We have a local outdoor shopping center in my area that puts on an elf scavenger hunt every Christmas season. It has become tradition for my kids and I to go every year and hunt around the stores for the different elves and then go claim the celebratory peppermint stick prize at the candy store when we are finished. It was the inspiration behind this cute paper bag elf craft we are sharing today.

In this post learn how to make the cutest elf craft you ever did see with our helpful template, step-by-step tutorial and video.

[This craft and tutorial was originally published on December 20, 2011 and has since been updated with a revised template, video tutorial and updated photos.]

How to Make a Paper Bag Elf Craft

This post contains affiliate links to the products mentioned. I Heart Crafty Things is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Supplies:

• elf craft template <—- Grab the TEMPLATE HERE
• white paper lunch bag
• red, white, black, yellow and cream colored cardstock
• red paint
• sponge
• clothespin
• cotton balls
• markers
• googly eyes
• newspaper
• scissors
• glue
• stapler

Instructions:

1. Cut your sponge into a square shape. Attach it to a clothespin to make a sponge brush. Dip the end of the sponge in red paint and then stamp it onto your white paper lunch bag into a brick pattern, covering the entire front of the paper bag. Set it aside for the paint to dry completely.

2. Download and print out the elf craft template. Use the template to cut out the pieces on your colored cardstock. Cut out the elf hat, mittens and shoes on red cardstock (or green). Then cut out the elf face on cream cardstock, or the skin color of your choice. Cut out the elf arms and legs on white cardstock. Finally, cut out the elf belt and belt buckle on black and yellow cardstock.

3. Fold the elf legs and arms into an accordion fold.

4. Glue the elf shoes at the bottom of the accordion fold legs. Then glue the elf mittens at the ends of the accordion fold arms.

5. Glue the red hat at the top of the elf face. Then glue googly eyes onto your elf face.

6. Use markers to draw a nose, mouth and hair on your elf face. (Tip: Kids might like to use a pencil to draw on their nose and mouth before tracing it with marker.)

7. Pull off pieces of cotton ball to add trim to the different pieces on your elf craft. Add glue to the top of the elf shoes and add a piece of cotton to it.

8. Add glue to the bottom of the mittens and add a piece of cotton to each of them. Then add glue to the ball and trim of the red hat and add a piece of cotton to the different sections.

9. When your painted paper bag is finished drying, glue the elf arms and legs on the sides and bottom of the paper bag.

10. Open up your paper bag and stuff it full of crumpled newspaper. Leave about 3 inches unstuffed at the top of the bag. Fold the two top ends of the paper bag down to create a triangle shape at the top of the bag. Use a stapler to close the stuffed paper bag shut.

11. Glue your belt and buckle in the middle of your painted paper bag. Then glue your elf face at the top of the paper bag.

Your darling paper bag elf craft is complete!

You might like to let kids get creative by choosing what color they want to use to make their elf. We have an example below of what an elf looks painted green.

You can also add extra dimension to your elf craft by using yarn to create hair for your elf. How about making a girl elf with a yellow bow on her belt rather than a belt buckle? You can even add some glitter glue to your elf hat, mittens or shoes to give him some extra sparkle. Let your imagination soar.

Video Tutorial: How to Make a Paper Bag Elf Craft

Watch the video below to be guided through each step of this craft. You can view more easy kids craft tutorials on our Facebook page, or right here on our website.

 

More fun Christmas Crafts for Kids

Do you like to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas every year with your family? Add something extra fun to movie night this year by making this awesome paper plate Grinch Craft.

This paper plate Christmas wreath is easy to make and it’s a simple way for kids to help decorate for the holiday season.

Want to make some homemade Christmas cards this year for friends and family? This 3D Christmas Card is stunning. Our template makes it easy to create too.