Reindeer Upgrade and a Sleigh!

This is what happens when the project that I want to do becomes the project I'm going to do until the first project is do-able... I totally "pimped" my reindeer! 

I took my 2x4 reindeer and gave him a body, legs, a girl-friend, and a ride! Yeah, I'm telling you, today I impressed myself with this one.

Want details? Here you go:

2x4 block cut to 3.5 x 3.5 inches {head}

2 2x4 blocks cut to 3.5 x 1.5 inches {hooves}

1" diameter dowel cut into two 6 inch lengths {legs}

2x6* block cut to 5 x 7 inches {body}

I used a leftover piece of paint stick for the nose piece about 2" long

*I actually used the 2x10 board that I bought for the sleigh and just split it in half,

hence 2 reindeer instead of 1!

1. Paint and sand the edges of each block.

2. Drill placement holes into body and feet, holes for antlers into head.

I used a 1/2" bit for the antlers, and a 1" boring bit for the dowels.

I drilled completely through the feet and about an inch and a half into the body.

3. Assemble the body. Glue dowels into place and let completely dry.

 

*Be sure to check that your reindeer is level before and after adding the glue!  

4. While the body is drying finish the heads.*I cut out an extra ear piece to use for a tail. 

5. Glue on the tail and head pieces. If you wish, the wood is thick enough

 to use a screw or two. Just be sure to pre-drill pilot holes.

Add a fun collar and other embellishments and your reindeer is good to go!

To make the sleigh I cut down a 2x10 inch piece of  wood with my band saw.

(Click here for pattern)

2x4 block cut to 8 inches long

and 1" diameter dowel cut to two 3" lengths

I originally kept this really square to match the shape of the deer. Still an option if you only have a miter or jig saw. This piece of wood is to thick for a scroll saw-you'll kill your blade and it will take forever to cut!

Follow the same basic instructions for the sleigh as you did for the deer.

Paint and sand.

Drill placement holes-be sure they are in the same place on the sleigh and runner piece.

Assemble with a little glue.

Add your embellishments and your done!

*I ran a length of ribbon from the front of the sleigh to each of the deer collars to connect the pieces.

Have fun and Happy Crafting!

I linked up to these fantastic blogs!