Our elf has recruited some helpers. They are excellent at holding hands and rather less useful at wrapping presents. ✂️
A little line of red paper elves is stretched across the table, with a note saying “Hold hands, team!”
This easy elf idea makes a linked paper-figure craft, using your own simple drawing.
What you’ll need:
- One official Elf on the Shelf doll (paid link)
- A long strip cut from coloured craft paper (paid link) — red works nicely
- A pencil and scissors
- A small note and a folded cloth
Setup:
Fold the strip backwards and forwards into an accordion, keeping the panels the same width. On the front panel, draw one simple elf with a pointed hat, round head, tunic, two short legs and arms reaching both side folds. Have an adult cut around the outline through the folded layers, leaving the hand ends attached at the folds. Open it carefully to reveal the joined figures. If this is your first try, make a quick practice version from scrap paper before cutting the red sheet. Lay the finished chain flat in front of your elf, who can lean on his mittens over a folded cloth. Add the “Hold hands, team!” note. In the morning, the children can decorate the paper helpers or draw their own version with you, adding faces and collars after the chain has been opened.
Make it cheaply:
Use scrap wrapping paper or colour plain paper red before folding. The shape does not need a downloaded template: a simple blocky figure is easier to cut and works well. If the hand links come apart, tape them together from behind and keep the little team standing shoulder to shoulder.
Try the paper-chain factory or the paper snowflake class for another elf scene.
