Whether you want to create this for yourself or give it as a gift, this reindeer pillow makes a beautiful keepsake. Pull it out year after year and watch how your little one’s hands and feet have grown!

Materials
- Plain canvas tote bag or blank canvas pillow cover (skip steps 1 & 5 if using a cover)
- Fabric paint in brown, black, green, white, and red
- Pillow form one size bigger than the tote (Ex: If tote is 14×14, use a 16×16 pillow)
- Iron-on or stick on hook and loop closures
- Scissors
- Cardboard
- Paintbrush
- Letter stencils (optional)


Step 1: Remove Handles
Using scissors, carefully cut the handles off the bag at the stitching, so you no longer see them from the outside.


Step 2: Prepare the Tote for Paint
Insert the cardboard into the tote so the paint does not bleed through. Lay the tote flat with the opening facing the bottom. Then prepare the paint and child’s foot.

Step 3: Stamp on the Reindeer
Heavily brush the brown paint onto the child’s foot and press firmly onto the tote so the top of the foot is about center.
Next, brush the black paint onto the child’s hands, one at a time, and press onto the tote at the top of the footprint for antlers.
Be sure to clean feet and hands well between painting each part.

Step 4: Stencil Greeting
Stencil on your holiday greeting if you choose. Add eyes and nose to the reindeer. Allow the painted tote to full dry before removing the cardboard insert.

Step 5: Attach the Closures
Place the hook and loop closures just inside of the tote opening along the hem. Iron on per instructions if needed.


Step 6: Insert Pillow
Open the tote and slide in the pillow form. Seal closed with the hook and loop.

Enjoy your reindeer pillow keepsake!
For more Christmas activities for kids, click here!