Finished flax reindeer made from woven flax strips

Growing up in NZ, we spent some time as children learning how to weave traditional Maori flax baskets. Using some of the same techniques, this flax reindeer is a great craft for the Christmas Season with materials straight from the garden!

Materials

  • Five flax strips approximately 2cm wide and 1 metre long
  • Double-sided tape

Thick paper can be used as a substitute if flax is unavailable.

Instructions

  1. Weave the flax strips together to form the body and legs of the reindeer, using traditional weaving techniques to interlock the strips.

  2. Secure any loose ends by tucking them into the woven sections so they hold firmly in place.

  3. Take two additional 10cm flax pieces and fold them to form the antlers. Attach these to the head using double-sided tape.

  4. Trim the legs to equal length so the reindeer stands evenly.