How to add wire to your Elf's limbs.

So, you've purchased the elf and realized that he/she has floppy extremities. Here's how to remedy that. 

Using the sharp scissors, cut a tiny hole in the back of each shoulder and just under the tush. You only need an opening large enough to slip your wire through, but not so large that it will need to be sewn shut... unless you want to sew.

Using the needle nose pliers, bend the top of the pipe cleaner into a loop. This prevents the wire from poking through the end of the Elf's arm or leg. Now take the pipe cleaner, fold it in half, and wrap it tightly around itself. twist the wire until it is about 4.5" long.

Lay the twisted pipe cleaner along the Elf's arm to measure how long you need it to be, ours was 4.5". Cut the pipe cleaners (if necessary) with the wire cutters, just short of the end of the Elf's hand, and bend this end into a loop as well.

Slip the pipe cleaner into the opening in the Elf's shoulder and work it down toward the Elf's hand. When you are done, if it's still peeking out of the Elf's shoulder, you'll need to cut or re-cut the wire and make it shorter.

If necessary, using your sewing needle and red thread, begin stitching up the Elf's shoulder. Trim the threads.

Repeat this process for the Elf's other arm and legs (use red thread when stitching up the Elf's legs) and TADA! Your Elf can now grasp itself to almost any surface by bending his arms and legs.

** Want a sew-free surgery option for your Elf on the Shelf? You can attach a small piece of white Velcro to the insides of your Elf's hands using hot glue. The Elf's hands will be able to stick together so that it can hang from things like chandeliers, cabinet knobs, fan pulls... you get the idea!