From the fields to the fireplace, dried okra pods transform into Santas that dance with holiday magic.

Each pod, carved and painted with care, wears a hat like a crown of winter’s joy, its beard a whisper of snow from seasons past.

Crafting these figures is like inviting the garden to join your festive tale, a merry bridge between earth and celebration.

Materials Needed

• 5-10 dried okra pods (long, straight, and fully dried)
• Acrylic paints (red, green, white, flesh tone, and black for details)
• Small paintbrushes (fine tip for faces, medium for stripes)
• Hot glue gun or eco-friendly craft glue
• Twine or ribbon (6-8 inches per pod for hanging, optional)
• Scissors
• Optional: small felt scraps or cotton

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Pick out your dried okra pods, choosing ones with smooth surfaces and a nice, elongated shape to shape into Santa’s body and hat.

Step 2: Lightly sketch a face near the top of each pod with a pencil, think a small oval for the face and a triangular hat above it. Keep it simple and playful.

Step 3: Paint the face with flesh tone, adding white for the beard and hat brim, and black dots for eyes.

I recommend using red for the hat and a rosy cheek if you’re feeling festive.

Step 4: Add red and green stripes down the pod’s body with a medium brush, mimicking the jolly vibe of your Santa crew. Let the paint dry completely, patience is key here!

Step 5: (Optional) Glue a tiny felt hat or cotton beard for extra texture, attaching it securely with hot glue. This gives your Santa that handmade charm.

Step 6: Tie a loop of twine around the top of each pod if you want to hang them, or simply display them in a bowl or on a shelf.

Tips:

I tried these last year and found that mixing pod sizes made a fun Santa village effect.

Practice the face painting on scrap paper first, and if you’re new to it, start with bold strokes as imperfections add character!