Reindeer Games

There's been much jumping around in attempts at launching into flight and, despite a share of antler battles, not one single eye has been poked out (touch wood) yet.  These reindeer headbands were a bigger hit than I dared imagine they'd be.  Each headband has two "pockets" for the antlers-of-choice.  They've seen quite a lot of play in the past few days, with everything from toothpicks to pencils and popsicle sticks, to red twig dogwood, willow, alder, and spruce twigs used for antlers.  Personally, I think they look better with shorter twig or evergreen branch "antlers" but there just wasn't time to mess around with retakes.  Another version of this pic was sent with our cards this year.

Again, it was difficult to stop making these, ending up with a pile of them for nephews and a friends' children, and one for me, too.  Looking at them here has me wondering if maybe I've been under the influence of a few too many readings of Jan Brett books lately?

Project inspired by these sweet pictures saved from an old Sundance catalog from maybe 10 years ago (can that be?):

Even though it was staged for a catalog shoot, I just knew, long ago, before kids even, that someday I'd want to make these, either exactly or something similar.  Although these ones are stunningly beautiful, the fabric ones I ended up making stem from the realities of living with children, knowing that sewn ones would stand up far better to the way that they really play, but still allowing for the natural element of adding branches.  Besides, it used up a bit of stashed corduroy, velveteen, ribbons, and rickrack (some of which are from C's mom's stash).

I've noticed that there have been a few similar versions to that of these Sundance pics in catalogs showing up in the mailbox during the past month or so, with models holding branches or leaves sticking up off of their heads as mock antlers.  Apparently I'm not the only copycat?

Comments

[Leslie]

Those headbands are adorable! And it's obvious the kiddos love them. Great idea.

[jean]

I love these and Jan Brett!! Merry merry.

[marti]

those headbands are pure genious! and the ensueing photos are fantastic!

[Stephanie]

What a great idea!! I'm going to have to make some for my boys. I love them!!! Thanks so much :o) I love Jan Brett as well. Happy Holidays!

[Rose]

You can never have too much Jan Brett. My girls (18 & 23) still have fond memories of reading her books. The headbands are beautiful; wish I had little children around for them. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Christmas!

[Kate]

I love the antlers! Ever since I saw this post, I see little branches all over the yard that would make perfect antlers. I must try those one of these days.

[angelique]

Those headbands are sheer genius! -another Jan Brett fan.