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(Rein)Deer Head Holiday Banner & Free Cut File

You know how deer heads are all the rage these days?

Well, I thought it’d be fun to play on that trend with a holiday twist…with a Deer Head Holiday Banner featuring everyone’s favorite deer…Santa’s Reindeer!  Ahem, cue the music:

Deer Head Holiday Banner...featuring Santa's Reindeer! A holiday twist on the classic deer head decor!

“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer (reindeer), had a very shiny nose (like a lightbulb), And if you ever saw it (saw it), You would even say it glows (like a flashlight)….”

Well, I whipped up this holiday banner using none other than my Silhouette Cameo.  In fact, this is a very special project because it represents the grand finale project to my year-long Silhouette Challenge: 12 unique projects in 12 months.  Now, don’t think I’m stopping here!  Because this is just the beginning my friends.  Just the beginning.  And I’ll be doing a reflective post in the coming weeks will all the projects I tackled this year.  (There were many more than 12!)

But this post is also special because 34 of my Silhouette Challenge friends are also sharing their creations today.  So, hang tight!  We’ll get to all that goodness in a jiffy.  First, I wanted to share the step-by-step for how to make this deer banner!

Tutorial:

Step 1.  Design your banner.  I grabbed a free forward-facing deer head image from here, and traced it in Silhouette Studio to turn it into a cut file.  The shield was one of the free shapes that came with my software.  Then, I chose the font Zapfino for my text of the reindeer names.  I beefed up the font a bit by using the offset tool.  Here’s a quick photo tutorial for that step:

How to "beef up" a font using the Offset Tool in Silhouette Studio.

Free Cut File

For anyone who decides to tackle this banner, I’m happy to share my cut file with y’all for FREE (less the shield). You can sign up to download your free cut file using the nifty form below or by clicking HERE. {Fine print: this design is for personal use only and is not to be used for commercial purposes. Thanks!}

FREE Cut File for Silhouette Studio: Deer Head Holiday Banner featuring Santa's Reindeer.

Step 2.  Cut & weed your reindeer shields.  I grabbed some gold and white vinyl for this project, as well my handy dandy transfer paper.

Readying my supplies: gold and white vinyl and transfer paper.

Then, I adjusted my rollers so I could simply feed my vinyl into the machine and cut out my reindeer!

TIP: Although it’s tempting to just cut all 9 reindeer at once, I recommend cutting a set of 4 and a set of 5.  That way you can ensure your vinyl stays on track for the cuts!  I may or may not have learned this the hard way.  {Wink.}

Next, you can grab your hook tool to weed away the excess vinyl.  Look: I even made you a GIF to show you the process in action!

Weeding vinyl for a Reindeer Head Holiday Banner

Now, as you weed away the center of your design, you might be thinking, “What a shame to waste such a lovely looking gold deer head!”  And to that I say, “Don’t waste him!”  Slap him and his buddies on some black kraft paper, and you’ve got some pretty hip D.I.Y. wrapping paper (full disclosure: some of the links in this post are affiliate links).

Deer Head Wrapping Paper made from excess vinyl for a holiday banner! Nothing is wasted.

Step 3.  Transfer your reindeer shields onto cardstock.  Okay, now I used to use contact paper as transfer tape; that is, until I tried Silhouette brand transfer tape and realized how much easier it made things.  So, now, it’s all I use.  In fact, I was able to use one sheet of transfer tape to transfer all nine reindeer over onto cardstock.  (That’s why it’s wrinkly.)  But it worked like a charm!

I just used my scraper tool to apply the transfer tape to the vinyl, gently laid it on a piece of a 8.5″ x 11″ white cardstock, worked the scraper from the inside of the shield out to apply it to the cardstock, peeled away the transfer paper, and thar she blows!

How to use transfer paper to apply vinyl to cardstock!

For that last photo, I just cut the shield out of the cardstock with a pair of scissors, leaving a small margin.  I preferred to do this rather than pre-cut the shields with my Silhouette because it saved me a lot of headache in trying to perfectly line up the vinyl shield on a cardstock shield.

Step 4.  Add the names to the shields.  Now, I’m going to be honest.  It was a bit of a mistake at first that I didn’t pre-cut the letters out of the gold vinyl and that I had to do them separately on white vinyl; however, in the end it was a happy accident.  Because of the intricacy of the font I chose, it would have been way more tricky to try to weed the shield with the names included.  Instead, I could carefully weed out each individual name on its own, apply transfer paper, move it over to the shield, and peel away the transfer paper to reveal a completed shield.  And again, I used the same piece of transfer paper for all 9 names.

Add the reindeer names to the gold deer head shields. The next step in the Reindeer Head Holiday Banner!

Step 5.  Give Rudolph his glittery red nose!  To complete the shields, Rudolph just needed his distinguishing feature: his shiny red rose.  So, I decided to use some chunky red glitter I had on hand.  I pulled out the double-sided adhesive that I used on my Photo Booth Props and cut a tiny deer nose, which I applied to Rudolph.  Then, I sprinkled on my red glitter, however, as you’ll see in the third photo in the collage below, because the glitter is so chunky, it looked a little sparse.  So, I carefully applied some Elmer’s glue atop the double-sided adhesive, added more glitter, and bam!  Now, that’s a nose that could guide Santa’s sleigh through the dark night!

Giving Rudolph his red nose...with glitter!

Step 6.  Glue twine across the back of your shields.  Once Rudolph’s nose had thoroughly dried, I lay the deer heads face-down on the floor and used a ruler to space them 2 inches apart.  Then, I applied hot glue in a thin strip to the backs of the shields and glued down some white cotton twine.

Applying white cotton twine to the backs of the shields. The banner is almost complete!

Rudolph! The star of the Deer Head Holiday Banner featuring Santa's Reindeer. Tutorial and FREE cut file at thinkingcloset.com

And with that, my {Rein}Deer Head Holiday Banner was complete!  Down came our “Happy Fall” Banner and up went Santa’s happy throng.  I dare say they’re bringing quite the glitz and glam to our Rustic-Glam holiday decor.

Deer Head Holiday Banner featuring Santa's Reindeer! Full tutorial includes FREE Silhouette cut file.

Deer Head Holiday Banner featuring Santa's Reindeer! Full tutorial includes FREE Silhouette cut file.

Oh, Rudolph.  You certainly did go down in history, didn’t you?

Deer Head Holiday Banner featuring Santa's Reindeer! Full tutorial includes FREE Silhouette cut file.

Rustic Glam Decor...including a {Rein}Deer Head Holiday Banner! Tutorial and free cut file at thinkingcloset.com.

And a little vertical pin-action to appease the Pinterest gods:

Deer Head Holiday Banner...featuring Santa's Reindeer! A holiday twist on the classic deer head look. Tutorial includes FREE cut file!

Dear reader, how about you?  Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas in your household?  If not, then don’t fear!  This post is your one-stop-shop for holiday inspiration because, I’m not the only one sharing a project today.

35 Inspirational Silhouette Creations

My Silhouette Challenge buddies and I are all sharing projects on our blogs today, so peruse the collection below for a wealth of inspiration!

35 Inspirational Silhouette Creations!

  1. 2013 Snowman Christmas Card by Please Excuse My Craftermath…
  2. Christmas Hoop Art by Lil’ Mrs. Tori
  3. Silhouette Nativity Advent Candle Box by One Tough Mother
  4. Christmas Party Photo Booth Props by unOriginal Mom
  5. Another Stenciled Tea Towel by Cutesy Crafts
  6. Silhouette Gift Tags by Rain on a Tin Roof
  7. Snowflake Pin / Ornament by Coley’s Corner
  8. State Sign Couple Gift by It Happens in a Blink
  9. Mason Jar Christmas Ornaments by Vintage News Junkie
  10. Merry Christmas Wall Decor by One Artsy Mama
  11. Deer Head Holiday Banner…featuring Santa’s Reindeer by The Thinking Closet (you’re here!)
  12. Restore your UGGS (with PAINT) by From Wine to Whine
  13. Monogrammed Snowflake Ornaments by Architecture of a Mom
  14. Christmas Countdown Sign by The Girl Creative
  15. Elf Chalk Sign: “The Best Way to Spread Christmas” by Weekend Craft
  16. Glittery Christmas Subway Art by The Turquoise Home
  17. Sketch Pen Labels by Sowdering About in Seattle
  18. Snowflake NOEL Sign by My Favorite Finds
  19. DIY Holiday Hostess Gift by Everyday Paper
  20. Folding Nativity Backdrop by Chicken Scratch NY
  21. Recycled Glass Jar Advent Calendar by Nearly Handmade
  22. Reindeer Card: Double-Sided Print & Cut by GetSilvered
  23. Personalized Block Ornament by Suburble
  24. Paper Medallion Christmas Tree by Create & Babble
  25. Mini Mid-Century Homes by Tried & True
  26. Glitter and Vinyl Minecraft Christmas Ornament by A Tossed Salad Life
  27. DIY Countdown to Christmas Refrigerator Style by My Paper Craze
  28. Reversible Recipe Holder/Block Frame by The Sensory Emporium
  29. DIY: Lettered Christmas Pillows by The House on Hillbrook
  30. Simply Charming Christmas Ornaments by Life After Laundry
  31. No Glitter was Worn by GiveMeAPaintbrush
  32. Make Easy Ornaments from Paper Circles by Bringing Creativity to Life
  33. Cutting Machine Embroidery Applique by Terri Johnson Creates
  34. “Believe” Christmas Banner by Daily Dwelling
  35. DIY Christmas Nativity Card by Pitter and Glink

Thanks for stopping by, deers.  {Grin.}

This is Lauren, signing off.

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase after clicking through, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping to support this site!

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102 Comments

  1. I am so excited I found your site. I just ordered my new Silhouette Cameo machine. I can’t wait to try it out so while I wait I thought I would see what I can learn. I haven’t been this excited since I bought my embroidery machines. I feel like a kid waiting for Santa.

    1. Oh yay! So glad you found your way here, too! And I can understand your excitement about your new Cameo…it really is a wonderful machine that is going to transform your holiday decor and gift-giving this year, that’s for sure. If you haven’t already, I welcome you to join the Silhouette Challenge Facebook Group I coordinate. It’s a great support network for new and veteran Silhouette users! (If you’re looking for troubleshooting tips and inspiration.) Here’s the link you need to get that process started!

  2. I love this and your website but how did you get your cameo to cut such small words with out messing up. I find that my cameo even with a new mat, new blade isn’t able to cut small words without tearing.

  3. This is such a Christmasy, non-traditional banner, with the cute twist with Rudolph’s red nose! I can’t believe you did the names for each of the reindeer, too! You probably know that growing up our family knew the brother/nieces of Johnny Marks who wrote that song. Johnny happened to be Jewish but wrote many Christmas songs. I pinned your sweet little gif! xxoo

    1. Thanks, Kelly! Yes, gold has been my favorite “accent” color this holiday season. I just can’t get enough. Hope you and yours are having a splendid Christmas season!

  4. I love everything about this Lauren! SOOO cute. That gif is awesome too. (you know I love gifs 😉 Pinning. Thanks for linking up at the Party Bunch.

    1. Aw, thanks so much for the pin, Mique! And for the kind words! Yes, I love that we share an affinity for GIFs. I try to include them whenever possible. Tee hee. Thanks for hosting your linky party; it’s one of my faves! And happy holidays!

    1. Aw, thanks, Shannon! I know, I’m all over the reindeer craze, too. I HAD to give in! If you do end up tackling a banner, you’ve gotta share pics, k? K!

    1. Oh, you’d have a ball, Rachel! And I imagine your etsy shop would soon be filled up with tons of your creations. Here’s to hopin’!

    1. Aw. Getting any sort of compliment from you just automatically makes me feel sophisticated…because you yourself are so sophisticated! Thanks, Rebecca!

  5. Vinyl on cardstock!!! Would it be awkward if I said ‘I love you’? heehee. I had no clue this would work. Thanks for the amazing inspiration. Can’t wait to try this.

    1. Ha ha. Not awkward in the LEAST, Mel! Some might say it’s a silly medium combination, but it totally did work well for this particular project. Let me know if you try it out, too!

  6. Lauren, gold vinyl?? Oh how I wish I had ordered some during the Silhouette sale! I love your banner. Am I the only one who thinks Rudolph’s nose looks a tiny bit like a pair of glittery red lips? 🙂

  7. I love everything you do, but I must admit that at first glance it looks like you have mounted reindeer heads! I think my 3 girls would be a little sad about that!

    1. I definitely intentionally chose to play off of the trendy deer head motif, but with the holiday twist! Hopefully the names and red nose are enough to transform it from morbid to fun! Ha ha.

      1. Once I actually looked at it, I realized that’s not what you were going for! It’s very cute, and I especially love the glittery red nose!

    1. Thanks, Katie! And good luck on the giveaway. I’m sure this Amazon gift card would come in handy with all the baby gear and garb you’re stocking up on!

    1. You would LOVE it, Wendi. Hope you win one or get to open one on your birthday! (When is your birthday, by the way?) Happy holidays in return, friend! And thanks again for tweeting about the giveaway.

    1. Aw, thanks, Janice! Our tree is blushing at that compliment. 😉 Yeah, the pinecones were a new addition this year…and they’re scented, too, so not only do I love the look, but they make our living room smell like cinnamon! (Yum.)

  8. Ooh I saw this on your home tour and I could not WAIT to come back and check out the tutorial! So, so adorable. My boys would go totally nuts over it. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway, too! Hope you’re having a wonderful week, my friend!

    ~Abby =)

    1. Aw, you’re the sweetest ever, Abby. And I’m glad to hear that this might be a good banner for when we have kids down the line! Happy holidays!

    1. Yay! I’m slowly but surely working my way through the projects. Can’t wait to get to yours, Rachel. Gold is my JAM this Christmas!

  9. This is just AMAZING!!! I love it so much Lauren! I just got a Cameo and I’ve only used it once! I’m going to spend my down time in December to look back over your 12 months! I can’t wait to get ideas about creative things to do with my machine! xo
    Merriest Christmas my friend

    1. Aw, thanks, Robin! And you have a Cameo?! Hip hip hooray! Well, if you need some motivation to put her to more use, let me know if you’d like an invite to the Silhouette Challenge FB group I run. If it weren’t for our monthly challenges (all optional of course), I’m sure I would haven’t accomplished half the projects I did this past year. (I need deadlines.) And I’ll be doing a round-up of all my projects from this past year soon, so stay tuned, friend! Merry Christmas to you, too, dearie.

    1. Kirsten, your comments never fail to make me grin from ear to ear. You’re too much, girl! (And I love ya for it.)

    1. Oh yes, Jeanette, I hope you do find the time! It has brought so much fun and festivity to our living room space. Let me know if you do decide to tackle it…I’d love to see pics! And a Merry Christmas to you, too!

  10. Lauren, the banner is awesome and I love how you’ve popped the names under each one.
    Love Rudolph’s glittery nose too – in fact I have a project scheduled for this coming Friday that also has a glittered Rudolph nose – only mentioning it as I don’t want you thinking I’ve knocked off your idea!….I didn’t…..I promise – LOL!

    1. Aw, no worries, Pam! I know I’m not the first person to do a glittery red nose for Rudolph…and I certainly won’t be the last! Ha ha. Can’t wait to see this project you speak of…did you make it with your Silhouette? You’ll have to share it with us on FB!

    1. Thanks, Tara! I love that this banner might appeal to little kids, as well as big kids like us! Can’t wait to check out your ornament. I’m slowly but surely working my way through….

    1. Sorry to startle you! It startles me, too, every time I open up my media files to look at pics…it even flashes through the photos in there! Guess it keeps me on my toes. Lol.

    1. I know, it’s almost too shiny to even capture in photos! Ha ha. (I had a bear of a time with the straight-on shots.) And you’re so welcome for the cut file, friend! Hope it comes in handy. 😉

    1. Thanks so much Emily! Yeah, Rudolph is my fave, too. (If only I had an excuse to glitter-ize the others. Lol.) And you’re so welcome! Hope you can use the cut file one of these days, Emily.

    1. I can understand the exhaustion factor. I’ve already decided I’m done with my Christmas crafts, too! Lol. Just need to focus on wrapping gifts and writing cards now. (“Just”…ha ha.) Hope you have a sweet remainder of your holiday season, Coley!

    1. A) I love that you used the word schmancy. And if you had any doubts, you spelled it correctly.
      B) I can always hear your voice when you write…and it takes me RIGHT back to Haven. 😉
      C) Thanks for your enthusiastic support of me and my creations! Your comments always make my day, Trishaaaaa! Mwah.

    1. Eek! That’s my favorite part, too, Glenna. It was all I could do not to turn ALL their noses glittery. #historicalaccuracy

    1. Ha ha. I can definitely be “detailed” (a.k.a. verbose, wordy, over-the-top…lol). But I’m glad to know it was helpful for you, Brenna!

  11. Lauren, You are so creative! The reindeer banner looks great hanging on your wall. Plus it coordinates so nicely with your Christmas tree. Great job!

    1. Thanks, Cindy! This was the first holiday where I ever adopted a “theme” to my decor, but it has been a lot of fun seeing it all come together. Hope you and the fam are enjoying your holiday season! And that your finding time to rest those busy sewing hands. 😉

    1. I’m so excited for you, Heather! Hoping it arrives soon, so you can dive into some creative Silhouette projects.

  12. OMG!!!!! I LOVE THIS!! So here’s a little confession. When I saw the preview picture the other day I almost jumped the gun and tried to mimic your reindeer head. But I am so glad I waited to read your tutorial.. because a full reindeer line up is even more adorable then just one!!!! Awesome job!!

    1. Ha ha. You’re too cute, Dee. I love that you were already inspired…even from my thumbnail. I take that as a major compliment! {Blushing.}

  13. Lauren, as always you Rocked the Challenge! I just love your banner filled with our most beloved reindeers! Especially with Rudolph’s shiny nose to giude them through the night…Brilliant!

    1. Aw, thanks for your generous cheers, Bev! You never fail to make me feel like a million bucks. I’m slowly working my way through the Challenge projects. Can’t wait to get to yours!

  14. LOVE. This is so cute! I would love to make a banner for my living room like that (also I think we might have the same couch, haha!). I am SO excited to get my Silhouette!! I ordered a Cameo and a ton of extra goodies with your code during the epic Black Friday sale. If I were to win this gift card, I would buy vinyl in every color!!!!!! And magnet paper and transfer paper and a fabric blade and sketch pens and….everything. Basically everything 😉 I hope you’re doing well! xoxo gabby

    1. Yay for the same couches and DOUBLE YAY for the fact that you are getting a Silhouette! I saw that comment you left on my Epic Holiday Sale post, and I’ve just been behind in responding to comments, but I did a happy dance then, and I’m doing another happy dance now. (And thanks so much for using my code!) Girl, I’m bracing myself for the creativity that is about to overflow from Essentially Eclectic in the coming weeks. Watch out world! (Does this mean I should send you info on our Silhouette Challenge FB Group, now? So we can hang out more?!) Eeek! So excited. 😉

      1. I am SO excited about this Silhouette!! There are so many ideas I’m kind of overwhelmed lol! I want to make Josh an etched glass mug or sign for his desk area that says Keep Calm and Litigate On (lawyer jokes–hardy har har). And I would LOVE to join the FB group!! Thanks!! 🙂 Have a great week friend!!

        1. Oh my gosh, the KEEP CALM idea is a must do! And I sent you info on the FB group earlier. Eek! Cannot wait for you to join us!

  15. I love this! The gold shield is so much fun, and the little bit of glitter for Rudolph’s nose? Perfect touch. And I’m so happy that you made your goal of 12 projects in 12 months!!! Plus, you roped all of us in alongside of you. 🙂

    1. Thanks, Kristy! I’m so glad I made the goal, too. Little did I know how many FRIENDS I would make as a result…yourself included, dearie. Yup, you’re officially roped in for 2014, too! Ha ha.

    1. You are so welcome, Terri! Thanks for entering! You won’t be disappointed to be following the gals in this line up!

    1. Thanks again for making my life and featuring it on your blog. You’re the sweetest, Dusty. The absolute sweetest.

    1. Aw, thanks, Kara! Hoping you win a giveaway soon, so you can play, too! (With all your free time. Wink.)

    1. Oh yes, the gold vinyl is a must. I ordered an extra roll during the SALE, I love it so much. And yes, I wish we had a fireplace over which to hang banners. But as you can imagine, fireplaces are few and far between down here in Florida! Ha ha.

    1. Thanks for the kind words, Jeanie! The shield was a last minute change, but I’m so glad I did it! And that gold vinyl is my new fave. Good thing I have a second roll on its way! Ha ha.

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