Michaels Gold Paper Mache Reindeer Transformed

by Being Home

$30

2 Hours

Easy

Greetings!
I want to share a fun project I did two years ago for Christmas. At the time, I was trying to find snow covered reindeer without having to pay a ridiculous price. Seriously, why are these so expensive?
I am sure a lot of us have seen various plain reindeer in stores. Michaels carries these gold paper mache reindeer (in various sizes) and it dawned on me that I could use these reindeer to DIY into snow covered ones.

Michaels gold paper mache reindeer.

Before I explain how I transformed the gold reindeer, let me say that it took three tries to get it right.

My first attempt was to use, Glitter Blast (diamond dust color) to give it a glittery snow covered look. After I spray painted the deer white (base color to cover the gold), I sprayed on some Glitter Blast. Umm...that did not go so well. The amount of Glitter Blast needed for these large reindeer was a lot. Those Glitter Blast cans are small (and can be expensive) and I had two reindeer to makeover and the overall look was not that good.

My second attempt was to use epsom salt. This worked better, but I was not getting the twinkling snow covered look, I was going for.

Finally, it dawned on me to use Mod Podge and white glitter. Sometimes, I make things more complicated than they should be. ;)

Here are the supplies I used.

michaels gold paper mache reindeer transformed, christmas decorations, crafts, decoupage, seasonal holiday decor, Note I used plain white glitter that does not have a rainbow shimmer to it

Note: I used plain white glitter that does not have a rainbow shimmer to it.

Again, the first thing to do is to paint (or spray paint) the reindeer white. This is the base coat. Next, I brushed on Mod Podge in sections and sprinkled the glitter onto the reindeer.

To avoid a huge mess, I used a cement mixing tray I had on hand, but any large tray or bin will do.

A little messy, but very easy.

Once I was done covering the reindeer in glitter, I gently tapped it to remove any excess glitter.

I wanted a little extra something on the reindeer, so I used my glue gun to add a red ribbon collar and silver bells.

Here is a before and after of the gold reindeer transformation.

michaels gold paper mache reindeer transformed, christmas decorations, crafts, decoupage, seasonal holiday decor, Michales gold reindeer covered in snow

Michales gold reindeer covered in snow.

For the record, I use these reindeer every year for Christmas and they still look new. As far as storage, I keep in each reindeer (standing upright) in a large kitchen garbage bag. Yes, some glitter naturally comes off, but there are no bare areas on either one of the reindeer

michaels gold paper mache reindeer transformed, christmas decorations, crafts, decoupage, seasonal holiday decor

I normally use the two reindeer to flank each side of the fireplace for Christmas.

I really love how they turned out. It was an easy and fun process. I believe I spent about $30 for the my supplies AND the two reindeer. And yes, I used the Michales 40% off coupons. :)

Have fun making snow covered holiday items! :D

Julie

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2 questions

Pamela Walrath on Jul 12, 2021

Where did you get the reindeer? pamwalr@aol.com

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Pamela Walrath on Jul 12, 2021

Where did you get the reindeer pamwalr@aol.com

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4 comments

Carroll on Nov 13, 2014
OMG! I love these. Even though it's icy out I want to go find paper mache reindeer.

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- Being Home on Nov 14, 2014
  @Carroll - Thank you! :) Drive safe looking for some paper mache reindeer. ;)
  
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Christine Suddarth on Nov 13, 2014
Beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing =)

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- Being Home on Nov 14, 2014
  @Christine Suddarth - Thank you. :) They were so much fun to make.
  
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