October 2021 Update
Its that time of year again so let me recap on how to make a log Reindeer for Christmas
- Find a suitable log to cut his or her head and body from (see video below)
- Shape the head and make holes for the antlers
- Cut the log for the body to the right length
- Drill the holes for the legs
- Cut 4 lengths of thinner logs to make the legs and cut to shape
- Join the parts together
- Finish with branches for antlers and add smaller sticks for ears and tail
- Only if really sad decorate with Christmas Baubles
- Reuse next year
It really was quite simple to make as the images below show. Rudolf will soon come down from his box in the attic ready for this Christmas season.
Good luck with making your own log reindeer
Regards
Steve
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This is an unusual subject for me to make a post on as I hate Christmas.
However as I believe in saving money where I can there is a reason why I am showing you these images and video on how to make a log Reindeer for Christmas.
Last year Karen saw a similar decoration at a local garden centre for sale at £25. I did not actually see the one she referred to but I refused to buy one claiming such a purchase was a waste of money as I could make one cheaper!
Well this year there was no getting away from the fact I had to keep my promise or fork out a load of money I had no wish to part with. I know I could have said no again this year but the reminders were getting very pointed.
I went to my favourite resource for ideas namely YouTube where I found a number of helpful videos.
The one below is about as simple and quick a method to follow so please take a look.
Making A Log Reindeer For Christmas
If you have watched the video you will see in the images below I have departed from his design somewhat.
I used an old conifer tree which I felled earlier in the year and was lying near the compost heap awaiting disposal.
I cut four lengths of branches to make the legs which were sharpened to a point and forced into the holes I drilled into the body.
The head was secured by the same method. I did have to add some screws to aid firmness as he did wobble a bit with the first attempt.
The most difficult issue was finding the correct antlers.
In the earlier version the branches of the conifer were used but did not match up to Karen’s expectations.
It took a while to find some branches the right shape which were then cut down to size.
The face was improved by adding some stick on eyes and plastic nose from a local craft shops at the cost of £1.
Making A Log Reindeer For Christmas
So I managed to save myself £24 and have a happy wife who likes my design better that the shop bought ones – Result!
The only issue now is she is going to hang baubles from his antlers!!!
Update:
It did happen and I was too slow to save him!
Update on Making A Log Reindeer For Christmas December 2016
Yep its that time of year again, and Rudolf and his blog post has been generating a lot of visits to the my blog and even some questions from visitors.
The common question has been – Do you need to build a new one each year?
The simple answer is NO!
Rudolf first went public in December 2014.
After Christmas he was dismantled and boxed and put up in the attic with the other decorations.
This week I have brought the box down from the attic.
As you can see he has spent his hibernation quite comfortable in his box.
Next all the component parts are sorted into order and checked for health and welfare issues.
Next the assembly process begins with the same limbs being inserted into the original sockets
Next comes the final assembly which consists of finding new antlers.
I do not keep the antlers from previous years as they are too bulky to store and are easy to replace annually on a walk on the moors (that is an experience in itself with Karen requiring just the right shape antlers!).
Rudolf then gets handed over to Karen.
Any welfare concerns for abusing a Reindeer should be addressed to her!
As you can see for 2016 he is sporting a new tinsel scarf.
The point of this update is to show that making it myself has saved me at least £75 in three years plus Rudolf has become a member of the family now!
You can of course pay more……………….
Another Update – 19/12/2016
Alas more Reindeer abuse, Karen has installed a set of battery Christmas lights – poor old Rudolf!!
Update 2019
Just thinking about getting Rudolf down from the attic and assembled again for this year for the fourth time!
Update 2020
Or if you want to cheat you could consider buying a reindeer on eBay (affiliate link below). These two are just a sample, click the image link below to browse more log reindeer for sale on eBay ……..
Don’t know how good or bad the shop ones were but I think they are cute??? And for the money cost, very very cute indeed??
Hello Mike,
Karen was kind enough to say my version was far better than the shop bought versions – she may be biased of course. I do think he is cute and he is about to be taken down from the attic and re assembled ready for this years display by the front door, baubles and all!!
Regards
Steve
I think my neighbour must have used your site !, cos’ he gave me his first practice Rudolf, luve him to bits, Rudolf I mean, can’t wait for 2017.
I will encourage him to use your site again.
Mrs P.
Hello Mrs P, thank you for your kind comments about Rudolf, lets hope he can make a whole herd of them for Christmas!
Regards
Steve
After my wife seeing these at a craft show, I may have committed myself to making one for her! I was thinking of a design like yours.
Hopefully it’s not to difficult to make.
Hello Chris, Thank you for leaving the comment. Rudolf was quite easy to make, the only tip I would give is choose the logs you use carefully for shape and size!! Good luck. Regards. Steve