Learn how to make wine cork reindeer, a cute Christmas craft for both kids or adults! Turn them into ornaments, place cards, decor, or gift toppers. So easy!

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never made anything before, you can make a cork reindeer. You’ll need to know how to use a craft knife as well as a hot glue gun. The rest is simple.

In normal, everyday life, I’m not necessarily a fan of having cutesy crafts around my home. Don’t get me wrong, I make them for gifts (for those who love them) and I enjoy the process.

But I would say my decor style is definitely a combination of “cabin inspired” and “modern.” And to a certain extent, I’m a minimalist. I don’t like a lot of extras everywhere.

Having said that – the holidays are a time when all of that goes out the window. Christmas calls for bright colors and glitter! Polka dot wood stockings? Of course. A glitter Christmas sign? Yes please! Apothecary jars filled with candy? Where have you been all my life!

I also feel the holidays are a great time to bring back classic Christmas crafts and decor from the past: one of those being wine cork reindeer! Did you ever make these when you were little? We made these as ornaments in my kindergarten class.

While the originals are long gone, I’m here to show you how to make these cork reindeer again, with your own kids. But hey, if you don’t have children and want to make these for yourself . . . they are timeless!

Cork Reindeer

These cute wine cork reindeer are made in five simple steps. You’re going to cut the corks, glue them together, add the nose, add the antlers, then add the eyes and tie. Before we get started, here are a few frequently asked questions about this project.

How do I cut wine corks?

A craft knife is best, but if you don’t have one, it’s okay. Simple boil the corks in water for 5 – 10 minutes, then they cut easier with a regular knife (but make it sharp!).

How do I clean wine corks?

You have a few options. You can simply rinse them off. You can also bathe them in a solution of hot water and a splash of hydrogen peroxide overnight to sanitize and bleach them a little bit. You might not lose the wine staining completely, but the wine corks will be completely clean.

Do I have to use hot glue?

A lot of you have young kids, and hot glue guns are a little scary. Well, there’s no time like the present to teach your kid glue gun safety and usage! But also, AdTech makes an ultra low temp glue gun that is great for kids. Check it out. Obviously all glue guns require parental supervision based on packaging age requirements.

If you don’t use hot glue, you can still do this project with craft glue, but you’ll have to hold the corks together while the glue sets. The project will take a lot longer, but it can be done.