Rustic Wine Cork Reindeer Christmas Ornament

Wine cork reindeer is the perfect addition to any holiday tree, party decoration need, or unique gift idea. They will add some festive cheer to your shelves, mantle, or even a table. These cute upcycled wine corks are simply adorable and fun to make. Plus, they have a unique rustic look that adds a bit of the outside to the inside!

Wine Cork Reindeer Christmas Ornament

Did you know wine cork reindeer used to be a thing? They were all the rage back in the 90s! There is a company that still makes cork reindeers but you don’t need to buy them, you can make them using this easy tutorial!

This is a fun DIY ornament that can be made in about 10 minutes. It only requires wine corks, beads, pipe cleaners, and hot glue to make. You can also use different materials for the antlers like yarn or pipe cleaners. It’s a great way to recycle old wine corks while getting into the holiday spirit!

And if reindeer are something you really love and want to add more to your holiday decor, we have other great ideas to check out! These cinnamon stick reindeer ornaments are absolutely precious. You can also make a reindeer ball ornament, or even just this cute burlap reindeer Christmas garland. All look great as part of your Christmas decor this year!

Where Can I Get Corks if I Don’t Drink Wine?

Wine cork reindeer are a great way to recycle old wine corks that otherwise might have ended up in a landfill. If you don’t drink wine you can still do this craft. If you are trying to get free wine corks, you can ask a friend or even your local bar. Sometimes they keep them and will give them away for free. Another idea is to go to the local liquor stores. They often will give away their used corks for free. Chances are they will have plenty of corks leftover from bottling season so it is a win-win for everyone.

You can also buy wine corks. Large crafting stores sell them as well as other online retailers. Places like Amazon and Walmart are your easiest choices. From time to time, I have seen the wine corks available at the dollar store chains.

What Can I Use for the Reindeer Antlers and Legs?

I am using small sticks and twigs for the antlers and legs. I find it the simplest because I can walk outside and find them. You can also use thin dowel rods if you do not have sticks available.

Pipe cleaners will work for the antlers if you do not have enough sticks but they will not hold the reindeer in a standing position. Pick something sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cork up in a standing position.

Can I Customize My Reindeer Differently?

Yes! Turning your reindeer into something truly unique for your decor is a must! This is just a basic idea, but it’s not the only way you can make these!

If you want to, you can use different materials for the antlers like yarn or pipe cleaners.
You can add elements like scarfs and bells around the neck. This is a great way to personalize your reindeer and make it more unique.
You can also paint the reindeer any color you want to. I have seen some painted silver or even gold! You can go simple or very detailed with this craft. It’s all up to you!
I am using small black beads for the eyes of my wine cork reindeer but you can use whatever you like. An alternative is that you can even use small googly eyes to give the reindeer a more playful look.
You can also use fabric, felt, ribbon, or raffia on the reindeer instead of a pipe cleaner for the scarf.

Just use your imagination and enjoy the project. It’s a great way to do something fun with your kids too!

What’s the Best Way to Hang These From My Tree?

You can use wire to attach the reindeer to your tree. It’s best to wrap the wire around the antlers and the tree before twisting the ends together. You can also use string, twine, or even ribbon you already have on hand, or you can use a traditional ornament hook that has been secured inside the cork for hanging.

Supplies Needed

How to Make a Wine Cork Reindeer Ornament

Cut 1/4 of a cork off leaving it shorter than the other cork.

Using a screwdriver or similar sharp end, dig a hole into the center side of the cork piece. This is to stick the twig into for holding the “head” up.

Stick a short 1/2-1″ piece of a twig into the hole, you may add glue to secure if desired.

Push the pushpins down into the cork from above, on the side without the stick. Place these toward the end to create eyes.

Glue or stick a red pom pom on the end below the eyes.

Use the screwdriver to poke two holes on the top back of the head cork.

Stick or glue two twigs with “branches” in these holes to create antlers.

On the whole cork, use the screwdriver to create 4 holes, two on each side, to create places to stick the other twigs as legs.

Push the twigs into each hole to create the legs.

On top of the reindeer body cork, create a hole toward the front top, and then stick the stick on the bottom of the head into this hole to create the whole body look.

Cut and tie/twist a piece of pipe cleaner around the “neck” as a scarf.

To hang on a tree, glue a length of ribbon or twine on top of the cork.

More Reindeer Christmas Crafts

Rudolph and reindeer in general are so popular for Christmas! We have tons of ideas to share with you, and below are a few more that I love seeing on the tree or as part of the holiday decor each year. Make these ideas to add to your own tree or share with friends and family. You can bookmark these, print the tutorials, or just pin them to your favorite Pinterest board for holiday crafting!

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