more varieties, the candy
cane is a treat anyone can eat.
Candy canes don’t have to just be for eating, though. Oftentimes we
have more of these sweets than we can use during the whole year! So,
why not use them in craft projects? There are very simple craft
projects that you can make with these curved sticks that even the
youngest of children can do!
This craft is a favorite with children. It doesn’t matter how old
your child is – this craft will be age-appropriate. Even a two year
old, with a bit of help, will have a grand time making their very
own reindeer out of a candy cane.
What you will need:
 •
Candy Canes (All red and white or offer a wide variety of colors)
• Hot Glue Gun or White School Glue
• Various Colored Pom-poms
• Brown Pipe Cleaners
• Googly Eyes
• Christmas Colored Ribbon (optional)
• Mini Bell (optional)
Instructions:
Step One: Have the children each pick a candy cane. (If you are
offering a wide variety of colors, it is best if you have enough of
each color for everyone. When the first child picks their color,
depending on the age of your group, the rest may decide that is the
color they want, too. It is best to have enough that it is okay when
this occurs.)
 Step
Two: Give each child one long, brown pipe cleaner. Have them wrap it
around the crook of the candy cane so that both sides are equal.
Twist the pipe cleaner tightly above the top of the cane.
Step Three: Have the children put just a touch of glue under the
twisted pipe cleaner.
Step Four: Let the kids bend the pipe cleaner into “antlers”.
 Many
kids will bend their pipe cleaner once, while others will make
elaborate shapes for their antlers. Anything the child does is okay!
Step Five: Have the kids put a dot of glue on a googly eye. Stick to
the side of the candy cane, just under the antlers. Do a second eye
on the other side of the candy cane. These should be toward the
shorter side of the candy cane, not the long stick side.
Step Six: Allow the children to pick out a pom-pom. Have them put a
dot of glue on it. (The children can choose any color they like,
with black and red being the most common choices. As with the candy
canes, make sure you have enough of each color for all the children
doing the craft.) Stick the pom-pom at the end of the shorter side
of the candy cane for the nose.
Set aside and allow the craft to dry completely. Once dry, you will
have your very own candy cane reindeer!
Optional steps:
Step Seven: Take a piece of ribbon and tie it behind the antlers.
Create a loop of ribbon for hanging the reindeer on your Christmas
tree.
Step Eight: Take a piece of ribbon and tie a bow around the
reindeer’s neck.
Step Nine: On a piece of ribbon, tie a mini bell around the
reindeer’s neck.
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