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.

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. post contains affiliate links so you can find the products I love to use too. (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 my nailer and wood glue. However, the rockers needed to be added as well, so I cut dowel and extra scrap for a base and glued it all together. Here it is as a dry fit to make sure all is working as planned.

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

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 stubby brush.

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. Whatcha think?

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.

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

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

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

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