Christmas Crew

Total Time Needed: 1 Hour

Decorate a mantel or tabletop with this easy-to-make Santa and his little helpers.

Materials

Cardboard tissue tubes
Construction paper
Scissors
Craft glue

Instructions

1. Begin by wrapping each cardboard tube with a 4- by 6-inch paper rectangle, choosing an appropriate base color for each character. Glue the paper in place.

2. To make faces for the angel, Santa, soldier and elf, cut 3-inch-wide circles out of orange or pink paper, and glue them onto the tubes.

3. For facial features, cut small circles for eyes and noses, mini rectangles for eyebrows and crescent shapes for mouths and moustaches. Roll a tiny orange cone for the snowman's nose, then make four small snips around the cone's base and glue the tabs to his face. For Santa's beard, glue on layers of 1-inch-wide white paper circles.

4. To make a tall, pointed hat for Santa or the elf, wrap a 2- by 5-inch paper rectangle around the tube top and glue the overlapped edges together. Pinch the top of the hat closed and trim with a paper pom-pom. Add a brow band in a contrasting color. For the snowman's and soldier's hats, start by rolling and gluing a 2- by 5-inch paper rectangle into a cylinder. Make small slits along one end and fold the tabs in toward the center of the cylinder. Glue a 2 1/2-inch circle on top of the tabs. Trim

5. Finish with distinguishing details for each figure. Frame the angel's face with yellow curls and a lacy collar. Add a halo and wings. Complete Santa's uniform with a broad black belt and buckle. Decorate the soldier with golden epaulets, coat lapels, and buttons. Fringe the ends of a 1- by 7-inch rectangle for the snowman's scarf. Glue on pointed elf ears and feet, and top off the reindeer with antlers and ears.