How to Make a Cute Reindeer Christmas Tree Ornament

Homemade Christmas Ornament Gift: Rudolph the Light Bulb

If you have brain block where there should be Christmas gift ideas, why not make that special person on your list a homemade Christmas ornament gift? Nothing says you care like a gift that you put time and creativity into, and nothing is cuter than a homemade Christmas ornament gift that looks like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

I didn't receive my Rudolph ornament as a homemade Christmas ornament gift; I bought him from one of the nice garden club ladies who sell their wares during Johnson City, Texas' Lights Spectacular event each holiday season. (You can read all about it in Johnson City, Texas' Free Holiday Events when you're finished learning how to make this homemade Christmas ornament gift.)

I instantly loved this Rudolph Christmas ornament because he was so cute and unique, but also because he was made out of a light bulb. How ironic is it that a reindeer "with a nose so bright" would actually be made from a light bulb? OK, well I thought this idea for a homemade Christmas ornament gift was really creative.

To make this homemade Christmas ornament gift, you will need:

One light bulb (Why not recycle one that has burned out into a homemade Christmas ornament gift?)

Craft paint in dark brown, light brown, black and white as well as a paintbrush

Brown paper-covered wire for Rudolph's antlers (Check your hobby store.)

A sprig of artificial greenery about 2 or 3 inches long

A seasonal embellishment such as a miniature pinecone with holly leaves to give your homemade Christmas ornament gift that little something extra

Narrow red ribbon about 7 inches long to make a loop from which Rudolph will hang

A small piece of brown felt for Rudolph's ears (about 4 inches by 1 inch)

A fuzzy red craft ball about the size of a marble for Rudolph's nose

A hot glue gun and some hot glue sticks to hold Rudolph together

Now that you've gathered all the materials you need for this homemade Christmas ornament gift, it's time to get started. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

Rudolph's Face

Paint the entire light bulb with the dark brown paint. Let it dry.