Looking for a fun, eco-friendly project that transforms recycled cardboard boxes into a stunning piece of art? This giant deer cardboard craft is the perfect solution! Whether you’re decorating for the holidays or looking to add a whimsical winter touch to your space, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process. Plus, I’m linking the template I found that made it even easier, so you can skip the sketching and jump straight to crafting.
I also love this project because it’s virtually FREE, and you can disassemble and store FLAT! We love a good craft that makes a big impact but takes very little storage space! You can also make this out of wood (my next project) for a more permanent or outdoor deer display!
Let’s dive in and get started!
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Cardboard Craft Deer – What You Need:
Before you begin, gather these materials for your giant deer cardboard craft:
- Recycled Cardboard Boxes: Large boxes work best, but any type of cardboard will do. I also prefer to find boxes without writing on them, unless you want your deer to be named “Prime” or “Target” LOL!
- Utility Knife and Scissors: For cutting out the cardboard pieces/notches.
- Paint Pens: For adding small details such as eyes, antlers, and textures. Linked the exact ones I use and love!
- Acrylic Paint: Choose your favorite colors to decorate your deer.
- Paint Brushes: For painting larger sections of the deer.
- Ribbon: Optional, for adding a decorative bow to your deer.
- Pencil: For marking your template shapes on the cardboard.
Cardboard Craft Deer – How To:
Step 1: Download Your Giant Deer Template
To make this cardboard craft project easier, here is the free, downloadable template I found for the giant deer. The template includes the shapes for the body/head, legs, and ears/antlers, so all you need to do is print it out in your desired size, cut the pieces from the cardboard, and assemble!
Once you’ve printed the template, cut out the individual shapes and set them aside.
Step 2: Transfer the Template to Cardboard
Using the printed template, trace the shapes onto your recycled cardboard. Be sure to use a pencil to mark the outlines so you can easily erase any mistakes (I freehanded my deer so that’s why you don’t see me using a template in the images!)
For each piece, make sure to trace and cut out the following:
- Body/Head: The main torso shape.
- Legs: Two sets of legs
- Ears/Antlers: You can also skip the antlers if you want to make a girl deer too!
Once everything is traced, use a utility knife to carefully cut out each part. Keep the edges clean for a neat finish. I also recommend making sure to cut on a spare piece of cardboard so you don’t cut or scratch the surface below!
Now use scissors to cut notches where indicated by the template. The notches will be on the bottom of the body (two), and one each on the top of the head, bottom of the ears, and tops of each leg set.
Step 3: Assemble the Deer’s Body and Antlers
Begin by assembling the body and antlers of your giant deer. Start with the torso/head and fit the pieces together where your notches are cut. These notches make assembly of your deer SUPER easy!
Step 4: Attach the Legs
Same as above, slide the notches as the tops of the legs into the notches at the bottom of the body. Adjust as needed to ensure your deer stands well.
And that is literally IT! Your deer is assembled! You can totally stop here, or continue on to add more details! The best part is you don’t have to paint if you don’t want to, because cardboard is already brown – WIN!
Step 5: Paint Your Giant Deer
Now comes the fun part—painting! Use acrylic paint to add details to your deer wherever you choose. I painted his belly and chest white, and added some fun little spots. I also painted his feet white as if he was standing in snow!
Once dry, use paint pens to add finer details, like eyes, a nose, or texture on the ears and antlers. This is where you can really give your deer character and personality!
Step 6: Add Decorative Ribbon (Optional)
To give your deer an extra flair, add a ribbon around its neck. You can tie a bow or hang the ribbon loosely, depending on the look you want. This works especially well if you’re creating the deer as part of a holiday display or as a whimsical gift (btw, how CUTE would this be as baby shower decor?! Out baby shower for Nolan was woodland themed and this would have been SO cute!)
Step 7: Let Everything Dry and Set
Allow the deer to dry completely before handling or displaying it!
Step 8: Display Your Giant Cardboard Deer
Once your cardboard deer is complete, it’s time to show it off! I recommend keeping your deer inside if he is cardboard (but if you go the wood route, your deer can go anywhere, but consider spraying it with a weatherproof sealant to help it withstand the elements)!
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Making a giant cardboard deer from recycled cardboard boxes is a fun and environmentally friendly craft project that anyone can tackle, regardless of skill level, especially with the linked template (which I take zero credit for!)
This also goes to show that holiday decor does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. You could also make smaller versions of these as tabletop or mantel decor, and they would be just adorable!
If you love cardboard crafts, this giant deer project is a fantastic way to repurpose old cardboard boxes into something fun and functional for the holiday season! Pin the image below to save it for later!
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