Peanut was my test crafter to see if I could bring this project to the preschool for the kids to make. At five-and-a-half he did very well, but he's grown up imitating my stitching hands and probably does better at this kind of activity than most kids his age. While I think this is such a sweet reindeer, I'd like to say I've learned my lesson, and won't be asking my three and four-years-olds to try this. So I thought I'd share it here. It would be fairly easy for older kids.
I read about this project in an old craft magazine. There was no author and no pictures so I have no idea if this craft has a copy-right or not. I did a google search which led me to this glove reindeer, but I think it's safe to say mine is quite different.
Here's what we did:
Gather supplies: stretchy glove, fake fur, holiday craft berries, black beads, brown scrap felt for ears, white for eyes, matching thread, wool for stuffing and a bit of fabric for a scarf (or maybe knit one).
Start by stuffing the four fingers with wool. These will become the antlers. Once they are somewhat firm, tie the index and middle fingers together at the base with your matching thread. Repeat with the other two fingers.
Next stuff the hand portion of the glove which will become the head and tie that off at the wrist of the glove. The thumb should have no stuffing at all.
Trim all the loose threads. Next, wrap the thumb around to what will be the back of the head. Secure in place with needle and thread passing completely to the front-or face-of the reindeer.
When you pull the needle to the front, stitch through one of your small circles of white felt (the white of the eye) and stitch on one of the black beads for the eye. Repeat for other side.
Cut the brown felt into two, one-and-a-half inch long tear drops with a flat end. Fold the narrow end in half and stitch together.
Then attach to glove directly below the antlers on either side.
Cut a one-inch square piece of the fake fur and stitch into place between the antlers.
Guess I forgot to photograph the last two steps...next add the nose. Pull one of the holiday berries from the batch leaving the wire stem in place. Poke the stem of the berry through the front of the face and once it reaches the back, crimp it and secure the wire by bending it back into the reindeer.
Add scarf and you're done!
(With the mosaic maker I can make it look like we made more than one)
