Make An Elf House

Elf house

Santa’s elves need a place to stay while making visits to your home -- in preparation for Christmas. (They tend to check in on who’s been naughty or nice on Santa’s behalf.) Create an elf house using the nature in your neighborhood!

What you need:

  • One clean paper ½ gallon milk or juice carton (no plastic containers)
  • One brown grocery bag
  • Glue
  • Paint brush
  • Paper plate (used for pouring the glue onto)
  • Xacto knife (optional – for adults only)
  • Scissors
  • Natural objects (Ideas: small or large pine cones, acorns, pine needles, moss.)

What you do:

1. Wash out the carton and let it dry thoroughly, inside and out.

2. Cut open your brown grocery bag and, with the printed side facing up, place
your carton on top.

3. Then like a gift, wrap your carton tightly, but instead of tape use glue to hold
the paper onto the carton. Brush the glue over each section of the carton to
make sure it is fully secured.

4. Once the paper has been glued on and dried, the planning begins. Sit down
with the kids and let their creativity soar!

5. Make sure you make a door for the elves. Other than that, the design is up to
you and the kids. A few ideas to get you started -- windows, a chimney, shingles, or window boxes.

6. Once everything is planned, head outdoors for all your construction needs.
Collect pine cones (big and small), acorns, or pieces of fallen bark. You will be
amazed what your kids come up with!

7. After the Elf House has been completed you can either secure it in a tree
nearby or even keep it in your house on a shelf.

8. During the month of December, remember to check your Elf House for notes
from Santa and to send notes back to Santa. You could even leave special
treats inside for the elves -- they may leave something in return.

9. Happy Holidays and enjoy building your own Elf House!

Craft by Julie Schneider

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