Speaking of my leg of the tour, my contribution to help you get your craft on is this sweet, but rustic and repurposed log reindeer. Isn't he cute? I've named him Buck. tee hee.
Back in the summer I acquired a five-gallon bucket of old rusty railroad spikes and couldn't wait to put them to use. My first project was my rustic pumpkins in the fall. Now my little repurposed log reindeer is sporting these gorgeous legs.
However, I realize you don't all have access to such rusty treasures like these spikes, but you can still make this reindeer using branches for legs as well.
TERMS OF USE: when you build these repurposed reindeer you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.Let's get started! Here's what you'll need:
- 4" diameter log cut to 8-9" length
- 3" diameter log cut to a 4" length
- 1" diameter branch cut to a 5" length
- 4 railroad spikes (or 4 - 1" diameter branches approx. 12-18" long)
- scrap leather for the ears and tail (you can cut up a thrifted purse)
- wood glue<
- table saw
- jigsaw
- drill
- spade bit set
- branches for antlers
- scrap of red flannel or cotton for scarf approx. 18" long (optional)
First, be safe when using these power tools and wear protective eye wear and ear plugs. Now you've used your table saw to cut the wood to length, let's get ready to assemble. Then, take your neck piece and using your table saw or jigsaw, give each end an angled cut, making sure the angles are opposing.
NEXT STEPS
In the next step, this is where having a set of spade bits comes in handy.
Next, find a bit that is the same diameter as your neck piece. Drill into the head at a slight angle. Do a dry fit and put the neck into the head as shown.
In addition, grab your body piece and drill a similar hole as you did in the head, also going in at an angle.
Again, do a dry fit to make sure all is good and then disassemble. Time to add the legs. Roll the log over to opposite side of the head hole and place your leg holes where you see fit using a bit that will accommodate the spikes or branches you will be using for legs.
ASSEMBLE
Pound in the spikes or branches, then assemble your reindeer using wood glue. Next, we'll add the branch antlers using a drill bit the size of the branches or twigs you find.
However, placement is completely up to you, but I chose to put my ears to the side and the antlers on top pointing outward.
The, for the ears, I used some scrap leather from our Pottery Barn Knock-off bench and cut two ears and a tail. I have also used leather purses from a thrift store like I did in my feed sack purse.
Using the drill, make holes below the antlers and on the side with a ¼" drill bit. Also, be sure to add a few drops of glue into the hole. Pinch the ends of the leather to form a pleat then insert into the hole using a screwdriver to push it in.
Last, add your scrap of red flannel or whatever fabric you choose and your little creation is ready to deck the halls!
SO CUTE
Not only is the best part about this that these reindeer can be a part of your decor all year round, but also they add that rustic style I adore.
Not into DIY or looking for a last-minute gift and you want one of these little fellas for you own? Just head to my online store where you can find them ready for the holidays.
I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial for my repurposed log reindeer. If you're hoping to see the rest of my Christmas decor.
Do pin and share so others can be inspired too! ♥
To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more holiday goodness like my repurposed log reindeer:
