Do you like to take on challenges that get you thinking outside your norm? I do!! That’s half the fun of being a DIY blogger or just an everyday mom. I mean, don’t all mom’s step outside their “box” for their kids? You know it. tsk. I am super excited to share an upcycled Christmas sleigh made from these misfit items below.
You may be scratching your head at what that is up there, but there’s a backstory to it all. First, the piece of siding was found over a year ago curbside along with the underbed drawers I turned into a farmhouse workbench – one of my favorite builds (see HERE). I have more sweet builds to come from other wood I picked up at the same time. Oh the fun!
Then, in front you see a pair of rockers that came off a broken rocking chair. You can see I picked them up with this loot in this post. In their first repurposed life, I made a lamp (seen HERE). However, after a few years my kids saw fit to crack one of the “legs”, so I dismantled and saved the bits for another purpose. Today’s the day. woot!
*heat gun provided by Wagner. (see full disclosure)
BUILD TIME
First, I had a vision of my end result sketched on slip of paper, per usual. It helps me work through the steps in my mind and work out any kinks before actually beginning. Plus, I only have so much wood available for use in that plank, so I have to be careful.
Then, once I’m satisfied with my measurements on paper, I put my plan in action and begin cutting. While I was using my miter saw to make cuts, JC helped with a couple on the table saw as he was working on another upcoming project. Here are the “puzzle” pieces to my upcycled Christmas sleigh with beveled sides and edges.
Next, these pieces need a little detail added them to create the sleigh effect I’m after. I use jig saw to cut a design and then replicate it on the other piece.
ASSEMBLY
Then, I used a piece of scrap ply for the base and assembled the sleigh portion with
I left the workshop to get something and came back out to this sight. I do believe the angels were singing. No joke. I’ve had this idea for over a year and to see it come to fruition gives me goosebumps.
Before calling it finished, I needed to add a few details for that extra touch of fun. First, let me introduce you to a new toy, a Furno 300 heat gun by Wagner. If you’ve been around me long, you know I love my heat gun projects. I couldn’t wait to give this new one a test run.
You know my motto, #toolsoverjewels, so I may have emitted a slight squeal when I opened it and found that it allows for hands-free capability. Perfect! I wanted to use this heat gun for two purposes. The first being to bend metal.
HEAT GUN FUN
I set up the heat gun to warm as I gathered my supplies. Then, when ready I used these aluminum flat bars to create the next feature of my upcycled Christmas sleigh. Also, I heat up the strip and then bend it around a can of paint to get the shape I desire.
Next, I spray painted my bent metal and let cure. Meanwhile, I began the finishing steps of my sleigh.
Since I’m after an antiqued feel for my build, I used a heavy coat this fun red milk paint and my brush.
After that, while the paint is still wet, I use the same heat gun to dry the paint quickly to create crackle and weathered look.
eep! This makes my heart go all a-flutter.
REVEAL
Finally, after all is assembled, I step back and say aahhh… all done!
All the pieces and parts came together just as I’d hoped, and I do a happy dance.
The combination of the right parts, tools, and supplies helped me work my vision into reality. I had a blast with it. Can you tell?
What’s even better is the exact day I finished this upcycled Christmas sleigh, it snowed the most beautiful blanket outside. So, like any photographer/creator/DIYer would do, I bust a move outside and snapped a few pics in all the white glory.
Finally, my sleigh and fun is complete and I hope you’ve become inspired too! I truly want to be an advocate for all things DIY encouraging you to try.
Likewise, if you’d like to own my newly created, yet antique looking upcycled Christmas sleigh, you can find it in my online store.
In addition, pin and share my upcycled Christmas sleigh to inspire others to try their hand at DIY.
Up next, it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time! See the use for it HERE.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
While you’re at it, here are more projects like my upcycled Christmas sleigh:
How cute! I can’t think of a better way to use an old pair of rockers! You’ve got my vote tomorrow!
yahoo!! That’s what I like to hear. Thanks so much.
Your creativity always amazes and inspires me. What a great use of those materials.
That sure makes my day, Donna. Thank you! This felt good to get it out of my head after mulling on it for a year.
Love the sleigh! Great job. I had never thought to use a heat gun to bend metal. I love it.
Yay! It is a super handy tool. Thanks!
Wow! What a fun project! You are very inspiring. Will vote tomorrow. Well done.
Thank you so much for the support. I truly appreciate it. 😀
How cute. You are so talented. I clicked on the heart but how do i vote for you?
Thank you! Voting doesn’t begin until tomorrow the 22nd on the Wagner Instagram Feed. You will see them feature my sleigh in a post and that is where you will add your “heart”. I hope that helps!
What a great idea!! I will pin, share and like your project. Hope you win!!
You are the best, Cheryl! Thank you.
What imagination! But that doesn’t surprise me on your blog, Larissa. This is the sweetest!!
tee hee! You made me giggle, Patty! I’m so excited to share. Hugs!
Hello Larissa, girl you have outdone yourself on this build! I didn’t know where you were going with the heat gun, and wowzers what a cool tool! Your metal work on this sleigh enhances the look and brings this beauty to life. Well done my friend and of course I will vote for you and spread the word!!
**happy dance going on** Yahoo! Thank you for the encouraging words and being willing to help.
Mind blown again! You are so darn clever and creative, you’ll always have my vote!
Wonderful!! I love making things and sharing. I so appreciate your vote!
Very clever and very cute. You got my vote!!
Awesome! That’s what I like to hear. 😀 Thank you, Cate.
Everytime I come here I find myself shaking my head…in a good way. You’re so freak’n talented, it makes my head spin. This is ADORABLE and oh so clever!
Your unending support and encouragement mean the world to me, Marie. I truly mean that. Thank you for taking the time to show love.
Who’da thunk! I love both sleighs and skates. And no snow in Vegas! Such a cute versatile idea. Bravo!
Yay! I wouldn’t make it without snow. 😉 It’s all I’ve known and when I lived in Georgia for a few years I knew I could never stay away for long.
She made that from what? I had to skim through blog a second time for a closer look. Wow! Very creative. Voted and hope you win.
haha. I hope you don’t think me crazy! Thank you, Rebecca. 😀
Pure genius. Love it to pieces….X0
Thank you my dear, sweet, Susie.
❤❤, also voted! Hope you win!!
Wahoo! I’m so thankful. Blessings, Maria!