Whether it’s the story of The Elves and the Shoemaker or the elves at Santa’s workshop, have some fun as a family by creating your own elf!
Color and cut out your elf! Decorate it with tulle, sparkles, felt, ribbon – anything you want! Name your elf using the Elf Name Generator. Fill out an elf application for a job in Santa’s workshop! Play an elf drawing game together!
What you need:
Elf template (copy and paste into Google Docs to print)
Crayons or markers
Scissors
Glue stick
Stuff for decorating (tulle, sparkles, ribbon, etc)
Cardstock or cereal box
What you do:
Print the elf template below or visit this link to get the template: https://www.dltk-holidays.com/t.asp?t=https://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/images/bpaperelf.gif (or stop by the Children’s Desk at the Main Library to pick one up).
Color and cut out the elf.
Draw, color, and cut additional hair to personalize your elf.
Assemble your elf: Glue the legs and arms behind the body, then glue on the trim and the head and hair.
Glue your elf to the cardstock or cereal box and cut around it. This will make it sturdy. TIP: It’s okay to leave some space around the outside.
Add the candy cane if you wish or draw a unique accessory for your elf and use that instead!
Use the Elf Name Generator (below) to learn your elf’s name, and then fill out an elf application form (also below) to get your elf a job.
You can read the story of The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grimm here: http://www.authorama.com/grimms-fairy-tales-39.html
Elf Job Application
- Name: ________________________________________________________________
- Age (Remember that elves live a very long time): ____________________
- Do you like to make things? Circle YES or NO
- Circle your favorite job and draw a picture of what you will do:
- Shoe Maker
- Cookie Baker
- Candy Cane Maker
- Present Wrapper
- Reindeer Keeper
- Toy Maker
The Elves & the Shoemaker Drawing Game
Play a game with the whole family to see who can draw the most elves!
What you need:
- One die with either numbers or spots
- Lots of paper
- Pencils (use colored pencils for added fun)
- Number Chart (see below)
- Timer (the timer on your smartphone will work well)
What you do:
- Set the timer for a reasonable amount of time, e.g. 20 minutes (less or more is fine, too. Every family is different.)
- The youngest child goes first. Roll the die and see what number comes up.
- The youngest child then draws whatever corresponds to that number.
- Repeat with the next child and continue until everyone has had a turn.
- Go around again, and this time each player chooses whether to add to the current elf or start a new one. Play continues in this manner as players try to complete as many elves as possible before the timer goes off. The winner is the one with the most completed (or nearly completed) elves.
NUMBER CHART
If you roll …
1 – Draw a hat.
2 – Draw a face.
3 – Draw a body.
4 – Draw arms.
5 – Draw legs.
6 – Draw shoes.
