Crafty Little Gnome

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Wall Mounted Log Reindeer

This log reindeer project was inspired by one my mom made many years ago for her home. It’s a simple woodworking project that only requires two cuts of your saw.

This rustic Rudolph is perfect to display in your home or on your front porch during the holidays.

You can keep him up all year long by changing up the accessories on his antlers each season. Use these wooden log reindeer plans to make your own festive holiday wall decor.

How to make a log reindeer

Most of the log reindeer crafts I have come across online are projects that make the entire reindeer body. Mine is  just his head which I like because you can hang him up inside on a wall or outside your home. These reindeer make great gifts or simply keep him for yourself and display him every holiday season.

You may also like: How to Make a Christmas Wreath From Scratch

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To Make a Log Reindeer You May Need:

Wood log or thick branch
Smaller branches
Miter saw
Construction adhesive
 Buttons
Red ball ornament

You may also like: Felt Christmas Tree Craft for Toddlers

Log Reindeer Pattern

The miter saw that I currently own only fits pieces of wood that are about 6 inches thick so the main issue I had was finding a log that would fit into the saw safely. Luckily we have lots of fallen trees around our property so it wasn't too difficult to find something that worked.

I used a log from my wood pile that I believe was from one of the trees that fell in the prune orchard last year. The bark was starting to come off so I went ahead and pulled it all the way off. 

What type of wood should you use?

Any type of wood will work for this log reindeer project. I think birch wood would look fabulous. You could keep the bark on, paint or stain the wood for a different type of look. 

log reindeer

Directions for Reindeer

  1. To make this log reindeer you will need to cut one piece of wood in two places with a 45 degree angle cut. This can be done easily with a miter saw. The two pieces are then rotated and glued back together so that it makes the head and neck of the reindeer.
  2. The red ornament glued to the tip of the log transforms this reindeer into Rudolph. After the holiday season you can pull it off pretty easily and decorate the reindeer with flowers or autumn leaves for the other seasons or just keep him in storage until next Christmas. 
  3. Once the glue has dried add embellishments like antlers, eyes, ears and a nose. Have a look at the full instructions below.

What do you think of Rudolph? Will you make one yourself this Christmas?

log reindeer
Add little faux birds or ornaments to your reindeer's antlers.

Yield: 1 Reindeer

Log Reindeer

log reindeer hanging on while with bird and ornament on antlers

Make a log reindeer out of a wood log by making two cuts with a saw.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Difficulty Intermediate
Estimated Cost $15

Materials

  • Wood log or thick branch
  • Smaller branches
  • Construction adhesive
  • Buttons
  • Red ball ornament

Tools

  • Miter saw

Instructions

    1. To make this log reindeer you will need to cut one piece of wood in two places with a 45 degree angle cut with a miter saw.
    2. The two pieces are then rotated and glued back together so that it makes the head and neck of the reindeer.
    3. The red ornament glued to the tip of the log transforms this reindeer into Rudolph.
    4. Once the glue has dried add embellishments like antlers, eyes, ears and a nose. Have a look at the full instructions below.

Notes

Change the ornament s or take off the nose after Christmas to use the Reindeer all year long.

© adrienne
Project Type: Christmas
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol Lacey says

    He is adorable!
    I am confused tho..
    I dont umbderstand cutting the wood, rotating IT AND then GLUING it to make the head and NECK.Can I just leave it 1 piece?
    I guess Im being dense
    I just dont unnderstand.
    I so want to make one.
    Thank you.

    • adrienne says

      Yes, cut wood, rotatate and then glue it in place If you look at it at a profile angle it make sense.

  2. Linda Meyers-Gabbard says

    So cute

    • adrienne says

      Thank you Linda

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