How to Make a Reindeer Christmas Card

1. 1

   Step 1: Print the Reindeer Pop-Up Template on Brown Cardstock

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   Download the free reindeer template from the link in Matthew's video description. Print page one, the base card, on a pale sheet of cardstock. Print page two, the reindeer head and antlers, on brown cardstock. Any colour works, so a white or grey reindeer is fine too. Check that your printer is set to actual size, not fit to page, so the tabs match the glue spots later.

   Tip:

   Feed cardstock one sheet at a time so it does not jam.

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   Used in this step65 lb brown cardstock 8.5 x 11white cardstock 8.5 x 11 65 lb

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2. 2

   Step 2: Score the Reindeer Template Dotted Lines With a Ruler

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   Every black dotted line on both pages is a fold. Lay a metal ruler along each one and rub the edge of a paper clip down the line, pressing firmly. That dents the cardstock so it folds clean instead of cracking. Do this before you cut anything, while the sheets are still flat and easy to hold. A bone folder or an empty ballpoint pen works the same way.

   Tip:

   Tilt the sheet toward a lamp to check you have not missed a line.

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   Used in this step12 inch stainless steel cork back rulerbone folder scoring tool for paper crafts

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3. 3

   Step 3: Cut Out the Reindeer Head and Antler Pieces

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   Solid black lines are cut lines. Cut out the reindeer head and the antler piece, and trim the base card to its outline. The antlers have lots of little points, so go slowly. Keep the scissors still and turn the paper into the blade instead. It gives smoother curves and fewer nicks. Small sharp scissors make the tight spots between the antler tips much easier.

   Tip:

   Cut away the big waste areas first, then come back for the detail.

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   Used in this step8 inch heavy duty craft scissors

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4. 4

   Step 4: Pre-Fold the Reindeer Antlers and Head Along the Score Lines

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   Fold along every scored line now, before any glue goes on. Fold the antler piece in half down its center, then fold the little tabs. Do the same with the head and body piece. Fold each line forward and back once. Pre-folding shows you which way each piece moves, and it makes the pop-up open and close smoothly on its hinges.

   Tip:

   Lay the pieces on the base card to see where each one will go.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Glue the Tab Behind the Reindeer Head

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   Find the small tab up by the reindeer's head. Paint a thin layer of white craft glue on the grey spot that matches it and press the tab into place. This closes up the head so it stands out in 3D instead of lying flat. Hold it for a few seconds until it grabs. A little glue goes a long way here.

   Tip:

   Spread glue with a toothpick or a scrap of card for a neat edge.

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   Used in this stepAleene's Original Tacky Glue 8 oz

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6. 6

   Step 6: Glue the Reindeer Antlers Onto the Card Base Page

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   Look for the two small grey spaces near the top of the base card. Paint a little glue on each, not too much, or the paper gets sticky and warps. Set the antlers in place so the center fold of the antler piece sits right on the center fold of the base card. That line-up is what makes the pop-up work. Let the glue set for a minute.

   Tip:

   Close the card gently once to check the antlers fold flat before the glue dries.

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   Used in this stepAleene's Original Tacky Glue 8 oz

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7. 7

   Step 7: Glue the Reindeer Body Tabs to the Pop-Up Card

   Watch this step · 3:31

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   The body has two tabs at the bottom, and their shapes match the grey spaces on the base card. Paint glue on the left grey space and press the left tab down, keeping the head's center fold on the card's center fold. Then do the right side the same way. Hold each tab firmly for a few seconds and let the whole card dry.

   Tip:

   Let it dry with the card open so the tabs set in the right spot.

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   Used in this stepAleene's Original Tacky Glue 8 oz

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8. 8

   Step 8: Test the Pop-Up Reindeer Christmas Card Opening and Closing

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   Once the glue is dry, close the card slowly and open it again. The reindeer should fold down flat inside, then stand up with its antlers spread as the card opens. Turn the card and look at it from the sides too. If something catches or bends the wrong way, find the fold that is fighting and crease it again in the right direction.

   Tip:

   Open and close it a few times. The hinges loosen up and move more smoothly.

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9. 9

   Step 9: Draw Spots and Details on the Pop-Up Reindeer

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   Now the fun part. Add little white dots down the reindeer's body with a white gel pen or paint pen, and draw fur marks and ear details with a fine black marker. Crayons and coloured pencils work too. Keep the card flat on the table while you draw so the pop-up does not wobble under the pen.

   Tip:

   Test your pen on a scrap of the same brown cardstock first.

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   Used in this stepwhite gel pen fine tipSharpie fine point permanent markers

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10. 10

    Step 10: Add Sequin Christmas Lights and Googly Eyes to the Reindeer Card

    Watch this step · 4:29

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    Stick on two googly eyes and a red nose if you want Rudolph. Then dot glue in a gentle swag across the card and press on gold sequins, so it looks like a string of Christmas lights. Matthew's idea of lights draped on the antlers is fun too. Finish with a short message, like "for my deer", and sign it.

    Tip:

    Pick up sequins with a damp fingertip or the tip of a toothpick.

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    Used in this steploose 6mm sequins assorted colorsself-adhesive googly eyes assorted sizesAleene's Original Tacky Glue 8 oz

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Keep going

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