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Reindeer decoration

Make your own

60-90 mins  Medium

Christmas is the perfect time to get crafty – and this 3D reindeer decoration is sure to make plenty of spirits bright, made using the Brother ScanNCut machine

Equipment

Brother ScanNCut machine

Templates (download here)

Standard tack mat and auto blade

Cutting files or templates (provided)

Coloured card (shades of brown, cream, scraps of black, white, pink)

Pattern paper for blanket

Pom pom trim, ribbon, jingle bells, twine as desired for decoration

Gems for eyes

Adhesives: strong tape (red liner tape) and/or clear drying glue (cosmic shimmer)

“Stuff Rudolph’s belly full of small treats, for a secret (not so secret) hiding place.”

Method

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Step 23
Step 24
Step 25

Files

PDF template

Step 1

Import the cutting files into Canvas Workspace and send to your machine to cut the desired pieces (or download the files onto a memory stick and plug into your machine).

Step 2

Load Mat and cut the templates from your chosen coloured cardstocks as detailed above. Check you have all the pieces required.

Step 3

Take the 2 Antler pieces and slide into the 2 slots in the head piece as shown. Turn head piece over fold back Antler tabs to secure (use a dab of glue if desired).

Step 4

Fold the neck box section as shown, all mountain folds, adhere end tab to create a 4 sided box piece as shown.

Step 5

Next work on the long strip on the head piece, folding it round the bottom of the head and adhering the 2 tabs as you go, leave the end free for now.

Step 6

Go back to the neck piece and fold down at score line, adhering the 2 tabs as you work down the back of the head, folding the ears back gently as you go.

Step 7

Now add tape to the back of the loose strip section at front of neck.

Step 8

Adhere the front lose strip to the neck box section, line up so it is flush with the bottom, press tightly to secure, all as shown.

Step 9

Take the main body piece and mountain fold both leg sections along score lines, as shown.

Step 10

Mountain fold the 4 score lines as shown, this will begin to shape the body piece.

Step 11

Flip the section and fold the smaller leg pieces down, they will be folded in the opposite direction to the main legs, see photo.

Step 12

Take the head piece, bend the tabs slightly where scored and slide tabs into slots on main body piece as shown.

Step 13

Turn piece over and ensure tabs are pushed all the way through, then secure tabs using strong tape or glue.

Step 14

Add glue to inside leg section at one side, line up with outer legs and press to secure in place. Repeat for other side.

Step 15

Squeeze the chest section slightly to give it a slight curve then glue the chest tabs in position. you can slip a pencil into the body and use to press the tabs inside against your fingers on the outside for extra pressure to secure.

Step 16

Take the cream under body piece, line up the legs and glue into place.

Step 17

Glue the black hooves to all 4 legs, you will need 8 to cover the outside and inside pieces, ensure they are level so your reindeer can stand evenly.

Step 18

Layer up the 2 tail pieces and attach to end flap tab on body, lining up the score lines and bending into position.

Step 19

When Tail is piece is dry, add strong tape and / or glue to end flap , slide inside body piece, and line up edges to enclose it. Press and hold until it is firmly attached.

Step 20

Layer up the 2 chest trim pieces and attach tab to neck, lining up the score lines and bending into position.

Step 21

Glue the pink inner ears in place and the face stripe piece as shown. You can attach the face piece either way up.

Step 22

Layer up eyes, adding a blue gem for eye center if desired and attach to face, lining up each side. For fun you can glue a small red pompom to the nose (I have cut one from a piece of pompom trim).

Step 23

Optional – If you wish to add a blanket /saddle to your reindeer, then cut the shape from your chosen pattern paper and bend along the 2 score lines. Attach trim if desired using strong tape and / or glue (I’m using pom pom trim).

Step 24

Attach blanket to back of reindeer, I’ve used 3D foam pads, or you could leave loose so it can be removed if you prefer. Attach a ribbon round neck as a collar.

Step 25

Option To Decorate, Thread 2 jingle bells to twine and attach to ribbon collar, top with a decorative ribbon flower or bow.

Top tips

Use sturdy card to make sure your reindeer stands up – 300 gsm is ideal and can easily be cut using the ScanNCut.

If you don’t have any thick card, cut out two or three layers of thin card and layer up instead.

Don’t have a red pompom for Rudolph’s nose? Use a red jingle bell, round bead or ball of polymer clay instead.

Stuff Rudolph’s belly full of small treats, for a secret (not so secret) hiding place.

Don’t have a pompom trim? Use a pair of pinking shears for quick-and-easy scalloped edges to Rudolph’s blanket.

Keep the colour of Rudolph neutral (brown or kraft card is ideal) to emphasise the pattern on the blanket.

Feeling adventurous? Make nine reindeer, the 3D sleigh (also found in this Christmas Hub) and line up to decorate your house this holiday season!

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