How to Make Elf on the Shelf Posable (in 2 Min or Less!)

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? Goodness he requires some extra work and planning but my kids just love the Elf and all his antics.

I have a quick little tip for you if you want to make your elf posable- you can add a little wire in just about 2 minutes and that will make it easier to bend his arms and legs for any poses you might have in mind.

I actually did this a few years ago when we got our elf and it is so simple.

There are two ways to go about this process.

The first way (and probably the better method) is to:

1. Purchase Floral Wire from a Craft Store- 14 gauge is nice and heavy duty but you can use a thinner wire- mine is 22 gauge.
2. Use wire cutters or heavy duty scissors to cut a strip of floral wire the length of your elf’s legs and arms.
3. Use a seam ripper or exact-o knife to cut one or two stiches from the elf’s hands and feet- just enough to slip the wire in.
4. Make sure the wire fits perfectly so no sharp pieces are sticking out- you might need a small trim.
5. Sew the stitch back in place with either red or white thread.

So a little more time consuming but remember you only have to do this once and then the Elf is set to do Cartwheels or lift weights or whatever else for the rest of his life.

The second way (and the cheater method I used) is to:

1. Purchase floral wire from a craft store or online here.
2. The thinner floral wire will be easier to use- I had a 22 gauge wire from this Mason Jar project – but just note the thicker floral wire will hold up better in the long run.
3. I just stabbed him with the floral wire and did not cut or sew or anything else. I found that if you jab the wire on the sides of his hands, the stitches there are big enough to allow the wire to slip right in. When I tried to jab the wire right into the end of his hands, the stitches were too tight together and I couldn’t get the wire in.  Again note my wire was slightly thinner so if you have thick wire you might want to use the process outlined above.
4. Make sure the wire fits completely inside the elf’s arms and legs or trim it slightly and shove back in.

And now you are done!

Super easy right?  And now your elf can show off with all sorts of extra tricks.

And here are some other posts you might enjoy:

Elf on the Shelf Makes Breakfast

7 Days of Fun and Silly Ideas for Elf on the Shelf

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Nights (quick ways to call it in without disappointing the kids)