It all started one afternoon when I noticed a small stash of wine corks piling up in a kitchen drawer. I’d been saving them for something crafty, but never quite knew what—until I saw a photo of the cutest little reindeer made from corks, pipe cleaners, and some black beads. That was it! I pulled out the glue gun, found some red pom-poms, and got to work. What began as a random idea turned into one of my favorite holiday projects ever—easy, fun, and surprisingly adorable.
Cork Reindeer YouTube Video Tutorial
What I like about this one is that the hardest part is already done for you. You saved the corks. Everything else is small, cheap stuff you probably have in a drawer somewhere.
It’s also a craft that looks better in a group. One little reindeer is cute. A tiny herd of them lined up along a shelf or a windowsill is the thing people actually stop and comment on.
And they’re quick. Once you get the hang of the first one, the rest go fast, which makes this a good project for a slow afternoon in December when you want something easy to do with your hands.
A DIY wine cork reindeer is not only a great way to recycle, but it’s also perfect for a quick and budget-friendly holiday crafting. You only need a few supplies—most of which you probably already have at home—and there’s no sewing or special skills required. Kids love making them, and even adults will find it hard not to smile as they bring each little reindeer to life with its own personality and twisty pipe cleaner antlers.
This DIY reindeer is a creative, eco-friendly craft that’s perfect for those who have Christmas as their favorite holiday. It doesn’t even matter if it’s still too early for Christmas projects, and it doesn’t hurt to make them in advance!
RELATED: Easy DIY Wine Cork Christmas Tree
One of the best parts about making a wine cork reindeer is how easy and customizable they are. Whether you want a classic Rudolph with a shiny red nose or a whole herd of unique reindeer with different antler shapes and scarf colors, the options are endless.
Beyond being a cute holiday project, this cork reindeer also makes a thoughtful handmade gift, a cute place card holder, or even a whimsical tree ornament. They’re a great way to recycle corks and get into the festive spirit without spending a lot. So gather your supplies, turn on some holiday music, and enjoy a cozy afternoon crafting your own little reindeer crew!
▶ Watch this tutorial on TikTok
Craft Supplies Needed
- Wine corks (saved, rinsed, and dry)
- Brown pipe cleaners for the antlers
- White pipe cleaners for the little ear tufts
- Small red pom poms for the noses
- Small black beads for the eyes
- Thin red ribbon for the scarves
- Twine, if you want to hang yours as ornaments
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- A craft knife or small serrated knife for cutting the corks, plus a cutting mat
How to Make Wine Cork Reindeer
Step 1: Cutting the Wine Cork
Cut a wine cork in half lengthwise, then slice each half in half again to create four equal pieces.
Step 2: Forming the Body of the Reindeer
Cut a small piece off one end of a wine cork—this will be the reindeer’s head. Use a whole cork for the body. Hot glue the head onto the body, then attach the quarter cork pieces to the bottom of the body as legs.
Step 3: Preparing the Antlers
Cut a light brown pipe cleaner into three small pieces and set them aside. Take a dark brown pipe cleaner and shape it into an antler. Repeat to make a second one.
Step 4: Attaching the Tail and Antlers
Hot glue the two small light brown pipe cleaner pieces to the back of the reindeer’s head. Attach the third piece to the back of the body for the tail. Then, glue the antlers just behind the light brown pieces on the head.
Step 5: Finishing the Reindeer
For the nose, use a red pom-pom or shape a red glittery pipe cleaner into a small circle. Finish by tying a piece of ribbon around the reindeer’s neck like a scarf.
Pro Tips 💡
- Secure corks with a toothpick for extra hold. You can insert a toothpick between the head and body before gluing to make the connection more stable.
- Add personality! Tiny buttons, bells, or mini wreaths make great accessories if you want to take your reindeer to the next level.
- Want your reindeer to stand? Make sure the legs are cut evenly and glued at the same height. You can lightly sand the bottom of the leg pieces for balance.
Ways To Change Them Up
Swap the ribbon color and you get a completely different look. Plaid reads cozy, plain white reads a little more modern, and a skinny gold ribbon makes them feel dressed up.
Give one of them a red nose and the rest brown noses, and you’ve got Rudolph and the crew. Kids love picking which one is which.
You can also tie a loop of twine behind the antlers and hang them on the tree instead of standing them up. Same reindeer, different job.
Make a few extra while you’re set up. They tuck into a gift bag, sit on top of a wrapped present as a tag, or go out as little handmade favors, and nobody guesses the whole thing started as a drawer full of corks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wine corks do I need for one reindeer?
Plan on about three. One whole cork becomes the body, one becomes the head, and one gets cut into short pieces for the legs. Save more than you think you need, because once you make one you’ll want a whole set of them.
Is this a good craft to do with kids?
Yes, with one grown-up job. Cutting the corks needs a sharp blade, so that part stays with you. Kids can twist the pipe cleaner antlers, place the pom pom noses, and tie the little ribbon scarves, which is honestly the fun half anyway.
Where do I get wine corks if I don’t save them?
Ask around first. Friends and neighbors usually have a jar of them and are glad to hand it over. Craft stores and online shops also sell bags of corks if you’d rather just start with a pile and get going.
Can I hang these on the Christmas tree?
You can. Tie a small loop of twine behind the antlers and it hangs like any other ornament. They’re light enough that even a thin branch holds one without drooping.
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Easy DIY Wine Cork Reindeer
