Noble Reindeer

Pattern

1/2” flat brush
18-gauge decorative gold wire: 4-1/2”, 5-1/2”, 6-1/2” (2), 7-1/2”
18-gauge florist wire, (8) 4” pieces
Acrylic paint, black
Drill with 1/16” bit
Excelsior
Gold paste paint
Spray paint, gold
Wood base
Brown grocery bags
Cardboard, heavy
Waxed paper
Needlenose pliers
Rolling pin
Scissors
Soft cloth
Candle

Instructions:

For best results, please read all instructions before beginning project. Refer to photo for color and design placement.

1. | Cut off bottom of brown bag and cut open along seam. Cut bag paper into three pieces large enough to trace reindeer on inside of one piece. Turn paper over and use cardboard as a squeegee to spread glue over entire surface.
2. | Place second brown bag piece over glue area and smooth out wrinkles. Repeat with additional layer of brown bag paper, making sure any printing on paper is glued to inside.
3. | Cut out reindeer pieces on pattern lines. Bend each along fold line and shape. Let dry.
4. | Glue a 4” piece of florist wire to inside of each leg, leaving 3/4” extending beyond each foot. Glue a narrow strip of brown bag paper over wire to cover and secure. Let dry.
5. | Spread a thick coat of glue on outside of brown bag shape. Before glue dries, hold design, glue side down, directly over a candle flame, as closely as possible without snuffing it out. Move design around until all glue is black and sooty, about 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Gently wipe off design with fabric scrap. If any of the brown bag shows through, continue with burning process. Use fabric scrap to mold texture, roughing the surface. Let dry overnight.
6. | Paint unburned side of reindeer black.
7. | Squeeze a small amount of gold paste onto waxed paper. Dip finger into paint and gently rub over design. Let dry.
8. | Using the needlenose pliers, shape decorative wires into antlers and glue into place.
9. | Glue head and upper body to lower body. Let dry.
10. | Measure for leg placement, and drill four 1/16” holes into wood base. Place a small amount of glue onto each wire and position in holes. Let dry.
11. | Spray excelsior and base with gold spray paint. Let dry. Glue excelsior to wood base.