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Repurposed Log Reindeer ~ Christmas Ideas Tour

It’s the Christmas season and what better way to enjoy this special time than being inspired by others and getting the itch to create? I am pleased to share with you my repurposed log reindeer.

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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)

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

NEXT STEPS

In the next step, this is where having a set of spade bits comes in handy.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

In addition, grab your body piece and drill a similar hole as you did in the head, also going in at an angle.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, add your scrap of red flannel or whatever fabric you choose and your little creation is ready to deck the halls!

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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 shop where you can find them ready for the holidays. (SOLD)

 

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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! ♥

Create a rustic repurposed log reindeer in a few simple steps following this DIY tutorial by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more holiday goodness like my repurposed log reindeer:

Deliciously grain-free spice cookies that are perfect for the Christmas and holiday season by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

 

Comments

  1. Susan says

    Wow! He is adorable! Clever idea using railroad spikes for legs! He’s just too cute!

  2. Lindsay Eidahl says

    I love him! We made some birch wood reindeer last year and I still love them so much this year! 😉 Sometimes things don’t last that long around here, but he has!!! 😉

    • Larissa says

      I bet it’s a treasure in your home. They’re so fun to have! Thanks for stopping by, Lindsay.

    • Larissa says

      Go for it! You won’t be able to stop smiling when you make one. 😀

    • Larissa says

      hahahaha…yup. I think the antlers give it away, but I’ll check. 😉

  3. Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says

    This is one of the cutest reindeers I’ve ever seen! I love the railroad spike legs. My great grandfather was a railroad engineer so I would love to have something like this for our hearth. You’re so creative!

    • Larissa says

      That’s wonderful, Angie! You need to find yourself some and get a Buck in the works.

  4. Sherry Fram says

    Too cute! Love your reindeer! So festive and cheery!

  5. Marie at The Interior Frugalista says

    Buck is adorable and what makes him so special is those leather ears and tail and railroad tie legs! I just gave my son the railroad ties we collected from an old railroad line in BC a couple of summers ago. I’m going to show him this post so he can decorate his fireplace mantle with Buck’s sibling. LOL

  6. Paula@SweetPea says

    Buck is so cute!! I love how you made his legs out of railroad ties. When I first looked at your picture I thought that his tail was a magnolia leaf. I like the idea of a leather tail much better.

    • Larissa says

      Ha! I can see how you would think a leaf. Cool. Yes, he had to have some buckskin leather. 😉

  7. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    Oh how cute!….I love the way you used those railroad spikes….I have a similar reindeer that was homemade and gifted to me…but got to say…yours is amazing!!!!…

    • Larissa says

      What a wonderful gift to receive! I bet it’s a treasured piece in your home. Thank you for the love!

    • Larissa says

      Now all I need are some bottle brush trees, right? 😀 I just happen to have some in my stash. Yay!

  8. Sharon says

    Buck is adorable, but he looks sad. I think he needs a companion, perhaps a friend with doe-lful eyes.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Debra! He’s a welcome addition to our home.

  9. Kim says

    Oh my word that is adorable. Great job!!!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Kim! My kids couldn’t stop giggling when I showed it to them. I think we have a new family member. 😉

    • Larissa says

      Gotta love some wood and rusty metal, eh? Thanks for the love, Sam. 😀

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