I recently purchased the Traditional Elf on the Shelf (we’ve used a different Elf doll the past few years, one a friend gave me). I got the Elf on the Shelf out of the box to take a few pictures of him for my new edition of the Elf Planner and found that he wasn’t easy to position. His arms and legs didn’t bend, which limited the fun antics I could do with him. So I spent about half an hour making a few adjustments to our Elf on the Shelf. You don’t have to make these changes, you can still create some really fun antics, I just wanted my elf to wave and hold a few things. Here are my tips on How to Make your Elf on the Shelf Posable.
What you will need:
- Elf on the Shelf Doll
- Thin garden wire
- Scissors
- thread unpicker
- needle
- white and red thread
- velcro
- glue gun
Steps to Make your Elf on the Shelf Posable
Step 1: Elf on the Shelf comes with his hands connected together, cut the thread that holds them together so the arms can be separated.
Step 2: Unpick the stitching at the end of the elfs hands and feet.
Step 3: The elf has stitching in the middle of his arms and legs, you will need to unpick these so you can insert the wire.
Step 4: Measure the wire against the length of the arm, add 2 cm, then double the length so you can twist the wire around each other.
Step 5: Measure the wire against the arm again and curl up any excess length, this will also prevent the end from being sharp and possibly poking through.
Step 6: Then handstich up the ends with matching colour thread.
Step 7: To help elf’s hands stay together cut pieces of velcro to match the size of Elf’s hand and hot glue the velcro to Elf’s hands to secure.
View my guide to the Elf on the Shelf – Curious to learn all about The Elf on the Shelf? This cute, fun and very mischievous elf will bring loads of joy and laughter to your household. We introduced our Elf on the Shelf a few years ago to my kids, at the time they were 6, 8 and 8. Knowing now how much fun our elf is I really wish I had started this super enjoyable tradition when they were much younger. view my guide here.
Posable Elf on the Shelf Antics
8 comments
Thank you for this idea. We started the tradition last year and I found it difficult to get him to stay in a position.
I also love your little tree by the door. We got a door for our elve this year and I want to get him a tree. Where did you find it?
Just also want to say thanks so much for all the info. Helps me so much. Good luck with the move.
Zelda
I got it from KMart a few years ago 🙂 Thank you we are so excited about the move!
This is so cute! I think Christmas will be more fun with a flexible Elf!
so many more different ideas!
I Kat…I think you should repost this. So many people want to know how to do this!
Hi I would like to know on how to make elf on the shelf please can you show me
I picked up my elf from Lincraft for under $5. He came with Velcro hands & tightly stuffed arms & legs, so much easier to pose. My kids (all teenagers) still get a kick out of his antics!
Oooh great tip! Thanks Roberta 🙂