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Upcycled Christmas Sleigh from Trash Finds

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.

Salvaged Parts Before Use to Create Upcycled Christmas Sleigh by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

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!

Salvaged Rocking Chair Rockers | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

*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.

Cut Sleigh Parts for Upcycled Christmas Sleigh by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Upcycled Christmas Sleigh Parts Cut with JigSaw by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Assembled Upcycled Christmas Sleigh built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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.

Wagner Heat Gun | prodigalpieces.com

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. I heat up the strip and then bend it around a can of paint to get the shape I desire.

Heating Metal Strip for Upcycled Christmas Sleigh Accent | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Bend Metal using a heat gun | prodigalpieces.com

Super easy and fun! 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.

Red Milk Paint to Antique Christmas Sleigh by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While the paint is still wet, I use the same heat gun to dry the paint quickly to create crackle and weathered look.

Wagner Heat Gun to Crackle Milk Paint | prodigalpieces.com

Crackling Milk Paint by Heat Gun | prodigalpieces.com

eep! This makes my heart go all a-flutter.

REVEAL

Finally, after all is assembled, I step back and say aahhh… all done!

Rustic Farmhouse Christmas Sleigh built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces out of Salvaged Parts | Details at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #woodworking #tools #farmhouse #christmas #home #homedecor #handmade

Farmhouse Christmas Sleigh created by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces from Upcycled Parts | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #christmas #home #homedecor

All the pieces and parts came together just as I’d hoped and I do a happy dance. Whatcha think?

DIY Farmhouse Christmas Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #christmas #vintage

Sweet Rustic Christmas Sleigh Built by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #farmhouse #diy #christmas #home #homedecor

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.

Snowy Upcycled Farmhouse Christmas Sleigh by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouse #christmas

Snowy Christmas Holiday Decor for Farmhouse Style by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #home #christmas #homedecor

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.

If you’d like to own my newly created, yet antique-looking upcycled Christmas sleigh, you can find it in my online shop. (SOLD)

Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com

Simple Farmhouse Christmas Sleigh by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #christmas #farmhouse #home #homedecor #diy

In addition, pin and share my upcycled Christmas sleigh to inspire others to try their hand at DIY with a heat gun. It’s fun!

How amazingly cute!! Larissa of Prodigal Pieces took a piece of curbside siding and broken rocking chair rockers to create this upcycled Christmas sleigh. See the DIY fun at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #christmas #diy #home #homedecor #farmhouse

Up next, it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time! See the use for it HERE.

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces in her Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series upcycling a flannel shirt for Christmas Decor | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

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Also, more projects like my upcycled Christmas sleigh:

So cute! Who knew a set of old wooden salad bowls could look so whimsical as repurposed Christmas trees? See how Larissa of Prodigal Pieces did it here at prodigalpieces.comHey Kids (& Parents)! You'll have a blast creating this Upcycled Christmas Cupboard Door Projects for your home and as gifts | Free Printables and Video Tutorial too | Get the DIY details at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #gifts #giftideas #christmas #kids #home #homedecor #homedecorideas #video #tutorial

Comments

  1. Becky says

    How cute! I can’t think of a better way to use an old pair of rockers! You’ve got my vote tomorrow!

  2. Donna Gonzalez says

    Your creativity always amazes and inspires me. What a great use of those materials.

    • Larissa says

      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.

  3. Frances says

    Love the sleigh! Great job. I had never thought to use a heat gun to bend metal. I love it.

  4. Sigrid Buchanan says

    Wow! What a fun project! You are very inspiring. Will vote tomorrow. Well done.

    • Larissa says

      Thank you so much for the support. I truly appreciate it. 😀

  5. Cheryl Atkinson says

    How cute. You are so talented. I clicked on the heart but how do i vote for you?

    • Larissa says

      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!

  6. Cheryl says

    What a great idea!! I will pin, share and like your project. Hope you win!!

  7. Patty Soriano says

    What imagination! But that doesn’t surprise me on your blog, Larissa. This is the sweetest!!

    • Larissa says

      tee hee! You made me giggle, Patty! I’m so excited to share. Hugs!

  8. Kaycee says

    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!!

    • Larissa says

      **happy dance going on** Yahoo! Thank you for the encouraging words and being willing to help.

  9. Susan W. says

    Mind blown again! You are so darn clever and creative, you’ll always have my vote!

    • Larissa says

      Wonderful!! I love making things and sharing. I so appreciate your vote!

  10. Cate says

    Very clever and very cute. You got my vote!!

    • Larissa says

      Awesome! That’s what I like to hear. 😀 Thank you, Cate.

  11. Marie says

    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!

    • Larissa says

      Your unending support and encouragement mean the world to me, Marie. I truly mean that. Thank you for taking the time to show love.

  12. Carol Martin says

    Who’da thunk! I love both sleighs and skates. And no snow in Vegas! Such a cute versatile idea. Bravo!

    • Larissa says

      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.

  13. Rebecca - Knoxville, TN says

    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.

    • Larissa says

      haha. I hope you don’t think me crazy! Thank you, Rebecca. 😀

  14. Maria Howard says

    ❤❤, also voted! Hope you win!!

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