Christmas is all about coziness and creativity! Here, we show you how to transform an ordinary egg carton into a cute couple of Christmas elves that will spread holiday cheer in your home.
Materials you will need
- Scissors
- Egg cartons (cardboard)
- Small round wooden heads
- Red, white, and black hobby paint
- Brushes
- Black marker
- Gold stones or beads - for buttons
- Cotton wool or small pieces of felt for beard and hair
- Yarn for the female elf's hair
- Ribbon or thread for the female elf's braids
- Pom-poms for the hat toppers
- Glue gun or craft glue
- Optional: small wooden clogs for the male elf
Step-by-step guide for Santa and his wife
- Cut out the egg carton: Cut four "cups" from the egg carton – two for the bodies and two for the hats.
- Shape the hats: Trim them to fit on top of the heads.
- Paint the base colors: Start by painting the bodies and hats red. Let them dry. Paint a white border at the top and bottom of the body, while only painting a white border at the bottom of the hat. While it dries, you can easily paint the Santa’s belt on with black paint or a marker.
- Add details: Glue the beads or stones onto the body. One on the Santa’s belt and three on the female elf’s body.
- Beard and hair: Start by gluing the cotton wool onto the Santa’s head, which will serve as the beard and a little hair on the sides.
- The female elf’s hair: Cut six strips of yarn about 2-3 cm long (you choose the color). Gather the strips into two bundles of three. Secure the ends at one side so you can braid them together. Tie the braided end with a small ribbon or thread.
- Assemble the figures: Start by gluing the female elf’s hair to each side of the hat. Then glue the hats onto the heads. Then glue the heads onto the bodies, adding clogs to the Santa if desired. When everything is dry, your elf couple is ready to decorate!
Watch the video below to see how it's done 👇
Tips to make them extra nice
- Add glitter to the hats for a festive look.
- Use small beads as buttons.
- Make more pairs, elf children – yes, you can even make a whole village if you want. Only your imagination sets the limits.
Frequently asked questions about DIY Christmas decorations
How many egg cartons do I need?
For a single elf couple, you need 1 egg carton – it is enough for both heads and hats.
Can I use other colors than red and white?
Yes! Try green hats or gold details for an extra festive look.
What do I do if I don't have cotton wool for a beard?
You can use small pieces of yarn, felt, or even a bit of cotton (a cotton pad) from the bathroom.
How long does it take to make an elf couple?
It takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your dexterity – perfect for a cozy afternoon with family or friends.
Ready to get into the Christmas spirit? Get started now!
Now you are ready to give Christmas a creative twist! An elf couple made from egg cartons is not just easy to make – it is also a cozy activity that creates great memories. So get the materials out, put on some Christmas music, and get started making your own little Christmas figures. Enjoy!
