Download the elf on the shelf template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
Line up 11 popsicle sticks together. Take 3 additional popsicle sticks and stretch 2 glue dots along each of them. Glue each of these popsicle sticks to the group of 11, one on top, one in the middle, and one on the bottom.
Optionally, paint your popsicle sticks in 1-2 thin coats of skin-colored paint.
Make the hat by gluing the hat fluff to the bottom of the hat.
Take the hat and glue it to the top of the elf's hair.
Position the hair and hat pieces at the top of the popsicle sticks and glue them in place.
Make the mouth by gluing the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. Glue it to the bottom and middle of the popsicle sticks.
Color in the eyes and then glue them on the popsicle stick, one on each side below the hair.
Use a marker to draw on the nose between the eyes and above the mouth. Use a black marker to draw eyelashes onto each of the eyes.
Flip the popsicle sticks over and glue the elf collar to the bottom.