Christmas is my favorite holiday, it’s my favorite time of year and I love making special ornaments for friends and family. Ever since Abby was born, we have made family, teachers, coaches, all her special people, an ornament for Christmas. As she’s gotten older, the ornaments have grown from popsicle stick trees to really creative thumbprint ornaments.
As I started thinking of what ornaments we would make for this year, I realized I hadn’t ever shared our cute thumbprint ornaments! These ornaments are so much fun to make plus super easy and it creates a truly unique ornament and gift. And it’s perfect for “art class” or just a fun way to spend another afternoon making memories at home right now during the pandemic.
I’m excited to finally share these with all of you!
I actually have a series of the thumbprint ornaments, I have made a few varieties and wanted to give each one it’s own post so make sure to check back over the next couple of days to see all the different thumbprint ornaments we have made!
Today we are sharing the super cute Reindeer Ornament.
Now I’ll admit, the first time I tried this, I was such a newbie and was just attempting to be a little creative.
These were my first attempt with the thumbprint reindeers. I used a simple, white, small ornament. They turned out cute and Abby was so proud of them! These were made when she was in kindergarten.
Fast forward a few years and we decided to make the reindeers again, this time for her cheer coaches! This time, I went all out, I had learned new things and I had fun making these!
We definitely upgraded!!
Sparkly (instructions for the glitter ornaments HERE), all eight reindeer plus Rudolph. Oh yes, I definitely improved over the years!
These are super simple to make and are super cute to give as gifts for family, close friends, etc.
Supplies:
- Clear Ornaments (your choice of size and if they are glass or plastic. The bigger ones do work better). *The ones I used in the pictures are glass.
- Brown Paint
- Red Paint
- plate or paint palette for the paint.
- Black Sharpie
- Something to sit the ornaments on to allow the paint to dry (used my dixie cups again)
- Your child’s thumb
**Before creating the reindeer, make sure you have already made the ornaments glittery if you choose to. Glitter Ornament Instructions**
Put some brown paint on a plate, a piece of paper, anything really that allows plenty of room for the child to dab their thumb in the paint. I say “dab” because you don’t want an excessive amount of paint. Just enough to really coat the thumb.
Next, pick a starting point! There’s no wrong way to do this. You’re going to place the thumbprints spaced around the ornament however you like. I normally just have a random pattern. Just whatever looks good!
Make sure you have enough room for 9 little reindeer!
Once you have 9 little thumbprints, set the ornament to allow time to dry. *thumbprints do not have to be perfect nor match perfectly! If you do by chance have one that doesn’t quite have enough paint, carefully place the child’s thumb back over the same spot and add a little more paint.
Once dry: Take the sharpie and add noses and antlers! Don’t forget to leave one reindeer to make Rudolph! Now, for Rudolph’s nose, I just too the end of my paintbrush, dipped it in the red paint and then made a dot on the thumbprint.
To be a little more creative, you can add a pretty ribbon, add names with the sharpie as I did with the coaches to make it more personalized (**If you choose to add a name, do this FIRST).
And now you have cute little reindeer thumbprint ornaments!
Ready to try another one?
Head HERE to see my favorite thumbprint ornaments so far!
So creative and those ornaments are really festive. They are so nice and although you make it seem simple you have done a masterful job and they take real talent to make them so well.
Thank you so much!
Those are just adorable! I I like the glittery insides. I’ve seen these without the glitter but those are precious!
This is such a fun idea! I’m going to make these ornaments with my girls!
please share pictures if you do, we would love to see them! ♥
OMG you are killing me with the cuteness of this craft! Love it so much!
🙂 Thank you!
These are adorable! I am always looking for fun crafts to do with my daughter! Thanks!
Thank you! and you’re welcome!
What a unique and cute idea! I have friends that are always looking for fun holiday traditions to do with their little ones, I’m going to share this with them!!!
Thank you! I hope they have fun giving these a try!
Using your thumbprint is such an innovative idea. Those reindeers look so cute and adorable!
I love the idea. It’s so cute..! And so easy to make.
These are so cute. I’ve seen the thumbprint reindeer before, but I don’t think I’ve seen them on ornaments. This is such a great idea.
I love DIY crafts during this time of the year, it is a great way to bond with my girls as well.
these are so cute. my kids would love to make these.